(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama is slightly ahead of Republican John McCain in the United States presidential race, according to the Financial Dynamics / Diageo/Hotline poll. 44 per cent of respondents would support the Illinois senator this year, while 42 per cent would vote for the Republican Arizona senator.

Support for Obama fell by three points since May, while backing for McCain fell by one point. 14 per cent of respondents are undecided, up four points in a month.

On Jun. 13, independent candidate Ralph Nader urged Americans who backed Texas congressman Ron Paul’s failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination to vote for him in November. His statement read: "There is a clear choice for those who want to support a candidate who will stand up against the war and stand up for personal liberties and privacy that have been trampled by the notorious, misnamed, Patriot Act. The people want the next president to immediately withdraw our soldiers and corporate mercenaries from Iraq in the safest manner possible."

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 Barack Obama, for whom would you vote? If unsure: Which way would you lean as of today?

Source: Financial Dynamics / Diageo/Hotline
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 806 registered American voters, conducted from Jun. 5 to Jun. 8, 2008. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.

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