Democrats will begin their convention with the public viewing them far more favorably than four years ago.
A Pew Research Center survey released Friday found Democrats lead Republicans, 51-38 percent, among registered voters when independents who lean to one party or the other is included. That's up from the Democrats' 47-44 advantage in 2004.
A big reason: Younger voters.
Eighteen to 29 year olds favored Democrats by a 10 percentage point bulge four years ago, but by 22 percentage points now.
Democrats have also gained among middle income voters, or those with household incomes between $30,000 and $75,000
The complete data: