Giuliani Beats McCain In Polls

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) made it official on Monday, filing paperwork to launch a 2008 Presidential campaign. The action comes as Giuliani is the top choice of Republican voters nationwide earning suppor from 24% of likely GOP voters. Senator John McCain (R), considered by many insiders to have the early advantage, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are close on Giuliani’s heels. In General Election match-ups, Giuliani is tied at 46% support with New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D). However, Giuliani leads when matched against Senator Barack Obama (D) and former Vice President Al Gore (D). Clinton, Obama, and Gore are currently leading the Democratic nomination field. Giuliani, often referred to as America’s Mayor for his leadership following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is exceedingly popular nationwide. He is viewed favorably by 63% of voters and unfavorably by just 27%. Still, he faces many challenges on the road to the White House. Despite his high favorables, Giuliani displays a consistently weaker performance than McCain when matched against Democratic contenders. Also, while many Americans are aware of the Mayor’s role following 9/11, not as many are aware of his standing on a variety of social issues. The Mayor’s views are closer to those of New York City than to the conservative Republican base. Some suggest that it is impossible for anyone with Giuliani’s views to win a Republican nomination. However, in light of the “thumping” received by Republicans during Election 2006, Republicans may apply a different set of criteria as they select a nominee for 2008. Last summer, Rasmussen Reports surveys found that Giuliani and McCain were seen as closer to the political center than either President Bush or Democratic contenders. The challenge for both men is that their stands create tensions within the party—both Giuliani and McCain are seen as closer to the Democrats’ political center than to that of the GOP. Rasmussen Reports has been polling every night on Election 2008 and will continue releasing daily updates until the winner of Election 2008 is declared.