Cover Story: It’s Obama vs. McCain -- say Veterans in Nationwide Poll

U.S. military and veterans narrowly back Illinois Senator Barack Obama over New York Senator Hilary Clinton as the most "Right for America" among the Democratic candidates, while they convincingly support fellow veteran John McCain as the best among Republicans.

In the first of a number of ongoing surveys between now and Election Day 2008, Veterans Advantage members across the country are submitting their opinions in a special members area on www.veteransadvantage.com. Veterans Advantage is the leading nationwide membership benefit program for U.S. Active Duty military, Veterans, National Guard and Reserve and their families.

"As the 2004 presidential election proved, service is a significant election issue. With that in mind, we are committed to giving this patriotic group the greater voice it deserves," said H. Scott Higgins, founder and president of Veterans Advantage. "This straw poll is the first of many others from our membership in 2008."

What was also noteworthy about this poll was the "None of the Above," vote, those Veterans and Military who feel no one among the current field would be right for America. 16% of the Democratic vote could not name a candidate, and 7.5% in the Republican poll. "Trust and Honor are at play this time around. We the People need a leader," one Veterans Advantage member said.

"Although Obama is currently a favorite, it suggests anything can happen," Higgins added. As of today, Obama and Clinton are narrowly splitting 60% of the vote, with Obama taking a slight edge. And yet, although he’s seen as a "Comeback Kid" among Republicans, Military and Veterans pick John McCain handily as the undisputed favorite over distant second Mike Huckabee, 47% to 17%.

Among other Veterans, Duncan Hunter of California, a Republican Veteran himself and the parent of a son who served in the Middle East, is posting a distant sixth among Republicans, with about 3% of the vote.

"Veterans Advantage is proud to set up this nonpartisan polling station. The people who vote in these polls are special Americans because they have served our country. They know how critical it is to elect the right Presidential candidate," Higgins added.