WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new Associated Press-GfK poll finds that President Barack Obama continues to enjoy strong support among women, minorities and independents.

Obama holds advantages over likely GOP nominee Mitt Romney in the areas of empathy, sincerity, likeability and handling social issues.

But Americans are split over which candidate can best handle the economy. That could open pathways for Romney as the Nov. 6 election nears.

Half of registered voters say they would back Obama in November. Forty-two percent favor Romney.

Romney does best among whites without college degrees. Only 5 percent of black voters support Romney.

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Online: http://www.ap-gfkpoll.com