Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Obama Has 15-Point Lead in U.S. Race

June 25, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama holds a large lead in the United States, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates released by Newsweek. 51 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in this year’s presidential election, while 36 per cent would support Republican Arizona senator John McCain.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama holds a large lead in the United States, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates released by Newsweek. 51 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in this year’s presidential election, while 36 per cent would support Republican Arizona senator John McCain.

Support for Obama increased by five points since May, while backing for McCain dropped by 10 points. 13 per cent of respondents would vote for other candidates or are undecided, up five points in a month.

Yesterday, Obama criticized McCain’s views on energy, saying, "What Washington has done is what Washington always does: It’s peddled false promises, irresponsible policy and cheap gimmicks that might get politicians through the next election but won’t lead America toward the next generation of renewable energy. For decades, John McCain has been a part of this failure in Washington."

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

If the presidential election were being held today and you had to choose between Barack Obama, the Democrat, and John McCain, the Republican, who would you be more likely to vote for? (Leaners included)

 

Jun. 19

May 22

Apr. 25

Barack Obama (D)

51%

46%

47%

John McCain (R)

36%

46%

44%

Other / Unsure

13%

8%

9%

Source: Princeton Survey Research Associates / Newsweek
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 896 registered American voters, conducted on Jun. 18 and Jun. 19, 2008. Margin of error is 4 per cent.