Poll shows Romney with commanding lead over Obama among veterans Mitt Romney has a commanding lead over President Obama among U.S. military veterans, according to a new poll released on Memorial Day. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee led the incumbent president 58-34 percent among U.S. veterans polled by Gallup over the past two months. The polling firm noted in its latest report that veterans, which make up 13 percent of the adult population, are mostly older men -- who have tended to support Romney in this race. Both Obama and Romney were paying tribute Monday to America's veterans, with Obama attending ceremonies in Washington and Romney speaking at a veterans event in San Diego. The candidates are closely eyeing the veteran vote, with swing states like Florida and Virginia all veteran strongholds. The same Gallup poll found that among all registered voters, the candidates were tied at 46 percent each. Among nonveterans, Obama led 48-44 percent. The poll of more than 7,100 veterans was taken between April 11 and May 24. It had a margin of error of 2 percentage points.