Clinton regains double digit lead in Gallup poll

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) has regained a double-digit lead over Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) in a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll two weeks after the survey found the rivals more or less tied.

Among the Republican field, Fred Thompson -- who hasn't even announced his intent to run -- has passed onetime leader Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

According to USA Today, Thompson "is costing Giuliani most: A third of Thompson's supporters say they would otherwise back the former mayor."

"The Democratic contest generally has been stable, though a USA TODAY Poll taken June 1-3 had shown Obama 1 percentage point ahead of Clinton, 30%-29%. In the new survey, Clinton leads Obama 33%-21% if former vice president Al Gore â who has neither entered the race nor ruled it out â is included among the candidates."

"She leads by 39%-26% if Gore isn't included. Former North Carolina senator John Edwards is then third at 13%."

The new poll includes 334 Democrats and 182 independents who lean Democratic. Penn says including independents contributes to a survey's volatility because those voters are less committed to a candidate as well as less likely to vote in party primaries.

FULL STORY HERE.

FULL GALLUP POLL HERE.

The following video is from NBC's Today's Show, broadcast on June 18.

NBC's White House Correspondent, David Gregory, details Senator Clinton regaining a double-digit lead in the latest Gallup poll.

Former advisor to President Clinton, Dick Morris believes, to his dismay, that Senator Clinton will receive the Democratic nomination as well as winning the Presidency. Lisa Caputo, former press secretary for Hillary Clinton, explains how campaign strategies are changing as the race moves forward.



