* The Tribune’s latest poll doesn’t tell us much that most of us already didn’t know or suspect…

The Tribune poll found Obama with the support of 56 percent of the state’s voters, compared with 32 percent who said they are backing McCain. […]

The economy was by far the No. 1 concern of voters across the state. A total of 57 percent named it the top issue of the presidential race, with affordable health care second at 14 percent. Terrorism and the Iraq War were the top concerns for only a fraction of the voters.

Asked which candidate would do a better job of restoring the economy and jobs in the country, voters chose Obama by a nearly 2-1 ratio, 54 percent to 28 percent. The Democratic senator also held an advantage among independents, who are often the deciding factor in elections.

* More…

Overall, 45 percent of the state’s voters have an unfavorable impression of Palin, compared with 33 percent who view her favorably. In contrast, Biden was viewed favorably by 54 percent and unfavorably by 23 percent.

* What is new, however, is that the Tribune has finally decided to post its poll results online. Mother Tribune has refused to do this in the past, so nobody knew what they might be withholding from us lowly plebes. So, when you see something like this in the article…

Obama has a 72 percent to 19 percent advantage in Cook County including Chicago. But in the Republican-leaning collar counties, Obama’s advantage narrows to 47 percent to 39 percent over McCain. In the state’s remaining 96 counties, Obama’s numbers shrink to a questionable lead, 45 percent to 41 percent.

You can go to the poll and see that Obama leads among men (55-34) as well as women (58-30). That’s unusual.

By the way, a 47-39 Obama lead in the collar counties is truly significant. And a four-point lead downstate, even though the MoE is pretty high for that result, is still nothing to sneeze at.

* Looking at the poll also gives us this narrative…

Obama leads 56% to 33% among white suburban women. In the same table, the race is 50% to 40% for McCain among fairly conservative voters and 59% to 29% among very conservative voters.

Suburban women are absolutely key to winning Illinois. McCain is getting trounced in that demographic. And he’s not doing nearly as well as he should among conservatives.

* Also not mentioned in the Trib story was this result on a question of which veep candidate is more qualifid to take over the duties of president. You may want to click the pic for a larger version…

* And this little, but unsurprising nugget got buried…

…only 18 percent in the Tribune poll approve of the president’s performance…

The poll itself shows that McCain voters are sharply divided over President Bush’s job approval: 43-44. Also, 78 percent of independents disapprove of Bush’s performance, while just 12 percent approve.

Go read the whole thing.

* Somewhat related…

* Early Voting Soars In Suburban Collar Counties

* Thousands electing to vote early

* Springfield, IHPA can’t rule out another Obama visit

* Durbin to be at NIU on Tuesday