Clinton breaks ahead

Four days before voting begins in Pennsylvania a new Zogby poll has Hillary Clinton four points ahead of Barack Obama. The results follow an ABC News debate on Wednesday night, in which Clinton was able to criticise Obama on issues like the Illinois senator’s alleged “elitism” and his controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright.

Clinton’s lead among women slipped from 15 per cent to 13, while among men Obama holds an 8 per cent advantage. “Liberal” and “very liberal” voters strongly back Obama, giving him a 19 point lead in that demographic, but among moderates Clinton is still ahead. One key demographic which has switched allegiances in the last week is the voters aged 35-54 bracket. Last week they favoured Clinton over Obama 45 to 40, but the new poll shows an Obama advantage of eight per cent.

The economy was listed as the most important issue in deciding which candidate voters would choose. They also said that Clinton was the candidate with the best chance of improving the country’s financial situation.

FIRST POSTED APRIL 18, 2008