One of President Barack Obama’s re-election strategies is to attack Mitt Romney’s business record as head of the private equity firm Bain Capital. Mr. Obama says Mr. Romney’s efforts did not help to save American jobs.

But one poll indicates the strategy might not be working.

In fact, Americans see Mr. Romney’s business experience as an advantage, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll. Sixty-three percent said that the former Massachusetts governor’s business background would cause him to make good decisions as president in dealing with the nation’s economic problems. Twenty-nine percent said it would result in bad decisions.

The economy, with 8.2 percent unemployment and a sluggish recovery, has emerged as the main issue in the campaign; so the findings tend to favor Mr. Romney.

President Obama does not fare well on another question involving the activist role of government he has championed. Sixty-one percent of those polled said the government is involved in too many things that should be left to businesses and individuals. The results were the highest number in the 20 years that the question has been asked.

President Obama, however, showed some strong points. He outpolled his opponent on likability by a 2-to-1 margin, and more people said he understands the problems they face in their daily lives. The president has the edge when it comes to being seen as honest and trustworthy.

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