As the race for the White House hots up, Republican presidential nominee John McCain has for the first time wrested a small but insignificant lead over his Democratic rival Barack Obama.
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday showed that the race for the White House is tied with Obama and McCain each attracting 44 per cent of the vote. But when the "leaners" are included, it's McCain 47 per cent and Obama 46 per cent.
This is the first time McCain has enjoyed even a statistically insignificant advantage of any sort since Obama clinched the Democratic nomination on June 3.
A week ago, Obama had a three-percentage point lead and the candidates were even among unaffiliated voters. Today, McCain leads 52 per cent to 37 per cent.
McCain is current favourite of nation's voters with 55 per cent votes as compared to Obama's 51 per cent, lowest rating for the Illinois Senator since he wrapped up the nomination.
Obama is viewed favourably by 83 per cent of Democrats, 22 per cent of Republicans, and 47 per cent of unaffiliated voters. For McCain, the numbers are 87 per cent among Republicans, 26 per cent among Democrats and 61 per cent among unaffiliated voters.
{{/usCountry}}Obama is viewed favourably by 83 per cent of Democrats, 22 per cent of Republicans, and 47 per cent of unaffiliated voters. For McCain, the numbers are 87 per cent among Republicans, 26 per cent among Democrats and 61 per cent among unaffiliated voters.
{{/usCountry}}Forty-six per cent of voters trust McCain on energy issues while Obama is trusted by 42 per cent.
The daily tracking poll comes at a time when both the candidates are trying to see what is the best time to announce their running mates with the campaign advisors making sure to have the best advantage given the Olympics factor and the time of the national conventions.