Democratic Tracking Poll: President

Barack Obama 55
Hillary Clinton 34

Barack Obama gave North Carolina its first taste of campaign fever last week with appearances in Charlotte and Fayetteville, and our newest poll shows that the voters appreciated it. This 21 point lead is the largest he has shown in any NC polling to date, and an indication that the Wright controversy isn't causing him any long term harm at least in this state.

Obama's largest gain came in the Triangle, where he now leads 65-26. He got lots of free media coverage in that tv market last week because of his major address on the war in Fayetteville.

The poll also showed that a possible John Edwards endorsement wouldn't do much for Hillary Clinton's prospects in the state. 31% of voters who are either undecided or support Obama said an Edwards endorsement would make them less likely to vote for Clinton, compared to just 12% who said it would make them more likely to support her. A majority of voters, 57%, said an Edwards endorsement would have no impact on them one way or the other.

It appears that while the possibility of an Edwards endorsements gives pundits a lot of fodder for discussion, it would be unlikely to make much of an impact on the race even in his home state.

Obama has made significant gains across every demographic category since PPP's last poll, leading in every age group, with both genders, and pulling within seven points of Clinton even with white voters.

Full results here