No matter which Democrat wins their Party’s Presidential nomination, John McCain will enter the fall campaign with a substantial advantage on the issue of National Security. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 49% trust McCain more than Clinton on national security issues while 36% have more confidence in the former First Lady. An earlier survey found that McCain enjoyed a twenty-five point advantage over Barack Obama on the national security issue.

However, the economy has emerged as the top issue of Election 2008 and on that topic, it is Clinton with the edge. By a 47% to 41% margin, more voters trust Clinton than McCain when it comes to the economy. This is one of two significant differences that emerge when comparing McCain versus the two Democratic hopefuls. While trailing Clinton on the economy, McCain has a six-point advantage over Obama on the same topic.

When the issue is Reducing Government Corruption, however, Obama does better against McCain. The Illinois Senator has a nine-point edge over McCain on that topic. At the same time, 43% trust McCain more than Clinton when it comes to reducing government corruption. Only 32% place more trust in Clinton.

On the War in Iraq, 46% trust McCain and 42% Clinton. McCain holds a slightly larger advantage over Obama on the War issue.

On taxes, 39% trust Clinton and 37% McCain. McCain hold a five-point edge over Obama on taxes.

On all five issues mentioned in this survey, the gender gap is huge when McCain is measured against Clinton. In fact, Clinton is favored by at least a plurality of women on every issue and McCain is favored by at least a plurality of men.

On National Security, McCain enjoys a 59% to 29% advantage among men. Among women, 42% trust Clinton and 41% McCain.

On the Economy, women prefer Clinton by a 51% to 34% margin. Among men, McCain has a 49% to 42% edge.

In the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll, McCain is currently in a toss-up with either Obama or Clinton.

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