Hillary Maintaining Lead Over Obama; Giuliani Top

Despite all the attention Barack Obama has been getting, Hillary has maintained her substantial lead by a margin (according to Gallup) of 33 to 20 percent. The problem for Ms.Clinton is her support among independents is not all that great (48%). In fact, John Kerry had a higher rating among Republicans. That does not bode well for the general election if Hillary decided to run. Part of the reason Obama doesn't do better is the fact 47% of Democrats still didn't have an opinion on him. Incredibly, 33% of Democrats didn't know who he was.

On the Republican front, Giuliani's continues to be a strong challenge for John McCain (28 to 28). On the likeability scale, the former NY mayor has a stronger position (92 to 63 percent) with Republicans.

The most important number: Giuliani has the highest favorable rating among all candidates (77%).