Senator John McCain (R), one of the most vocal advocates of sending more troops to Iraq, has lost ground in the Election 2008 sweepstakes. He now trails both John Edwards (D) and Barack Obama (D) in general election match-ups. Prior to this survey, McCain had been ahead of every Democratic challenger in every Rasmussen Reports poll (see summary of general election match-ups).

Obama leads McCain 47% to 44%. Edwards also holds a three-point lead, 46% to 43%. A month ago, McCain held a two-point edge over Obama and a five point lead over Edwards.

McCain’s support has declined among unaffiliated voters. Obama now leads McCain by an 11-point margin among this important segment of the electorate. Edwards and McCain are essentially even among unaffiliated voters.

McCain’s position on Iraq—considered the most important issue by voters--may be taking a toll. Most Americans want exactly the opposite of what McCain advocates and want to reduce the number of troops in Iraq. Public confidence in the War on Terror has declined sharply in recent months and a plurality now believes that the terrorists are winning. Ninety-four percent (94%) of Americans say it is likely that American soldiers will still be facing combat in Iraq when the next President is sworn into office on January 20, 2009.

In addition to McCain, Obama now leads in head-to-head match-ups with Mike Huckabee (R), Mitt Romney (R), and Newt Gingrich (R). Rudy Giuliani is the only Republican with an advantage over the charismatic Democrat.

Edwards leads Huckabee and Romney, but trails Giuliani.

Obama and Edwards trail only Senator Hillary Clinton (D) in the Democratic Primary competition. McCain trails former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in the chase for the Republican nomination. Despite trailing Giuliani in the polls, McCain is considered by some pundits to be the Republican frontrunner.

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