(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican Rudy Giuliani holds an advantage over three prospective Democratic presidential nominees in the United States, according to a poll by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. 48 per cent of respondents would vote for the former New York City mayor in 2008, while 43 per cent would support New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Giuliani holds a seven-point edge over Illinois senator Barack Obama, and an eight-point advantage over former North Carolina senator John Edwards. Republican Arizona senator John McCain is tied with Obama with 43 per cent, but leads Rodham Clinton by two points, and Edwards by one point.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney trails Rodham Clinton by 12 points, Obama by 20 points, and Edwards by 16 points.

Yesterday, Giuliani discussed the events of 9/11, saying, "I think the terrorists that attacked us wanted to accomplish two things, to kill a lot of people, and they wanted to break our spirit. I think the way to say it is when they attack us again. Not because I know, but because we have to assume that they will. It's the only way we will be safe."

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

Rudy Giuliani (R) 48% - 43% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Rudy Giuliani (R) 47% - 40% Barack Obama (D)
Rudy Giuliani (R) 48% - 40% John Edwards (D)
John McCain (R) 46% - 44% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
John McCain (R) 43% - 43% Barack Obama (D)
John McCain (R) 43% - 42% John Edwards (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 37% - 49 Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 29% - 49% Barack Obama (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 32% - 48% John Edwards (D)

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