In the public's eye, Republicans are gaining ground who they think can best handle the country's problems.

A new ABC News-Washington Post poll shows that trust in President Barack Obama's ability to handle issues like the economy, health care, and the federal deficit has eroded in recent months.

On the economy, his edge over the Republican Party has slipped to just 5 percent, down from more than 20 percent in June. And it's the same percentage rate when it comes to health care.

His advantage on deficits is only 2 percent, down from 25 points last summer.

Support for Obama's handling of the War on Terror is holding steady, although most do not approve of trying terror suspects in federal courts.