Obama Still Toughest Democratic Opponent for McCain in Battleground States

In polling conducted in all but one of a half-dozen battleground states during the past week to ten days, Barack Obama continues not only to lead John McCain, but also perform stronger against McCain than his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton.

Although Obama's advantage over McCain is in single digits in most of these states, he nonetheless polls stronger than Clinton, who trails McCain in 5 of the 6 battleground states.

• In Washington (SurveyUSA, April 7, 607 RV), Obama leads McCain 51 to 44 percent, while McCain nips Clinton 46 to 45 percent, a statistical tie. Net Obama advantage over Clinton: 8 points.
• In Wisconsin, (WPR, March 25- April 5, 400 adults), Obama leads McCain 46 to 42 percent, with McCain leading Clinton by the same tally. Net Obama advantage over Clinton: 8 points.
• In Iowa (Rasmussen, March 31, 500 LV), Obama leads McCain 46 to 42 percent, with McCain demolishing Clinton 51 to 36 percent. Net Obama advantage over Clinton: 19 points.
• In Maine (Rasmussen, April 1, 500 LV), Obama has a double digit lead over McCain, 49 to 39 percent, while Clinton leads McCain 47 to 42 percent. Net Obama advantage over Clinton: 5 points.

Only in Ohio (Rasmussen, April 8, 500 LV), of the battleground states recently surveyed, does Clinton outperform Obama—though just by 2 points. McCain leads Clinton 47 to 42 percent, and leads Obama 47 to 40 percent.

In non-battleground states that historically favor Republicans, Clinton seems to be polling better against McCain than Obama in the south (e.g. Alabama, Tennessee), while Obama performs better than Clinton in the West (e.g. Montana, Alaska).