Polls & Research
Archive Search
Obama at 50% in U.S. Presidential Race
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama is the most popular presidential candidate in the United States, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 50 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in this year’s election, while 44 per cent would back Arizona senator John McCain.
Support for both Obama and McCain increased by one point since March. In a separate match-up, McCain trails New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton by four points.
On May 1, former Democratic Party chairman Joe Andrew endorsed Obama, saying, "Don’t settle for the tried and true and the simplistic slogans, but listen to your heart and dare to be inspired. Only a cynic would be critical of Barack Obama inspiring millions. Only the uninformed could forget that the candidate that wins in November is always the candidate that inspires millions."
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
Now, suppose the 2008 presidential election were being held today. If you had to choose between (...) and (...), who would you vote for? (Leaners Included)
McCain v. Obama
|
Apr. 2008 |
Mar. 2008 |
Feb. 2008 |
|
|
Barack Obama (D) |
50% |
49% |
50% |
|
John McCain (R) |
44% |
43% |
43% |
|
Other / Unsure |
6% |
8% |
7% |
McCain v. Rodham Clinton
|
Apr. 2008 |
Mar. 2008 |
Feb. 2008 |
|
|
Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) |
49% |
49% |
50% |
|
John McCain (R) |
45% |
44% |
45% |
|
Other / Unsure |
6% |
7% |
5% |
Source: Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,502 American adults, conducted from Apr. 23 to Apr. 27, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.