Diageo/Hotline Tracking Poll: The Early Line

Obama/Biden 49%

McCain/Palin 41%

Undec 6%

- Obama has his largest lead of the month among Indies. The IL Sen. now leads Indie LVs by 16% -- his biggest advantage since his 17% margin in the survey completed 9/28.

- Gender Gap, Renewed. The Dem nominee also leads men by 2% and women by 13%. One week ago, in the survey completed 10/4, Obama led men by 7% and women by 9%.

- He's Got Issues. Obama now leads by 9% on handling of the economy and 6% on handling of energy policy; one week ago, he led by 4% on the economy and 5% on energy policy.

Today's Diageo/Hotline tracking poll, conducted 10/9-11 by FD, surveyed 814 LVs and has a margin of error of +/- 3.4%. Party ID Breakdown for the sample is 41%D, 37%R, 18%I.

For subscribers, look to Monday's Latest Edition for full results and checkout Keys To The White House at any time to see how Obama and McCain are doing among key demographic groups.

(MATTHEW GOTTLIEB)