Riding a crest in her political appeal, Senator Hillary Clinton now leads former New York Mayor Rudi Giuliani 48% to 41%. She also claims a stunning double-digit lead of 52% to 37% over former Senator Fred Thompson. Two weeks ago, Clinton led Giuliani by five and Thompson by eight.

These results come at a time when 54% of Likely Voters express a favorable opinion of Clinton. That’s the highest level yet recorded for the former First Lady. For most of the year, the number with a favorable or unfavorable opinion of her has been essentially even (see history).

While opinions of Clinton have been improving, just 49% now offer a positive assessment of Rudy Giuliani. That marks the fourth straight week below 50% for the man who began the year as the most popular candidate in either party. At one point early in the season, Giuliani’s favorable ratings topped 70%.

Thompson has also been sliding lately. He is now viewed favorably by just 39% of voters after being above the 40% level for August and September. The man from Tennessee has also given up the lead in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll. While his standing has declined steadily over the past few weeks, it's too early to say whether we're witnessing the predicted Fred Fizzle or just a fading of his post-announcement bounce.

For both Giuliani and Thompson, the current poll reflects their weakest showing of the year against Clinton (see history).

Giuliani had a generally modest edge over Clinton in polling from 2006 through the first few months of 2007. During the summer months, the candidates were essentially even with an occasional edge for the former New York Mayor. However, Clinton has now had the edge in three straight Rasmussen Reports national telephone surveys. Her lead has grown from one-point in mid-September to five points in late-September to eight points today.

For Thompson, the current poll represents the first time he failed to attract 40% support when pitted against Clinton. Thompson and Clinton were essentially even in June and July. But Clinton’s lead over Thompson has grown ever since. The New York Senator had a three point advantage over Thompson in mid-August, a four-point edge in late-August, a five-point lead in mid-September, an eight point advantage in late-September, and a fifteen point lead today.

Rasmussen Reports conducted the current survey on October 8-9, just as Thompson slipped back to second place in the GOP nomination race. The first televised Republican debate with Thompson participating took place on October 9. He is thought to have at least held his own, and to have confirmed his credentials as the most conservative of the GOP candidates.

Crosstabs and Historical data available for Premium Members only.