Obama Surges in National Poll

Barack Obama has opened up a lead of 16 points over Hillary Clinton among voters nationwide and is seen as the candidate with the best chance to beat John McCain, according to a new poll from CBS and the New York Times. Obama had a lead of 54% to 38% in the poll, which had the candidates tied at 41% three weeks ago, CBS reports.

It's not issues that divide the two, the poll says. Obama is seen as more inspiring, more caring, and more likely to work effectively with Republicans. Nearly 60% of Democrats say Obama has a better chance of beating McCain, versus 28% for Clinton. More voters saw Clinton as better prepared for the presidency, though she has lost her advantage among women; they are now evenly spit between the two candidates. (More poll stories.)