Obama wins CNN focus group

Posted: Monday, July 23, 2007 10:24 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Democrats

The Obama camp was quick out of the gate -- about 30 minutes after the debate ended -- with a press release containing a transcript of a report of CNN's focus group watching the debate.

Wolf Blitzer: Mary Snow is out in Manchester, New Hampshire, the state with the first primary watching this with some voters who are undecided, Mary, and what kind of sense did you get from those voters?

Mary Snow: Well, Wolf, there's a surprise here tonight. We're here with 24 Democrats, independents, who thought that Senator Hillary Clinton would be the best performer here tonight, but the results that we just got in, this is a focus group; show that Barack Obama got the most favorable in terms of the best performance from the 24 people who are here tonight. Of course, it's unscientific and coming in second senator Joe Biden and third John Edwards. Again, this is all unscientific results from this focus group, but clearly throughout this debate Senator Barack Obama was showing some favorable responses to his answers. Some of the things that he got favorable responses were when he talked about fighting lobbyists, particularly on health care. Wolf.

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Comments

Sorry! I just don't buy it. The polling numbers don't support it. Similar polling numbers had it Clinton, Richardson, then Edwards; Obama was a distant fourth.

John Doe II (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:02 AM)

Obama wins over at Fox. Fox News has a video of their S.C. focus group, the majority are leaving as new Obama supporters!

Obama campaign video showed scene after scene of hugh crowds ... he's a widely popular president in the making!

Mary, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:03 AM)

That's crap! Biden easily won that debate. He is the only clear thinking, rational candidate with suitable and real solutions.

Charlie Swanson, Mississippi State, Miss. (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:04 AM)

Biden won the debate hands down. If Democrats don't nominate Biden they are crazy.

Steve Norrs, Tucson, AZ (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:18 AM)

Really now! I've seen posts tonight that say Byden and Edwards were charismatic, and at times very specific when asked a pointed question. But I must say that the whole "debate" lacked any real excitement. I did enjoy Kucinich repeating his text address several times tonight. Since this is the only forum to voice an opinion... in my opinion, neither Todd or Murry did a very good job of covering for NBC !

Jack Mixell , Garner North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:20 AM)

Also Obama wins Fox focus group....clearly he is the winer of the debate

stan (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:44 AM)

I seriously thought Clinton crushed them all. She's the only mature adult in the group. The rest of them just want to be President, she actually could be.

Richard (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:48 AM)

Obama wins, according to whom? I haven't read anything showing Obama as the winner. All reports pointed to Clinton in this particular debate.

Please provide sources, and please do not post incorrect information on the CNN Website's front page.

...c'mon guys. This is why people distrust the media so much. Don't pull a "Fox News" on us.

greg, Portland, OR (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 4:14 AM)

Joe Biden struck me as the most qualified and came across as the only one that had somewhat of a 'realistic'head on his shoulders. While they're all politicians he at least came across with some pretty direct, although, not necessarily politically correct, answers. Richardson was a pretty close second. I couldn't figure out what in the heck Hillary stood for..........pretty much a 'voice for all seasons'!

RIP (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 4:57 AM)

Only the Lord knows who will win. Meanwhile, I'll keep The Honorable U.S. Senator BARACK OBAMA in my prayers.

Michelle from Yougstown, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 5:04 AM)

I beleave Barrak was the winner. He had clear quick awnsers ann handled himself very presidential.The fact that he is young an sees america ina futureistic way.Ive read his book and see a real compasinate person.

m schultz (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 5:10 AM)

I am very confused. You have a focus group to determine the outcome of a debate and the evaluation methodology is unscientific? By which metrics did this group assess the candidates? Is seems like an oxymoron in validity to me.

Steven Farris, Akron Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 5:32 AM)

Don't believe it? Check out the focus group by Frank Luntz - pretty convincing stuff in favor of Obama. (http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?072307/072307_hc_luntz&Hannity_Colmes&S.C.%20Debate%21&acc&Politics&-1&News&382&&&new)

Eric, Denver (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 5:34 AM)

If I'm Clinton or Obama, I wine and dine Richardson for VP. The one who does is a winner.

Bob Bandy, Carterville, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 5:45 AM)

According to the Bible and this is the book that the Good Ole America was founded upon Please read 1st Timothy 2nd chapter 12th verse But I suffer to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.I would also like to add do we need another GAFTA or NAFTA like Slick Willy ( BIll Clinton) gave us. We can all see the end results from that.Rat poison in the cat food, anti-freez in the tooth paste,tainted foods that cause Ecoli outbreaks and no jobs for the American worker.

Ralph Beavers (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 5:46 AM)

The fundamental problem, I think, is that the more we Americans listen to Hillary Clinton the more we see a divisive, arrogant individual who accepts no responsibility for her own conduct or the conduct of her party. We hear her blame all of life's ills on the republican party - when we all know that both parties have been the problem. Obama seems to recognize that the democratic party has also let this country down, and provided only rhetoric when leadership was needed. As time goes on I suspect we as a nation will see ever more clearly what Hillary Clinton really is, and that should improve Obama's standing. The focus group was right.

Larry Gramovot (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:11 AM)

Good for Obama!! He is sticking to the "pace card", and not the "race card"

Paul Hickman, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:12 AM)

Obama sounded scarily naive when he said he'd meet with any enemy any time. Hillary showed the more dimensional view when she cautioned that a U.S. president shouldn't be used for propaganda purposes, that a foundation for talks needed to be established first.

Joan Altabe, Sarasota, FL (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:43 AM)

Strongly disagree. The answer Sen. Clinton gave on the Irak issues and withdrawing our troops was very clear and organized.As usual she looked very secured knowing her business.

Maria Morales, Orlando FL (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:48 AM)

That poll was of NEVADA voters where Clinton and Richardson had 6 voters, while Obama had 5.

But, the one that counted was the New Hampshire group (which he won). Fox News audience group in South Carolina also overwhelming chose Obama, converting mainly Clinton-leaning voters.

Tommy Ates, Austin, RX (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:57 AM)

I was happy to hear that Joe Biden is finally connecting with at least some Democrats. Can anyone deny that he is the best qualified, most-experienced,to say nothing of being the most straight-talking (well, with the exception of Dennis Kucinich!)of all the candidates, Democrats and Republicans?!

Chris Bojanowski, Lemont, IL (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:00 AM)

Richardson and Clinton won in the Nevada focus group.

Rachelle St Clair (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:20 AM)

The difference is, and I think the public is starting to see this more clearly, is that Clinton is pre-packaged and rehearsed, whereas Obama is thoughtful and thinks on his feet to answer the questions. That's what we are missing, someone pragmatic and listens to the people.

Bill, Herndon, VA (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:21 AM)

The point is, folks are hungry for....and want Obama and all he stands for. HRC is like bad tasting medicine....it may be effective but it's like a bitter pill going down and you hate every minute of it. HRC can and does look and act unseemly when she is pushed on issues. It's all of our jobs who care about and support Senator Obama's candidacy to keep the pressure high on HRC so her true colors (and they're not pretty) show through. Then America will know what's the real choice is.

Deb, Weatherford TX (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:21 AM)

Why is this even a story? My "focus group" (the 5 people in my living room last night) thought Biden and Richardson did real well. Where's that headline?

Curtis, Manchester, New Hampshire (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:31 AM)

Here is my dose of truth "I watched the same program, and it is my opinion that Hillary Clinton came out on top". The others played catch Hillary in terms of everything they spoke about!

charlie mancuso, Boynton Beach, Florida (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:36 AM)

So much spin, so little light. Obama gave an "eastern Europe Is Free Under a Ford Administration" answer in saying he would be happy to meet Castro, Chavez and Ahmanutjob with no questions asked. Who among rational voters would want a president who sees things that way (I didn't say Jimmy Carter, I said "rational" voters). Obama was OK until then, but he showed he is clearly not ready for prime time.

Dyinglikeflies (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:52 AM)

I am glad the focus groups were unbias. I am tired of the media pushing Hillary down our throats. We have had enough with the media pushing people. It turns us off from debates

Ethel (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:55 AM)

The face of the american presidency has been a white male, which is reasonably so, with 239 million white americans in the US as of today. Outside of the US there are many cultural and races and ethnic groups. Barack Obama's position as president would allow for the world to see a new diversity in the United States. He becoming president is about a new look on the face of the United States and offering a president with diversity of his background allows other countries to see that the US is not onesided in race and that we are capable of change. Baracks diversity would have profound impact on the world.

Mark J. Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 7:58 AM)

Obama I think won last ninght debeat I think he edage out Sen.Clinton I think Sen.Clinton. was a littel flate then what she was in the frist two Dbeat.I think after last nhght Debate.The race for the dems non becomes a dead heat race.I give Sen. Clinton a b- and I give Sen. Obama a b+,it seem too me that Sen. Clinton looking for the better anscer and She look worred that if she din not give a better anscer the Sen.Obama anscers.becouse it look like to me that if she did not give a better anscers the Sen.Obama anscers then you would not be saying today that she was on top of her game.

Lynn Wilkerson,Bartlesville,Ok (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:01 AM)

In all honesty, the part of the debate which I saw was clearly omitting Sen. Clinton from it. They were asking everyone else the questions and not her, especially Sen. Obama. He had almost every question poised to him. If they want to do a poll and a debate it should be done when everyone is given the same amount of questions and time.

Amy, St. Marys, PA (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:06 AM)

That was not a debate. It was a question and answer show with no tough response questions from the moderator. Were's Barbara Walters!!!!!

ed del viscovo, flanders,nj (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:06 AM)

You're all wrong. Republicans won

:-) (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:45 AM)

What is the problem here a very small focus group decided who won the non-debate, I find that if of very little importance in the larger view. I think everyone should sit back and take that into consideration.

Barbara Johnson (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:56 AM)

So is CNN now running YOMAMAS campaign? Sad show if this is all the Democratic Party can offer.

Hairy Plotter (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:57 AM)

Can you imagine any of these hoots standing toe-to-toe and mind vs. mind with Putin, Jong, et alia? If so, NYC, Boston, Miami, and S.F./L.A. will be our metaphoric Normandy's.

Rationally Concerned, Heartland, USA (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 9:23 AM)

Sam Elowitch: If only your statement were true. In Tennessee the repugnants cross over at every election just to choose our candidate - the one that can not win, it is exactly what they did in 2004. They were terrified that shrub would have to be in a debate with John Edwards, they all crossed over to make sure Kerry was the candidate, laughed all the way home and came back later in the year to crown shrub king.
Since I will vote for anyone who receives our nomination, I am considering crossing over for the first time in my life and voting in the repugnant primary - in hopes Rudy will get their nomation - he can't win in the Bible Belt. Bubba may marry 3 or 4 of his cousins, but he is a bubba, not a new york yank, so it is ok for bubba. I know bubbaland - I grew up here.

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 9:29 AM)

Obama - a black Muslem? That has been debunked a thousand times.

He has never been a black Muslem. Raised by his white mother and grandparents in Hawaii (they're from El Dorado, Kansas) Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ. Not particularly religious, he began developing his spiritual views when he began working on the southside of Chicago. The movers and shakers of the American black community are often affiliated through Christianity and their churches.

Obama's father was African and from the nation of Kenya. "Barack" is a Christian name (mother) and Hussein is a common Muslem name (father) and Obama is African.

At this dangerous time in our history, it is important that we all tell the truth and quit spreading lies. Our security isn't a game you play with.

nolalily (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 9:43 AM)

Chuck and mark,
Iam sorry that I have to be the conscience of the blog.This is not fox news. you cannot allow people to misrepresent Obama's religious views. this amounts to push polling and you are too respected for that. Once again Obama is a Christian. I believe Church of Christ. He is not Muslim though I believe his father was.Fight with truth all you want but please do not try to muddy the waters with lies.

leon houston tx. (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 10:10 AM)

I am a female but I am just turned off with Senetor Hilary personality, she is just too in love with power.
There is something about Obama that sends a wave of trust to may neurons, he is a Columbiam graduate just like Eisenhower that says a lot.
Edwards is just too evangelical in his mannerims which turns me off.
I did like Governor Richardsons proposal just bring the troops home, the end.
The rest were too comical or emotional to be taken seriously

Dale L. Salazar (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 10:43 AM)

I pretty much agree with Richardson with just about everything, but I wish he could string a few sentences coherently. It reminds me of the same problem Gen. Clark had in the last cycle. I'm for Richardson (I live in Nevada, a caucus state), but fear I'm going to have to make another (i.e., more popular) choice.
Steve (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 2:32 AM)

STEVE - stick w/ Richardson! He's got a command of WHAT to do as a prez, just not the glib "politician" air about him. I think he just needs more time to get up higher in the polls so he can breathe a little easier during the debates. Right now, he's in 4th place and still scratching to get to the top - therefore he tends toward trying to say too much in a short time. This will change, I think. Hang in there!

Julie in VT (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 10:56 AM)

A fine job by Senator Biden. His answers were honest, clear, and substantive. He won based on knowledge, leadership, and experience.

Liz, Nottingham, NH (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 11:00 AM)

Leon, don't hold your breath waiting for anybody to set the record straight on lies about Obama except us.
The agenda is set, push Hillary as hard as possible and tear Obama down. However, I have a feel this time the MSM won't have the last say. They fooled us with Bush and the war, never again.

Lyn, Silver Spring, MD (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 11:16 AM)

Obama is a gentlman and scholar. Right now we need diplomacy and respect of other foreign leaders to make that move for combined peace efforts and uniting the neighboring countries to bring stability to Iraq even if Iran, Syria and turkey and Afghanistan have to do it.
It is quite evident that those representing us are untrustworthy. Obama speaks the truth and is open to compromise.
Unlike this boy cowboy in presidents clothing, allowing his administration to corrupt everything it touches, even the news.
I'm tired of the: see if you can catch me doing it politics of Washington DC. I don't want another Clinton Soap Opera in the White House, I want real truthful open change. Obama, Kucinich,and Edwards aren't afraid of speaking loudly about the real issues facing our country.
Not who's sleeping with who. Men sometimes cheat, Bill picked the wrong time to screw around on his wife while in the White House. Those kind of forgive me decisions, will never enter an OBAMA Presidential Administration.
If America wants the truth, they may have to settle for Barack whether they like it or not. None of the others have the judgement or grace to admint when they are wrong or tell the truth about their fundage.
The democrats have become progressives and grassroot.
This means Positve change and not being afraid to roll up your sleeves, and get dirty in the clean up.

Let's all clean the mess left behind by the Clinton's, Bush's I and II, and move for the changes denied us for the last twenty-five years.

CHANGE MEANS JUST THAT, C-H-A-N-G-E

Vote for Obama, he respects the constitution and laws.
He will find all the lobbyist dirt and remove it from our laws and justice department.
He will remove the politicalization of our Justice system which is supposed to be blind to race, party, color, or creed.
He will bring RESPECT TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND TO THE WORLD.

Kim Jones, Richmond, Va. (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 11:41 AM)

To Miss ROSENBERG WHO WROTE"this is scary. Obama is hiding the fact that he is Muslim..we, US, should look at this connection
Kathy Rosenberg, West Linn, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:38 AM)"

What I can say about your comment is that , it show your personality, You are just a divider!
Obama is a christian! And he did well yesterday in the DEBATE, He even won. So let's be objective and fair!

ericwillyb@aol.com (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 11:54 AM)

I think the reporters that are pushing an agenda for their chosen candidate, and reporting that their person as the winner when the results do not support their report should be removed from this type of coverage.

Alfred McFarland, Sacramento. California (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:01 PM)

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE. OUR NATION WAS FOUNDED ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPALS. WHY WOULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER A MUSLIM IN OUR LEADERSHIP. I'M NOT SAYING THEY ARE ALL BAD PEOPLE, I'M SAYING DO YOU WANT TO GIVE AN OPEN DOOR TO ALL MIDDLE EAST PEOPLE BECAUSE IF YOU VOTE FOR OBAMA THAT IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN. WAKE UP AMERICA. GET A CLUE.

BELIEVE ME, TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:23 PM)

First, Obama is not, never was, nor ever will be a Muslim. He is a Christian in every sense of the word. Clinton is so practiced of course she will be articulate in what she has to say.

Lois, Fort Dodge, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:45 PM)

Everyone talks about experience!! Well here's the thing, the longer you've been in a role, the more complacent you get. Clinton has that way about her. George Bush is very complacent - because of his 'experience'.
Senator Obama is fresh, smart and not scared to bring about real change!
Clinton would just listen to the same old people who would give her the same old advise and strategies - boring, boring, boring and she'd just listen and do as she's told because she'll be too afraid to ruin her reputation AND HER HUSBAND'S.
Her answer in the debate "I wouldn't talk to foreign leaders in my first year because I would want to ensure I wasn't being used for propaganda" just shows us how much she doesn't give a damn about doing the right thing, and cares much more about what people might think or say about her. She's not wise enough! And that's the truth!

Levi Knight (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 2:30 PM)

Politics like technology will be enveloped in rapid change in the next years . None of the candidates have addressed how they will cope with the effects of rapid technology change on the political , social and economic environments . Technological advancement is the cornerstone of many world events which have an impact on social , political and economic behaviors worldwide .
I´d like to hear a discussion of issues taking this factor into consideration.
GMVS-2007

Mario Silva , Merida, Yucatan , Mex. , (Sent Tuesday, July 24, 2007 2:38 PM)

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