An early look at North Carolina’s Democratic Presidential Primary shows Barack Obama with a seven-point advantage over Hillary Clinton. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that Obama attracts 47% of the vote while Clinton earns 40%.

Obama leads by fourteen points among men and just two points among women. There is an enormous racial divide as well. Obama leads 71% to 18% among African-American voters while Clinton holds a twenty point lead among white voters in the Tar Heel State (see video report ).

Obama is viewed favorably by 72% of the state’s Likely Primary Voters. That figure includes 45% with a Very Favorable opinion of the Senator from Illinois.

Clinton is viewed favorably by 70%, including 33% with a Very Favorable opinion.

If Clinton wins the nomination, just 67% of Obama’s voters say they are at least somewhat likely to vote for her in the general election against John McCain. Eighteen percent (18%) of Obama voters say they’re Not Very Likely to vote for Clinton in the general election. Fourteen percent (14%) say they’re Not at All Likely.

If Obama wins the nomination, just 49% of Clinton voters say they’re Somewhat or Very Likely to vote for Obama against McCain. Nineteen percent (19%) say they’re Not Very Likely to vote for Obama in the general election. Twenty-six percent (26%) say Not at All Likely.

Before the campaign comes to North Carolina on May 6, voters in Pennsylvania will have their say on April 22. Clinton has a healthy lead in the Keystone State.

Nationally, the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll continues to show a close race between Clinton and Obama.

Rasmussen Markets data just prior to the release of this poll showed Obama was heavily favored to win the North Carolina Primary. Current prices show that Obama has a % chance of winning while Clinton is given a % chance of victory. In terms of winning the nomination, Rasmussen Markets data now give Obama a % chance while expectations for a Clinton victory are at %. Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market. You can even set up your own fantasy politics league to compete with family, friends, and colleagues.

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