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For or Against Presidential Candidates
McCain Has Less Core Opposition Than Clinton or Obama
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Thirty-four percent (34%) of all voters say they will definitely vote for John McCain if he is on the ballot this November. Thirty-three percent (33%) will definitely vote against him while 29% say their support hinges on who his opponent is.

Barack Obama has the same number who will definitely vote for him--34%. But, more people are committed to voting against him than McCain. Forty-three percent (43%) say they will definitely reject him at the ballot box. For 18%, their support depends on his opponent.

For Hillary Clinton, 32% will definitely vote for her if she is on the ballot and 46% will definitely vote against. Core opposition to Clinton, the best-known of the candidates as the long campaign season began, hovered in the high 40s through most of the past year.

Throughout 2007, support for McCain was somewhat softer than now. As late as December, Rasmussen Reports showed only 22% definitely supporting him, 33% against, and 39% waiting to see the opposition. Between June and November, firm support for him had slipped below 20%.

There was less uncertainty about Obama during 2007. In December, only 28% had a wait-and-see attitude. Obama's support was then 29%, with 36% definitely opposed.

Thus, while the base of strong support has risen for both men in recent weeks, it's risen only slightly for Obama. On the other hand, core opposition to McCain, the least of any candidate's, is the same as in December; whereas strong opposition to Obama has jumped seven percentage points.

Rasmussen Markets data now shows McCain with a % chance to win the nomination and Huckabee has a % chance. On the Democratic side, the Markets give Obama a % chance to win the Democratic nomination 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.

Just 22% of all voters offer unequivocal support for Mike Huckabee should he become the nominee, while 45% definitely oppose him.

For Ron Paul, 10% of all voters would definitely vote for him. Fifty-nine percent (59%) say it's No, no matter what.

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Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information.

The Rasmussen Reports Election Edge™ Premium Service offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage available anywhere.

Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.

Core Favorability/Opposition Among All Voters

Candidate

Def. FOR

Def. AGAINST

Net

Obama

34%

43%

-7

McCain

34%

33%

+1

Huckabee

22%

45%

-23

Clinton

32%

46%

-14

Paul

10%

59%

-49

Core Favorability/Opposition Among Unaffiliated Voters

Candidate

Def. FOR

Def. AGAINST

Net

McCain

28%

31%

-3

Obama

34%

34%

0

Huckabee

17%

48%

-31

Clinton

29%

38%

-7

Paul

10%

51%

-41

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