The uncommitted voters polled are less likely than voters overall to identify with either of the two majority political parties. Six in 10 call themselves independents, 22 percent identify as Democrats, and 18 percent say they're Republicans.

A number of proponents - from gay and lesbian rights activists to politicians and pop culture figures - have pointed to age as a defining characteristic in the American marriage debate in the wake of last week.

As many as 34 percent of Americans say the economy is getting better, according to the poll, conducted February 8-13, . While more than four in 10 think the economy is stuck in place, the percentage that says it is improving is the highest it has been in nearly two years.

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, self-identified independents have recently shifted away from Romney toward President Obama.