Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

McCain at 48%, Leads Two Democrats in U.S.

February 01, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican John McCain has regained the lead in a prospective United States presidential contest against Democrat Barack Obama, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 48 per cent of respondents would vote for the Arizona senator, while 41 per cent would back the Illinois senator.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican John McCain has regained the lead in a prospective United States presidential contest against Democrat Barack Obama, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 48 per cent of respondents would vote for the Arizona senator, while 41 per cent would back the Illinois senator.

Support for McCain in this match-up increased by seven points since mid-January, while backing for Obama fell by five points. In a separate contest, New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton trails McCain by eight points.

Yesterday, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed McCain, saying, "He has incredible credentials on national security and of course he is a fantastic, outstanding public servant. He is a great American hero and an extraordinary leader. (...) The thing that Senator McCain has proven over and over again that he is reaching across the aisle in order to get things done. The people out there they talk about reaching across the aisle, but he has shown the action, over and over again."

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

Possible match-ups - 2008 U.S. presidential election

McCain v. Obama

 

Jan. 27

Jan. 17

Jan. 10

John McCain (R)

48%

41%

46%

Barack Obama (D)

41%

46%

43%

McCain v. Rodham Clinton

 

Jan. 27

Jan. 17

Jan. 10

John McCain (R)

48%

45%

49%

Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

40%

47%

38%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 800 likely American voters, conducted from Jan. 25 to Jan. 27, 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.