One of the key issues that has already emerged between Barack Obama and John McCain is who would be better for restoring the United States’ image in the world.

Both candidates might want to take note of a poll today from The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press which shows a continuing trend of Americans believing that the United States is less respected in the world than it has been in the past.

Pew says: “More than seven-in-ten Americans (71%) say that the United States is less respected by other countries these days, up from 65% in August 2006.” While more Democrats say agree with the “loss of respect” sentiment, a majority of independent and Republican voters also agreed.

The researchers say the survey also passed a milestone: “For the first time since Pew began asking this question in 2004, a majority of Americans now sees the loss of international respect for the United States as a major problem. The percentage of Americans saying the loss of international respect is a major problem has risen from 43% in 2005 to 48% in 2006 and 56% currently.”

The poll was conducted May 21-23 and has a margin of error of +/- 3 percent.