OBAMA ‘TEN POINTS AHEAD’ IN LATEST POLLS

With little more than two weeks until polling day in the US Presidential election, Barack Obama is starting to establish a clear lead in numerous polls, with evidence suggesting he is ahead in many of the key battleground states that he needs to win in order to secure the Presidency. National polls suggest he enjoys a ten point lead over his Republican rival John McCain, and in “swing” states such as Florida, Colorado and Ohio – all of which were won comfortably by George W. Bush in both 2000 and 2004 – Obama enjoys between 5 and 10 point leads. The extent of Obama’s recent surge is perhaps most clearly evident in Virginia, a state that has not backed a Democratic Presidential candidate since 1964 but now backs Obama by up to 10 points.

Obama’s recent momentum can largely be attributed to American fears over the economy. With the American financial system teetering on the brink of collapse, unemployment rising and fuel prices sky high, Americans are looking for a leader that can best guide them through this perilous and uncertain time, and thus far Obama has proved their preference. The economy as the main issue in the Presidential race clearly favours the Harvard-educated Obama who has advocated prudent policies which have gained widespread approval from many American’s and convinced many undecided voters and even some previous McCain supporters to back Obama. Anecdotal evidence even suggests voters who initially rejected Obama because of his race are now prepared to set aside their racism to vote for the candidate that will best secure their employment and prosperity.

Thus whilst Obama has proposed health care reform and tax raises for big earners and successfully allied himself with white working class voters, McCain has appeared to be floundering.

Adam Evans

Tags: American Elections, Barack Obama