(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in the United States are divided in their assessment of the two main presidential contenders, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 49 per cent of respondents have more confidence in Republican John McCain to handle an international crisis in the first sixth months of the next presidency, while 48 per cent prefer Democrat Barack Obama.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in the United States are divided in their assessment of the two main presidential contenders, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 49 per cent of respondents have more confidence in Republican John McCain to handle an international crisis in the first sixth months of the next presidency, while 48 per cent prefer Democrat Barack Obama.
Illinois senator Obama became the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee on Aug. 28, while Arizona senator McCain accepted the Republican Party’s nomination on Sept. 4.
On Oct. 19, U.S. federal reserve chairman Ben Bernanke discussed the current state of the economy, saying, "With the economy likely to be weak for several quarters, and with some risk of a protracted slowdown, consideration of a fiscal package by the Congress at this juncture seems appropriate. (…) We are in a serious slowdown."
In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2004, Republican George W. Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry received 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 4.
Polling Data
If an international crisis arose in the first six months of his presidency, who would you have more confidence in—Barack Obama or John McCain?
|
John McCain |
49% |
|
Barack Obama |
48% |
|
Not sure |
4% |
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 likely American voters, conducted on Oct. 22, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
