New national polling conducted by USA Today/Gallup shows Hillary Clinton (33%) with double-digit leads over Barack Obama (21%) if Al Gore is in the running (which he hasn’t but pollsters asked anyway). With Gore out of the race the lead grows by 1% with Clinton at 39% & Obama at 26% putting Edwards at a distant third.

Meanwhile Fred Thompson, who also isn’t officially running but almost definitely will, came in second for Republicans with 19% over McCain at 18%. It is not statistically significant but most believe Thompson will receive a further boost when he actually announces and is further evidence that McCain, who entered the race as the presumptive front-runner, is in trouble. Giuliani still is the favorite with 28%.