November 27, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama is the top-rated presidential contender in the United States, according to a poll by Zogby Interactive. At least 45 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in head-to-head contests against four Republican Party candidates.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama is the top-rated presidential contender in the United States, according to a poll by Zogby Interactive. At least 45 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in head-to-head contests against four Republican Party candidates.

Obama holds a seven-point lead over Arizona senator John McCain, a five-point edge over both New York senator Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, and a six-point advantage over former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

In other match-ups, former North Carolina senator John Edwards is almost tied with McCain and Giuliani, and is ahead of Romney and Huckabee. New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton trails the four Republicans by at least three points.

Yesterday, Obama discussed television host Oprah Winfrey’s decision to campaign on his behalf, saying, "Oprah is a great friend. Obviously she is beloved across the country. Campaigns are not just about issues and policy but about bringing people together and this creates excitement and an event and hopefully we can attract some people who might not otherwise be interested in politics."

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 next presidential election is scheduled for November 2008.

Polling Data

Possible match-ups - 2008 U.S. presidential election

John McCain (R) 38% - 45% Barack Obama (D)
Rudy Giuliani (R) 41% - 46% Barack Obama (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 41% - 46% Barack Obama (D)
Mike Huckabee (R) 40% - 46% Barack Obama (D)

John McCain (R) 41% - 42% John Edwards (D)
Rudy Giuliani (R) 43% - 44% John Edwards (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 42% - 44% John Edwards (D)
Mike Huckabee (R) 42% - 45% John Edwards (D)

John McCain (R) 42% - 38% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Rudy Giuliani (R) 43% - 40% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 43% - 40% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Mike Huckabee (R) 44% - 39% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

Source: Zogby Interactive
Methodology: Online interviews with 9,150 American adults, conducted from Nov. 21 to Nov. 26, 2007. Margin of error is 1 per cent.