×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Obama has slight edge over McCain

Obama has slight edge over McCain. Pic. Cheryl Senter. 13/09/2008
Obama has slight edge over McCain. Pic. Cheryl Senter. 13/09/2008

WASHINGTON - Democrat Barack Obama, pictured, has a 2-point lead in the US presidential race on Republican John McCain, whose choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate helped shore up support for both candidates, according to a Reuters-Zogby poll released yesterday.

WASHINGTON - Democrat Barack Obama, pictured, has a 2-point lead in the US presidential race on Republican John McCain, whose choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate helped shore up support for both candidates, according to a Reuters-Zogby poll released yesterday.

Obama leads McCain among likely voters by 47 percent to 45 percent, within the poll's 3,1 percent margin of error. He gained ground in the last month among independent and women voters, and on the question of who could best manage the faltering US economy.

Obama wiped out McCain's 5-point edge in a Reuters-Zogby poll taken in August before the nominating conventions.

"We're back to where we always thought we would be - in a very competitive race," pollster John Zogby said.

McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his No 2 set off a political firestorm that helped stoke conservative enthusiasm for the Republican ticket.

But Zogby said Palin also helped solidify Democratic support for Obama. "For the last few weeks it's been all about Palin and she has been a divisive force," he said. "She has shored up the base for both candidates."

Obama now has the support of 89 percent of Democrats. McCain's support among Republicans grew from 81 percent last month to 89 percent.

Nearly one-third of voters said the choice of Palin made them more likely to support McCain and nearly one-quarter said it made them less likely. About 43 percent said it would have no effect. - Reuters

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.