Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Obama Holds 10-Point Lead Over McCain in U.S.

February 28, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Public support for Democrat Barack Obama has increased this month in the United States, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. 51 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in the 2008 presidential election, while 41 per cent would back Republican Arizona senator John McCain.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Public support for Democrat Barack Obama has increased this month in the United States, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. 51 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in the 2008 presidential election, while 41 per cent would back Republican Arizona senator John McCain.

Support for Obama increased by three points since early February, while backing for McCain fell by one point. In a separate match-up, McCain trails New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton by five points.

Yesterday, Rodham Clinton discussed her views on the economy, saying, "My economic blueprint for the 21st century reins in corporate special interests, stops the tax giveaways George Bush has given out to the oil and drug companies."

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 election for president were held today and the candidates were (...), for whom would you vote?

McCain v. Obama

 

Feb. 24

Feb. 10

Barack Obama (D)

51%

48%

John McCain (R)

41%

42%

Neither

6%

8%

Not sure

2%

2%

McCain v. Rodham Clinton

 

Feb. 24

Feb. 10

Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

48%

46%

John McCain (R)

43%

45%

Neither

7%

7%

Not sure

2%

2%

Source: Ipsos-Public Affairs / Associated Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,011 American adults, conducted from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.