PRINCETON, NJ -- For the fourth consecutive Gallup Poll Daily tracking report Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are nearly tied in the preferences of national Democratic voters, earning 47% and 45% of the vote, respectively.
Today's results are based on interviews conducted March 21-22 and March 24, with no interviews conducted Easter Sunday, March 23.
While the Democrats' battle for delegates continues to be fought on a state-by-state basis, the national preferences of Democratic voters could be an important factor in whom the superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention this summer choose to support, and thus in the outcome of the race. At the moment, neither Obama nor Clinton has a significant edge. (To view the complete trend since Jan. 3, 2008, click here.)
For now, the November general election looks just as competitive as the Democratic nomination battle has become. In separate trial heats for president, John McCain's lead over both Democrats has narrowed to one percentage point. -- Lydia Saad
Survey Methods
Gallup is interviewing no fewer than 1,000 U.S. adults nationwide each day during 2008.
The general election results are based on combined data from March 19-22 and March 24, 2008. For results based on this sample of 4,399 registered voters, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.
The Democratic nomination results are based on combined data from March 21-22 and March 24, 2008. For results based on this sample of 1,280 Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±3 percentage points.
In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.
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