The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at www.abcnews.com

  Compiled by ABC News Digital News Associates Jayce Henderson, Jacqueline Fernandez, Candace Smith and Desk Assistant Amanda VanAllen

PRESIDENT OBAMA / ADMINISTRATION: The Washington Times’ Dave Boyer: “ Obama’s a flop in states he flipped in 2008” Dismal new poll numbers for President Obama in Virginia and North Carolina underscore a growing danger to his 2012 re-election hopes — his job-approval ratings have dropped below 50 percent in all of the key states that he “flipped” from the Republicans in 2008. LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush & John Bresnahan & Amie Parnes: “ Bill Daley struggles to fix Barack Obama’s slump” Bill Daley is off to a very rocky start. The 63-year-old scion of Chicago political royalty was brought in as President Barack Obama’s chief of staff to provide fresh blood, corporate-world experience and adult supervision to a young, free-wheeling White House staff. But critics inside and outside the West Wing are questioning whether he is the tough, competent manager needed to shake up the operation and propel Obama into the 2012 election year. LINK

2012 ELECTIONS / G.O.P.: ABC News’ Devin Dwyer: “ Obama: Election Odds Better in 2012 Than 2008” At a campaign fundraiser Thursday night in Washington, D.C. on President Obama said he believes his chances of being reelected in 2012 are “much higher” than they were in 2008. “Over the last couple of months there have been Democrats who voiced concerns and nervousness about, well, in this kind of economy, isn’t this just — aren’t these just huge headwinds in terms of your reelection?” Obama said. LINK

The New York Times’ Trip Gabriel: “ With Stakes for Bachmann Higher Now, Her Words Get in the Way” In the pugilism of this week’s Republican presidential debate, Representative Michele Bachmann seemed to have landed a clean blow against Gov. Rick Perry over an order he issued requiring Texas schoolgirls to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted virus. LINK

The Los Angeles Times: “ Sarah Palin: Where has the mystery gone?” It’s been a hectic week for America’s political junkies and celebrity watchers, and it’s only Thursday. We’ve had Joe McGinniss’ new book, “The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin.” You want salacious stories? LINK

JOBS BILL / TAXES : The Hills’ Alexander Bolton: “ White House officials work to quell Dem dissent over jobs bill” Senior administration officials met with Senate Democrats for an hour and a half on Thursday to answer their complaints about President Obama’s jobs bill. Democratic lawmakers voiced objections to several of the president’s proposals to pay for the $447 billion stimulus package, including an elimination of tax breaks for the oil-and-gas industry. LINK

The New York Daily News’ Brain Browdie: “ President Obama jobs plan: More Americans want Congress to pass it, says Gallup poll” President Obama’s approval rating may be sinking, but the public is on his side when it comes to creating jobs. More Americans want their member of Congress to vote in favor of the president’s jobs bill than against it by a 45% to 32% margin, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday. LINK

USA Today’s Newt Gingrich: “ Newt Gingrich: Capital gains tax deters investment in U.S.” Encouraging work, economic growth, entrepreneurial innovation and the revitalization of our manufacturing base are the answers to the unemployment and poverty crises confronting America. OUR VIEW: Why cut taxes for wealthy investors?  This is why I have proposed a tax policy that maximizes private capital investment to create jobs. LINK

The Washington Post’s Paul Kane and Rosalind Helderman: “ Boehner says no new taxes for debt panel” House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) on Thursday reaffirmed GOP opposition to any tax increases to solve the nation’s deficit problem, signaling a swift return to the trench warfare that characterized the debt and spending debate of early summer. LINK

SENATE: The Boston Globe’s Mark Arsenault and Noah Bierman: “ Senate approves pension overhaul “ The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation yesterday that would make public employees work longer for less benefits in an effort to shrink an estimated $20 billion unfunded liability in the state pension system. The bill, which cleared the Senate by a vote of 24 to 10, is designed to save the pension system $5 billion over 30 years by reducing the benefits of public employees hired after Jan. 1. LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS: “ Everyone Wants Donald Trump’s Endorsement, Says Top Trump Aide” LINK “ RNC Chairman Discusses N.Y.-9, Sarah Palin“ LINK 

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