(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The 2008 presidential race in the United States is very close, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 41 per cent of respondents would vote for Democratic Illinois senator Barack Obama, while 40 per cent would support Republican Arizona senator John McCain.

Support for Obama dropped by four points since June, while backing for McCain fell by one point. 19 per cent of respondents are undecided.

In a contest incorporating two other candidates, Obama is first with 40 per cent, followed by McCain with 37 per cent, and independent candidate Ralph Nader with two per cent. Libertarian nominee Bob Barr did not reach one per cent.

Yesterday, Obama discussed global affairs, saying, "Going to Afghanistan confirmed for me that situation is worsening there. (...) There was no leader I spoke with that was not concerned about the prospect of Iran getting a nuclear weapon."

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 2008 presidential election were held today, who would you vote for?

McCain v. Obama

What if the candidates were...?

Source: Opinion Dynamics / Fox News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 900 registered American voters, conducted on Jul. 22 and Jul. 23, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

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