NPR: New Polls Show Obama Surging Ahead of Clinton

New Polls Show Obama Surging Ahead of Clinton

Two new national polls show that Illinois Senator Barack Obama is surging ahead of his rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton in the battle for the Democratic presidential primary.

In a New York Times/CBS News 54 percent said they wanted Obama to be the party's presidential nominee, while 38 percent preferred Clinton. The Boston Globe reports that this is a big swing in Obama's favor since the last Times/CBS poll in late January which had the two senators tired at 41 percent.

"The poll found similar swings in Obama's favor on other questions. For example, asked how they would vote if the race were between Obama and Republican John McCain, 50 percent said they would support Obama to 38 percent for McCain, while respondents were split evenly, at 46 percent each, when the choice was between McCain and Clinton. Obama gained ground within nearly every sector, the poll found."

And an Associated Press/Ipsos poll released yesterday showed a closer race, but with a lead for Obama. He led Clinton by a narrow margin, 46 percent to 43 percent. In the last AP/Ipsos poll in early February, Clinton has a five-point lead.

The AP poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, and the Times poll 3 percentage points. Those margins increased to about 5 percentage points when questions were asked of Democrats or Republicans only.

6:00 AM ET | 02-26-2008 | permalink

Comments

WHERE DOES OBAMA STAND ON PAYING REPARATIONS TO THE AMERICAN BLACKS FOR SLAVERY.??

Sent by RANDY | 6:46 AM ET | 02-26-2008

I am sorry to say that I wish it were the other way. I like Sen Obama but I think he needs to time to become a more effective leader. I would rather have Sen Clinton she has a more commanding knowledge of what lies ahead; however should she not gain the wins needed then I will be forced to vote for a new independant.

Sent by Cedrych | 7:31 AM ET | 02-26-2008

(re: Cedrych's comments) I understand how you feel, but sans Clinton, you say you would prefer the INexperience of an independent? Who? Nader? As much as he has done a lot for our nation, we can thank him for the last 7 disastrous years. I would vote for Obama over any of the GOP or independents in the blink of an eye.

Sent by CDAnthony | 8:58 AM ET | 02-26-2008

WHERE DOES CLINTON STAND ON PAYING REPARATIONS TO THE AMERICAN BLACKS FOR SLAVERY.??

Why do we ask these questions of Obama but not Clinton. Is it because he's black? He an American who happens to be black so if you ask what is he going to do for black people you also have to ask the same of Clinton.

Sent by Sabrena | 3:03 PM ET | 02-26-2008

Wow, yet another topic and story in the news about Democrats. What's that make, 90% of every single story is left wing biased? What ever happened to fair reporting where all sides got their time in the proverbial news spotlight? And this is coming from a Democrat. Stop reporting about Dems every single day, every single minute and give fair air time to stories about the other candidates! I canceled my membership because of how biased your news is . . . please don't make me stop listening all together.

Sent by CW | 1:15 AM ET | 02-27-2008

The more negative people go against the man, the stronger he becomes. He may be the new washington where campaigns are about positive truths and self bolster rather than just smearing your opponent.

Those who smear are usually signs that they don't have a solid campaign. Especially if the smears are over trivial stuff like name, heritage, race.

I'm shocked that they don't try Obama on issues and stances. Equally so why doesn't Clinton help boost her self image rather than flying off the hook?

Sent by Kingssman | 4:59 AM ET | 02-27-2008

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