Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Democrats Surge, McCain Stumbles in U.S. Race

May 07, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton holds the upper hand in a United States presidential contest against Republican John McCain, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 53 per cent of respondents would back the New York senator this year, while 41 per cent would vote for the Arizona senator.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton holds the upper hand in a United States presidential contest against Republican John McCain, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 53 per cent of respondents would back the New York senator this year, while 41 per cent would vote for the Arizona senator.

Support for Rodham Clinton increased by five points, while backing for McCain fell by two points. In a separate contest, Illinois senator Barack Obama holds an 11-point lead over McCain.

Yesterday, McCain issued a statement criticizing the current government’s push for ethanol production, saying, "This subsidized program—paid for by taxpayer dollars—has contributed to pain at the cash register, at the dining room table, and a devastating food crisis throughout the world"

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 the 2008 presidential election were being held today and the candidates were (...) and (...), would you vote for (...) or (...)?

McCain v. Rodham Clinton

 

May 3

Apr. 29

Apr. 2

Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

53%

48%

48%

John McCain (R)

41%

43%

43%

Other / Unsure

6%

9%

9%

McCain v. Obama

 

May 3

Apr. 29

Apr. 2

Barack Obama (D)

51%

45%

47%

John McCain (R)

40%

45%

42%

Other / Unsure

9%

10%

11%

Source: CBS News / New York Times
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 671 American adults, conducted from May 1 to May 3, 2008. Margin of error is 4 per cent.