But worries about unemployment had proven to be more important to voters than the headlines about fostering, BBC political reporter JamesVincent commented.
And City made the points safe on the stroke of half-time when Vincent Kompany powered a header past goalkeeper David James from Martin Petrov's corner.
Carlos Tevez and David Silva struck in the first half with Vincent Kompany and an own goal by Newcastle defender James Perch completing a resounding victory for Robert Mancini's team.