Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Rodham Clinton Edging McCain in U.S. Race

April 28, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a slight lead over Republican John McCain in the United States, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 47 per cent of respondents would support the New York senator in the 2008 presidential ballot, while 45 per cent would vote for the Arizona senator.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a slight lead over Republican John McCain in the United States, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 47 per cent of respondents would support the New York senator in the 2008 presidential ballot, while 45 per cent would vote for the Arizona senator.

In a separate contest, Illinois senator Barack Obama is virtually tied with McCain.

On Apr. 22, Rodham Clinton discussed her views on Iran, saying, "Whatever stage of development they might be in their nuclear weapons programme in the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them. That’s a terrible thing to say, but those people who run Iran need to understand that, because that perhaps will deter them from doing something that would be reckless, foolish and tragic."

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. Rodham Clinton

 

Apr. 24

Apr. 10

Mar. 11

Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

47%

46%

47%

John McCain (R)

45%

45%

45%

Other

1%

1%

1%

Neither

4%

5%

4%

Not sure

3%

5%

3%

McCain v. Obama

 

Apr. 24

Apr. 10

Mar. 11

John McCain (R)

46%

43%

44%

Barack Obama (D)

45%

46%

46%

Other

1%

1%

1%

Neither

5%

5%

5%

Not sure

4%

5%

4%

Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 4,410 registered American voters, conducted from Apr. 20 to Apr. 24, 2008. Margin of error is 2 per cent.