June 28, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton could defeat a Republican United States presidential hopeful in 2008, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 46 per cent of respondents would vote for the New York senator, while 42 per cent would support Arizona senator John McCain.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton could defeat a Republican United States presidential hopeful in 2008, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 46 per cent of respondents would vote for the New York senator, while 42 per cent would support Arizona senator John McCain.

Support for Rodham Clinton in this match-up increased by four points since late May, while backing for McCain fell by six points. In a separate contest, Rodham Clinton holds a one-point edge against former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Yesterday, Rodham Clinton criticized the current government for giving "six years of silent treatment" to Iran, adding, "In this vacuum, Tehran continues its progress toward developing nuclear weapons and increasing its influence in the region."

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

McCain v. Rodham Clinton

	Jun. 21	May 31	May 1
Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)	46%	42%	48%
John McCain (R)	42%	48%	44%

Giuliani v. Rodham Clinton

	Jun. 21	May 31	May 1
Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)	46%	44%	45%
Rudy Giuliani (R)	45%	47%	45%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 792 likely American voters, conducted on Jun. 20 and Jun. 21, 2007. Margin of error is 4 per cent.