Polls & Research

Democrats 2008: Hillary 40%, Obama 21%

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Hillary Rodham Clinton is still the top presidential contender for Democratic Party supporters in the United States, according to a poll by SRBI Public Affairs released by Time. 40 per cent of respondents would vote for the New York senator in a 2008 primary.

Illinois senator Barack Obama is second with 21 per cent, followed by former North Carolina senator John Edwards with 11 per cent, and former U.S. vice-president Al Gore with nine per cent.

Support is lower for Massachusetts senator and 2004 presidential nominee John Kerry, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, Delaware senator Joe Biden, Connecticut senator Chris Dodd, reverend Al Sharpton, and Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich.

On Jan. 27, Rodham Clinton discussed her chances in Iowa, saying, "Let's start with what's the most important concern: Who can be the best president? I think I'm that person. And if that's the question we get to, then I believe people will feel comfortable supporting me."

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. Kerry received 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The next presidential election is scheduled for November 2008.

Polling Data

Now I'm going to read a list of candidates who might be running for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 2008. If the Democratic presidential primary or caucus in your state were being held today, listen carefully to the names and then tell me which candidate you would be most likely to vote for.