Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

McCain Leads Democrats, Nader at 5% in U.S.

March 18, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican John McCain is the early leader in a three-way United States presidential contest, according to a poll by Zogby International. 44 per cent of respondents would vote for the Arizona senator in this year's ballot, while 39 per cent would back Illinois senator Barack Obama.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican John McCain is the early leader in a three-way United States presidential contest, according to a poll by Zogby International. 44 per cent of respondents would vote for the Arizona senator in this year's ballot, while 39 per cent would back Illinois senator Barack Obama.

Also, five per cent of respondents would back independent candidate Ralph Nader, and 11 per cent would vote for other contenders or remain undecided.

In a separate contest, McCain holds a six-point lead over New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Nader is a distant third with six per cent.

On Feb. 28, Nader announced that lawyer Matt Gonzalez would be his running mate, saying, "He has great character, a great personality, steadfastness in his principles and a lot of good experience. He’s not that old, but criminal justice in the courts, urban policies, and election reform—those are three important areas."

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 (w/ Nader)

John McCain (R)

44%

Barack Obama (D)

39%

Ralph Nader (I)

5%

Other / Unsure

11%

McCain v. Rodham Clinton (w/ Nader)

John McCain (R)

45%

Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

39%

Ralph Nader (I)

6%

Other / Unsure

11%

Source: Zogby International
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,001 likely American voters, conducted on Mar. 13 and Mar. 14, 2008. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.