Huckabee closes in Florida

Posted: Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:23 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
Huckabee continues to surge in Florida, according to a new poll conducted by Strategic Vision (R) to be released tomorrow. With a margin of error of +/- 5.5%, Giuliani and Huckabee are in close competition for first place with 25% and 21%, respectively. McCain comes in third with 15%, leaving Romney in fourth with 13%. Thompson has 10%, Paul has 4%, and Tancredo has 2%.

These results show a different story from the last Strategic Vision poll conducted in this state, Nov. 7 to 9. Huckabee was fifth in that poll with 9%, while Giuliani had 31%. McCain, Thompson and Romney were statistically tied for second with 13%, 13% and 12%, respectively.

On the Democratic side, Clinton retains her large lead in Florida with 48%, up one point from the previous Strategic Vision poll. Obama is up four points from last month to 31% and Edwards is down two points to 6%. The margin of error for this poll is +/- 6%. The polls for both the Republican and Democratic candidates were conducted December 14 to 16.

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Comments

Of what use is this poll if it's delegates were stripped of votes?

f.igwealor (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:38 PM)

Even though Florida doesn't count in the democratic party, i am pretty sure Obama will win it.

Bee, NH (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:41 PM)

Huckabee may have lost weight, but he'll always be the fat pudgy boy everyone made fun of. He's got an ego the size of his old 60 inch waist pants. Anyone who votes for him is fat in the head.

Hank R. Smyrna, DL (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:46 PM)

Why even bring Florida up? The Republicans are only going to count half the Florida delegates, while the Democrats will count none. Heck, the Democratic party isn't even going to let the Florida delegation into the convention.

David, Tallahassee FL (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:47 PM)

Check out the ton of new state polls released this morning by different institutes: There's one from Ohio (as close as ever), Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa -- and a surprising survey from North Carolina that finds Dems very competitive! Full roundup: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/12/presidential-polls-coming-in-from-all.html

Daniel, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:48 PM)

If rudy was hilliary would the story be he is losing his touch and people dont want that kind of leadership you know the same negitive stories hilliary gets as she campaigns for president,that rudy seems to miss here the story simply says within margin of error rudys lead has slipped ,looks to me he is done good riddence

kenn (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:49 PM)

What kind of junky poll is that? Never heard of it.

MITT ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT 2008!!!

Eric (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:00 PM)

Hillary will kick Obama out of Florida....she'll beat him with double digits!

TheQueen Bee (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:21 PM)

I'm happy Huckabee is doing good. His 17 year old son hung a stray dog when he was a Boy Scout leader and Huckabee fired the Police Chief investigating it. That's Micheal Vick type stuff and the press gives Huckabee a free pass. Then he write a letter to a rapist and murderer telling him he wants him to be freed. Well, the guy is freed and rapes and murders again and Mike says "Aw Shucks, that's not my fault." Maybe not, but did you have to write him a letter telling him you wanted him to be freed? Give me a break. The Democrats Love it. BTW, comparing Huckabee to Reagan is sorta like comparing John Edwards to JFK.

Tom, Monmouth County, NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:23 PM)

I still ain't bowing to hucks bible and religious zealotry no matter how many times I'm waterboarded by good christians...

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:40 PM)

Bee, you haven't a clue. Go back to sleep. hillaryclinton.com #1 "will Win"

Roy Janoski, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:44 PM)

Here it is again...hillaryclinton.com

C.C. (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:44 PM)

Really, whoever edits these posts is slacking today...not only do we have a REALLY ONE SIDED Board today, but we also have people who are not keeping up...and my comment on an earlier post is not showing up - it was a very unbiased, tasteful comment on Billary. Really, I am so dissappointed!

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:49 PM)

What is going on in Florida? Gallup had Giuliani way up over Huckabee and that was this morning. I guess it depends on how you ask the question.

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:03 PM)

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Former President George H.W. Bush has shot down his successor Bill Clinton’s idea of a diplomatic mission under a Hillary Clinton presidency that would send him and other notables abroad to assure other nations that “America is open for business and cooperation again.”

The move came one day after Bill Clinton made the suggestion on the campaign trail in South Carolina, in response to a question from a supporter about his wife’s “number-one priority” upon reaching the White House.

In a statement sent to CNN Tuesday afternoon, former President Bush’s chief of staff Jean Becker said that he “wholeheartedly supports the president of the United States, including his foreign policy. He has never discussed an ‘around-the-world-mission’ with either former President Bill Clinton or Sen. Clinton, nor does he think such a mission is warranted since he is proud of the role America continues to play around the world as the beacon of hope for freedom and democracy.

“President Bush is excited about several of the excellent Republican candidates running for president, and looks forward to discussing their candidacy once the Republican nominee is determined.”

Foot in mouth round II...by the time this election is over he will have no credibility

Lyn, MD (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:11 PM)

"His 17 year old son hung a stray dog when he was a Boy Scout leader.."

It was a sinner and a Devil Dog!

repent! (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:22 PM)

Here's my question to my fellow Republicans:
What type of "Christian" candidate [Huckabee] is Pro-Torture? Is that what Jesus would have done to his enemies???

I'm not aiding to the terrorist but I think we as a PEOPLE are better than torture, and for someone to support someone who is defined as the "Religious Candidate" who at the same time supports inflicting cruel and unusual punishment on those who oppose us is something I do not and can not understand.

Steve, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:42 PM)

The Ron Paul revolution is coming to town. $18 million raised so far in Q4 compared to the paltry $4 million for Huckabee (with tons of media support, unlike Ron Paul). The real revolution is with Ron Paul, where true grass roots efforts are making things happen without the media.

Scott Last (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:46 PM)

i'm a registered republican with a land line and a cell phone, not once has anybody called me regarding who i support

Doug, Topeka KS (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:46 PM)

Barack Hussein Obama will be our next president, and I for one am proud to see an American of muslim heritage become president. As our first muslim heritage President, Barack Hussein Obama will be a new hope, the way John Kennedy was as a Catholic President. Barack Hussein is the new Kennedy, and the new Lincoln too. We should all love him more than we love Jesus.

Patricia M (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:47 PM)

I was hoping that all the Jesus freaks would learn from our horrific experience with the current Loony Tune in The White House. Just because a man talks to Jesus doesn't make him a good president.

Quite the opposite actually.

Barbara (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:51 PM)

All I can say is that citizens around the country should talk to us folks in Arkansas before jumping on Huckabee's band wagon. You can bet he will NOT carry Arkansas. Dig deeper, there is more!

Nanette (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:02 PM)

Strategic Vision = Push Polling

PHiL C Temecula Ca (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:03 PM)

Mike Huckabee will bring the party back to its roots. When Mike wins, we can all party like it's 1959!

Blanca DeBree, Fond du Lac, WI (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:03 PM)

IT SEEMS DOWNRIGHT IGNORANT TO EXCLUDE THE FUTURE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES RON PAUL WHEN ALL HE WANTS TO DO IS GOVERN THE PEOPLE USING THE OLD FASHIONED CONSTITUTION AS HIS GUIDE. I LIKED WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON WHEN THEY USED IT.
WE CAN STILL GO BACK AND READ ABOUT IT. LET'S HELP RON PAUL BECOME THE GREATEST PRESIDENT LIKE WASHINTON.

michael desouza summersville, missouri (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:05 PM)

Huck is getting the evangelical vote, they will sit out the general when Mitt gets the nod because Huck will not stand for long when the party gets the ugly info out on him. Dems win. It is simple, Bush is a drag on the party and many independents will not vote for the repubs this time around, no such thing as raygun dems anymore, he took all their money and ran away, don't need to be burned twice.

John Alexander,Edinboro,PA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:07 PM)

RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT IS OUR ONLY HOPE

michael desouza summersville, missouri (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:07 PM)

I know this "politics' is a "game" many enjoy watching, though it seems so senless with a year to go before election to be overwhelmed with this on the news channels, which leads me to my question: Isn't there anything in the Geneva Convention about all these torturous debates and talking head babble?

jack martin (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:08 PM)

Great -- since the religious right has hijacked the conservatives, may as well put a minister in the head chair. Don't worry folks, when your done giving your liberties away and the constitution is abolished, at least you can pray to the president.

Chad, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:10 PM)

It surprise me that Huckabee is doing anything in the polls. Well...not really considering the low level of consciousness in this country. Do we really want to elect a fundamentalist preacher to the highest office in the land? A person with a literal mythic mindset is at the level of consciousness and intelligence of a 5 yo.

Rob (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:11 PM)

What's this about Huckabee's son torturing a dog to death? You mean MSNBC isn't DOING A MAJOR STORY ON THIS? Hmmmm

Jim Calhoun (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:13 PM)

I guess Huckabee forgot to teach his Christian love and mercy to his son. When I read what he did to the dog, it made me ill. It wasn't simply killing a dog - it was torture. Truly in the category of Vick. But Huckabee made sure it was suppressed. We don't need any more Arkansas politics.

Carol Velardi, Orlando, Florida (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:13 PM)

That's what's so funny about the Christian voters. They are the least inclusive of all. They only accept their own group and shun everyone else. They think they are going to heaven and everyone else isn't. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY BELIEVE THE FAIRY TALE KNOWN AS THE BIBLE. IT'S SINFUL THAT THEY ARE A POLITICAL GROUP.

Carol (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:13 PM)

Huckabee may be a Baptist preacher, but he is the best liar you will ever here. Shucks, he is a better liar than George Bush. As I said earlier, keep digging, there is more!

Nanette (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:15 PM)

We have plenty of people in Florida who are just as stupid as Huckabee, so I'm not surprised he's doing well here. Huckabee proved his stupidity when he said during a debate he believes an invisible man in the clouds made people out of nothing.

BobC, Margate, Florida (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:18 PM)

Chad and Rob,

People have power. Where is the outrage? Where are all the people who have had it up to here with the religious kooks? Where are the folks who want to follow the constitution and want to throw the current criminal in The White HOuse into jail?\

Why is everyone so lazy?

Violet (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:19 PM)

I find the buzz about huckabee's son hanging a stray dog quite irrelevant to the issues facing Americans today. What has a 17yr old teenage boy got to do with a general election for crying out loud. People can really be quite gullible and not see that all these direct attacks on huckabee are coming out because the guy does have a chance to win the nomination and the rich elites are afraid his gonna come after them and their money hungry friends who keep enriching themselves with money that should be for everyone.people should stop all these talks about stray dogs and wat not, its really of no consequence. the important thing is what the candidates have to say.

Dede, long beach california (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:23 PM)

2008 Presidential Election Weekly Poll

http://www.votenic.com

New YouTube Video!
The Only Poll That Matters.
Results Posted Weekly Tuesday Evening At Midnight.

Pete, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:28 PM)

Carol, we Christian's will all pray to keep you out of Hell! That's more than you will do for us. Thank God for Huck!

Rick - Kansas (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:28 PM)

Good. AT least we will have one decent candidate. I'm a Democrat, but my choices for president, order, are" Edwards, Obama, Biden, McCain, Huckabee, Romney. Neither Guiliani or Clinton make the list and I will vote accordingly. Ethics, personal morality, a lack of fanaticism, and genuine concern for the country count most. Oh, and I will not vote for *any* Democrat that endorses Hillary Clinton. Do that and you can forget my vote, even if it costs you your seat and costs the Party control.

Mike Brooks, Eugene, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:31 PM)

The GOP thought they had taken over the Christian Fundamentalists to their own ends. Now the party is about to find out it's the other way around.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:32 PM)

You know, I wasnt a big fan of McCain when he was running against Bush, nut the more I have watched how he handles himself and other Americans I trully believe he would make the best President and his experience in the Senate and his knowledge of Foreign Policy would be a true blessing. The only reason Hillary is even doing well is becuase of Bill so people really need to open their eyes and vote for a President, not because someone was a Presidents wife and that she had the heart to excuse her husband for having an affair in the very office we as tax payers pay for. I am not trying to get McCain in office, I just feel he has the best background to be the most successful President we have had in years.

Mike Waco, TX (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:34 PM)

The GOP fight for the nomination will be the best political entertainment in 100 years !

The Bible thumpers vs the Pragmatists.

As the spotlight starts to focus on Huckabee, it looks like there is plenty to wonder about and it looks like he will be easy for the Dems to beat.

But, the right will not give their support if Rudy or Mitt wins.

Rich, Baltimore (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:39 PM)

Should we not all ask, again, why the 'Christian' community is so willing to follow along because their 'leader' invokes the name of Jesus on the one hand and then invokes callousness, ignorance, mean-spiritedness and jokstering on the other? Example: He would rather see 'old hippies' be prevented from 'getting their drugs' if a universal healthcare system were in place in this nation than secure that system so that all citizens would be provided the health coverage and care they need.

He needs to go back to Genesis and Isaiah, as well as the New Testament, where God answers the question: Am I my brother's keeper? BTW, He answered 'yes.'

Susan, Chico, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:41 PM)

Those polls have been proven dishonest and irrelevant time and time again! Guess what, buddy, people who aren't "likely Republican voters" (read "2004 Bush contributers") or who don't have land-lines or screen their calls can vote too! Ron Paul will win big in NH, the "Live Free or Die" state, and take the establishment by storm!

Alex Libman, Hamilton, NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:42 PM)

We're behind Huckabee in Florida. Go Huckabee! Go Gators!

David R, Gainesville, FL (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:46 PM)

The founding fathers of our democracy were incredibly wise and brilliant by establishing the separation of church and state. Apparently they knew that the last thing we need is a government run by the devils that hide in the church.

Vince, Jupiter, Florida (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:57 PM)

Huckabee will be the next President of the United States!

John (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:57 PM)

Jesus, as it is said, will only endorse one or the other of the Great Christian Leaders, Mr. Mitt or Mr. Huck. I read it in the Bible. Therefore you have no business not believing me. Jesus Loves Charlatans! Mitt and Huck will burn in hell for using religion for political ends. America is a Christian Nation. No new taxes. Go Mitt!!!

Elmer, Warner, NH (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 5:41 PM)

Rick,

Don't waste your prayers on me. I'm fine and happy as a lark. The only difference between me and you is that you believe in a fairy tale known as the Bible. I don't.

Of course, that makes YOU think you are better than I am. I think that it actually makes you more stupid than I am. That's ok. We all have the freedom of choice in this country. That is, until you and your type try to choose for all of us.

But feel free, while you are praying for me, i will be out making sure that those who talk to jesus and the easter bunny do so in churches and not in the government buildings that I pay for.

Carol (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 5:42 PM)

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