Barack Obama Poll Narrows

The latest Democratic survey shows Obama losing ground to Hillary Clinton while both Democrats trail Republican John McCain. The Illinois Senator has been buffeted by attacks in recent weeks over racially charged sermons given by his Chicago preacher.

By: Michael Stevens
Mar 19, 2008, 2:29 PM EDT

According to a nationwide poll released Wednesday, Barack Obama's big national lead over Hillary Clinton has nearly evaporated in the Democratic presidential race, and both Democrats trail Republican John McCain.

The Reuters/ Zogby poll showed Obama had only a statistically insignificant lead of 47 percent to 44 percent over Clinton, down sharply from a 14 point edge he held over her in February when he was riding the tide of 10 straight victories.

"The last couple of weeks have taken a toll on Obama and in a general election match-up, on both Democrats," pollster John Zogby said.

The Illinois Senator has been buffeted by attacks in recent weeks from New York Senator Clinton over his fitness to serve as commander-in-chief and by a tempest over racially charged sermons given by his Chicago preacher.

Arizona Senator McCain, who has clinched the Republican presidential nomination, is benefiting from the lengthy campaign battle between Obama and Clinton, who are now battling to win Pennsylvania on April 22.

Overall, McCain leads 46 percent to 40 percent in a matchup against Obama in the November presidential election.

When McCain is matched up against Clinton, McCain leads 48 percent to 40 percent, narrower than his 50 to 38 percent advantage over her in February.