Washington, Aug. 16 : The latest Gallup poll shows both American presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain tied at 44 percent for the third time in two weeks.

McCain has so far been unable to grab the lead from Obama in national polls, but has held the Illinois senator to a narrow advantage.

Gallup showed Obama’s lead at being between two and six points in the first half of August.

Obama’s support in the Gallup poll has averaged 47 percent so far in August, while McCain’s has averaged 43 percent. (ANI)