Barack Obama leads John McCain 77% to 17% among Democrats (45% of likely voters). McCain leads Obama 83% to 9% among Republicans (38% of likely voters). And Obama leads McCain 47% to 45% among independent voters (17% of likely voters).

McCain leads Obama 51% to 42% among men (48% of likely voters). Among women (52% of likely voters), Obama leads 49% to 44%.

McCain leads Obama 55% to 39% among white voters (71% of likely voters). Obama leads McCain 85% to 7% among African American voters (13% of likely voters). And McCain leads Obama 46% to 45% among Hispanic voters (16% of likely voters).

Obama leads McCain 49% to 45% among voters age 18 to 49 (44% of likely voters). Among voters age 50 and older (56% of likely voters), McCain leads 49% to 44%.

45% of likely voters say they would never vote for John McCain in the general election, up from 32% in July, and 33% of likely voters say they would never vote for Barack Obama in the general election, down from 39% in July.

About this poll
Sample size: 600 likely voters
Sample dates: August 18-20, 2008
Margin of error: ± 4 percentage points
Question wording: If the general election were being held today between John McCain, the Republican, and Barack Obama, the Democrat, for whom would you vote - McCain or Obama? (names rotated)
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