Two new NBC/Marist polls, in Iowa and New Hampshire, show Ron Paul posting strong numbers against President Obama head-to-head.
In Iowa, Paul is tied with Obama 42% to 42%, while Obama beats every other candidate, including Romney by 7 (46%-39%) and Gingrich by 10 (47%-37%).
In New Hampshire, Paul trails Obama by just 2 points, 44% to 42%. But Romney runs stronger against Obama in New Hampshire, beating him by 3 (46%-43%). Obama trounces Gingrich by 10 (49%-43%).
Considering just the Republican primary field, Paul places third in both polls. In Iowa, Gingrich leads with 23%, Romney trails at 18%, and Paul has 15%. In New Hampshire, Romney leads with 38%. Gingrich is second at 21%, and Paul has 16%.
