Clinton wins CNN's dial test group

Posted: Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:24 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
CNN did dial testing and reported that a slighty majority of their group gave the debate to Clinton but then added a caveat that the group sided with Obama on the Iraq issue. Interesting that they would include that addendum.

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Comments

Clinton was more precise and definate. I gave her the debate.

mjn, phoenix, az (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:30 PM)

Hillary clearly said she didn't think her war vote was wrong, she just thought the vote to go to war with Iraq was implemented poorly. She thought there should have been "more diplomacy" (though not through the powers of the president, she thinks presidents shouldn't talk to other world leaders they don't like) and THEN maybe war. She tried to justify her vote because Saddam was evil and Bill Clinton attacked Saddam in 1998, so she wanted to attack him too.

And that's just not right. She WILL NOT say the war should have never been waged. And it SHOULD NOT have ever been waged. She made a mistake, and her failure to admit it, her insistence on justifying that vote, frankly, it scares me.

Obama is OBVIOUSLY the strongest on national security, and that is the foremost job, the most IMPORTANT job of the President. As Congress deals with getting things done under the President's guidance, it is up to the President to guide world affairs.

On the issues that matter most, Obama has a history of being correct. He has a history of having correct judgment when it matters. It's not just about being ready on day one. It's about being ready to make correct decisions.

Ron, TX (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:31 PM)

Dream ticket. Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton. Come on guys..make it work!!

Denver, CO (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:32 PM)

Thats right! Hillary won the debate!

Like i said, iraq is not that much of an important issue. Bigger issues = Econ + Health care + Dynasty

"IT TAKES A CLINTON TO CLEAN A MESS OF A BUSH!"

John in la (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:33 PM)

What do you mean by "interesting" Chuck. Are you saying CNN has an Obama slant?

Todd, Wheaton, IL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:34 PM)

Those dial test groups are about as relevant as the midnight precinct vote in NH. In fact, less.

Irrelevant, Cleveland, OH (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:34 PM)

If you noticed the baseline for Hillary was 60% for Obama 50% that was a Clinton friendly audience.

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:35 PM)

Barak is not the best debater in the world, but neither was Bush. To stay even with Hillary, who is a master-baiter, is quite a feat.

Jenna Stevens (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:39 PM)

FYI: The majority of the group CNN was refering to are also Hispanic who are familiar with Hillary Clinton. Bottom line, those group are not fair representation of Califonia.

Bee (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:39 PM)

Leave to you to find the BUT in anything positive about Clinton. What a biased jerk you are.

JT, Texas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:39 PM)

NO QUESTION ABOUT IT, HILLARY WINS ANOTHER DEBATE HANDS DOWN ! WE ARE LOOKING AT OUR NEXT PRESIDENT, HILLARY CLINTON A BORN LEADER. hillaryclinton.com

Z (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:39 PM)

Are you kidding me? I cannot believe anyone would vote for Clinton - just more of the same. That is all we need - more Monica Lewinsky's in the White House.
Obama is the man!!

S Kreg Phoenix Arizona (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:40 PM)

CNN's "dial testing" was half Latino. Not a representative sample by any means.

Will, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:41 PM)

Clinton News Network viewers say Hillary Won the debate. You're kidding. Who would have ever guessed that.

Rick,ky (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:41 PM)

Of course, she was much better and clearer on policy. Obama looks like a good salesman, but he is all fluff. Hillary would destroy either McCain or Romney.

tom a, st.cloud, mn (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:42 PM)

I can go to sleep now

PLB (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:42 PM)

So this Republican MSNBC site, finds it interesting that that Clinton did well in the debate. The next article by Murray is really interesting...

Wow, you guys are so biased it stinks.

I think Clinton was more presidential and showed a command of the issues needed to lead our country.

Regarding Iraq...Obama is preaching to get out of the past...well the future is to "get our troops out of Iraq safely and intellegently" and he can dwell in the past about voting but he wasn't put in the position of making that decision with a vote and he seems to avoid voting when it might backfire.
Hillary Clinton clearly will get our troops out of Iraq and help end the war in Afganistan.

I also thought that Obama was acting nice, but he did throw out some attacks which Hillary dispelled
very well without attacking back. She could have said that once he got into the Senate he voted for the Bush funding of the War.

I am not convinced that Obama was genuine with his friendliness toward Hillary, whereas, I felt she was more sincere and gracious. When Obama is not smiling he is almost looking unfriendly or angry.

I also thought that Wolf asked some questions bordering on inappropriate directed to Clinton and once again no tough questions of Obama, except about not covering 15 million Americans with healthcare.

Hillary will make America a better country for ALL OF US.

Laura, Wash. STate

laura elwin, Sammamish, WA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:43 PM)

Mark your calanders, super duper Tuesday February 5th. will be super duper Hillary Clinton day. Come visit and see why..hillaryclinton.com

George Zimmerman, Bayone, N.J. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:45 PM)

The dial test group, back row, 3rd in from the right, with the bad wig on . . . . . was that Bill?

Clyde Barrow, Chicago (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:45 PM)

MSNBC has an Obama BIASED... Not a slant... Which makes me wonder how they plan on getting exclusive interviews once Clinton becomes the nominee...

Matt, Lawrence KS (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:45 PM)

I thought that this was a homerun for Hillary; she was the clear winner tonight and most of the pundits were forced to admit it. This will be pivotal come Super Tuesday.

teddi, Norwalk, CT (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:47 PM)

laura elwin, Sammamish, WA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:48 PM)

Obama is preaching to get out of the past ...
Hillary is advocating that she will GET OUR TROUPS SAFELY OUT OF IRAQ.

I like her plans for the future of ALL AMERICANS.

Laura, WASH. STATE

laura elwin, Sammamish, WA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:50 PM)

CNN's assessment was accurate. I am a Hillary supporter, but Obama did win the Iraq section on the debate. Her command of policy details is incredibly impressive. As far as the dream ticket is concerned, I think Obama would be more likely to accept VP than Hillary, but the two of them one one ticket would certainly represent the ultimate change ticket

M Cohen Westchester County NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:51 PM)

Hillary did show her strength and discipline. She is just fantastic!

Hillary 08!!!

Martin (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:51 PM)

Frank Luntz'(who I trust more) focus group on Fox News gave a big win to Obama. Folks in his group actually switched from Hillary to Barack.

Brad, Salt Lake City, UT (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:52 PM)

I think that Obama performed with a presidential air of authority. His answers were concise. Hillary tended to bloviate. Her Iraq answer was a disaster.

The bottom line is that this debate achieved for Obama the gravitas needed to put to rest the concept of 'lack of experience'. Experience, judgment and inspiration will make him the next president of the United States.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:52 PM)

Does Obama think he should be President over Hillary because he opposed the Iraq war and she voted for weapons inspections. Everyone knows Saddam's crude history, with him possibily getting his hands on nuclear weapons and what Americans went through on 9-11. I would think that everyone should have voted to pursue the weapons inspection. It was George Bush who took us to the Iraq war. What if Saddam did have the weapons and he did use them on us. Obama would not even be around to say he was against the war. Go Hillary, I want a President that will protect the United States. Not a wait and see what happens person.

DG (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:52 PM)

The Fox news focus group gave it overwhelmingly to Obama, FWIW.

RaymondA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:52 PM)

I watched the entire debate, and Hillary clearly won. I have begun to notice an Obama slant on MSNBC & CNN.

TL, Tampa, Fl (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:53 PM)

Clinton won the debate because she demonstrated a clear commmand of the nuances and complexities of all the problems that face us, both in foreign affairs and domestically. Obama cannot move beyond his sound bites and poll tested rhetoric, because he lacks the depth, wisdom, and experience that the job demands. GO HILLARY GO!

George, San Francisco, CA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:53 PM)

Clinton definately was more concrete than Obama. Obama's best moments were when he borrowed lines from his stump speech. When he has to improvise on his own, he is not nearly as inspiring. Clinton won this one, but Obama is improving. What Clinton needs to do is to start bringing up who is more quited to be Commander-in-Chief. Obama can be preacher in cheif. He can inspire the young people.

Kenneth, CA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:53 PM)

First of all, I am suprised to see this on the MSNBC site!!! But overall, I think the debate was even until the Iraq part. Hillary went down hill after that. I think she got smoked during the last half. I gave it to Obama. I think real change will come from him, not hillary. I am an independent voting for Obama.

T. Scott, San Diego (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:55 PM)

I was very proud of democrats. Dream ticket:Clinton/Obama Clinton won the debate!

Donna Baptiste, Chicago (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:55 PM)

Look- you chumps - a vote for Clinton is a vote for McCain. Like it or not- that IS the reality. She and Bill have succeeded in dividing the democratic party so bitterly with their cheap tactics that NO Obama supporter will ever vote for her in the general. You can bank on that. I have a petition here with over three thousand signatures and counting to prove it. If you want to throw your vote away- be my guest. I'm still young enough to move to Canada.....

TMWheaton (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:55 PM)

The 20 minutes on Iraq sunk her. Try to pretend it didn't. But it did. Watch for the Oklahoma numbers to move...just like the other states. Btw...What was that nonsense she was spouting about Sadaam and Osama and something about megalomania...blah. What was she talking about. Mark Penn stuttered about on it too afterwards.

Steven, KDH, N.C. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:57 PM)

Hillary lost badly on the Iraq issue. When someone cannot admit they were wrong and then tries to justify it..........remind you of anyone??? On the Iraq issue, and hearing her explanation, I have one piece of advice....WHEN IN A HOLE, STOP DIGGING!!!. Another thing to consider is all the baggage Hillary is bringing. Today, one of MSNBC stories is about old Bill peddling influence for dollars to the tune of 10's of millions of dollars.
Sorry, I want a fresh start and a clean slate. I'm still sticking with Obama. She's

Chris Salzmann, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:57 PM)

Clinton always wins that group. CNN(Clinton surrogate campaign headquarter). Barack Obama supporters always cringe whenever we hear CNN debate and Blitzer in the same sentence. BTW, Wolfie shocked me tonight with the 'HOW COULD YOU HAVE FALLEN/BEEN DUPED BY BUSH' question about Iraq. That was a good zinger.
My Dem party voters had better not send up a 'ME TOO' candidate(HRC) to face a neocon again. We will lose,yet again, if that happens.

Marbw (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:57 PM)

Clinton/Obama 2008
for the win Alex.
Question:
What's best for America?

Russ (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:57 PM)

The CNN poll was biased. Obama was consistently rated lower from the start. They need to look into that.

Mike (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:58 PM)

Well, it happened…my mom, who cried after tonight’s debate, has lost faith in democrats and now my family has a new look on politicians and this country.

Since my grandparents migrated to this great country, my parents have been loyal and very involved Democrats for many decades. And when my dad died, my mom got more involved with the party by volunteering her services to those who needed it, even though she has been ill. She would tell us that you can only make things better by giving everything you have to make things better.

Well of late, she has been hoping and praying for a miracle for this country. She talked much about electing someone who could change the damage caused during the last decade…someone who could unite everyone and reverse this awful trend where we lacked ethical and credible leaders with great integrity. This year, we had Edwards, Obama, and Clinton as viable options to lead us to where we need to be as a nation. I gotta tell you that our family of nine was split on who was best for this country (1 for Edwards, 2 undecided, 4 Clinton, 2 Obama).

But over the last month, we’ve slowly grown disgusted with the party and how the Clintons have turned the party into their inheritance. My mother, who has given many of her late years to these candidates, is now hurting because everything she believed in and prayed for….is likely now just a “hoax” in her words. It seemed that both Obama and Clinton agreed on everything….no real differences between the two. And for Hillary to assert that it takes a Clinton to clean up after the Bushes…the Clintons? Clean?

Well…we are somewhat united for Obama and but still are not sure. One things for sure, if Obama does not win, my mother has asked that we choose McCain and Romney. So, for the first time, like many other Dems and Independents, we will perhaps vote for a Republican.

I pray that we’re wrong but like many other democrats and independents, we will abstain or vote Republican if our option is to choose between a war hero, a former CEO or someone with questionable motives and more of the same political spin.

May God help us all.

Jason from Boston (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:58 PM)

Laura Elwin, Barack passed on Many attempts to Attack her.He Whispered in her Ear & held her chair at the End. You must be used to Abuse, there's no other explanation for your ( double) comment above.He was an Absolute Gentleman to her. GEEEEEEEEEZ!

Rick,ky (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:59 PM)

I thought that this was a homerun for Hillary; she was the clear winner tonight and most of the pundits were forced to admit it. This will be pivotal come Super Tuesday.
teddi, Norwalk, CT (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:47 PM

____________________________

Please stop strenching....Your making me sleepy....Hillary Clinton's Campaing Staff

HillaryClintonSupporter (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:00 PM)

John Edwards supposedly won the Iowa and South Carolina DIALUP focus group. That worked out well when people actually voted right? NOT

Marbw (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:00 PM)

Hillabill dance around the issue as if she was in a squaure dance , I'am still waiting for her answer on her vote on for the war .Notice how she leaned her head back and moved eyes around while she searched for answers , this lady is self serving , and don't thank for a minute that she is Bill , even he is from a different time and the problems today are not the problems of the 90'S

joec , las vegas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:01 PM)

YOU PEOPLE ARE HILARIOUS! BEE says that half the group that said Clinton won is hispanic- so that isnt fair- LOL- 40% of Democrats who vote in California, and New Mexico will be hispanic and Hillary will carry the vote heavily- so what is your point? If half the group was black would there opinion not matter because of race? Obama is lucky that Super Tuesday isnt 'winner-take-all' for the democrats in the mjor states as it is for the GOP- if so Obama would be crushed as he is losing California, Missouri, New Jersey and New York- Obama isnt even campaigning in Oklahoma since he is down 25 points there. Hillary creamed him in the deabte- the best moment was when she slammed him for not even taking a position and answering the illegal drivers license question after he attacked her for it- HE LOOKED DOWN AND DIDNT RESPOND- THAT WAS THE MOMENT HE LOST THE DEBATE- after that it was moderate and full of love.

If Obama was so great- he wouldn't be losing in 4 of the top 5 largest Super Tuesday states- also- living next door to Iowa- he won a close and hard fought race, BUT NO WOMAN has ever won ANYTHING IN IOWA-EVER! Not the senate, gov, house- NADA- NO MAJOR OFFICE in the history of the state- but she fought and tried- McCain didnt, Bill skipped it,Reagan lost to Bush.

Robert Hammond (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:01 PM)

Clinton said the biggest difference is not between her and Obama, but between the Democrats and the Republicans.

Who won the CNN Democratic Debate in California?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1669

.

Jeff, Austin (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:02 PM)

Curious, since the Fox News group overwhelmingly gave the debate to Obama. Oh well, guess we will know next week.

Tom, Eastlake OH (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:02 PM)

She great tonight, accurate and very presidential.

Aidyn, NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:03 PM)

I'm surprised that Senator Obama wasn't wearing an American flag lapel pin. Oh that's right, he's not wearing one because he's protesting.....I keep forgetting.

obamawatch (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:03 PM)

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