Democrat Barack Obama has expanded his national lead over Republican John McCain in the US presidential race to six percentage points, according to a Reuters/C-Span/Zogby poll released today.
Mr Obama leads his rival 50 per cent to 44 per cent among likely US voters in the latest three-day tracking poll, up from Mr Obama's 3-point advantage on Sunday. The telephone poll has a margin of error of 2.9 percentage points.
The rally by Mr Obama broke a string of three consecutive days when Mr McCain had gained ground on the Illinois senator after their final debate on Wednesday. It was the first time in 14 days of the tracking poll that Mr Obama has reached 50 per cent.
"Obama has really consolidated his base, and now has huge leads among young people, African-Americans and Hispanics," said pollster John Zogby. "Reaching 50 percent puts him in winning territory."
The Democratic candidate also increased his support among two key swing groups that could be vital in the November
4th election. His edge with independents rose from eight points to 11 points, and his lead among women grew from six points to eight points.
Mr McCain narrowly trails Mr Obama among men and leads by 13 points, 53 per cent to 40 per cent, among whites.
Mr Obama has led the Arizona senator by between two and six points in all 14 days of polling.
The expanding lead for Mr Obama came as he received the endorsement of Republican former Secretary of State Colin Powell and announced he had raised a stunning $150 million in September.
His fundraising haul shattered the records he already owns and will fuel a huge advantage for Mr Obama in paid advertising in the final 15 days of the campaign.
Reuters