The 2008 presidential race has been close for months – but new national polls indicate Democrat Barack Obama is gaining considerable ground.
The latest Gallup Daily Tracking Poll, which has measured the state of the race every day since March 7, finds Obama leading Republican John McCain by eight percentage points. Gallup notes that this is the10th day in a row Obama has held a statistically significant lead. The poll also notes that neither the vice presidential debate nor Congress’ passing of a financial bailout bill has affected the polls.
An October 6 Rasmussen Poll also has Obama leading by eight percentage points. The 52 percent who say they support Obama comprise the highest level of support ever recorded for Obama and is his largest lead of the year, Rasmussen says. The poll also notes that Obama’s lead is now bigger than any lead enjoyed at any point by either candidate in the 2004 election.
The United States does not hold a national election, which can make understanding national polls difficult. But there is good news for Obama in swing states as well. New polls have him leading in the important battlegrounds of Ohio, Nevada, New Mexico and Virginia. Some polls suggest Obama could even win in the traditionally Republican state of North Carolina.
Do you think Obama’s lead will last? Post your comments below.
Comments (40)
Gaeton
7 October 2008, 4:53 EDT (#)
. . .This only makes me wonder how low the republicans are going to stoop in the next few weeks leading up to the election. We’ve already heard ridiculous alegations about Obama’s (supposed) ties with “terrorists”!? Hahahaha….
Whats to come should not only be very entertaining but embarressing as well.
Jon Rist
7 October 2008, 4:55 EDT (#)
I personally think that Barack has his ideals on track and thinks ahead for the American people. It’s about time a younger person took the lead to bring America into the present century. As far as I see it , Bush was voted in by the non-city outcasts who actually don’t follow politics at all, just the local gun laws! Look at America today, enough said! Bring on the Obama goverment now and make America proud again.
rudy piana
8 October 2008, 5:52 EDT (#)
come election day mcCain will come out winner overwhelmingly by 37%
rudy piana
8 October 2008, 6:08 EDT (#)
obama’s supporters are more vocal thats why he appears to be leading, while McCaains supporters are the quiet strong so even if Obama is leading by 9% now, McCain will come out winner by 7% on national voters and 37% lead on the electoral college. thank you.
Michael Wilson
8 October 2008, 7:52 EDT (#)
I have found a widget that displays poll result from various pollsters.
The widget shows the election polls by strength of states.
In addition to other different graphical visualizations of data, this one displays the progression of votes over time.
I think you might like it:-)
http://www.youcalc.com/apps/1221747067033
… and its easy to put on your blog and fits in your sidebar!
It also has Obama leading:-)
Make a difference, keep on voting!
mac
8 October 2008, 17:18 EDT (#)
Obama will continue to widen the gap in coming days as his plans are specific and targeted at the bulk of Americans- the middle and low income group. He has spelt out clearly his plans for housing, health, energy, education, foreign affairs and the rule of law and management of government away from interested and vested groups in congress.
Mc Cain, a nice guy, unfortunately, is still the old school of politics, harping away on character assination.
All of us have gone through life in different paths- from the time we are born and get the advice and respect from our parents, to the teachings of our teachers and the discussions among students at school, college, university and in working life among many people we interact for various reasons like trying to engage in community acitivities, trying to get a loan to buy a house, visiting the doctor when sick, going for a function when invited. None of us are angels, we all have good and weak points but in life how we digest all that is put before us and decide what is right and wrong is where we shine as an outstanding individual.
So for Mc Cain and Palin to tie Obama to Bill, his pastor etc is totally unfair and unjust.
He has over and over stated that he knows bill but denounce his actions and for his pastor, all of us go to church to pray not to see how the pastor is doing or saying. The pastor is just another human being, who spells out what the Bible says. And if you are a Christian, then you should only follow what the Bible says. The pastor may get carried away with his own views but that are not for you to follow or consider. Obama went to the church to pray to the almight. Some suggest he should have changed to another church. Why because the other pastor says something else or the building is more flash. That is not the reason you go to a church. Any and every church is the same provide you pray earnestly to God.
Please Mc cain and Sarah palin, if you are good Christians, please don’t tarnish the good name of a God fearing and loving person like Obama who has decided to run for the top post in the US not for selfish reasons but for the sake of the people, who have had a raw deal over the past eight years. And now that the American people are in deep trouble, you need a person who understands how it is to be born into this world and find that after a few years your father is dead, mother is struggling to make means and subsequently dies of cancer and grandparents who have to make many scarifices to see their grandson, Obama, through to the best college and universities in the country.
A man moulded from all the values past by his well educated and caring mother and loving and devoted grandparents, surely is someone that the US people can trust and deliver in earnest and please don’t think twice but vote for Obama who can make a different in your life and that of the future generation.
Dudu
8 October 2008, 22:20 EDT (#)
oh, Rudy what a wishfull thinking, you have to live the real life and accept that there will be never more a supremacy of that kind of people you represent. Thank God that the majority of the american people are leaving this bad paradigm of thinking and will be embrassing the new world where there is no difference between mankind.
Go Obama upcoming november 4th, 2008
john o'regan
9 October 2008, 5:39 EDT (#)
how can anyone… On Mature Reflection …Vote for the” COMIC STRIP PAIR ” Of John the” Kid “Mccain &” Barbie Doll”Palin… to be entrusted with the most powerful position in the world..beggar’s believe … What can the American voter’s
be thinking of ..BoyoBoy.. Another World War..! GOD HELP US ALL… LONG LIVE AMERICA…AND IT’S WHOLESOME DREAM
YOURS TRULY
JOHN OREGAN
CORK
IRELAND
Paul Njenga Kinga
9 October 2008, 8:31 EDT (#)
From every critical angle you look at it. Obama has substance. He is one who look at you and give you a straight answer that reflects a leader. A leader whose salt is worth. One who can marshal all Americans into ploughing back the lost glory of America. We wish him well.
Kemmy O
9 October 2008, 11:02 EDT (#)
Yes, Obama’s lead would last because is seems to have better grap on how to deal with the challenges facing the average American
Sadat Oppong
9 October 2008, 12:56 EDT (#)
There is time for everything, the time has come for the people of Americans to change leadership, I believe Obama is thinking about the middle and lower income people, Let us give him the chance if he can turn things around.
Palaniappan M
9 October 2008, 15:25 EDT (#)
Yes. It is Mr.Obama who is most likely to be the President of U S A !God Bless him !God Bless America ! God bless the Earth!
Chennai/Madras,INDIA .
Lee
10 October 2008, 16:34 EDT (#)
For a short time, maybe. But in the end i think that McCain will be the winner.
Every day we find out new things about Obama, like his involvement with ACORN.
innocent muinde
11 October 2008, 0:56 EDT (#)
its time for young blood USA. the old guards have to retire and give obama a chance to lead because he seems to be more aware of where the world is ending to.. GO OBAMA GO!..
Innocent
Adedayo Mark-Adeyemi
11 October 2008, 3:05 EDT (#)
What does America want, A leader hitting at the right issues rightly or that one that is best at deconstruction his rival, why are some Americans rating McCain basically on his ability to destroy the American Dream and the Delight of the whole world, Barrack Obama, change at times could be scary but surely it is inevitable.
arya
11 October 2008, 3:44 EDT (#)
It looks Mr Obama shall become the president . It would be good for India & the world as a whole.He looks presidential in both debates. He seems to know answers for all points made to him in the debates. I hope these presentations by him turns in to Votes on election day.
C. K Symons
11 October 2008, 5:45 EDT (#)
While it could be true that McCain is popular among the old generation and big moneyed Americans,his racial attitude and character assassination is doing him a lot of harm than good, and this in a way makes his opponent the darling of the people of America who are now focused on issues other than character.
I think McCain has put himself in an irreparable situation by launching attacks on Mr. Obama instead of tackling issues affecting Americans.He has no option other than content with the growing popularity of Mr. Obama particularly now that they have some very few days before the November elections.
Rodney Adzuanaga
11 October 2008, 9:46 EDT (#)
i dont know how much the opinion polls can usurp the traditional voting pattern of states,but i hope the really do,because sen macain has not shown himself an able leader.i wish sen barack the value of his worth and effort.
Derick
12 October 2008, 8:02 EDT (#)
Mr White pig McCain,i know that y’ll not give up but 25% is your share of the package.
F A KHAN
12 October 2008, 10:19 EDT (#)
A strong wind is blowing in favor of Mr. Obama as he is becoming darling of middle and lower income group people, a clue from his specific talks regarding issues America is facing at present. He is becoming a voice of people day by day.
Frank Louma
13 October 2008, 2:31 EDT (#)
Change is what we need in the US. Not more of the same.Common guys, its time to think about our future. We need to secure our own future. This aged men have to put stomach politics on a hold and think about the younger generation.Thers a time for everything.
Der was a time for war, der was a time for war veterans, der was a time for bush, and der was a time for republicans. Now its time for change. This time belongs to us democrats, this time belongs to the future generation. This is the time when we together, must go out and vote for Obama, not only say he would win, we have to vote, and know that every vote counts.
Yeah, vote for change.
By the way, voting for McCain will be in some way going against the Us constitution. He is more of the same. He is Bush Jr. We cant vote president BUSH to office again cus he has exhausted all his two terms. May be if republicans had not been frustrated by FDR’s third term in power and passed the law that a president should have just two terms of office, a law that worked against them when they wished president Eisenhower could take a third term in office. Buush cant take a third term using the name McCain.Things dont work taht way.
Wake up from sleep guys and fight the temptation that comes ur way. The only righteous thing to do is vote for change and never forget,
POSITIVE CHANGE = BARACK OBAMA
boniface morton moyo
13 October 2008, 5:06 EDT (#)
Obama reacts with a cool, sharp, & cautious spirit to issues brought before him. He doesen’t get emotional.
His runningmate (Mr Joe Biden ) is appalently quite mature & seems to be well informed about most critical issues concerning America, and therfore he will be a good adviser of Mr Obama.
I believe that Obama will strive to work extra hard not to let down the Americans because he has more reasons to do this inorder to shame the devil.
emmanuel
13 October 2008, 6:27 EDT (#)
it is so good that macain has senced defeat so am trying to think that he should just keep aside and wait for the results.Things might turn amiracle
ambrose
13 October 2008, 8:29 EDT (#)
i respected Americans a lot but the way some of them are going about this campaign business leaves some of us disappointed. let us think big. think issues and how to handle problems. bringing racism only shows a non curable cancer of myopism. we shouldn;t be afraid of facing a change/ with God by our side
Fazal
13 October 2008, 12:44 EDT (#)
People in general think that Mr. Obama will start a new era of peace and prosperity in the world by resolving all issues every one is affected world over.
kathy
13 October 2008, 14:29 EDT (#)
there is too much mystery about Obama and the problem is, if he is elected then and only then will the mystery of this man be exposed for all to see. The truth will come to light and if there is a hidden agenda then it will be too late. I believe this country needed to head in a more positive direction, but the influence that Obama has in his life is hardly from positive sources. I believe he has a very charismatic personality and charms people. When going for change make sure you do not cut off your nose to spite your face.
jeff milan
14 October 2008, 3:06 EDT (#)
No doubt we all cry for change when we are facing the worst side of our life and at the same time we forget when we are overcarried by the talks of the old folks.But Americans,” look at the future and think of what has just happened in your economy and the worlds financial destruction,war left and right,mortality rates increasing all over and the worst hatred towards the Americans continuing until planet mass”.So why don’t Mcain and Palin stop acting like whores if they’ve realised that things can’t really work for them instead of yapping bullshit against Obama.This won’t do harm to Obama and his supporters but instead make their roots the strongest that no man apart from God can uproot.So Mccain,we aint pleading with you but asking you gently that the little brain and the war mentality that you have and keep on insisting upon daily, please stop and support the young generation to change America.Let America have peace Love and Harmony for the better of their children.I pray that all Americans will back up Barack so that the world can smile again the way God created it.Bush,Mccain and Palin(Doll)the destroyer of the white Bear in Alaska, came and ruthlessly damaged the world in all aspects but God is giving you one more chance to elect Obama to revive the world you love to live in peacefully and happily.Come rain come sunshine Obama will Goooooooaaal…..2009.Amen!
Mahendra Sakya Kathmandu
14 October 2008, 5:06 EDT (#)
Yes. Americans know that they cannot go on with the stauts quo. They are not happy with the war on terror, and the economy is in the dooldrums. So change is necessary, and Barack Obama embodies that change. At the intelectual, academic level, most Americans know that the growth of China , India Russia and Brazil is for real, and things need to change in the US if Americans want ot keep the lead.
JEAN PIRRE _JIPSON
14 October 2008, 5:59 EDT (#)
yes OBAMA’lead will last for a long time ,why this candidate wanna change the american economy for a florish economy ,and wanna make this world a peacefull place with more oppotunity for everyone to come together not just for american ,but everyone in the world and wanna change aswell the bad american image of the last pass few years
Nick Hughes
14 October 2008, 7:14 EDT (#)
Obama will strengthen his lead over the coming weeks. Rumours abound that McCain’s campaign coffers are getting lighter and that Barack is buying up all the air time the week before the vote for a live address.
Added to which on recent form, it is difficult, nigh on impossible to envisage McCain delivering the hammer blow in the final debate that he so desperately needs.
McCain is a man whose delivery makes him appear insubstantial with a vaccuous partner for back up. His flip flopping during the Bill Passing has given the impression of uncertainty and either a lack of command or a lack of comprehension.
Whenever Palin talks on an ad hoc basis she betrays her woeful inexperience and total lack of comprehension for macro politics.
She will always be bench marked against her appearance at the convention when she had near a months preperation. Foreign Policy is a little different from judging the Moose Shooting, All You Can Eat Contests she has been used to and with other things to do now, her delivery will never be as effective…which it has to be to compensate for the shallow content.
Obama on the other hand hasn’t even needed to use his attack dog in the form of Biden. Maybe it’s because his wife has been effective enough in wooing audiences on The Daily Show with John Stewart. Yes it is a liberal audience, but it is still a string to the bow, which on evidence, McCain does not have.
As for the talk of McCain’s party faithful being the silent majority. Well, that’s just wishful thinking. In an election, where more people have been mobilised to take an interest since the 60’s and so much at stake…if it appeared that McCain was losing ground more would be being done to get their voices heard.
Plus….it’s fate…isn’t it ?
Joshua
14 October 2008, 7:29 EDT (#)
At the rate we are going in this world, we don’t need a President who will be influenced by the stupidity of The Bush family. They have done a lot of damage to the world and please don’t vote for Macain. He will take the whole world to war. This man is just not thye person for America. Why didn’t he make it when he was young. This American doesn’t need old leadership. He can’t just rule this generation.
Go for Obama. The boy is just perfect for the position.
RSA
Christine Garnier
14 October 2008, 13:38 EDT (#)
I think that if Macain gets in then it will be a sorry day for the whole of the world. One war mongerer was enough, wake up America war is never the answer.
gean
15 October 2008, 1:13 EDT (#)
I’m saddened by the perceived momentum that Obama is gaining. Sad because it points to where the direction of America is going - pro-choice. Good luck to you Americans.
Chika Uzokwe
15 October 2008, 2:01 EDT (#)
The way Americans react to issues makes nonsense of all pre-election polls. For instance if Osama Bin-Laden send in a video or a message 6 hours before the election, the polls will change.
sarah
17 October 2008, 6:06 EDT (#)
Ive read through these comments and noticed one thing you amercians believe all that Obarma seems to say. When as a president ever been able to promise this and then deliever. CHANGE what change exactually
Anokwuru
17 October 2008, 7:37 EDT (#)
The pressure on America deserves young and vibrant blood to keep it on track and I’m certain that the kind of Obama is what America needs. Americans should think right and vote same.
Kiprono Chebii
21 October 2008, 4:52 EDT (#)
Thank you Obama for nice economic proposals we believe in your word. good luck!
rumhi
22 October 2008, 2:47 EDT (#)
we love obama
Howard
22 October 2008, 14:25 EDT (#)
PERCEPTION IS NOT NECESSARILY REALITY … DON’T BELIEVE THE POLLS …
Obama supporters act as if the polls are a true reflection of what’s going to happen on November 4th. When you don’t have an actual record to run on … and all you can do is point out problems, and blame others, as Obama has, you have to rely on gimmicks that have nothing to do with your actual ability to lead … like accusations of racism ad nauseam … like early voting …busing and indoctrinating homeless people on the way to the polls … photo ops with big crowds … spending 4 to 1 on advertising … having the media in the tank … having Hollywood in the tank, having Acorn in the tank … and, having 98% of all black voters in the tank. But, all of these things are nothing more than a fabricated perception. They have nothing to do with a person’s experience, or ability to lead. They just reveal a candidate who will say, or do anything to get elected. That’s why the Obamabots are so worried. That’s why Obama is telling his disciples not to get over confident. That’s why the Obama campaign tries real hard to make it look like Obama has already won … just like they did in the run against Hillary in the primaries. I happen to believe there are legions of people who are going to vote for McCain on November 4th … unlike the ‘in your face’ Obama supporters, November 4th is when the McCain supporters will express themselves. Keep America safe and strong, elect McCain/Palin on November 4th.
F A KHAN
24 October 2008, 5:26 EDT (#)
Virus of discrimination alienates one set of people from another. This inflicts the whole of human race with hatred, animosity, opportunity deprivation, subjugation, stigmatization, marginalization and what not. The first human couple i.e. Eve and Adam should have been saddened further after seeing thing happening worse than what they suffered on their descending on the earth from heaven. The devil might by laughing on the state of affair human beings have created for themselves. The whole world is a victim of this virus of discrimination one way or the other on wrong perception of race, skin coloration, region, caste, creed etc. to the extent that it looks strange to call ourselves from the same ancestry i.e. the one and only parents, a fact revealed through all holy scriptures. The people, who are the victim of discrimination, are to be blamed more as they failed to fight against this and take it as fate accomplice. The people who indulge in this immoral act to discriminate are devoid of any shame as they do so against their own progenies from the same origin they too belong. This is all happening despite strict laws of almost all countries. The reason lies in a vicious circle as the same people are there to implement those laws. The solution lies in the hands of those who suffer the most. Unless they stand up for their liberty from discrimination, nothing will change. However, it does not mean one can justify reverse discrimination by indulging in affirmative action against those who have been exercising discrimination. Any thing evil shall remain evil whosoever does it. Prejudice feeling adorn by any is always illogical, unethical, contemptuous and cannot be justified by any stretch of mind.
My American brothers and sisters shall come out clean and above board on this account and show to the whole world how gracefully they have conducted themselves in electing a world leader fair to all concerned.