When it comes to Freddie Mac vs. Bain, Bain is hands-down the winner, according to a new ABC/Washington Post poll. Newt Gingrich’s business experience (described this way in the poll: “Newt Gingrich’s work, since leaving elective office, as a consultant for companies with an interest in federal policymaking”) has a net unfavorability rating of 30 points among Americans. In contrast, Mitt Romney’s gets a net unfavorability rating of just 5 points for his business background (described as “ Mitt Romney’s work buying and restructuring companies before he went into politics”).

I have some reservations about this poll — I imagine the numbers on this topic are going to depend to a certain extent, on how the work is described. Just consider what the numbers would be if Gingrich’s work was described as working toward more affordable housing and Romney’s was described as laying people off. Those wouldn’t be fair descriptions, of course, but they would probably change the numbers on this poll somewhat. On the other hand, the fact that, after all these Bain attacks from the Gingrich camp, Romney’s work only has a net unfavorability of -5 suggests that he may be stronger on that front than suspected in the general election.