July 24, 2008
Posted: 04:18 PM ET

(CNN) — Barack Obama holds a 3-point lead over John McCain in the latest CNN poll of polls.

The new average of the three most recent national surveys of registered voters shows the Illinois senator at 44 percent with McCain standing at 41 percent. About 15 percent say they are undecided.

The margin between the two presidential candidates has dropped by half over the past week: in a CNN poll of polls taken July 16, Obama and McCain were separated by 6 points.

Election Center: Check out the poll of polls trend

The latest poll of polls includes recent surveys from Gallup, Fox News, and NBC/Wall Street Journal.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • Poll of polls


Va. Boomer   July 24th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

You know…., your polls suck. It's a random sampling usually between 500 and 1000 calls to people. But it does not represent the whole of America, which at last count was about 304 million. How can you even report that kind of skewed results? That's why the news media gets a bad rap for incorrect reporting, just to get the scoop on the other news organizations.

Hwan Kim   July 24th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

I do not question Obama's intelligence, I do not question Obama's willingness, however I do question his abiltiy to be Commander in Chief of, what I presume to be the greatest Nation in the world, America. How is it even imaginable that a junior Senator, not even completing his 1st term, will be able to effectively manage the difficult challenges facing the President of the United States of America, especially during these pressing and volitile times? What foreign policy experience does he have? What experience does he have in dealing with our complex military? In dealing with our current economic predicatment, what fiscal experience does he have? These are just a few of the many things that concern me about Obama's bid for the Presidency. A great sayer is not necessarily a great doer, I believe Obama is an outstanding speaker, however I'm afraid that his actions will be limited by his experience, and lack of. In a word, Obama's bid to be President of the United States of America, is a prime example of the proverbial, putting the cart before the horse.

mk   July 24th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Your link still says 6. Other polls are showing much more.

Willy   July 24th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Seing that BHO connect well with the Euro trash abroad why don't he just stay there and rule Germany.

Geoff   July 24th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Uh, the headline is wrong guys. He's ahead by three, not four.

susie   July 24th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

With the way the media is swooning over Obama, maybe he could be their king. The people have no where to turn to with the way the media is acting. Hopefully, Obama will commit to debates so that us voters will beable to make a sound decision.

Annie   July 24th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

So once you consider the margin of error…McCain and Obama are still pretty much tied.

The polls continue to show that the Democrats are still not embracing Obama as the nominee.

As a lifelong democrat I can understand why.

NO O B A M A

luggar   July 24th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

We are life-long democrats but have always voted our own choice. While Obama gives wonderful speeches and we are impressed,and
he seems very congeinal. There is an underlying unease about him. He seems too perfect and has too pat answers or his spokespeople do. With the media fawning all over him that also makes us aware that someone else is trying to cast our vote for us. The saying goes : If it sounds too good to be true it is!! We are very much afraid there is no substance to him !! Just another smooth talking politican. McCain will be our choice.

Naomi, TX   July 24th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

All politicians wish they had the kind of charisma and appeal Obama has within the US and abroad… McCain included. Love or hate Obama, let’s face it, the man has a gift that comes once in a lifetime.

Whether it will translate into great leadership we can only wait and see. We can’t expect the man to have as much experience as McCain, he is not as old.

Let’s face it though he has managed to do what McCain himself as a freshman senetor back in the day could never have achieved with all his stripes on his side! Let’s not fault the man (Obama) for what he has without trying too hard. He’s got it, it’s his tide and he is surfin’ on it… really well. It’s not his fault he is more pleasant than McCain in appearance and demeanor

Sue/PA   July 24th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

If Fox is included then it is NOT a true poll

jason   July 24th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

man. conservatives sure take a long time to learn a lesson…

mjaber6113   July 24th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

What's that old dudes name again, McSame or McBush?

Cheryll   July 24th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Obama 's media circus has done nothing but drive me away from this pretend messiah. I am sick of this guy and the media! No chill up my leg, just disgust! If the media and Europe want his guy, then let the media and Obama move to Europe.

Typical White Person   July 24th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

So why isn't this a statistical dead heat? What's the margin of error?

Glen   July 24th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Since April 29th, CNN poll of polls have placed Obama's voter percentage at between 45 and 49 while McCain's has been between 40 and 44. The graph looks like Al Gore's "Inconvenient Truth" CO2 vs. mean global temperature chart for up until about 50 years ago, steady and unshakeable. When is the media's approval rating for Obama going to trickle down to the general population? When are the percentage points going to diverge like the respective buzz of our presidential candidates?

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   July 24th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

ATTEMPTING TO FOLLOW A MCNOTHING POINT IS LIKE

ATTEMPTING TO STRAITEN DOG TAILS, A LOT OF DOGS.

THE OLD FOOL CAN HAVE A ONE MAN DEBATE.

Sherry   July 24th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

IT SHOULD BE BY 50

MCCAIN IS LAME

OBAMA THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Sarge in Florida   July 24th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Is it funny that McBush decided to cancel a campaign stop in Louisiana today because of bad weather. Just goes to show you how he would react to another Hurricane hitting there. Or maybe his push for off shore oil drilling was not such a good idea when 12 miles of oil in the Mississippi river is floating…Wake up America seems like you want another 4 years of BUSH policies…..

TheTruthHurts   July 24th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

I love reading the posts that say Obama isn't a leader. He's just a bunch of words. Hype, that's all.

Here you have a man born to a Kenyan Father and American Mother, who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law, was editor of the Law Review, ran and won for state and US Senate. But that's all words and hype. What have you done?

Now he has gotten the Democratic establishment, millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Europeans to support him and his vision despite ridiculously poor odds - Yet he's not a leader. What is a leader then? Give me one leadership quality that McCain has that Obama doesn't. Remember, experience is worthless without the judgement it should support.

He's just words and style, yet those words and style have led to unprecedented ACTION in voter registration, platform meetings, political donations, etc. that this country has never seen. Yet it's just words, style and hype.

The reality is that one key measure of leadership is FOLLOWERSHIP. Another key measure is VISION. He has these in spades. You may not like his vision, but people are following. If you want to hate on anyone, you should be hating on the followers, not the leader. If you hate on the followers, you are hating on a plurality of Americans (if judged by polls) and of Europeans as well. That's your choice.

E.C.Coleman   July 24th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Any Poll Released by CNN is questionable.

Griff   July 24th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

I just caught Obama, invading my Porch. I can't stand Hornet-Nest's. I poured disinfectant on it. Can't do with Pesky's, they are so anoying…

Vig   July 24th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

I'm waiting for CNN to headline Poll of Polls when McCain swings ahead because the American public is sick and tired of the media deciding this election.

Ron Nebraska   July 24th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

There is absolutely no way this race is even close, I refuse to believe that the American electorate could possibly be that ignorant, but if they are then this country deserves what ever dysfunctional, immoral, corrupt government you can imagine.

Ron   July 24th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

McCain served in the military and i respect him for that. But sitting in a cage for 5 years does not make you a war hero or expert

Obama is our only chance   July 24th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

The reason the polls are closing in on you Mr. Obama is because you are not defending yourself well enough. Mr. McCain is attacking you with fabrications and outrageous exaggerations. Obama, you must stop this now. You must start attacking back. Point out McCain's shifts and his lies. McCain is now changing the facts to fit his positions. This can not be ignored Mr. Obama and must be brought to the fore front. If you play it nice the whole campaign you will be the nicest man to ever lose the white house. You must hammer McCain on this surge timeline misstatement and his defence of it! You must get tough now before the American public become brain washed by the Right and their ocean of lies that wash away the truth. McCain and his surrogates have thrown the truth out the window. They have now decided to say anything, regardless if its true or not, just to get the shock value and NO ONE IS CALLING THEM OUT ON IT. YOU must stop this. YOU must take him by the neck and wrestle his lies out into the open. You may think that the public are high minded people and well educated but the truth is most people are sheep and will start to believe anything that they hear enough. Unfortunately right now they are only hearing the smears that come from the Right and McCain. You have the power to stop this and win the election.

Dee   July 24th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Didn't McCain give a speech in Canada? Is CNN's bias showing here? Come on report the news fairly :)

Dan, TX   July 24th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

We are all looking forward to the campaign and have begun organizing activities in College Station, Texas. McCain will not win Brazos County, home of Texas A&M and the George Bush Presidential Library.

P.S. Bob Gates is voting for Obama as is Brent Scowcroft. Ask them.

Carlton McKoy   July 24th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

What value is there in the average? The absolute figures would be far more valuable. Let's have them.

LatinosforMcCain   July 24th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Obama is going down, soon he will fall out the map!!! Latinos open your eyes and ears we can smell a RAT obama is not for the Latinos!!John McCain will do more then OBAMA. he is Pandering to the Hispanic People he is a fake, flip flop on everything, and the AMERICAN people are starting to notice the fruad this man is.

Latinos for McCain!!!

TerryDo--PumaPac   July 24th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

WOW !!!

Obama ahead by three points.

Shouldn't the presumptive candidate be ahead by at least 12 points at this stage of the race?

Jane   July 24th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

I have come to the conclusion that no matter what Obama does, it will constantly be twisted and torn apart at CNN. I didn't hear any comments about the fact that McCain stood in front of the cameras outside a restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, picking food from his teeth as he awaited a question from a reporter. Meanwhile, we see an eloquent man speaking to 200,000 in Berlin! May I add, finding fault with his trip being too successful! I don't get it.

Straight Talk Distress   July 24th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Is it 4 or is it 3??

Independant Thinker   July 24th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

It is staring to dwindell isn't it.

In a year where the democrats should be up by 20+ points, it really makes you wonder.

The thing that I wonder is what would Hillary's lead be???

I think that Obama is starting to wear thin on a lot of people.

Steven   July 24th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

The Warmongers Are So Jealous Of Obama.
Bunch Of Cry Baby Haters, Running Out Of Kitchen Sinks!

J McFarlin   July 24th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

I've never been this excited about an election. Obama will make a great president. Our country needs a good leader to help us get through this difficult period.

Dee   July 24th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Fox and CNN are owned by the same company right? CNN's bias has been showing throgh lately.

hillbilly,arkansas   July 24th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

no more comments on polls .they change daily,and obama remains ahead in all of them.now,define 'victory' in iraq,please ?pumas?republicans?anyone voting for mccain is free to respond.

Dee   July 24th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

Fox News is used? Wow, I'm not surprised Obama isn't losing:).
Terrorist fist jab.

Steven   July 24th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Who Cares! Up, Down, Even, 1-point, 5-p[oints, 20-points, 40-points!

Obama 08

TheTruthHurts   July 24th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Oh yeah, for all you folks with your heads in the sand who think Obama has no specifics, just speeches; take a visit to barackobama.com and cure your ignorance. You may not like the specifics, but they are there. When you're done, go to McCain's site and look for specifics. This should be a very enlightening exercise.

Remember, Republicans have long been the party of simple generalizations, "gays bad, guns good.' The Clintons wore people out with detail. To think that a Democrat has less detail than a Republican is almost laughable. Part of the Republican platform is for government to do less. It shows in the level of detail they provide. Again, you may not agree with Demographic detail, but it's there.

Ask yourself, what is McCain's plan for healthcare, global warming, education? Now ask yourself if the nice concepts scale nationally?

K Mansfield, NY, NY   July 24th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Headline: Poll of polls update: Obama ahead by four

Text: Barack Obama holds a 3-point lead over John McCain in the latest CNN poll of polls.

continuity check?

RB   July 24th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Wow! Did you see Obama on TV today? 200,000 Germans show up to see/hear a black American!! That is what HOPE is all about, Mr. McCain.

I guess if more of us average folks had $100M in the bank and could run up $800K on the AmEx each month, we'd probably share your view on hope, Mr. McCain. You challenged Obama to go overseas and now you're "whining". OBTW, didn't you go to Columbia and Canada to talk up NAFTA?? Were those political trips?? Shhhhhh. Don't say anything else. You're speaking out of your _______.

America, THIS IS OUR CHANCE to return to glory!

OBAMA/WEBB - 08!!!!!

Kaygee   July 24th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

Obama's veneer will thin out more rapidly during his trip. Anti-Obama contingents in France may take advantage of the "Puma" brand of sportswear.

Mary Wendy Oregon   July 24th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

Personally, I think pollsters are having a hard time calibrating their sampling to: 1) the influx of new voters, many of whom are in demographics previously underrepresented in general election voting; and 2) the enthusiasm factor which will affect turnout of pro-Obama voters while the hohum factor may keep more McCain voters away…..
There is little doubt that Obama will clobber McCain at the polls in November….even without the incredible advantage Obama will have as the election approaches and his overwhelming financial advantage and paid media blitz kicks in. This current small percentage behind status for McCain is the best its gonna get …and may not be that good!

TheTruthHurts   July 24th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

Stop with the polls already. I want to get to the convention, pick some veeps, have some debates and get on with the election.

As for Berlin, the jealousy is palpable. Any politician should be applauded for gathering an audience to hear his message. Obama added to America's stature and image while abroad and that is good for the country, regardless of who's president.

McCain has a plane. He can go to Europe or whereever he likes. He's already been to Colombia, Mexico and Canada. Maybe he did a town hall? Good for him.

Tony, Miami   July 24th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

You have already published this result this morning and it was 4 pts.???

Maggie Muggins From Selwyn   July 24th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Are you kidding we are supposed to put any credence in polls taken by Fox News and the Wall Street Journal?

That is just an attempt to show Americans are uninformed and ignorant not intended to represent the true situation.

JoelWhy   July 24th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

Soooooo, Obama has a 3-point lead, but he's ahead by four. I'm guessing no one told the journalist that there would be math…

trust   July 24th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

Most people don't even bother with landline phones anymore, especially the 35 and younger crowd, these polls are flawed.

EDW   July 24th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Since they are not polling people on their cell phones and not taking into account Nader and Barr this will be ignored by me.

Dems '08

oldsoldierboy   July 24th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

The troops will never allow McCain the win this. CNN must be only polling the rich.

haha   July 24th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Which is it McCain network.. 3 or 4?

David Newport, OR   July 24th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

stupid poll…just like I said last week…and the week before. All that matters is the number 270. Maybe CNN will someday wise up and stop trying to "create" news and instead just report it? Doubtful.

Raphael Texas   July 24th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Will someone tell Obama when he gets off his world tour that the Presidency is not a game or reality show. It actually takes a person with good judgement and experience to run a country.

FACT: Obama did not support the troop surge in Iraq, and said "it will never work."
FACT: Barrack Flip Flop Obama now says the surge has worked but not due to the hard working U.S. Troops????????What???????

FACT: McCain A Leader, A war Hero, a man who actually has and will put his Country first.

Anna   July 24th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

The polls are closing in because this European dog and pony show turns a lot of folks off.

He is supposed to be running a campaign for the American vote.
Germany is already an ally. They are not likely to turn against us in the next eight years. He needs to be convincing the American people that he can solve the problems we face in these times.
The media moguls, the celebrities, the politicians, and, yes, the Obamas, can well afford it if things to get a bit worse.
Actually, they can afford for things to get a lot worse!

But millions of Americans cannot.

And this charade is an insult to many of us who want someone to earn our vote by talking in real terms about the issues that matter.

Take Heed: It's gonna take more than the Diaper Vote to Win this Election!

Texan for Progression   July 24th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

To those of you who claim Obama is a socialist, what do you feel about the government bailing out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac??? How about Bear Stearns??? A "true" republican who understands the economic implications usually supports these proposals (to be clear, that "true" republican comment was a shot at you PUMA idiots). How is this not BIG GOVERNMENT??? Obama simply wants the Government to be proactive in preventing crises where bailouts would eventually be required. They are called rules and regulations!!! We have them in every walk of life and where they are lapsed or insufficient, caos is sure to emerge. Cases in point, 1. today's mortgage melt downs (lack of regulation on lending practices); 2. gas/oil prices driven by speculation and hedging instruments that are backed by no tangible commodities (absent regulation).

Big D   July 24th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

I can't emphasize this point enough - the media has done a terrible job in covering this election. They've overanalyzed every aspect of Obama, often casting it in an unncessarily negative light. The media has sometimes even made up their own negative stories (is Obama shifting his stance, when he's not). But they don't do nearly the same level of critical analysis on McCain, so he gets to coast along without all of his negatives being aired in public. The net effect is a distorted view that makes it look like Obama is struggling, rather than McCain. (And yes, there is ridiculous tabloidy coverage of Obama that annoys everyone, including his supporters.) I really believe that Obama would be much further ahead if the media did even an adequate job of critical analysis of McCain and his campaign. And until now, the media's analysis has been unprofessionally lopsided.

bj   July 24th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

The populace is starting to see through the DNC "Gimmick" (putting a fast track black with no credentials in the white house). They should have stuck with Hillary.
MCCain08

Lance Haun   July 24th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

"Poll of polls update: Obama ahead by four
Posted: 04:18 PM ET

(CNN) — Barack Obama holds a 3-point lead over John McCain in the latest CNN poll of polls."

What?

Andres   July 24th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

At least these polls are weekly and not daily. Talk about irrelevance.

rom, NY   July 24th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

cnn please dismiss the fox news polls, they are so partial
u should know fox news' polls are biased

arsben jennings   July 24th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

polls in europe are running 30-60 points ahead and in the racist hateful mean evil wicked united states polls are running 3-6 points ahead of john mccain. that is a total complete lie and distortion polls in america are running barack obama anywhere between 20-30 points ahead of john mccain you know it john mccain knows it and people overseas knows it so stop lying. you are just trying to make this race competitive when you already know it is over with for john mccain if the election was held today barack obama would win by a landslide.

K.T.   July 24th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Does CNN have editors?

[Headline] Poll of polls update: Obama ahead by four

[Text] Barack Obama holds a 3-point lead over John McCain in the latest CNN poll of polls.

jason, tx   July 24th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

Probably has a 40% margin of error that would show Obama by a landslide ;).

Scott   July 24th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

This isn't a poll of polls. Fox, Gallup and Wall Street Journal are all owned by a Republican called Murdoch. These are all Republcan leaning polls!!

Truth Hurts   July 24th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

I wonder who is called in these polls. I have never met anyone who was polled.
The 41% for McCain must not have heard him lie yet. Everything out of his mouth is made up. I think he is suffering from the "mad cow" disease.
According to McCain the surge began before the extra troops got to Iraq. Get it together old man.

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 24th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

i'm gonna take a poll on how many polls there are and how often they're inaccurate.

back in junior high we learned that you cant consider a poll of 1500 people adequate to represent ANYTHING!

not to mention they dont call cell phone users, and WHO is it that has cell phones only—-young people, you know the ones who are sick of living under neoCONs and will vote overwhelmingly for obama!!!!

Just Observing   July 24th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

If Obama is so great and his trip so inspiring, why hasn't he got a bump in the polls from the trip? Looks like America is slowly waking up to the real Obama

Nevada   July 24th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

One of the sources for the Poll of polls includes a recent survey from…Fox News? If Fox News is involved, I won't put much faith in this poll….

Todd   July 24th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

14% of Americans don't have land lines. Who polls them?
Don't believe the hype!!!!

Matthew   July 24th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

You guys use such a weird system. Why don't you emulate Electoral-vote.com or fivethirtyeight.com? You forgot the other polls that were released today by more reputable companies.

Huh?   July 24th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

You should change the header to read Obama up by three.

Heather Seattle, Wa   July 24th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

okay so the headline should say three not four???

Charles Los Angeles   July 24th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

I still can't believe half this country is dumb enough to vote for more of the same. Republicans crap on the rights of Americans left and right and yet we still we come crawling back? What is wrong with these people? Do they not realize that personal freedoms mean absolutely nothing to this party? I am not saying Obama is going to revolutionize the way politics are done, but he is a much better choice than the living dead (mccain).

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