Poll dancing -- 08.30.12

Almost nobody thinks public schools are "excellent" [Gallup, 8/30]: Only five percent of Americans rate public school as "excellent." Lump it in with how many Americans said public school is "good," however, and the number is much higher at 37 percent. Meanwhile, 78 percent of Americans rate independent private schools as "good" or "excellent."

Michelle Obama has higher favorability than Ann Romney [Rasmussen, 8/30]: Sixty-one percent of likely voters have a positive opinion of Obama, verses 54 percent for Romney.

Akin's redemption [PPP, 8/30]: Sen. Claire McCaskill leads Rep. Todd Akin 45 to 44 in the Senate race in Missouri. More: "53% of voters say that they accept Akin's apology for his comments last week to 40% who do not. For most Missourians Akin's words weren't a permanent deal breaker. Although Democrats are not ready to forgive him, 77% of Republicans say they accept his apology to only 18% who do not."

What's the word on Romney [Pew, 8/29]: In a survey the top four words to describe Mitt Romney, in descending order, were "honest," "business/businessman," "rich," and "good." Toward the middle of the list of most frequently used words: "OK."

The horse race [RCP average, 8/30]: Obama 46.8, Romney 45.7