Barack Obama's approval as president is holding steady in the mid-50's, according to new CNN Poll of Polls.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Barack Obama's approval rating is holding steady in the mid-50's, according to a new CNN Poll of Polls.

Fifty-five percent of Americans approve of how Obama's handling his duties in the White House, according to the CNN Poll of Polls, which averaged the six national surveys taken since the president addressed a joint session of Congress on September 9. Thirty-nine percent, on average, disapprove.

The 55 percent approval rating is almost identical to the 54 percent mark that Obama had in August, according to an average of national surveys conducted last month. "The early part of the summer was a bad time for Obama, whose average approval dropped 7 points during that period. But since then, his average approval rating has stabilized in the mid 50s," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

Protests at health care town halls held by members of Congress in their home states and districts received a lot of attention in the news media in August and early September. Many of those demonstrations were directed against the President and his proposals on health care reform.

"It looks like the town hall protests in August didn't drive his ratings down, but it also looks like his nationally televised speech didn't do much to push his ratings up," Holland says.

So how does Obama's 55 percent approval rating stack up to his predecessors in the September of their first year in office?

That mark puts him substantially ahead of Bill Clinton and right in the same ballpark as Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Richard Nixon, says Holland. "Obama is well behind both Bushes, but bear in mind that George W. Bush's mid-September ratings for 2001 were affected by 9/11," he says. "It's impossible to say what his approval rating would have been if 9/11 had not occurred, but the best guess is that Bush would have probably been in the mid-to-low 50s."

This latest CNN "Poll of Polls" consists of the six surveys conducted since Obama's speech to Congress on September 9: Fox News (Sept. 15-16), Pew (September 10-15), Bloomberg (September 10-14), CNN/Opinion Research (Sept. 11-13), USA Today/Gallup (Sept. 11-13) and ABC/Washington Post (Sept. 10-12). The Poll of Polls does not have a sampling error.

Three new national polls released over the past 24 hours indicate that just over half of all Americans approve of how President Obama's handling his job.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Three new national polls released over the past 24 hours indicate that just over half of all Americans approve of how President Obama's handling his job.

Fifty-one percent of people questioned in an NBC News survey released Tuesday night, in a Pew Research Center poll released Wednesday morning, and in the Gallup daily tracking poll released Wednesday afternoon approve of how Obama is handling his duties in the White House.
The president's disapproval rating stands at 37 percent in the Pew poll, 40 percent in the NBC News survey and 41 percent in the Gallup daily tracking poll, and

The 51 percent approval rating is down from an average of 54 percent at the end of July in a CNN Poll of Polls and down from an average of 61 percent in a CNN Poll of Polls from late June. The CNN Poll of Polls is an average of the most recent national surveys.

The Gallup daily tracking poll was conducted August 16-18, with approximately 1,600 people questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

The NBC News poll was conducted August 15-17, with 805 adults questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

The Pew Research Center poll was conducted August 11-17, with 2,010 people questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

(CNN) – Sen. Barack Obama has lost a single point of his lead over Sen. John McCain in CNN’s latest national poll of polls.

Obama is ahead of McCain by six points in Saturday’s poll of polls. Fifty percent of likely voters nationally support Obama, 44 percent support McCain, and six percent are unsure about their choice for president.

In CNN’s October 31 national poll of polls, Obama had a seven-point lead over McCain – 50 percent compared to 43 percent.

CNN’s latest national general election poll of polls consists of the following six surveys: Fox/Opinion Dynamics (October 28-29), ABC/Washington Post (October 28-31), Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (October 29-31), Gallup (October 29-31), Diageo/Hotline (October 29-31), and IBD/TIPP (October 27-31).

CNN’s national poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

(CNN) – A CNN poll of polls released Saturday suggest the presidential race may be tightening in Pennsylvania — a state John McCain’s campaign has made a top target in the campaign’s closing days.

Sen. Barack Obama’s lead over Sen. John McCain in Pennsylvania stands at eight points, according to CNN’s latest poll of polls in the state. Fifty-one percent of likely voters in the state back Obama while 43 percent back McCain. Six percent are undecided. CNN’s previous Pennsylvania poll of polls, released October 30, showed Obama leading McCain by 11 percentage points – Obama had 53 percent support and McCain had 42 percent.

The race in Indiana is tied in CNN’s latest poll of polls in the historically Republican state. Both nominees have the support of 47 percent of likely voters in Indiana, with 6 percent are unsure about their choice for president. In CNN’s previous Indiana poll of polls, released October 30, McCain had a one-point advantage over Obama – 47 percent to 46 percent.

In Florida, Obama is ahead of McCain by four points. The Illinois senator garners support from 49 percent of likely voters in the state and 45 percent support the Arizona senator. Six percent of likely Florida voters are unsure about who should be the next president. In CNN’s October 31 Florida poll of polls, Obama was ahead of McCain by 3 points – 48 percent for Obama and 45 percent for McCain.

CNN’s latest Pennsylvania poll of polls consists of the following four surveys: ARG (October 29-31), Morning Call/Muhlenberg (October 27-31), NBC/Mason-Dixon (October 27-28), and Marist (October 26-27).

CNN’s latest Indiana poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: ARG (October 28-31), Indianapolis Star/WTHR (October 26-28), and Research 2000 (October 24-28).

CNN’s latest Florida poll of polls consists of the following: five surveys: ARG (October 29-31), CNN/Time/ORC (October 23-28), LATimes/Bloomberg (October 25-27), Suffolk (October 23-26), and Reuters/Zogby (October 23-26).

CNN’s state polls of polls do not have a sampling error.

Sen. Obama has an advantage over Sen. McCain in 4 of the 5 CNN's latest state polls of polls.

(CNN) – It's down to the wire for Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain as
the two men enter their final weekend of campaigning. With just three days until Election Day, CNN's latest polls of polls shows Obama holding on to leads in a few key battlegrounds — and neck-and-neck with McCain in others.

Obama leads McCain by 12 points in CNN's latest New Hampshire poll of polls. Fifty-three percent of likely voters in New Hampshire support Obama and 41 percent back McCain. Six percent are unsure about their choice for president. In CNN's October 31 New Hampshire poll of polls, Obama led McCain by 15 points - 54 percent compared to 39 percent.

Obama is also ahead in Wisconsin, where CNN's latest poll of polls in the state gives him an 11 point lead: Fifty-three percent of voters in Wisconsin support the Illinois senator and 42 percent support the Arizona senator. Five percent of voters in the state are unsure about their choice for president. In CNN's October 30 Wisconsin poll of polls, Obama was ahead by 12 points - 53 percent to 41 percent.

In Colorado, Obama is ahead by 7 points in CNN's latest poll of polls. Fifty-two percent of likely voters in the state support Obama and 45 percent support McCain. Three percent of voters in the state are undecided. In CNN's October 31 Colorado poll of polls, Obama and McCain were also separated by 7 percentage points - 51 percent for Obama and 44 percent for McCain.

Obama holds the slimmest of advantages in Montana in CNN's first poll of polls for the state: Forty-six percent of likely voters in the state back Obama, and 45 percent support McCain. Nine percent of Montana's likely voters are unsure about their choice for president.

The two presidential rivals are tied in CNN's latest Missouri poll of polls. Each man garners support from 48 percent of the state's likely voters. Four percent are unsure about their choice for president. The two men were also tied at 47 percent each in CNN's October 31 Missouri poll of polls.

CNN's latest New Hampshire poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: Research 2000 (October 28-30), ARG (October 28-30), and WMUR/UNH (October 28-30).

CNN's latest Wisconsin poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: University of Wisconsin (October 21-28), Research 2000 (October 27-28), and Big Ten Battleground (October 19-22).

CNN's latest Colorado poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: ARG (October 28-30), Marist (October 27-28), and CNN/Time/ORC (October 23-28).

CNN's first Montana poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: American Research Group (October 28-30), NBC/Mason-Dixon (October 23-25), and Montana State University (October 16-20).

CNN's latest Missouri poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: ARG (October 28-30), CNN/Time/ORC (October 23-28), and Reuters/Zogby (October 23-26).

CNN's state polls of polls do not have sampling errors.

(CNN) - After a string of surveys that seemed to indicate John McCain was reducing Barack Obama's polling edge, the most recent numbers added to the latest CNN poll of polls suggest the Democratic nominee is holding on to his advantage nationally.

A new CNN Poll of Polls compiled Thursday evening indicates that 50 percent of likely voters are backing Obama for president, with 43 percent supporting McCain and 7 percent undecided.

The previous poll of polls, compiled earlier Thursday, suggested that Obama held a 5 point lead over McCain.

Election Center: Check out the latest state polls

This latest edition of the poll of polls is an average of eight national surveys: CBS/New York Times (October 25-29), Fox/Opinion Dynamics (October 28-29), ARG (October 25-27), ABC/Washington Post (October 26-29), Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (October 27-29), Gallup October 27-29), Diageo/Hotline (October 27-29) and IBD/TIPP (October 25-29).

(CNN) – Sen. Barack Obama’s is ahead of Sen. John McCain by nine points, according to CNN’s latest national general election poll of polls. Fifty-one percent of likely voters support Obama while 42 percent support McCain. Seven percent of those surveyed are unsure about their choice of president.

Obama was ahead of McCain by eight points – 50 percent compared to 42 percent in CNN’s previous general election poll of polls released Friday afternoon.

CNN latest national poll of polls is composed of the following eight surveys: Newsweek (October 22-23), ABC/Washington Post (October 19-22), CBS/NYT (October 19-22), Fox/Opinion Dynamics (October 20-21), Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (October 22-24), Gallup (October 22-24), Diageo/Hotline (October 22-24), and IBD/TIPP (October 19-23).

The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin campaigned recently in Ohio.

LIMA, Ohio (CNN) - It all came down to Ohio in the last presidential election, and a new average of the latest polls in this crucial battleground state indicates that the state is once again up for grabs.

George W. Bush's narrow victory in Ohio four years ago put the President over the top in his bid for re-election. This time around, Ohio could be just as crucial to the outcome of the race for the White House.

A CNN poll of polls compiled Saturday afternoon suggests that Barack Obama has a five-point lead in Ohio, 49 percent to 44 percent, with 7 percent of voters undecided in their choice for president.

This new edition of CNN's Ohio poll of polls consists of five surveys, an Ohio Newspaper poll conducted October 18-22, a Quinnipiac survey taken October 16-21, a CNN/Time/Opinion Research Corporation poll conducted October 19-21, a Suffolk University survey taken October 16-19, and an NBC/Mason Dixon poll conducted October 16-17.

Senator Barack Obama, D-Illinois, was up by 7 points over Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, in the previous CNN Ohio poll of olls, which was compiled on October 23.

Both candidates, their running mates, and their surrogates, are spending a lot of time campaigning in Ohio. And Ohio voters are getting inundated with campaign television commercials. The McCain and Obama campaigns have spent a combined estimated $29 million in advertising in Ohio this election cycle.

Obama is up 9 points over McCain.

(CNN) - Barack Obama appears to be widening his lead over John McCain as Election Day inches closer.

According to the latest CNN poll of polls, the Illinois senator now holds a 9-point advantage over McCain nationwide, 51 percent to 42 percent.

That's an increase of two points over the last two days for Obama and a reflection of several national polls that suggest the race seems to be headed in the wrong way for the Arizona senator with only a week and a half remaining.

Included in the latest CNN poll of polls are new surveys from ABC/Washington Post (October 19-22), CBS/NYT (October 19-22), Fox/Opinion Dynamics (October 20-21), Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (October 20-22), Gallup (October 20-22) and Diageo/Hotline (October 20-22).

Sen. McCain campaigned in Florida Thursday where Sen. Obama has a three-point advantage, according to CNN's latest poll of polls for the state.

(CNN) – There is little good news for Sen. John McCain in the half dozen CNN state polls of polls released Thursday.

In five of the six states – Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Nevada, and Florida – Obama has an advantage over McCain. In West Virginia, McCain is ahead but just by two points.

In the six states, Obama’s lead is greatest in Pennsylvania where he is ahead of McCain by ten points – 51 percent to 41 percent with eight percent of likely voters in the state unsure about their choice for president. In CNN’s previous Pennsylvania poll of polls released October 16, Obama had a lead of 13 points – 53 percent to 40 percent.

In Virginia, Obama is ahead by eight points in CNN’s latest poll of polls. Fifty-one percent of likely voters in Virginia support Obama and 43 percent support McCain. Six percent of the state’s voters are unsure. In CNN’s previous Virginia poll of polls released October 6, Obama’s advantage was four points – 49 percent versus 45 percent.

Obama leads in Ohio by 7 points in CNN’s latest poll of polls for the state. The Democratic nominee has the support of 50 percent of likely voters in the battleground state while 43 percent back McCain and seven percent are unsure. CNN’s October 20 Ohio poll of polls showed Obama ahead of McCain by three points – 48 percent compared to 45 percent.

In Nevada, Obama is ahead by four points. Forty-five percent of likely voters in the state support McCain while 49 percent support Obama. Six percent of likely voters in Nevada are unsure about their choice for president. In CNN’s previous Nevada poll of polls released October 13, Obama was also ahead by four points – 49 percent versus 45 percent.

In CNN’s Florida poll of polls, Obama has an advantage of three points. Obama has support from 48 percent of Florida’s likely voters compared to 45 percent support for McCain. Seven percent of the state’s likely voters are unsure about their choice for president. In CNN’s previous Florida poll of polls released October 18, Obama also lead by three points and both men had the same levels of support.

CNN’s first West Virginia poll of polls shows a two-point advantage for McCain. The Republican nominee has the support of 47 percent of likely voters in the state and 45 percent support Obama with 8 percent unsure about their choice for president

CNN’s Pennsylvania general election poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: Quinnipiac (October 16-21), Morning Call/Muhlenberg (October 18-22), and Susquehanna (October 16-18).

CNN’s Virginia general election poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: Mason-Dixon (October 20-21), CNN/Time/ORC (October 19-21), and Suffolk University (October 3-5).

CNN’S Ohio general election poll of polls consists of the following four surveys: Quinnipiac (October 16-21), CNN/Time/ORC (October 19-21), Suffolk University (October 16-19), and NBC/Mason-Dixon (October 16-17).

CNN’s Nevada general election poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: CNN/Time/ORC (October 19-21), Mason-Dixon (October 8-9), and Research 2000 (October 3-6).

CNN’s Florida general election poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: Quinnipiac (October 16-21), Mason-Dixon (October 20-21), and Research 2000 (October 13-15).

CNN’s West Virginia general election poll of polls consists of the following three surveys: CNN/Time/ORC (October 19-21), NBC/Mason-Dixon (October 16-17), and American Research Group (October 4-8).

CNN’s state polls of polls do not have a sampling error.

Sen. Obama leads Sen. McCain in CNN's lates national general election poll of polls.

(CNN) – Sen. Barack Obama is maintaining his lead over Sen. John McCain, according to CNN’s latest national poll of polls.

In Wednesday’s poll of polls, Obama’s support with likely voters stands at 50 percent and McCain’s at 43 percent. Seven percent of those surveyed are unsure about their choice for president.

The latest poll of polls represents a slight tightening compared to the previous national poll of polls when Obama stood at 51 percent and McCain at 42 percent. Obama’s nine-point lead in the previous poll of polls was Obama’s widest advantage so far over McCain.

Wednesday’s CNN national poll of polls is comprised of the following eleven national general election surveys: American Research Group (October 18-20), Franklin & Marshall (October 13-19), IPSOS-McClatchy (October 16-20), Fox/Opinion Dynamics (October 20-21), AP/GfK (October 16-20), Pew (October 16-19), CNN/ORC (October 17-19), ABC/Washington Post (October 16-19), Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (October 19-21), Gallup (October 19-21) and Diageo/Hotline (October 19-21).

CNN’s poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

The two presidential rivals shook hands after their last debate as their wives looked on.

(CNN) - Sen. Barack Obama has his largest lead so far over rival Sen. John McCain, according to CNN’s latest national poll of polls.

Obama leads McCain by nine points in the poll of polls released Tuesday – 51 percent to 42 percent. Seven percent of those surveyed are unsure about their choice for president.

In Monday’s CNN’s poll of polls, Obama’s lead over McCain was seven points – 51 percent to 44 percent.

“Today’s Poll of Polls average reflects the fact that Obama has moved into a commanding position in the presidential race,” said CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “Obama is either tied or ahead in all of the battleground states. The Democrats now have what may be a decisive edge in terms of voter enthusiasm and financial resources. The financial meltdown has played to Obama’s advantage. By most measurements, McCain was not able to use the debates to gain ground on Obama. And most of the campaign is now being waged in previously red states. While anything can happen in the remaining two weeks, it’s hard not to conclude that McCain’s back is against the wall.”

Tuesday’s CNN poll of polls is composed of the following six national general election surveys of likely voters: Pew (October 16-19), CNN/ORC (October 17-19), ABC/Washington Post (October 16-19), Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (October 18-20), Gallup (October 18-20) and Diageo/Hotline (October 18-20). The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

Sen. Obama is ahead in four states and nationally in Wednesday's CNN polls of polls.

(CNN) – CNN’s latest polls of polls show Barack Obama leading John McCain in Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida - but slipping slightly nationally and in Florida, losing one point in each.

In CNN’s first Nevada poll of polls, Obama leads McCain by 3 percentage points. The Illinois senator has the support of 49 percent of likely voters in Nevada, while 46 percent support the Arizona senator. Five percent of likely voters in Nevada are unsure about their choice for president.

In CNN’s latest Ohio poll of polls, Obama has increased his advantage over McCain. In Ohio, Obama is now ahead of McCain by five percentage points with support from 50 percent of likely voters in the state compared to support from 45 percent for McCain. Five percent of likely voters in the state are unsure about who they prefer. In CNN’s September 21 Ohio poll of polls, Obama was ahead of McCain by a single point – 47 percent versus 46 percent.

In Pennsylvania, Obama has also increased his advantage. CNN’s October 3 Pennsylvania poll of polls showed Obama ahead by 10 percentage points – 51 percent versus 41 percent. In the new Pennsylvania poll of polls released Tuesday, Obama is ahead by 12 points. The Democratic nominee has the support of 52 percent of likely voters in Pennsylvania, while the Republican nominee has the support of 40 percent of likely voters. In Pennsylvania. Eight percent of likely voters are unsure about their choice for president.

Nationally, Obama leads McCain by four points in CNN’s latest national poll of polls. Forty-eight percent of voters support Obama while 44 percent support McCain; 8 percent of voters aren’t sure about who they support. In CNN’s October 7 national poll of polls, Obama was ahead by 5 percentage points – 49 percent for Obama and 44 percent for McCain.

Obama has also lost a point in CNN's latest Florida poll of polls. Forty-nine percent of likely voters in Florida support Obama, 45 percent support McCain, and 6 percent are unsure about who they support for president. In CNN's October 2 Florida poll of polls Obama was ahead of McCain by five points - 49 percent to Obama's 44 percent.

CNN’s national poll of polls is composed of the following five surveys: American Research Group (September 4-6), Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (September 4-6), NBC/Wall Street Journal (October 4-5), Gallup (October 5-7), and Diageo/Hotline (October 5-7).

CNN’s Nevada poll of polls is composed of three surveys: Research 2000 (October 3-6), CNN/Time/ORC (September 28-30) and ARG (September 27-29); CNN’s Ohio poll of polls is composed of three surveys: CNN/Time/ORC (October 3-6), ABC/Washington Post (October 3-5) and Quinnipiac (September 27-29); CNN’s Pennsylvania poll of polls is composed of three surveys: Morning Call/Muhlenberg College (October 3-7), WHYY/West Chester University (October 3-6) and Quinnipiac (September 27-29); and CNN's Florida poll of polls is composed of four surveys: Mason-Dixon (October 4-6), CNN/Time/ORC (September 28-30), Suffolk (September 27-30) and Quinnipiac (September 27-29).

CNN’s polls of polls do not have sampling errors.

Sen. McCain is trailing in Minnesota despite the fact that the Republican convention was held in St. Paul.

(CNN) – With less than a month to go until Election Day, CNN’s latest Minnesota poll of polls shows a major advantage for Sen. Barack Obama.

Obama now leads Sen. John McCain by 14 percentage points – with support from 54 percent of likely voters in the state, compared to 40 percent for McCain. Six percent of likely Minnesota voters are unsure about their choice for president. In CNN’s previous Minnesota poll of polls, Obama was ahead of McCain by a single point – 47 percent to 46 percent.

“The meltdown on Wall Street has significantly strengthened Obama’s hand in Minnesota,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “The crisis has reinforced the state’s traditional embrace of economic populism, which almost always benefits the Democrats. At the same time, any local bounce McCain might have received from holding his party’s convention in St. Paul has now worn off. It’s worth remembering that no Republican candidate has carried Minnesota since Richard Nixon in 1972; it’s tough to imagine any GOP candidate seriously contesting the state when he’s trailing nationally by five or six points.”

Tuesday’s CNN Minnesota poll of polls is made up of the following three surveys: Minnesota Public Radio/Humphrey Institute (October 3-5), Star Tribune (September 30-October 2) and CNN/Time/ORC (September 28-30).

The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

Minnesota is the latest in a number of states that have seen growing advantages for Obama since the financial crisis began.

Sen. Obama campaigned in Newport News, Virginia over the weekend.

(CNN) – Less than a month before Election Day, Barack Obama appears to hold a growing advantage over John McCain in the traditionally red state of Virginia, according to a new CNN Virginia poll of polls released Monday.

Obama has the support of 49 percent of likely voters in the state while McCain has the support of 45 percent. Six percent remain unsure about their choice for president.

In CNN’s previous Virginia poll of polls, released on October 2, Obama was ahead of McCain by a single point – 48 percent to 47 percent.

“Virginia hasn’t voted for a Democratic presidential nominee in 44 years,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “But the combination of a struggling economy and the state’s changing demographics might be enough to turn the tide this time. If Obama wins the D.C. suburbs in Northern Virginia by a landslide while benefiting from a large turnout from African-Americans and younger voters statewide, the Democrats might carry Virginia’s 13 electoral votes. That would be a serious blow to McCain.”

Monday’s CNN Virginia poll of polls is comprised of the following four surveys: Suffolk (October 3-5), CNN/Time/ORC (September 28-30), Mason-Dixon (September 29-October 1), and ARG (September 27-29). The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

A new poll out Monday shows Obama ahead in the battleground state of New Mexico. CNN’s latest polls of polls in show Obama leading McCain in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, and virtually tied in typically red Colorado.

Sen. McCain held a town hall in Denver earlier this week.

(CNN) - Call it the Rocky Mountain battle for the White House.

A new CNN Poll of Polls in Colorado suggests the battle for the state's 9 electoral votes is a dead heat. In the survey, compiled Sunday, 47 percent of likely voters in Colorado back Barack Obama for president, with 46 percent supporting John McCain. Seven percent of those questioned are undecided.

The CNN Poll of Polls is a compilation of the latest surveys in the state. The polls in this latest average are a Mason-Dixon survey conducted September 29-October 1, a CNN/Time/Opinion Research Corporation poll taken September 21-23, and an American Research Group survey conducted September 23-25.

Both campaigns are spending a lot of time and money campaigning in Colorado. McCain made a swing through the state on Thursday and Friday. Obama last campaigned in Colorado on September 29. The Democrats also held their party's national convention there in late August.

Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada are three mountain west states that voted for George W. Bush in 2004 that the Democrats are hoping to turn from red to blue come Election Day.

Sen. Obama campaigned in Pennsylvania Friday where he currently holds a 10-point lead over Sen. McCain, according to a new CNN Pennsylvania poll of polls.

(CNN) – A day after the McCain campaign announced that it is shifting resources out of Michigan and into other battleground states, CNN’s latest polls of polls in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania suggest that Sen. John McCain may face an uphill battle in both states between now and Election Day.

Sen. Barack Obama is now ahead in New Hampshire by 6 percentage points. Obama has the support of 48 percent of likely voters in New Hampshire while McCain’s support stands at 42 percent and 10 percent are unsure about their choice for president.

In CNN’s previous New Hampshire poll of polls released on September 26, Obama was up by two points – 46 percent to McCain’s 44 percent.

During the Democratic primaries, Obama lost Pennsylvania to Sen. Hillary Clinton. In CNN’s latest poll of polls, however, Obama leads McCain by 10 percentage points with likely Pennsylvania voters – 51 percent versus 41 percent, with 8 percent unsure. In CNN’s previous Pennsylvania poll of polls released on October 1, Obama also led McCain by 10 points – 49 percent to 39 percent.

“The New Hampshire numbers in particular are a worrisome sign for the McCain campaign,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “Granite State voters saved McCain in the 2000 and 2008 Republican primaries. He’s had high hopes for the state’s four electoral votes in November. But New Hampshire is a state that, like the rest of New England, is increasingly tilting Democratic. At least for now, it looks as if McCain’s personal connection to the state may not be enough. At the same time, Obama’s double-digit lead in Pennsylvania is threatening to keep that state’s 21 electoral votes out of serious contention in the campaign’s final days.”

CNN’s New Hampshire general election poll of polls released Friday is composed of the following three surveys: Research 2000 (September 22-24), Suffolk University (September 21-24), and St. Anselm College Institute of Politics (September 25-30).

CNN’s Pennsylvania general election poll of polls released Friday is composed of the following three surveys: Quinnipiac (September 27-29), Muhlenberg College/Morning Call (September 27 October 1), and Franklin & Marshall (September 23-28).

CNN’s polls of polls do not have a margin of error.

Sen. Obama is ahead by four points in Thursday's CNN poll of polls.

(CNN) – As the fate of the first head-to-head debate between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain remains uncertain, CNN’s latest poll of polls shows the Democratic nominee with a 4 point advantage over his Republican rival. Obama has the support of 47 percent of voters to McCain's 43 percent, with and 10 percent unsure about their choice for president. In CNN’s previous poll of polls, released Wednesday night, Obama was ahead by 5 points – 49 percent versus 44 percent.

“Since the start of the financial crisis, Sen. Obama has held a small but clear edge in the horserace,” said CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “Sen. McCain’s decision to suspend his campaign in the midst of this crisis can be seen as an attempt to regain the upper hand on the economy — an issue which so far continues to work to Obama’s advantage. The overwhelming majority of Americans are more concerned with the state of the economy than with any other issue.”

Thursday’s national general election poll of polls is comprised of the following four surveys: Marist (September 22-23), Fox News/Opinion Dynamics (September 22-23), Gallup (September 22-24), and Diageo/Hotline (September 22-24). CNN’s poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

Sens. McCain and Obama put politics aside recently to come together and observe the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at Ground Zero.

(CNN) – The race for the White House remains virtually neck-and-neck, according to CNN’s latest poll of polls.

For the first time since September 7, Sen. Barack Obama is ahead of Sen. John McCain in CNN’s national poll of polls. Obama has the support of 46 percent of registered voters compared to 45 percent for McCain, while nine percent are unsure about their choice for president. In Tuesday’s CNN poll of polls, the two men were tied at 46 percent each.

“The presidential race has been a virtual dead heat since the end of the conventions,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “At the moment, the McCain and Obama campaigns’ advertising strategies appear to be cancelling each other out. What we can’t yet measure, however, is the impact of the crisis on Wall Street. Economic issues favor Obama, but voters tend to support McCain more in terms of overall leadership and crisis management. The bottom line is that, with 48 days to go, this race is a toss-up.”

Wednesday’s poll of polls is comprised of the following four national general election surveys: IPSOS-McClatchy (September 11-15), Gallup (September 14-16), Diageo/Hotline (September 14-16), and American Research Group (September 13-15). The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

Sen. Obama trails Sen. McCain by one points in Saturday's CNN poll of polls.

(CNN) - Saturday’s CNN national Poll of Polls - which includes the new Newsweek survey - shows McCain leading Obama by one point (46 to 45 percent). Friday’s Poll of Polls showed McCain leading Obama by two points (46 to 44 percent).

The national general election "Poll of Polls" consists of four surveys: Newsweek (September 10-11), Fox News/Opinion Dynamics (September 8-9), Gallup (September 9-11), and Diageo/Hotline (September 9-11). The Poll of Polls does not have a sampling error.

Sen. Obama trails Sen. McCain by two points in Friday's CNN poll of polls.

(CNN) – Sen. John McCain continues to have a slight advantage over rival Sen. Barack Obama in the latest CNN poll of polls released Friday afternoon. McCain is now ahead by 2 percentage points – 46 percent to Obama’s 44 percent - with 10 percent unsure about their choice for president. In Thursday’s CNN poll of polls, McCain was ahead by one point – 46 percent to 45 percent.

“The race for the White House has essentially been a dead heat since the Republican Convention,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “Barring something dramatic and unexpected, the horserace numbers are not likely to change very much at least until the debates. As we inch closer to Election Day, the pool of truly undecided voters continues to shrink.”

Friday’s CNN poll of polls is comprised of the following three surveys: Fox News/Opinion Dynamics (September 8-9), Gallup (September 9-11), and Diageo/Hotline (September 9-11). The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

Sens. Obama and McCain are separated by a margin of just one point in Wednesday's CNN poll of polls.

(CNN) – Sen. John McCain continues to hold onto a slim advantage in CNN’s latest poll of polls.

In Wednesday’s Poll of polls, McCain’s margin over Obama is one point, with McCain at 46 percent, Obama at 45 percent and 9 percent unsure about their choice for president.

In Tuesday’s poll of polls, the two rivals were also separated by just one point, with McCain at 47 percent and Obama at 46 percent.

"Why is the race so close? The GOP convention energized the Republican base - but it also helped solidify Democratic opposition to the GOP ticket,” CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said. “Enthusiasm grew among Democrats and Republicans after the Republican convention. Also, the favorable ratings for Obama and McCain are almost identical - and virtually unchanged from where they were in mid-August, before either party's convention began."

Wednesday’s poll of polls is composed of the following five national general election surveys: Fox News/Opinion Dynamics (September 8-9), NBC/Wall Street Journal (September 6-8), American Research Group (September 6-8), Gallup (September 7-9), and Diageo/Hotline (September 7-9).

The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

A New CNN Poll of polls show McCain ahead.

(CNN) – John McCain’s edge is growing in the latest CNN Poll of polls - the first comprised of surveys conducted entirely after the Republican convention.

After averaging in new survey results from CBS, ABC/Washington Post, and Gallup, CNN’s national Poll of polls now shows McCain leading Obama by 2 points, 47 to 45 percent. The CNN Poll of polls released earlier Monday showed McCain ahead of Obama by 1 point, 47 to 46 percent. Eight percent are undecided.

“John McCain is riding high after an extremely successful Republican Convention,” said CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “For the first time all year, McCain is ahead of Obama in the Poll of Polls. The GOP base is energized. The so-called ‘convention bounce’ is alive and well, and has resulted in an overall swing of seven percentage points in McCain’s favor since the Republicans met in St. Paul on September 1. This historic race for the White House will now likely remain tight all the way to Election Day.”

The national general election "Poll of Polls" consists of five surveys: CNN (September 5-7), ABC/Washington Post (September 5-7), CBS (September 5-7), Gallup (September 5-7), and Diageo/Hotline (September 5-7). The Poll of Polls does not have a sampling error.

Sens. McCain and Obama appeared briefly on stage together last month during a forum moderated by Pastor Rick Warren at the Saddleback Church in California.

(CNN) - Sen. Barack Obama’s lead in national polls has shrunk to one point, according to CNN’s latest “poll of polls.”

Sunday’s poll of polls shows Obama leading John McCain 44 to 43 percent.

Obama held a three-point lead in Saturday’s poll of polls. The senator from Illinois was leading McCain 45-42 percent.

"All of the surveys included in our national polling average were conducted at least in part during the Republican Convention," noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. "It's still too early to know exactly how much of a bounce McCain has received. That said, the daily tracking numbers indicate that the [Sarah] Palin pick has clearly energized the GOP's base. We have an extremely tight race for the White House on our hands."

CNN’s most recent poll of polls consists of three surveys: CBS (September 1-3), Gallup (September 4-6), and Diageo/Hotline (September 2-4). The poll of polls does not have a sampling error.

The Republican convention took place last week in St. Paul, Minnesota. Democrats held their convention during the last week of August in Denver, Colorado.

A CNN poll of polls shows Obama up.

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

The poll of polls, an average of five recent national surveys, shows the Illinois senator at 49 percent among registered voters nationwide with McCain at 43 percent.

“When you average the latest national polls, Obama appears to be slowly expanding his lead. He was ahead by four points before the Democratic Convention, and now he’s up by six,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib.

“That said, we’ve seen swings of a point or two on a regular basis over the couple of months. The jury is still out on whether Obama will benefit from any sustained convention bounce. We’re also still waiting to see what — if any — impact the Palin pick and the Republican Convention will have on the race.”

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) — Roughly nine weeks before Election Day, a new CNN poll of polls shows Barack Obama holding a five point lead over John McCain. Only four days after Obama’s acceptance speech and three days after McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin as his running mate, Obama is now ahead of McCain, 49 to 44 percent.

CNN’s previous poll of polls, released August 24, showed Obama leading McCain by four points, 46 to 42 percent.

“Any bounce Obama might have received out of his party’s convention appears to have largely negated by McCain’s surprise selection of Gov. Palin as his running mate,” said CNN Political Editor Mark Preston. “This race has been close all along, and is unlikely to change.”
The three polls included in CNN’s latest national survey average were conducted by CBS, CNN/Opinion Research Corporation, and Gallup. They were each conducted from August 29 to 31. The poll of polls does not have a margin of error.

Obama's lead is down to 1 point over McCain.

(CNN) - For Barack Obama, the Democratic convention and the bump in the polls that is expected to follow couldn't come soon enough.

According to a new CNN poll of polls, the Illinois senator's once-comfortable lead over McCain is down to only 1 point nationwide - potentially troubling news for Obama as he gets set to accept his party's nomination in Denver.

Obama now leads McCain 45 percent to 44 percent, down from a 3-point margin in a CNN poll of polls yesterday and down from an 8-point lead in mid July.

The seemingly rapid drop in the polls could be due to the reemergence of national security issues following the crisis in Georgia, giving McCain an anvil to hammer away at Obama's inexperience. When Russian troops invaded Georgia two weeks ago, McCain vigorously denounced the action and warned of consequences. Obama's reaction was more measured, and potential voters noticed, CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider said.

"Which candidate do voters believe is better qualified to deal with Russia? McCain by better than 2-1," Schneider said. "More experience in military matters and foreign affairs."

CNN Election Center: Check out the latest polls

In a year when the Republican brand is reeling, CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib says the Obama campaign officials should be concerned their lead appears to have become so tenuous.

“This ought to be a landslide Democratic year, but right now the Obama campaign is at risk of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory," Silverleib said. "They’ve been slow to respond as McCain has successfully raised a series of questions about Obama’s basic fitness for the presidency."

"The pressure is mounting for Obama to regain the initiative as he heads to Denver for what is certain to be one of the most critical weeks of his campaign

But can the Democratic presidential candidate rely on the post-convention bounce? Maybe. From 1976 to 2004 every major party nominee has gained ground - 8 points on average - in polls taken immediately after the convention. But in the last presidential cycle, neither President Bush nor Sen. John Kerry received any bounce from either of their conventions.

A new CNN poll of polls shows Obama's lead is dwindling.

(CNN) - In what could be an ominous sign for Barack Obama just days before he is formally named the Democratic presidential nominee, a new CNN poll of polls out Tuesday shows the Illinois senator's lead over John McCain has been cut in half in recent days.

According to CNN's average of several recent national surveys, Obama's lead is now a slim 3 points over the Arizona senator, 46-43 percent - half of his advantage in a CNN poll of polls one week ago, and down from a high of 8 points in mid-July.

Election Center: Check out CNN's electoral map

The latest poll results come amid increased attacks from McCain on Obama's readiness to be commander-in-chief and the re-emergence of national security worries among voters in the wake of the Georgia crisis.

“Over the last week, we’ve seen Sen. Obama’s lead in the poll of polls cut in half,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “This change was likely driven by a renewed focus on foreign policy after Russia’s invasion of Georgia, as well as by Sen. McCain’s willingness to launch more aggressive attacks against Obama on issues such as off-shore drilling."

A Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll out Tuesday evening was the latest national survey to indicate Obama's lead is dwindling, putting the Illinois senator ahead of McCain by only 2 points, well within the poll's margin of error. The CNN Poll of polls also includes new surveys from Quinnipiac and Gallup.

But the recent downturn in the polls for Obama may not last - the Democratic White House hopeful is headed for a week of what is likely to be overwhelmingly postive coverage as he names his running mate and officially accepts his party's presidential nomination.

"The big question now is whether Obama can successfully regain control of the campaign agenda as we head into the Democratic convention," Silverleib also said.