(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama holds the upper hand in a United States presidential contest against Republican John McCain, according to the Financial Dynamics Diageo/Hotline poll. 47 per cent of respondents would back the Illinois senator this year, while 43 per cent would vote for the Arizona senator.

Support for Obama increased by three points since late March, while backing for McCain fell by the same margin. In a separate contest, New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a three-point lead over McCain.

Yesterday, former Republican Georgia congressman Bob Barr announced that he will seek the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination, saying, "(Voters) believe that America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us. The reason for that is very simple, they believe in America as I believe in America. We believe in an America that is not and should not be and should never be driven by fear as current policies on behalf of both parties are in this country."

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

Now, suppose the general election for president in 2008 were being held today between Republican John McCain and Democrat (...). For whom would you vote? (Leaners Included)

McCain v. Obama

McCain v. Rodham Clinton

Source: Financial Dynamics / Diageo/Hotline
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 803 registered American voters, conducted from Apr. 30 to May 3, 2008. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.