Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama is running against former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, but the economy may truly be his greatest opponent. "It's not the only factor, but it's arguably the most important factor," said George Washington University associate professor John Sides, who has created a computer model to analyze the impact of the economy on the presidential campaign. "The forecasting model suggests a very close race with maybe a slight edge to Obama, but not necessarily a large edge -- nothing he can be very confident in," Sides said. Obama faces a perfect storm that threatens to sink his prospects of a second term.
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Professor creates computer model to judge economy's effect on Obama's campaign
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Model analyzes approval ratings, economic conditions and consumer confidence
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Professor says best comparison for Obama is to Jimmy Carter in 1980
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One key difference between the two is that Carter had lost support within his party
In a brief statement Friday after which he also took a few questions, @placeholder described the depth of the nation's troubled economic recovery.