April 25, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican John McCain and Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton are tied in the United States presidential race, according to a poll by RT Strategies for the Cook Political Report. 45 per cent of respondents would vote for the Arizona senator in this year’s ballot, while 45 per cent would back the New York senator.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican John McCain and Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton are tied in the United States presidential race, according to a poll by RT Strategies for the Cook Political Report. 45 per cent of respondents would vote for the Arizona senator in this year’s ballot, while 45 per cent would back the New York senator.

Support for McCain fell by two points since March, while backing for Rodham Clinton remained stable. In a separate match-up, McCain is virtually even with Illinois senator Barack Obama.

Yesterday in New Orleans, McCain discussed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, saying, "Never again, never again, will a disaster of this nature be handled in the disgraceful way it was handled. I promise you, never again. (...) I’ve been going to places that are perhaps very cynical about government. As president of the United States, I’m not going to leave anybody behind."

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

I I know the election in November is a long way off, but if (...) were the Democratic Party’s candidate and Arizona senator John McCain were the Republican Party’s candidate, who would you vote for? (Leaners included)

McCain v. Rodham Clinton

	Apr. 2008	Mar. 2008	Feb. 2008
John McCain (R)	45%	47%	45%
Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)	45%	45%	41%
Other	3%	1%	3%
Not sure	7%	6%	10%

McCain v. Obama

	Apr. 2008	Mar. 2008	Feb. 2008
Barack Obama (D)	45%	43%	47%
John McCain (R)	44%	45%	38%
Other	2%	2%	3%
Not sure	9%	11%	12%

Source: RT Strategies / Cook Political Report
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 802 registered American voters, conducted from Apr. 17 to Apr. 20, 2008. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.