WASHINGTON (CNN) – Hillary Clinton has reclaimed the lead from Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential race for the first time since early February, a new national poll out Thursday suggests.
In the latest Gallup daily tracking poll, Clinton holds a 7 point lead over the Illinois senator, 49 to 42 percent. That lead is outside the poll’s statistical margin of error of 3 points - the widest gap between the two candidates in weeks.
Clinton's last lead was in a Gallup poll taken just after the round Super Tuesday contests, and the two candidates have been statistically tied since. But Obama has held a numerical lead over Clinton for most of that time, and started to decline in the tracking poll late last week - a sign the uproar over his former pastor's sermon's may be taking its toll.
The latest tracking poll was conducted March 14-18, almost entirely before Obama gave a widely praised speech on his relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and race relations in America.
But according to Gallup's Jeff Jones, "the initial indications are that the speech has not halted Clinton's gaining momentum as she led by a similar margin in Tuesday night's polling as compared to Monday night's polling."
A new Gallup poll also showed apparent Republican presidential nominee John McCain leading both Democrats, a sign Clinton and Obama's continued back-and-forth is benefiting the Arizona senator. McCain holds a 4 point lead over Obama (47-43 percent) and 3 point lead over Clinton (48-45 percent). That poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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Time for Obama to drop out. He is dividing our party! Hillary will only gain a larger lead as time goes on! Drop out now Obama. America is on to your lies!
It is the right thing, Hillary is the right choice for the presidency. I also believe Obama would be the right choice for VP, and after eight years of grooming, he will be the right choice for the presidency.
Clinton/Obama 08!!!
GOOD !
Scoreboard.
CNN is a disgrace to journalism and to America
This is exciting- she really is our most viable candidate and she'd make a great president! Now we have to work on overcoming McCain!
I am very disappointed in both the Obama campaign and the DNC for ignoring MI and FL voters. How do they expect to win in these states in a GE?
I will never vote for Obama, I cannot forgive him for being part of such a racist church.
Therefore, if Hillary Clinton is NOT the Democratic nominee, I will become a Republican and vote for McCain.
I'm not interested in staying in a party that throws it's best candidate, most electable candidate under the bus and instead backs a racist candiate.
The DNC choosing to ignore FL and MI voters is basically chosing to give the nomination to Obama....I cannot forgive Howard Dean and the Democrats for his.
Clinton is on top for now. She will do something that will piss off the flip/floppers and Obama will be popular again. It's obvious that Dems are not looking at the big picture. McCain WILL win in '08!
Obama or Clinton 08!
Evidently, the only thing worse than Clinton, is Obama..
Hillary has ruined the party. Before all this Dems had a chance to reclaim the white house but Hillary's lust for power has ruined all of that.
McCain 08
lastest polls say blah blah blah!!!
Dems keep it up Mcsame will be our pres!
Dems are left with only one soluton.... form like Vlotron
Obama and hillary Kiss and make up!
These polls are notoriously unreliable.
Lest we foget New Hampshire already?
Way to go Hillary!!! Step aside Obama. We need someone who will win the general election.
Clinton and Obama better both shape up or McCain is gonna ship 'em both out. He's already making 'pretentions to the throne' in talks with the British P.M., and acting totally presidential.
It looks like race has reared it's ugly head. Why most of America has bought into the Wright...non-issue.. is beyond me. It looks like America is OK w/ the status-quo bombs and debt that come w/ the big powerful families. Of course these are the same Americans who bought houses they couldn't afford and now want the country to bail them out.
The poll was no doubt taken after the Wright controversy, but before Obama's incredible speech on race in america.
Polls go up and down, Obama will be back on top shortly.
Hillary Huckabee needs to bow out gracefully while she can (but of course she won't).
Frankly, I'm so sick and tired of politics. It's become nothing more than a gossip mongering platform. Everyone does their best to dig up the most dirt and forgets that the purpose of elections is to elect the right person to run our country. We failed miserably the last eight years and now I hope we can do it right. However, everyone seems to be losing focus on what is important. Who gives a rats behind what someone did in their "personal" time or a few years ago. Maybe some of you need to get a life and stop prying into others. If there is just ONE of you who has never made a mistake or done anything wrong, please, let me know who you are because I'd love to see who is competing with Jesus and the good Lord above.
it will only get wider after PA, Indiana, WV, Puerto Rico, Oregon, and hopefully MI and FL!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a national poll and doesn't count because the people have voted already. Lets look at the polls in PA. Has it hurt him there that is where it is important.
Looks like the American people are coming down from the clouds and understand that we need a candidate who will get things done. Go Hillary!
IF THIS ELECTION WAS HALF WAY FAIR, SHE DOESN'T HAVE A PRAYER IN HELL. IN SPITE OF IT SE. OBAMA WILL WIN.
In the past week there have been distractions from debates about the main issues facing this country and the world. Detractors have been playing successfully on how our brains are programmed to respond to scandalous human relationships. Polls today show that Obama has lost ground from independents. Some critics have predicted that Obama’s ties with his pastor will hurt him if he wins the democratic nomination. I beg to advance a contrary opinion. This is an extraordinary year in the sense that more and more Americans need some straight talk on health insurance, having good paying jobs, addressing the credit crisis, strengthening the dollar, energy cost, climate change, security and foreign policy (Iraq, Middle East, Africa, South America, North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan). Obama wouldn’t be significantly hurt if he articulates these issues right. This is why. 10 years ago Bill Clinton was doing a good job running the country and suddenly he was mired in a saga involving Monica Lewinsky. What started in January 1998 as allegations about adultery and lies telling turned out to be disgraceful and dangerous to Bill Clinton’s presidency by August 1998 only because the law seemed to have been broken. By September 1998 the president appeared diminished and was deserted by some democrats after Ken Starr readied a potentially damaging report following investigations on the shameful relationship. But when Ken Starr exposed excessive details of the sexual relationship, people had doubts and Ken Starr appeared unfair even though Mr. Clinton had offered a public apology several times since August. Bill Clinton’s credibility was in shambles but he still was not forced out of office. Then came the mid-term elections in November 1998 when he was expected to be punished by his critics. Guess what. His supporters were more mobilized to keep him in power. The Democrats won more seats in the House of Representatives and lost no Senate seat, saving Bill Clinton from impeachment. Bill Clinton earned a victory because the public mostly felt that a president should not be removed from office for either committing adultery or lying about it. The public also perceived the press as hypocritical for evoking that he should be dumped. Just as voters who felt that Bill Clinton was unfairly targeted turned out in November 1998 to hand him a victory, suggestions that Barack Obama should’ve disowned his pastor during the holy week of Easter to avoid political damage and any further excessive focus on the relationship in the weeks and months ahead could backfire because Obama appears to have been honest. No right thinking person would disown one community and move to another because no community is perfect.
Wow, people are stupid. Yes, I said that. This is all because of things Obama's PASTOR said?
Yeah, everybody, Obama is "racist" like his pastor. Except he's half white, so...he hates 1/2 of himself?
Yeah, Obama "hates America" like his pastor...oh wait he's done nothing but express his love and gratitude for our country and work hard in our communities and teach our Constitution in law school.
If Obama loses this election, it will be due to the sad fact that people are ignorant and intellectually lazy. We'll miss out on an opportunity to benefit from a truly groundbreaking American leader.
No matter who wins, it's more of the same for the next 4 years at least. Wake up America.
Go Hillary, good for you. We are rooting for you. The only good change you can count on – Hillary.
And I understand that Dewey is polling well ahead of Truman these days.
I have an idea!
VOTE DEMOCRATIC!
Problem solved.
Obama , the house of cards is falling
That is because he only disagrees with his minister politically, not personally. This is what he said on 360. Why the distinction? Why not just say "I disagree, with Rev. Wright"? It is because it is a political necessity. He personally agrees. Why the pressure on Hillary to release her papers, so everyone could just look up the dates Monica was with Bill? That was a political move by Obamas campaign. Obama-bots are eating it up, yet want us to forget Wrights comments because they were way back in December? How far back was all this Monica business?
Good for you Hillary. Now just increase your lead. WHY HAS SOMEONE NOT CALLED OBAMA ON HIS SPEECHES WHERE HE SAYS HE DID NOT SUPPORT THE IRAQ WAR? I don't imagine he did. SINCE HE COULD NOT VOTE YAY OR NAY> He never read anything presented in the report that sent us to war. If he opposed it. IT WAS IN HIS DREAMS> He was a IL Senator at the time. The last time I looked a State Senator does not have a say in National legislation. THIS JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU WHAT A LIAR OBAMA IS> And CNN why are you posting what went on in Bill Clinton's administration. Quit trying to undermine Hillary. She did not have an affair with Monica. CNN can not address something newsworthy. You just want the candidate of your choice in office. Obama lovers. GO HILLARY 08
Thank you, America.
I am surprised that CNN had this article, in their ticker-column. CNN has been such an anti-Clinton News Network, that it would have taken them lot of heart and hand burn to post, anything positive for Clinton.
When Obama is ahead in polls, Obamamaniacs will say "Give it up, Hillary". Now, let's wait and see what they will say now.
YAY!
Proof that you cannot knock a good woman down. She is a fighter and gets back up on her feet time and time again.
Now, where are Obama's Senate records for the last 8 years? What schedule did HE keep, what meetings did he attend and WITH WHO?
Wow – CNN is posting actual news. How about she went to work on Healthcare just 3 days of being first lady. Instead of trying to smear her dignity – with yesterdays news on personal life.
Amazing news, that made my day!
Awesome. Hillary's a fighter, no doubt, and this tough campaign will serve her well when she goes up against McCain.
Why should you people expect Obama can ‘change’ ANYTHING if he cannot change his close friend Mr. Wright?
Obama has been to that church for 20 years, if he really doesn’t agree with his pastor’s words, why can’t he ‘change’ his pastor first?
If he is so inspirational, why can’t he ‘inspire’ his pastor to be less anti-America?
Clinton released her White House schedules, now, Obama, you need to show us the changes you’ve made IF ANY. Otherwise, you are just a big LIAR!
Are Obama's "chickens coming home to roost "? Finally, the people of america have realized their mistake. Hopefully it isnt to late.
obama will lose BIG TIME to mccain
if the dems want to win, it's gotta be hillary
That's my girl!! Well done Hillary! Keep it up!! You have my vote and all my support!!!
CNN take my comment. Iam not knocking your precious Obama. The Super Deligates I hope will go toward the best qualified canadate ,instead of the one with most deligates. Example. Having more money dosnt mean you can run our country.America needs HRC.
Way to go, Hillary! Who said having an experience is a bad thing? Hillary has been doing well on her campaign and handling the issues because she has had the long experiences. I think we all understand we should know who Hillary is, but we are not too sure about who is Obama because of the recent his pastor's controversy. Hillary, keep up your good work! You are a strong, brave woman and a candidate who can beat McCain in the election!
Sally, Texas
CNN: I'm sure someone has commented on this article...including myself...give me a break..if it doesn't favor Obama, it won't be highlighted. How about the war, how about the economy, how about health care....No you only have eyes for Obama, so you send one of you most talented reporters to following him around. What was Hillary doing when Anderson was so close to Obama he could have kissed him?
I can't believe that anyone would be surprised that Hillary's leads in the polls after weeks of bombarding Barack Obama with negative campaign coverage. It's funny to watch as she sits back quietly and allows, her campaign supporters and republicans to destroy Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. Now she is live talking about change. Hillary isn't interested in change she's interested in her chance. Her own history. Just remember the people who helped put you there will expect your support once you get there Hillary. As you sale your soul and your campaign to whomever and whatever can stop the Obama momentum. My question is, is it going to be worth it? The one thing this campaign has shown is that freedom of speech ends when it comes to making America face the racial divisiveness in the country. But then don't even worry about my opinion, because I want vote for you are McCain. I'll just hold on tight and pray while either one of you continue to sink this country and the American people deeper into debt and despair. It's deeper than playing the race card, it's a divide and conquer card. The hispanics, whites, black, gender, age, religions, and economic status. Unity brings change, obviously you don't want change.
Clinton "snatches" lead from Obama ? Clinton "takes" lead from Obama?
It's all in the phrasing, isn't it.
Given the choices made in reporting over the past few months, it might be a good time ask what role the media may be playing in dividing the Democratic Party (in addition to its persistence over the past few months in rushing to coronate Obama).
Tiresome.
Impossible polls are wrong,,
I realize I am only a young college student but what is the point of the Gallup poll? It says of the 4000 registered democratic voters who voted on a web poll 49 percent chose HRC over Obama.......I can gather over 4000 college students in a day just in my college alone that all would pick Obama over HRC and her false claims of experience. Just because I watch CSPAN doesn't make me an expert in government but HRC claims it makes her one. information for the Gallup poll: a flyer is being circulated nationwide to all college students with this far an 80% acceptance rate that states we will vote for OBAMA & change or no one in the National election, in efforts to have our generation heard.
Obama has said that pulling the army out of Iraq will benefit America's security. We who live in the Middle East find that perplexing. We would like to know from Obama how turning over the Arab Middle East to an Iranian hegemony makes America safer. And we would like to know specifically what he would propose to do to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb. McCain and Hillary are much clearer on the subjects of Iraq and Iran than Obama.
Meanwhile, a Rasmussen daily tracking poll that includes polling from Wednesday shows Obama up 46-43 nationally. But then, that would suggest Obama is weathering the storm and that this story is getting tired ... not quite as sexy a story, apparently, at least in CNN's eyes.
Finally people are starting to wake up to the fact that Obama is all talk.
It will be a sad day for America if Obama loses the nomination because he is not "white". I always see America as the land of freedom and that means to me the freedom to see beyond "color". Hillary is not bad but simply has too much "Bill" to carry.
Once we Democrats have our candidate McCain is toast. Will all the damage the Republicans have done the last seven years, thers is no way they will win in November.
Democrats will have to unite and turnout and vote for our Democratic candidate and defeat this GOP mafia.
McCain you are toast in November!
And yesterday it was Obama, and the day before it was Clinton, and the day before it was god know who. Do you all get tired of this?
It undermines every ounce of credibility when ever 3 days we are hearing something different.
Do you think since Hillary has the lead Jack Cafferty will quit bashing her and start bashing Obama? He does it everyday and I'm so sick of it I've started watching Chris Matthews so I don't have to listen to Jack for an hour.
I think that BO's newness has worn off, and people are realizing that he is not different than the droves of pols before him.
Guess what? . . . "Change" is nowhere near a new platform
If the Democratic nomination is decided by a sermon delivered five years ago by Obama's pastor, then politics has sunk to its lowest level in my lifetime, and I have voted for President 11 times.
Good news for Hillary – she wanted that anyway
I will vote for McCain in November
This shows that a vote for Hillary is a vote for McCain. She has effectively destroyed the Democratic Party for her own goals.
I am a Hillary supporter. However, I hate the idea that people are swayed either by the Wright comments OR Obama's response. I want Hillary to win because she is better on the issues. Fortunately, she she is better on the issues.
Hillary 08
She is going to keep going up in the polls too, there is no way, having voted democratic for the last 30 years, that I or anyone I know is going to vote for Obama now. We cannot take the chance in November, there is too much at stake. I can see the adds that will be run in the general election now, and so can every other democrat who thinks about it for more than 3 seconds.
Don't pay too much attention to polls – they're so volatile. Plus, shouldn't our votes be based on our own values and opinions rather than what the national "trends" are?
It's sad to see such a great man take the blame for someone else. Yes, his pastor may have said some things that weren't appropriate but this is no fault of Obama's. I wish we could hear from these people who once participated in this pole that used to back Obama & now do not. Speaking of which... why am I never polled?
OBAMA IS FINISHED!!!
Well. Now Obama realizes what we older Americans know, NOTHING REALLY CHANGES HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you counted the popular vote in mi and fl hillary would be ahead by about 300,000 votes.
It'll be interesting to see how Obama's racial-relations speech affects his poll numbers. America still has a long way to go, but that speech put us on a path of honest racial dialogue.
Clinton has been ahead in the polls everywhere...
But she has lead in the delegate count a total of ZERO days.
She has lead in the popular vote a total of ZERO days.
Her lead with Super Delegate has gone from near a hundred mid February to high 30s today.
OBAMA 08!!!!
Drop out Obama, you are toast. You and your un-patriotic wife. No American would vote for you. What a joke it would be to see Michelle in the White House. I wouldn't let her wipe her feet on the rug!
Go Hillary! 08
How can Americans be proud to be Americans. In just reading these comments alone, there is so much hatred. It's very sad!
CNN, sensationalists to the core. Once again pick up a paparazzi moment (not unlike many Evangelical sermons) and play it until it wears us all out. Then you guys decide to back it up with totally biased guests and commentary.
These polls were taken during your barrage of the videotape and before Obama's speech.
It would be unfortunate if America blows the chance to have someone great in the Whitehouse as a partial result of the news you decide to rub our faces in.
When pollsters say that Queen Hillary gets most of her support from low-income uneducated people (especially people with no college degree) I think they are correct. Hey Queen Hillary supporters: why in the world would Obama have to step aside or quit? He is on top when it comes to the popular vote by 600,000+, he got almost 200 more elected delegates than Queen Hillary, and he has the overall lead of delegate count when you add the Superdelegates by at least 140.
Either you all are just stupid and cannot count or Delusional and think Hillary is leading somehow, which one is it?
Come back when your Queen can overtake Obama in any of the above mentioned categories…which hopefully can happen sometime before I turn 50 years old (I’m 30 now). Obama08
Charlotte......wise up. Obama didn't say anything, it was someone else. You're being lead around like a fool.....meaning you and others who have bought into the Rove playbook.
The long and the short of it is this...this story is out there to remind white America that Obama is black....nothing more, nothing less. Let's see who falls for this grabage
BYE BYE obama!!!!!!
You all need to update your poll! How ridiculous for a news organization to not have today's results! Go to gallup.com and you will see that today's results show that the gap has narrowed in large part due to their description of a positive Obama trend after his speech in polling conducted yesterday. CNN you should be able to get this story right and report current numbers. I am hoping to see a correction ASAP!
The poll is irrelevant, there is NO way for her to mathematically win the nomination EVEN if you include the results as they stand from Florida and Michigan. Guess how much of a Lead Clinton has over Obama with those two states. -82. That's right Obama still leads Hilary with those results tabulated in. After Pennsylvania, she has Indiana and Kentucky that she can win. She can only win if the superdelegates endorse her. And guess what will happen if that happens. Anybody remember what happened with Herbert Humphrey and George McGovern? Same scenario. We got Nixon. This time we'll get a McCain, who isn't nearly as smart or competent as a Nixon, but just as potentially destructive. I'm tired of Hilary's endless campaign. She is the one hurting the democratic party not Obama. The people that say he should step down are CRAZY. The delegate math favors him overwhelmingly. As does his campaign strategy in the fall. Clinton wants to count on the same old strategy that worked so well for Gore and Kerry. Obama wants to compete head to head with McCain in every state. The Republican's can have Florida I say. If we take away enough southern and western states, a win in florida or ohio is irrelevant to a National Campaign.
If this race was halfway fair, Obama would be the one out of it. The media tip-toed around him so long we couldn't get to know him at all. Obama limited his access to the media–do you think Hillary would have been allowed to get away with that? BOTH candidates said in September that they would do everything they could to see the MI and FL votes were counted. Only one candidate is following through. The Texas Democratic Party has refused to investigate the more that 2000 charges (some backed with videotaped evidence) of cheating by some Obama supporters in the Texas Caucus.
Obama has flip-flopped on the issues so many times I'm surprised he can keep his positions straight–public financing in the general election, talking to leaders of enemy countries, NAFTA, Iraq. Today he gave a brilliant speech saying the war is a drag on our economy–DUH.
The news is all Obama all the time. Enough!
This is a sham, it was Obama's pastor that said what he said, not Obama. How are people so dumb now? Were they really behind Obama or were they just waiting for anything. It also figures that since they could not get him they should find the people that was close to him? They are really reaching and desparately.
LET'S GO OBAMA!!!!!!
You are the ONE candidate to bring about the change this country needs.
Come on Obama Supporters let's get out the vote and continue to stand for change!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES WE CAN!
FIRED UP & READY TO GO!
.:: Obama 08 and beyond ::.
The fighter is comming back go Hiliary- It's not over until it's over
come on democratic let count get Flordia and Michigan done
PS- I am so tried of TV "Newcaster" counting her out, did you guys vote or just talk a lot
andrea Baltimore
Jessica, MI
Yes, let's start a new campaign-- Obama is a white guy!!!!
Why not, he is just as white as he is black? Some (not all) members of White America are afraid to vote for him because he is racist? against himself? his white mother?
Oh, he favors his absentee black father-- NOT!
This is foolishness.
I don't care what the polls say, I say "Not This Time"
Obama08!
Thank God for our party..Go Hillary....
jepp, now its time for Obama to drop out.
Bye bye
ALL who will REPUBLICAN
Tom – C-Ville, Clinton's negative attacks? You have got to be kidding! What about Wright's negative and hate fillled attacks on all white Americans. And Obama has lived with this for 20 years. What do he and Michelle say to their young girls after they hear that trash. What impression are they allowing their children to be subjected to. Will they grow up believing in UNCLE Wright. Believing that what he says is ok and acceptable.
His attendance in this church, his connection to Rezko, his connection to Ayers all question that which he has made his major reason for you to support him for president. His judgement and his credibility. Now they are grey areas, they are questionnable.
THis is a man who can take a hit at Clinton anytime he wants and she is not permitted to respond or defend herself without being called racial.
Obama uses his race as a shield to protect him from all attempts to campaign against him. He is genius at turning any statement into a racial attack against him. He has captured the imagination of so many who have bought into his dreams but he never tells us how he plans to change his dreams to reality. He's already shown us how he will unite the nation by his statement that 2.3 million votes are worthless and refusing to accept them.
It is my sincere fear that his dream will become America's nightmare
OBAMA IS RADIOACTIVE IN SWING AND RED STATES BECAUSE OF HIS ANTI-AMERICAN RACIST PASTOR. JUST, LIKE BUSH IS RADIOACTIVE IN ALL STATES.
WHAT "RED STATE" DEMOCRATS IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WANTS OBAMA TO CAMPAIGN FOR THEM NOW.
THE VIDEO OF OBAMA'S PASTOR WILL BE PLAYED OVER AND OVER AGAIN IN SWING AND RED STATE DISTRICTS, ESP "GOD DAM AMERICAN" AND AID/HIV COMMENTS.
THE REPUBICANS WILL TIE EVERY SWING/RED STATE DEMOCRATS WITH OBAMA PASTOR, JUST LIKE THE DEMOCRATS DID WITH REPUBLICANS AND GEORGE BUSH.
THIS MEANS DEMOCRATS MAY LOSE SEATS.
OBAMA POLL DROP IS JUST THE BEGINNING NOT THE END OF THIS PROBLEM
I'm a michigan resident, and if anything, I'm not upset that my vote didn't count. I'm more upset that Mrs. Clinton, now that she is behind in the votes, all of a sudden, wants a recount ! Why didn't she follow what her own party stated and not campain like Obama? I'm sure if the situation was reversed, Mrs. Clinton would act the same way.
Personally, these polls are a joke and the only one that matters is in November. The sooner this entire campain is over the better ! Be it Hillary or Obama, just get on with it already !
You hillbilly supporters are a riot... You ask the person that the majority of americans want in office to step down?.... You are truly brainwashed beyound repair..... How could you people support a known crook?.... A crook and a lier?.... Your remarks are fubar!
of course, everytime I said something nice about Hillary, this words will pop up YOUR COMMENT IS AWAITING MODERATION, thanks CNN
)
For those who still have questions about Rev Wright, Obama, and Trinity United Christian Church connections. Read their web sites' statements on "Black Values" (they may already have removed mention of "Black Liberation Theology" but no matter.....go to wikipedia and get the whole documentation. You will find Rev Wright and his written views prominently listed. This is not just about something someones' pastor said that was offensive. It is far more reaching.
If we are going to judge people based on their surrogates, then can we do it for all candidates and not just some. In the beginning I thought the the Wright controversy should have been addressed, but the longer it continues to go on I believe that it is just America showing it's true discriminatory characteristics, yet again.