August 9, 2008
Posted: 10:09 AM ET

From

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Call it a numbers game. With 87 days to go until the presidential election, our latest CNN Poll of polls shows Barack Obama leading John McCain by five points, 46 percent to 41 percent, with thirteen percent of Americans undecided.

The Poll of polls released Wednesday found an indentical result.

The CNN Poll of Polls is an average of the latest national polls. Our newest edition consists of three surveys, a CBS poll taken from July 31 to August 5, an AP-IPSOS survey conducted from July 31 to August 4, and a Gallup tracking poll taken from August 5 to August 7. Because it’s an average of a number of surveys, our Poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

As we always caution, the presidential election is not a battle for the national vote — rather, it’s a state by state fight for electoral votes. While national polls are important, they are far from the only barometer in determining where the presidential contest stands right now.

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


MOORE FROM FL   August 9th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

My whole family made a mistake in 2000 by voting for Bush; the whole country made another mistake in 2004 by reelecting Bush…This time, it is not going to happen. Hope we have suffered enough to see choose better…OBAMA 2008-2016

prince   August 9th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

obama will make peace with the world and save American economy , the world will be one again.But with mccain america will lose their role as leader of the world .

Akbar Al Sadr   August 9th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

McCain loves America too much and the old ways.

Obama is more in touch with new America and new way of doing things and respecting Iran rights for technology. We know Obama will increase immigration from the middle east and it will good for America to have a stronger Muslim population.

David Stephens   August 9th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

"The Poll of polls released Wednesday found an indentical result."

An "indentical" result? Good to see use of the spellchecker at CNN.com.

Hank Wilfong Jr.   August 9th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Enough of the polls on this and that, and never strictly on the issues. The public waits while election participants look for "garbage" to pop out to discredit or demean an opponent.

The one candidate hung around and hung around, "just in case" some of the dirt fell out to tarnish her main opponent. But, waiting produced nothing-not on him. The shoe fell on an ex-candidate. It was too late for political effect. But, it'll bring much anguish to his family.

Maybe they wouldn't look so hard, if there were no polls to play to, to effect…

frank   August 9th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Thiis poll of polls is such a waste of time, insulting our intelligence. Everyone knows by now that how the question is asked, and what questions are asked influence the result, and to take an average of three polls just seems a total marketing ploy for cnn.

kevin   August 9th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

instead of john edwards speaking at the convention which is now impossible. I WOULD ASK HIS WIFE TO TAKE HIS PLACE AND PUT HER IN THE MAIN PRIME TIME SPOTLIGHT for her courage and perservenece in her battle w/ cancer and overcoming the recent issue if she is up to it. to include her on the main platform would give creedence to the important role that women has in the democratic party and process. i would hope you would take this in consideration.

Polls in August?!?   August 9th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Obama 08

keepitreal50   August 9th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Most of the people who will be voting don't take polls so the polls don't mean alot especially in this election. Many are young new voters who have or don't have cell phones. Polls are not going to be close when the final election results show that Obama smoked McCain like a 79″ Buick with no exhaust. We will see what change actually looks like and it doesn't look like John McCain or the little pesky elves that he has hanging all over him like a cheap suit everyday. Keep up the negative ads John, we think it's funny too. And we'll be laughing all the way to Denver and and will be doubled over cracking up on Nov. 4th old white haired dude. Keep spending that money McCain and you might even buy us the election, hm'.

shay   August 9th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

It seems strange why i can't say again. I am always booted out. I haven't said anything wrong no more than what other people have said. But I still get booted off. Why is that?

Mr. DJ   August 9th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Hi,

MaCain claims his love for the veteran. However, he has been in power for 26 years and on the arm services committee fro many years. Yyet, the care for the vets are worse than they have ever been. Even during the Walter Reed scandel McCaiin offered an apolgy on the Don Imus show for failing them.
He claims experience – i want to know in what.

SANDRA   August 9th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

OBAMA IS RIGHT MCCAIN IS A WRONG AND AN LIAR HIS WIFE IS RICH AND HE WILL NEVER KNOW HOW PEOPLE WITH LITTLE INCOME SURVIVE. HE IS OUT OF TOUCH AND HE WANTS TO FIGHT A WAR THAT WE CAN'T WIN. THOSE PEOPLE IN MISEAST HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR YEARS . PEOPLE IN AMERICA ARE IN TROUBLE WE CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY FOOD, GAS OR PAY MY SON SCHOOL FEES . I DON'T HAVE THE MONIE AFTER BUYING FOOD AND PAYING THE LIGHT BILL.

Military Man   August 9th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

"The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows that the race for the White House is tied—Barack Obama and John McCain each attract 44% of the vote. When "leaners" are included, it’s McCain 47% and Obama 46%. With leaners, the candidates have been within one point of each other for nine straight days (see recent daily results). Tracking Polls are released at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time each day."

The Rasmussen Reports are a much more reliable source for political polling. Many of the news agencies have agenda's and blatant bias … I do not trust them.

ex republican   August 9th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Obama's campaign needs to hammer mcCANE on adultry…..now is the time!!!!!! with edwards in the news, Obama cant miss this opprotunity….

DR. YES   August 9th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

obama's base of support will never abandon him.this is why his numbers do not move much.the big question here is the 13% undecideds and the electoral college.i think when 3rd parties are added,obama's lead increases.do we want change or do we stay the same?

Turnabout is Fair Play   August 9th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

And he is maintaining his lead from those they polled that have land lines, can't wait till those MILLIONS of us who have cell phones go to the poll and show that these low poll leads for Obama is not accurate, we will blow McStain back to the the Old Folks Home!

Karen-phoenix   August 9th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

If they could poll people with cell phones it would probably be Obama 65 and McCain 25!!!! Go to electoral-vote.com and see state by state. Go Obama!

Bobby   August 9th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

What is wrong with 41 percent of people. When are they going to realize that John McCain and Bush are puppets for Exxon/Mobile

Larry Washington   August 9th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Re: Polls of polls – I believe the "Bradley effect" is in play. While Obama is still leading McCain, he cannot pull away when the American public overwhelmingly feel that the country is heading in the wrong direction. The bad economy and high gas prices are gifts to Obama yet he is now seen less trustworthy on these issues than McCain (see latest Rammusen poll) . In the coming days, I believe that the RNC will be able to paint Obama as too risky. The Obama campaign and Obama prematurely believed their MSM "press clippings" I believe McCain has found his message and combined with Obama's thin resume has been an effective one-two punch. Blue-collar white voters are deceiving pollsters by playing nice in their responses to the question – will they vote for Obama?

Blueray98   August 9th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

He should be 20 to 25 points ahead in the polls right now. A democratic victory should be guaranteed for November. But something went wrong. The Democrats decided this time around to rig the primaries and trash the best candidate, so now we have a divided party with millions — including me — voting for McCain. We should have all welcomed a second Clinton run. As I recall, the first one worked pretty well. But no — we have to have a "fresh face" this time around, and the biggest celebrity in world to run our country. It will backfire. Just wait until after the conventions. I think the world will be getting to know the REAL Barack Obama (and his wife) for the first time.

S. Denice   August 9th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Whether 5 points or 50, a lead is a lead, a win is a win. I don't care if Senator Obama wins by a half-point, defeat of John McCain will be sweet. Actually, I don't put a whole lot of trust in these biased, slanted polls. At the end of the day in November if Senator Obama is in the leads he is the next POTUS…

Emma, San Jose, CA   August 9th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

It looks like McCain's angry ads (I say angry because they are aggressive hits below the belt) are not helping McCain.

Chris Andoe   August 9th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

John McCain's too bitter and grumpy to be president of AARP.

Ridgeway   August 9th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Has the edge eh? Obama supporters?? It's scary what happens when stupid people gather in large groups.

Texas Trail Dog!   August 9th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

CNNs poll of polls always has OBAMA with a slight lead. Has anyone out there actually been polled???

ron   August 9th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

how can you trust a man like sen. obama who won't buy his children Christmas and birthday gifts

judyb   August 9th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

It is all about electoral votes…not polls. Barack, with his lead in the polls in individual states, wins by a landslide!

Proud American   August 9th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

America is coming back strong!
Obama '08

beth   August 9th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

A 5% lead in popular vote translates to a landside in the electoral.

Raymond Duke   August 9th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

It is amazing to me that when it is tied in other polls or John McCain has a slight edge in all other polls that CNN always has Obama with a slight edge. Oh I understand because they are for Obama. I don't know why they just do not come out and say it. It is so blatant obvious. They have lost all their credability

Phil Newton, Murphy, OREGON   August 9th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Obama's success may rest on the fact that he is sticking to the ISSUES that Americans care about.

McCain, on the other hand, is continuing his campaign of frat boy pranks and stupid jokes.

Yeah, that helps me put gas in my tank.

My friend.

Matthew   August 9th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

I don't trust any political poll except exit polls. Don't they call people on land line telephones to take them? I don't have a land line, just a cell phone and the younger voter tends to not have a land line either. Obama undoubtedly has the younger vote (under 50) and those are the ones who tend to go to these big speeches. Look at what happened in New Hampshire during the primaries and the actual vote totals in other states tended to be 5 – 10 percentage points different than the last polls before the votes.

I think Obama will take over 50% of the popular vote and take the electoral college by a landslide. He's got my vote and I'm a 50 year old independent.

Shane   August 9th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

You all should just save yourselves the trouble and start linking pollster.com. That way you can save us the agony of having to hear about your poll of polls week after week. It's a much better indicator of the state of the race. You probably won't though, since it'll ruin the story line you're trying to create here.

white guy from Canada   August 9th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

ou think that if Barack Obama were white the polls might read differently.

TJ   August 9th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Glad to see that McCain's silly ads aren't affecting the intelligent American people. He's wasting all of this money talking about Obama being a celebrity and he's still behind!

SaveTheDramaFoObamasMama   August 9th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

So what the poll actually indicates is that 46% of America are fools.

obamabots, have another round of kool-aid!

Belle   August 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

CNN–you spent a LOT of time on Edwards and his lack of integrity…
Why don't you vet Senator Obama? Why didn't his office do anything about the Rezko buildings in his state senate district? Why did Obama write a letter supporting yet another Rezko building the year after HEAT was turned off in the dead of winter? And AFTER Rezko had been sued twice to turn the heat back on??? Why did Obama name Rezko to his US Senate Campaign Finance Committee? WHY AREN'T you investigating both candidates????

CM   August 9th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

I'd like to make a suggestion. Since the popular vote doesn't really count as much other than to show general support of the candidates can you guys start showing more general state and battleground polls?

Janet   August 9th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

This is a good time to relax during the olympics!
Most americans will be viewing the "Games" especially me.

Enjoy your family, relax your mind, and be ready to stomp on McCain when you return. See you in Denver
Janet from Kansas

susie   August 9th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

The main stream media needs to take responsiblity for not telling the people about Edwards a year ago.

Clinton/McCain   August 9th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

New Rasmussen poll has McCain ahead by 1 point!!!

silas   August 9th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Tru stori- I wish the election was today.

R.I.P Bennie Mac

Orlando   August 9th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Where are the Obama Bloggers – nothing to say?

Griff   August 9th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

On the Brink, of the Kitchen-Sink… He'll be washing dishes,
at Burger-King next year….

BJ in NC   August 9th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

And when the debates come and America can visibly see the choices side by side, then they will be able to choose which one is the best candidate, and I am sure it is Senator Obama.

Ell   August 9th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Obama has continued to do well. What bothers me is that the media thinks he should be at 50% and ask why he can't do better?
I don't understand those comments.
If you look back in history Obama is where he should be compared to other elections. I think there is some type of higher expectations for him which is totally not fair.
Again he is doing great to be leading consistently thus far. Also when polling, young people do not have home phones so just keep that in mind we are in the world of technology/cellphones.
THE VOTES WILL COME OUT IN NOVEMBER!
Obama 08

Finally CNN   August 9th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Finally, it is about the electoral votes. Obama is only shy away from 33 electoral votes. We still have 88 days to fill that gap. He has 50 state
strategy. He is a bright leader who is going to take the election to a higher standard and to a spectacular victory. The whole world will watch and envy.
Go America. No drama -Vote for Obama.

sue calgary   August 9th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

POLLS,POLLS,POLLS!!
Who takes them seriously anyway? I am beginning to think that it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it will be for a black man to become the President of the United States! There, I said it! How many others are thinking the same thing but are afraid to say it because it is not "politically correct". I hope I am proven wrong, 'cos Obama is the better candidate, except of course for the "colour of his skin……."" Nuff said
Vote for Change!!!

Sen Obama   August 9th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

I am wondering why all the people who made "failed judgement" are endorsing Obama.

They should know that this "one" will harm the nation big time.

Edwards just accepted his "bad judgement".
Kerry and Kennedy made bad judgement by supporting Iraq War.

caron   August 9th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

so since the celebrity/messiah message doesn't seem to be working, what's the next tactic?

Dave in Illinois   August 9th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Can any statistican out there explain why the Poll of Polls has "no sampling error"? Seems to me that logically it would have to be a least as big as the smallest sampling error on the individual polls if not larger.

Debby, NJ   August 9th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

So CNN why aren't you using the electoral votes map then…is it because the media does not want to set the record straight that OBAMA is much farther ahead then is being reported?
BARACK THE VOTE !!!

Christy   August 9th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

I want Obama to win but enough with the polls. I don't want to hear about them.

election watcher   August 9th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Outspending his opposition by 3 to one and he can only maintain an edge of a lead? So what is it that eveyrone else sees but that his followers refuse to recognize? His lack of experience? His lack of substance? His lack of integrity? His inability to stick by any kind of principles?

Travis   August 9th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

McWar wll wake up one of these days and fire all his staff.

I don't know who's doing all the advising, but they're getting overpaid.

Obama supporter:White, 60 year old woman   August 9th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Like the primaries were about delegates, the national election is about electoral votes which should be included with the "poll of polls".

Call Me!!!   August 9th, 2008 11:57 am ET

SO WHAT!!!! Obama has been leading will continue to lead will WIN

Anonymous   August 9th, 2008 11:50 am ET

By the time the conventions and presidential debates are over we should get a good look of whose's going to win. Obama going to make McCain look like an idiot in the debates.

David   August 9th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Your poll of polls DOES have a sampling error, even if you don't know what it is. Check with a statistician for details.

JIMMIE W BECK   August 9th, 2008 11:45 am ET

NOBAMA, BUT HILLARY IN DENVER….THIS COUNTRY NEEDS HILLARY AND NOT NOBAMA ,EWARDS, KENNEDY,,,, THIS GUY NOBAMA IS A SLIP, SLID, FLIP, FLOPPING FAR LEFT WING IVY LEAGUE LAWYER WHO PLAYS WITH WORDS AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT HE REALLY BELIEVES…NOBAMAS JUDGMENT IS MORE THAN QUESTIABLE. J WRIGHT TO NOBAMAS SPRITIUAL MUSLIM REP…NO NO NOBAMA. NOBAMA IS NOT A GOOD SPEAKER BUT A BIG TALKER…THERE IS A LOT OF DIFFERERNCE. JUST ASK YOUR SELF,,,,,,,WHAT HAS NOBAMA DONE THAT WE VOTERS CAN POINT TO AND SAY HE HAS ACHIEVED THIS FOR THE COUNTRY.. HAS NOBAMA PUT HIS LIFE ON THE LINE FOR THIS COUNTRY OR JUST TALK BIG ABOUT DOING THINGS???? YOU KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT IS NOBAMA…SINCERELY, JIMMIE W BECK, P.S. KERRY ON A GLIDDER, NOBAMA ON A SURF BOARD.,,, REALLY SLIPPERY STUFF…FITS NOBAMA LIFE STYLE,,, RIGHT DUDE…..

greenfun   August 9th, 2008 11:44 am ET

he Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Saturday shows that the race for the White House is tied—Barack Obama and John McCain each attract 44% of the vote. When "leaners" are included, it’s McCain 47% and Obama 46%. With leaners, the candidates have been within one point of each other for nine straight days (see recent daily results). Tracking Polls are released at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time each day.

Kim   August 9th, 2008 11:41 am ET

So if this Poll is correct. Slightly more than half of American voters think that the economy is screwed up. And that ending the Iraq war is a good thing. Really?? Very interesting.

Daki   August 9th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Polls smolls,McCain is a fraud,I am a veteran too and that does not make me a president.Wake up America,the media is allowing the wool to be pulled over your eyes again.I thought that McCain was honorable.Do not wait for his movie like Bush to find out what kind of character he is.

The world supports OBAMA   August 9th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Add another 5 pts. for Obama for all the young people on cell phones that can't be polled and the majority of voters abroad that support Obama.

tigerakabj   August 9th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Everybody keeps asking, "Why isn't Barack up by 10 points?"

The question is why isn't McCain up by more? After all, isn't he the most well known of the 2?

The only poll that will matter is on Nov. 4.

Obama/Sebelius 2008/2012.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   August 9th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Why isn't there a story here about John McCain's infidelity to his wife of 21 years who was ill when he left her for Cindy. What moral ground does he stand on vs. John Edwards.

Charlotte   August 9th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Why is this so close? The odds were stacked against the GOP.
Obama best watch out for his EGO it might get him into big trouble. John Edwards knows about EGO. Obama acts as if he is, THE ONE. I cannot believe the DNC (Dumb Nuts Committee) and their choice for the nominee. I received a donation request from them, and I sent it back with a notation, No money/No vote. Main reason, Kennedy, Kerry, Dean, and Pelosi..I hope they can't pay for the football stadium Obama wants to pat himself on the back. His Presidential Seal was the biggest turn off for this voter. I am beginning to believe he is the Anti-Christ, nothing else explains his popularity. I mean really, what on his resume, qualifies him for the job of POTUS?

Emster   August 9th, 2008 11:32 am ET

I get the feeling that McCain doesn't really want to be president. He doesn't seem to care about a wide array of issues. He just cares about the war and his precious surge, and attacking Obama. He seems like he just wants to win because he's competitive (and maybe feels that the nomination was stolen from him in 2000). But it doesn't seem like he really wants to serve as President. Let's vote for the candidate who really wants to serve, and has a lot of bright ideas about how to solve difficult issues. McCain just doesn't seem focused enough, and he doesn't seem motivated enough, to actually work at serving at the level required for a president.

Charlotte   August 9th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Why is this so close? the odds were stacked against the GOP.
Obama best watch out for his EGO it might get him into big trouble. John Edwards knows about EGO. Obama acts as if he is, THE ONE. I cannot believe the DNC (Dumb Nuts Committee) and their choice for the nominee. I received a donation request from them, and I sent it back with a notation, No money/No vote. Main reason, Kennedy, Kerry, Dean, and Pelosi..I hope they can't pay for the football stadium Obama wants to pat himself on the back. His Presidential Seal was the biggest turn off for this voter. I am beginning to believe he is the Anti-Christ, nothing else explains his popularity. I mean really, what on his resume, qualifies him for the job of POTUS?

ERROL   August 9th, 2008 11:31 am ET

john mcain propoganda is comming from a empty suit, Barack Obama is a fairly new on the Political scene with a theme for change and 200,000 people came to applaud him in Berlin , Mcain is 72 years old and is only known in America. He was a tortured political prisoner and he support that same practice on other human beings no wonder he is unknown. What are the accomplishments of John Mcain, he is 72 and over the hill, if he was a leader, he would be recognise. Barack Obama qualification is similar to Bill Clinton, J.F. Kennedy those are two of our most successfull President.

informed florida voter   August 9th, 2008 11:28 am ET

It's funny no one ever polls any disgruntled Democrats that I know. We're waiting with baited breath.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 9th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Polls, Schmolls – why don't you all hire some good journalists that can give us news instead of gossip and spin?

Bud   August 9th, 2008 11:27 am ET

pretty sure the poll of polls is in November. It would be interesting to see a state-by-state analysis, since we all know it's how you play the electoral college game that wins the election … or selection (2000).

From Texas   August 9th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Bad timing for the old man, my friends!

Texas trail puppy!   August 9th, 2008 11:22 am ET

As if we had any doubt that Obama is going to win this thing , the Obama Camp however has to respond much quicker and forcefully to the GOP B.S machine. P.s thanks CNN for the McCain-Pig article it was better than SNL!!!

PUMA-Jessie   August 9th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Check the Rasmussen tracking poll numbers for today. They have it 44% to 44% and with leaners, its McCain 46 to 45 percent. Obama has been in a free fall for the last ten days and no amount of media bias has been able to stop the bleeding. If the Democrats are smart, they will nominate Hillary Clinton, she has been vetted, people knows where she stands and you get what you see and hear. Obama is a serial flip flopper.

Foreign Observer   August 9th, 2008 11:14 am ET

How can you be "undecided" when the choice is between a balanced supreme court or a bunch of right-wingers, between tax cuts for oil and the super-rich and fair distribution of the burden, between peace and endless war, between a dynamic super-smart politician and an old man probably suffering from PTSD, between a guy who gives you excellent advice (inflate your tires, change your lightbulbs) and the guy who tells 50,000 Harley drivers to rev their engines in neutral? I would so love to believe it isn't race…

offwallst   August 9th, 2008 11:13 am ET

LET ME CORRECT YOU CNN

Barack Obama and John McCain each attract 44% of the vote. When "leaners" are included, it’s McCain 47% and Obama 46%. With leaners,

TN FOR OBAMA   August 9th, 2008 11:11 am ET

When I say Man YOU say Date

MAN – DATE

MAN – DATE

GOBama
GOBama

JWR   August 9th, 2008 11:11 am ET

So, Obama's national position is essentially unchanged since the primaries ended in early June; in fact, it's worse, as a couple tracking polls in the last week have had McCain ahead.

Obama's not sealing the deal–again.

Alice in Florida   August 9th, 2008 11:10 am ET

LOL! A WHOLE three point edge, and he hasn't YET PO'd all the Hillarybots who may still think she may be his VP

…..Also still hasn't, um, uh, um, made an, um, uh, fool, of, um, uh, him, um, uh, self, in, um, uh, duh, a, um, uh, duh, um, DEBATE THAT HE KEEPS RUNNING AWAY FROM – SUCH A COWARD!!!!!!!

PUMA-Jessie   August 9th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Said the wrong words again and was critical of CNN and was taken down imediately. Will try again! To arrive at a 5% point lead the poll of polls had to select some really funny polling outfit results. Over the last week Rasmussen, a major respected polling organization had it from a low of 1 to a high of 2 points. Gallup at it as high as 3 points and Zogby (another major) had McCain in the lead.

NORA, FLORIDA   August 9th, 2008 11:03 am ET

IF AMERICANS KNEW WHAT WAS BEST FOR THEM, THEY WOULD KEEP OBAMA LEADING EVEN AFTER NOVEMBER 6TH!!!!!!

TRULY, WHAT DOES MCCAIN REALLY HAVE IN COMMON WITH THE REST OF US??? DON'T GIVE ME THE EXPERIENCE BULL BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN A SENATOR FOR 30 + YEARS AND LOOK WHERE THAT LEAVES US……..PRESIDENT BUSH…..ALL TIME LOW IN THE POLES.

ChicoSez   August 9th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Like in the dem primary states, the undecided will go overwhelmingly for Obama's opponent, Hillary at first and now John McCain. Why, because a first term semator with no national or international political experience doesn't deserve to be president, Its a very risky proposition that Obama is playing. Obama could be Abe Lincoln but its much more likely that hes Jimmy Carter. I'll vote for someone I've known and admired for thirty years, John McCain. Mc Cain was good enough to be considered for John Kerry's VP choice before he turned it down (what a shame) so I have no trouble voting republican thisonce. PUMA for McCain.

Mike in PA   August 9th, 2008 11:01 am ET

After the first debate the gap will widen. McCain won't be able to hold up a single competent argument.

Anonymous   August 9th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Obama 08 !!!!

John Suk   August 9th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Obama needs to do more to increase his lead over McBush or is it race at play here?

Scott   August 9th, 2008 11:00 am ET

THe poll of polls are Republican polls. More deception and illusions.

Donkey Party   August 9th, 2008 10:55 am ET

It's also far from accurate because a large amount of the Obama demograpic don't have land lines, and only use cell phones, like myself. So the polls mean squat, unless they are done in person.

Michigan for Obama   August 9th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I think the debates will be an interesting contrast of the two candidates…the polls will really mean something after …

Elisabeth   August 9th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Not another man in the White house. It´s only a matter of time until the first "Obama girl" appears. WHERE IS HILLARY CLINTON?

Snerdboy says   August 9th, 2008 10:49 am ET

I laugh at the old man from town"John McCain".

POLL ME!!!   August 9th, 2008 10:48 am ET

A lead is a lead ……keep attacking McAttack ….Include me….. Poll Me

Snerdboy says   August 9th, 2008 10:47 am ET

I laugh at you old man from town.

Emster   August 9th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Fabulous – I am so delighted to see that people are not falling for McCain's negative ads. I hope people are realizing that he has no platform to support. He's just running a baseless negative campaign with no substance. Obama has run a smart, positive campaign and the contrast is clear.

Veteran for Obama   August 9th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Again, these national polls are horrible to judge by. Obama would be blowing McCain away if you take away those southern states well known for being largely racist. Those southern states are the only thing keeping McCain int his thing and it's not because they like McCain. They just don't like Obama by huge numbers compared to the rest of the country.

Ken, LA California   August 9th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Im Supprised the Old man is holding on, the guy dumped his wife for a rich Blonde, talk about christian conservatives voting for such a guy, what is wrong with America.

Northshore   August 9th, 2008 10:44 am ET

I love that little note at the bottom reminding us that this is a state-by-state election. I'm guessing they meant us gentle readers not to read too much into the fact that Obama has maintained a significant lead of McSame over the entire summer. So let's look at Real Clear Politics count of state polls…At this point, Obama could lose Florida, Ohio, Virgina and Colorado and still win. Can some one please tell the media that this race is over? This race is not close and McCain, at this point, needs start doing some drastic to change this essential calculation. Maybe that explains the celebrity knocks…

Donna in Texas - Follower of Christ - Proud Republican!   August 9th, 2008 10:44 am ET

McCain 08′

Just wait…

You will be amazed by the high turn out and margin by which McCain will win in November. Although so many are not crazy about the "Maverick," we would rather see him leading this country any day – than just one day of Obama!

If you people want a socialist country – Take yourself and your socialist leader Obama to a socialist country and leave America. You people are destroying a Great Nation!!!

Jason   August 9th, 2008 10:40 am ET

"Because it’s an average of a number of surveys, our Poll of polls does not have a sampling error."

While there is no "sampling" error, there is still error involved in this average. Why? Because the methodology of each poll varies, creating different bias in different datasets. Had CNN averaged several polls from the SAME pollster, then that would have no error as the random errors within the dataset would cancel out. However, the insinuation that averaging three different samples with different data points leads to an error-free poll is mathematically incorrect.

And why wasn't the Rasmussen poll (Obama +1) included in this "poll of polls"?

Charlotte   August 9th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Why is this so close? The odds were stacked against the GOP.
Obama best watch out for his EGO, it might get him into big trouble. John Edwards knows about EGO. Obama acts as if he is, THE ONE. I cannot believe the DNC (Dumb Nuts Committee) and their choice for the nominee. I received a donation request from them, and I sent it back with a notation, No money/No vote. Main reason, Kennedy, Kerry, Dean, and Pelosi..I hope they can't pay for the football stadium Obama wants, so he can pat himself on the back. His Presidential Seal was the biggest turn off for this voter. I am beginning to believe he is the Anti-Christ, nothing else explains his popularity. I mean really, what on his resume, qualifies him for the job of POTUS?

Jim   August 9th, 2008 10:36 am ET

How is the underlying sample drawn for these various polls? Is it based on land line telephones? If so, given the very high incidence of [only] cell phone users, one might refresh one's memory about the 1936 Literary Digest (I think that's the name) poll that showed Alf Landon being very strong against FDR. It was a telephone poll, conducted at a time during the great depression when only the well to do or rich could afford telephone polls. And those telephone users were the ones who, not astonishingly, mostly voted Republican.

I'm not among the media bashers. Yet I believe that most of the media types are aware of this possible sample problem. Yet, understandingly enough, the media will not highlight highlight it if for no other reason than it would diminish the media's product.

I admit that the foregoing may be harsh. Harsh or not, I'm going to persist in that belief unless/until I hear a decent, at least plausible, rebuttal

susie   August 9th, 2008 10:33 am ET

After the way the media was so hushed on Edward's activity, is there going to be anything coming out of Obama's closet? The only true news reporting in National Enquierer. The mainstream media is having such a love affair with the democrats they have forgotten about true reporting.

bill for barack   August 9th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Obama's lead will only continue to grow.

Richard   August 9th, 2008 10:28 am ET

McFlipFlop is flipping and flopping so much you'd think he was a fish. What CNN and others are not saying is that the margin of error is really around 7% and that the poll of polls uses questionable statitical techniques.

James From Chicago   August 9th, 2008 10:27 am ET

I cannot believe with all the media and press bais , Obama is only
5 points ahead.

He is going to loose, McCain will win.

RyanD.   August 9th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Read Mark Nickolas' article "Popular Vote v. Electoral College (Why The Media Badly Needs A History Lesson)".

It discusses these silly daily "National Tracking Polls" and explains the fact that a 5% advantage here ends in a landslide victory in the Electoral College, which is the only thing that matters.

Obama 08′

Mary In AL   August 9th, 2008 10:26 am ET

WE need a President who is decent like Senator Obama!

We do not need a man like mccain who committs adultery as a military officer and leaves his crippled wife for a younger woman who is a drug addict that got illegal perscriptions but didn't go to prison because of her money. Ugh!

Orlando   August 9th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I don't think so McCain is better and will prevail come November – God Bless America.

Darrell Burks   August 9th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Obama leads even farther in the state by state electoral college. Go Obama!!!!!

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   August 9th, 2008 10:20 am ET

In my poll McCain is leading by 2 points and that is indeed encouraging.

Who wants our president to be a Hussein?

Let's get real.

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