(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama holds a slim advantage over Republican John McCain in the United States presidential race, according to a review of ten voting intention surveys conducted over the past two weeks. 44.2 per cent of voters would support the Illinois senator, while 42.9 per cent would back the Arizona senator.

In eight of the ten polls, the two main contenders are separated by less than four percentage points. Almost 13 per cent of respondents remain undecided, or would vote for other candidates.

On Aug. 8, House speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she has a five-point list ready for the next American president. Pelosi said that she will advise the next White House dweller to "end the (Iraq) war, expand health care, create jobs through innovation, rebuild infrastructure and ensure our energy independence."

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

National Vote - 2008 U.S. Presidential Election

Contenders: John McCain (R), Barack Obama (D)

(10) Gallup - Telephone interviews with 2,687 likely American voters, conducted from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21, 2008. Margin of error is 4 per cent.
(9) Rasmussen Reports - Telephone interviews with 1,600 likely American voters, conducted from Aug. 18 to Aug. 21, 2008. Margin of error is 2 per cent.
(8) YouGov/Polimetrix / The Economist - Online interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted from Aug. 18 to Aug. 21, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
(7) Opinion Dynamics / Fox News - Telephone interviews with 900 registered American voters, conducted on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
(6) CBS News / New York Times - Telephone interviews with 869 registered American voters, conducted from Aug. 15 to Aug. 19, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
(5) Bloomberg / Los Angeles Times - Telephone interviews with 1,248 registered American voters, conducted from Aug. 15 to Aug. 18, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
(4) Hart/McInturff / The Wall Street Journal / NBC News - Telephone interviews with 1,005 registered American voters, conducted from Aug. 15 to Aug. 18, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
(3) Quinnipiac University Polling Institute - Telephone interviews with 1,547 likely voters, conducted from Aug. 12 to Aug. 17, 2008. Margin of error is 2.5 per cent
(2) Zogby International / Reuters - Telephone interviews with 1,089 likely voters, conducted from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent
(1) George Washington University / Tarrance Group / Lake Research Partners - Telephone interviews with 1,000 likely voters, conducted from Aug. 10 to Aug. 14, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.