(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican Rudy Giuliani holds the upper hand against three prospective Democratic presidential nominees in the United States, according to a poll by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. 49 per cent of respondents would support the former New York City mayor in 2008, while 40 per cent would vote for New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Giuliani holds a three-point edge over Illinois senator Barack Obama, and a seven-point advantage over former U.S. vice-president Al Gore. Republican Arizona senator John McCain is tied with Obama with 42 per cent, but leads Rodham Clinton by five points, and Gore by six points.

Actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson trails Rodham Clinton by seven points, Obama by 13 points, and Gore by 10 points.

On May 7, McCain discussed his views on abortion, saying, "I think it's one of the fundamental principles of a conservative to have respect and commitment to the dignity of human life, both the born and unborn. It makes it tough because the Republican Party is basically composed to a significant degree by people who are pro-life, just as the Democratic Party has pro-choice candidates."

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) 49% - 40% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Rudy Giuliani (R) 44% - 41% Barack Obama (D)
Rudy Giuliani (R) 48% - 41% Al Gore (D)

John McCain (R) 46% - 41% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
John McCain (R) 42% - 42% Barack Obama (D)
John McCain (R) 47% - 41% Al Gore (D)

Fred Thompson (R) 39% - 46 Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Fred Thompson (R) 34% - 47% Barack Obama (D)
Fred Thompson (R) 37% - 47% Al Gore (D)

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