New poll results released Tuesday confirmed U.S. President Barack Obama's lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney in crucial swing states of Ohio and Florida, as the two candidates prepare for their first debate next week.

Barack Obama. [File photo]

According to a Washington Post poll, among likely voters, Obama is ahead of Romney in Ohio 52 percent to 44 percent. In Florida, the president holds a slight edge of 51 percent to 47 percent.

The poll shows that the difference between Obama's and Romney's stances over the auto industry bailout was to account in part for the results in industry-heavy Ohio.

Nearly two-thirds of Ohio voters say the loans that went to General Motors and Chrysler were mostly good for the state's economy. About 50 percent of all Ohio voters say they trust the president more to deal with the economy; 43 percent say so of Romney.

With a sizable retiree community in Florida, Medicare is a crucial campaign subject in the state. The poll shows that Obama is 15 percentage points ahead of his challenger on whom Florida voters would trust more to determine the future of Medicare.

Another Washington Post survey and some other polls had already showed Obama leading in swing states such as Virginia, Wisconsin and Colorado. The paper said the new polls add to the evidence that Obama has benefited most from the two parties' respective national conventions and the following campaigns.

The two candidates are to meet in the first presidential debate next week, and many experts believe the three debates they will conduct in October represent the best chance Romney could bounce back.

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