Looking at the exit polls

Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:03 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Norah O'Donnell

From MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell and Adam Verdugo
The South Carolina Democratic primary has been a bitter, hard-fought contest with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama taking jabs at each other in Monday's televised debate. In the exit polls, we asked voters in this primary if the candidates were attacking each other unfairly. Fifty-six percent of those voting so far think Obama attacked Clinton unfairly, and while that is a high number, more people thought Clinton unfairly attacked Obama -- 70%.

The Clintons have been accused of playing the race card in this contest. We do see some potential fallout for the Clintons in the African-American community: 74% of African-American voters think that Clinton unfairly attacked Obama. But when we look at the same question among white voters, a comparable number thought Clinton unfairly attacked Obama -- 68%.

Also worth mentioning, a majority of the voters -- 56% -- said that Bill Clinton's campaigning was important to their vote today.

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Comments

I have lost almost all respect for MSNBC and all there commentators. I just heard Tim Russert say the vote outcome in South Carolina will be a mandate for the rest of the country. What a crock of bull! South Carolina is the deep south. Nothing like the blue states in the west or northeast. Obama could have 100 percent of the vote there but I guarantee you that the state doesn't speak for California, New York etc. The media says that it was the Clintons that injected race into this battle but they are mistaken. It was Obama supporters that cried racism when Hillary praised President Johnson on his actions for civil rights. I'm tired of Obama whining and crying and playing the victim...he will never get my vote! The Clintons didn't bring race into the campaign and the media needs to get their facts straight. Oh wait...the media hasn't cared about facts for a long time, they care about sensationalism...my bad!

Laura, San Diego CA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:32 PM)

You go out of your way to point out how many black and white voters thought Hillary unfairly attacked Obama. Why don't you mention how many white voters thought Obama unfairly attacked Hillary?

More biased anti-Clinton reporting from the First Read team. What a joke.

Nobody talks about how Obama's campaign blamed Hillary for Bhutto's death, or played the Katrina card against her after NH, or released a memo playing the race card about Bill Clinton's fairy tale comments. No wonder Hillary gets blamed for it all.

David Jamaal Kelsey (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:33 PM)

I, too, am a lifelong Democrat and will vote for McCain or Huckabee over Clinton. I haven't trusted her since her fake cry. That was my 'Reality Check'!

Michael Charlotte , NC (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:33 PM)

In South Carolina today,

Obama won 50% of all white voters under the age of 30.

Obama won 29% of all white votes under the age of 50.

Obama won 25% of all the white votes.

Don't tell me this man has no broad appeal.

This is 2008, the Clintons Southern Strategy just won't work in 2008.

AMERICA UNITE!!!

Wally (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:33 PM)

That's cool if black people want to overwelmingly support a black canidate just becasue he is black, then I will never support a black canidate and I will encourage every white person I know not to either, just becasue I am not black!

Susan Keller, TX (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:34 PM)

This shows Hillary cannot win in the South. We already saw she cannot win in the Midwest. So what is the strategy that makes her the most likely to win in November?? How can she win the White House when Southerners and Midwesterners are so anxious to vote against her?? You cannot win on NY, NJ, and CA alone!

Charles, Atlanta, GA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:34 PM)

Jesse Jackson did win this SC. Al Sharpton did not. Nor will Alan Keyes.

Everyone but Edwards recieved diverse demographic support.

Lets keep that in mind. This is not about race, nor gender. Now we as a nation can get back to the issues and take each candidate as an individual.

America '08

Melvin Chapel Hill, NC (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:34 PM)

You better sit this one out Jeff - sounds like the concepts are a little too much for you. These are two separate questions that could each have upto 100% affirmed responses.

Steve, Tulsa Oklahoma (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:34 PM)

I certainly hope that Bill learned his lesson from his time in South Carolina and radically changes the way he campaigns for his spouse.

ReallyRick, Dallas, TX (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

Obama was projected to only have 10% of the White vote. He went over 20%. When you add that to the AA vote, he will be strong in all states as long as he can pull in those types of numbers. Edwards is ruining this so-called coronation for Hillary as he is taking a lot of the White vote from her. Take a look at the exit polls coming out. If he does that, HE for sure will play King Maker at the convention. I can't, in good conscience, see him giving in to the Clintons.

Mike K, Denver (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

Bill and Hillary are not worthy of being in the White House. America deserves a President and mate who have integrity and will make people proud. They are America's role model to the world. The Clinton's offer nothing in this regard.

Werner, Sacramento Calif (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

It's hilarious to see how many people bought the phony argument that the Clinton's ran a more negative campaign than Obama. You got suckered by the anti-Clinton media!
It'll be a heck of a hangover for ya if Obama wins the nomination, as he'll get crushed in the general.
I understand the emotional ppeal of a guy who can deliver a good speech, but Hillary is the rational choice. Use your heads, America!!!!

Chris Portland, OR (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

I heard on CNN & Fox that John Edwards got the majority of the white vote. This is extremely important come Nov 2008. Why is MSNBC not exploring and commenting on this aspect?

N Aragon, Denver, CO (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

hrc is holdinga town hall in nashville, tonite?

It will be her and the crickets-but it would suggest that she sees the 'southern strategy' that bill used, being turned on her.

Is she trying to dig in at TN?

marl (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

Jeff said:

"LOL. 56 and 70 don't add up, FIRSTREAD. do your math. the total you can have is 100%"

That is because some people said that they BOTH attacked unfairly. They weren't asked who attacked first, which would have beenan "either/or" question.

John (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

It is Obama who has been using race to get votes. Obama winning South Carolina(or for that matter Alabama, Mississippi, etc) is no BIG surprise. It does not mean a thing. They have stated he won Iowa and that Iowa is a WHITE state. UH, I have lived in Iowa for over 40 years and believe me it is NOT a white state. The bigger cities are 40% black, if not more! That (mainly white) may have been true in the 1950's and '60's but is no longer the case! If, by chance, he convinces the whole country to back him for the Democrats..I will change to the Republican side and give them MY VOTE (no matter who their candidate is). So will a LOT of other Democrats!

K Doe, River City, IOWA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:35 PM)

Helen Garner-Poole, did your husband cheat on you too?

MDS Scottsdale, Arizona (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:36 PM)

Hey Jeff,
A person can have the opinion that both have been attacking unfairly, hence the 70-56% not adding up to 100% LOL.

Betty, Maysville, KY (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:36 PM)

Wheels, I agree.But with the fools we have in Wasington (both parties) we are doomed. Who ever the new prez is will not be able to do much. unless we get the old fools out of washington. they only think of what is good for the party and the rich. not what is good or needs to be done for the working man and country. I say out with the old fools,It's time for a change>NOW!!!!!

t.f. Change Now,tn (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:36 PM)

I hope that people are finally seeing the Clintons for what they are. Mrs. Clinton plays all the cards she can, before NH there wasn't a mention of race. The Clintons masterfully employed the race card both covertly and overtly. The Clintons whole schtick is divide and conquer. Maybe just maybe America will catch on.....this is really a de facto 3rd term, but the media hasn't noticed. Wonder why?

Tom Bowman, Denver, CO (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:36 PM)

Jeff - those were two different poll questions.

DG, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:36 PM)

Obama got a good percentage of white votes in SC, looks like most people are sick of Bill's dirty politics.

Kathy (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:37 PM)

Melvin Chapel Hill, NC (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:37 PM)

Bottom line .... the Clintoons cannot control the Internet. Yahoo. People can find out ALL about those two, especially the young voters who were too young to care when all the Clintoon shenanigans happened.

Betty, Orlando FL (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:37 PM)

LOL Jeff must be a Republican. They can't balance a budget and they can't understand basic math in political surveys either.

Brady (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:38 PM)

I despair at the idea of Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton inasmuch that the same negativity and divisions will continue. Senator Obama represents hope and a positive new direction, particularly at a time where we need young people to become more involved in the shaping of this country as the 21 century unfolds. Senator Clinton has enjoyed the national stage for 16 years. It's time for the next generation to take the mantle.

Jim (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:38 PM)

If Clinton WINS, we all Lose!! We don't need her and her ideas to make us more of a welfare country.

Gus Christian (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:39 PM)

Obama is not a Black canditate or White conditate or Brown or Latino Canditate. Stop thinking like that. These kind of thinking as americans we do not have before sep 2001.

These terrorists not only attacked 2 Buildings, they affected to some extend our good thought process.

We need a president who talks about hope to americans and healing..

America needs a new directions towards real prosperity and happiness.

Paul, Raleigh NC (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:39 PM)

Obama had to show he could put up a fight and he got a little muddy in the process, but lets be clear - the Clinton's used and will use the politics of divisiveness just like the Republicans did for many years. short term results at the People's expense. I'll never vote for Hillary after this.

Jerry Morete (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:39 PM)

As a life long Democrat, regardless of the math on percentages and everything else, I think the dems just handed the election to the repubs-again.

Steve A Jonesboro IN (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:39 PM)

I would love to ask Sen Obama to rise above the "Billary" mud and show class

derose williams, Tampa Fl (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:39 PM)

I could never vote for the Clintons again, they constantly distorted the truth. I've had enough lies from our current President, I don't need more lies from the Clintons. Besides, are we so pathetic that we can only elect the Bushes and Clintons to run our country! When are we going to wake up and take control again.

PJ, Houston, Texas (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:39 PM)

I forgot that Jesse Jackson won the S.C. primary, way back when. Enough said! This primary is a sideshow, even if people's concerns matter in this state-- I want a real "change", and (I would not have expected this!) it is by going with Hillary. I'm in New York, and she's got my vote. God Bless!

Curtis, Hudson, New York (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:39 PM)

If Clinton WINS, we all Lose!! We don't need her and her ideas to make us more of a welfare country.

Gus, WPB, Fla (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:40 PM)

How can you possibly project a winner with 2% of the results in? Come on, now.

Thompson, Chicago, IL (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:40 PM)

A vote for Clinton, Obama, McCain or Guiliani is a vote for amnesty for 16-18 million illegal aliens. They still all support it, but keep their rhetoric down unless they are talking to Mexican groups like Clinton did last week. She said "there is no such thing as an illegal woman" and later include men when she talked to a group of Mexicans in Los Angeles. So be ready to pay more taxes since every illegal family uses ~20,000$ more in sevices (education, health care at emergency rooms, incarceration, etc.) than they pay in taxes. The country has really gone to hell in the last 20 years and the pathetic group of canidates running for president is a perfect example of that.

Jerry, Palo Alto, CA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:40 PM)

Watching and noting...., how one might celebrate that in the SC race "race" does not appear to be the primary issue among white voters, unfortunately, the same cannot be accessed from Afro-Americans. The question arises, is this lack of spread among Afro-Americans by such voting actions, now creating a more "race" oriented election as a consequence?

Observing (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:40 PM)

I am a black white gay straight conservative liberal, so I am qualified to say...

russ (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:40 PM)

Obviously, Obama is going to win big in SC. But the really great news for him is that he took 25% of the white vote against two strong white candidates. Amazing. The press had been reporting all week that he would get only 10%. And don't forget that he also got 82% of the black vote. If he hadn't been running, it was Clinton who would have gotten close to 80% of the black vote. Edwards only got 1% of the black vote! He needs to get out and let Clinton and Obama fight it out.

Jean (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:40 PM)

Bob,

Yes, Jackson won in South Carolina in '83. And Gary Hart won the New Hampshire primary in '83 (as Hillary did this year). Gary eventually lost to Mondale. Mondale, of course, lost the general election. Don't let the Clinton spin fool you.

Obama is a candidate who can cross the partisan divide. Hillary (and Bill) can't seem to get past the battles they fought during their 8 years in the White House.

Dan, Raleigh, NC (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:41 PM)

Your coverage has been appalling! It appears you attempt to shape the outcome of the election. Today is an election day and you have spent so much air time making derogatory remarks about the Hillary Clinton. The statements on how she may not be able to handle the presidency and her husband may step in to do the job have gone way too far. It’s border line sexist. How pitiful that your coverage has stooped to such low level of integrity. All of the candidate’s spouses have been speaking up for and have engaged in good cop bad cop tactics. Where is your unbiased factual coverage??

Obama doesn’t need his wife because he has the full press doing the work for him. What is going to happen when you abandon him if he gets the nomination. You have engaged in a race based reporting to the detriment of Obama, Hillary, Edwards and the public. Instead of letting each of the candidates state their case for the presidency. What an embarrassment! This not a horse race.

Your Commentators have engaged is so much speculation and rhetoric about a conflict on race, that it has created this ground swell in minds of the general public. YOU have planted the seeds of this racial polarization. Congratulations, the only reason it has become so magnified, is because you the press have promoted it. I have been a long time consistent viewer of MSNBC, and you have currently made it very difficult to keep from turning the channel.

Annette, St. Augustine, FL (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:41 PM)

Why does everyone say that Mrs Clinton unfairly attached Mr. Obama. When at the first debate Mr. Obama & Mr. Edward both attack Mrs. Clinton.I believe the public sh get the facts straight. If they both did not pick on Mr. Clinton we would not be faced with the negative remarks being made on both side. The media does not help matters by making this more a race issue. I was raise when someone attack you, you have a right to defent yourself.

Mary Crestor (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:41 PM)

Hillary Clinton's nasty and unfair hardball with Obama is why I'm switching my vote to Obama. I really get tired of the politics of personal destruction. Obama takes the high road and Hillary the low road. The problem is, when it comes time to fighting the republicans, I'm not sure Obama can fight back half as effectively as Hillary. If I sound confused or conflicted, I guess I am. But right now I'm just angry at Hillary for being so low with some of her comments and that cynical radio ad that was completely off base about Obama.

Chris C (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:41 PM)

I am constantly amazed at how supporters of each candidate freely post pot shots. Although it is very entertaining, do you think myself or others will be swayed by your opininons? Most American's have already made up their mind who they will support. The truth of the matter is we all need to start thinking who we will vote for if the candidate we support is not nominated.

Erica, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:42 PM)

Hillary isn't running for President, she is just putting Bill back in.

JK (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:42 PM)

As someone actually from South Carolina, I think it's sick that white voters were ignored during this entire primary. What about us? What are you going to do for us, Obama? Forget us?

Jeremy, Hartsville, SC (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:42 PM)

I'm so sick of the media talking about the "race" card. They started it and they are sticking to it. I am a white female and I find their comments tacky to say the least. Why don't they stick to the issuses rather than race or gender. I haven't found one network that talks about issues. Joanie

Joan Robedeau (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:42 PM)

Clintons=Evil clowns.

Pete, Seattle, WA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:43 PM)

Clinton may have lost playing the race card in South Carolina, but she knows it will pay off in the whiter areas. Clinton knows that a large number of white Americans are just not going to vote for a black for President if she just keeps them thinking about it.

John Greverson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:43 PM)

This is perhaps the most critical election in America's history, simply because of the threats America faces - at home and around the world.
As I see it none - repeat NONE - of the leading candidates from either party will be up to those challenges we will face in the coming years.

Steve Dandy, Cascade, Maryland (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:43 PM)

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