Diageo/Hotline Tracking Poll: The Early Line

The head-to-head:

Obama/Biden 47%

McCain/Palin 42%

Undec 9%

- Obama has led by 5% or more in six consecutive Diageo/Hotline tracking polls.

- McCain's advantage on being "more prepared to lead" the U.S. is diminishing. Two weeks ago (in the survey completed 9/16), McCain led 51-38%; today, he leads just 46-41%.

- At the same time, Obama's edge on which candidate "better understands the needs and priorities of people like yourself" has grown; 54% now say Obama better understands, while just 33% say McCain. Two weeks ago, 52% said Obama, and 36% said McCain.

Today's Diageo/Hotline tracking poll, conducted 9/28-30 by FD, surveyed 902 RVs and has a margin of error of +/- 3.3%.

Look for full results in today's Latest Edition and checkout Keys To The White House at any time to see how Obama and McCain are doing among key demographic groups.