First thoughts: The great '08 paradox

Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:17 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** The great ‘08 paradox: Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the latest NBC/WSJ poll is the poor shape the GOP finds itself in today: The party’s fav/unfav has increased (34%-49%); Bush’s approval rating remains in the 30s; a whopping 76% say they want a president who takes a different approach from Bush; and Democrats lead by double digits in generic presidential and congressional contests. On top of it all, for the first time since 1992, a plurality of registered voters (43%) believe they’re worse off than they were four years ago -- hardly a good sign for a party trying to hold onto the presidency. And yet … McCain seems like he’ll be more than competitive come November. He trails Obama by just three points (44%-47%) and Clinton two points (45%-47%). Also, while a surprising 52% of Republicans say they would have preferred a different GOP nominee, the crosstabs show Republican voters siding with him in general election match ups. And get this: Just 44% of Democrats have a negative view of him.

*** Style vs. substance: Clinton leads Obama on almost every individual issue the poll measured, but she trails him on electability (48% think Obama would have the better chance of beating McCain, versus 38% who think this of Clinton), favorability, and who is seen as the more “acceptable” candidate. Why the disconnect? Because style is often more important than substance in presidential politics. Kerry and Gore both led Bush on the issues, but how far did that get them? Indeed, this latest NBC/WSJ poll shows that more voters think a candidate’s leadership style and trustworthiness (48%) is more important than ideas and policies (32%) when asked to pick between the two. But that is hardly the only thing going on here. Obama has improved on eight of 10 attributes, including the commander-in-chief question (he trails Clinton here by just five points among Democrats). Clinton, on the other hand, has stagnated on nine out of 10 attributes and has dropped in the other: being likeable. Overall, Clinton leads Obama in the Dem horserace, 47%-43%, the closest it has ever been in the poll.

*** Compare and contrast: It’s also noteworthy that, according to the poll, Clinton’s and McCain’s top attributes among all voters are similar: being knowledgeable of the presidency, having strong leadership qualities, and being a good commander-in-chief. Yet McCain has higher scores on these attributes than Clinton does. On the flip side, McCain’s strengths are Obama’s weaknesses and vice versa. McCain’s worst attributes -- being likeable, being inspirational and exciting, and bringing real change -- are among Obama’s top categories. His worst categories: commander-in-chief, positions on the issues, and knowledge of the presidency. Do Democrats go for a nominee that covers a flank against McCain? Or capitalizes on one?

*** Legacy watch: Bill Clinton’s legacy has taken a real hit in the last year. In March 2007, his fav/unfav was 49%-35%. Now it’s a net negative: 42%-45%. His numbers have gradually gotten worse as the campaign has gone on. In November, it was 47%-40%; in January, it was 44%-41%, and now it’s 42%-45%. The reason? His support among African Americans and Obama voters has greatly eroded. Similarly, the poll shows that Obama voters have a more negative impression of Clinton than Clinton voters do of Obama.

*** Uniting the Dems: Nearly four in 10 Democrats believe the protracted primary is bad for the party, and just one in four think the long process is good. So this begs the question: Which of the two Democrats will have an easier time uniting the party? Well, according to the NBC/WSJ survey, Obama voters have a lower opinion of Clinton than Clinton voters have of Obama. Clinton's fav/unfav among Obama voters was 69%-17%; now it has decreased to 45%-33%. Meanwhile, Obama’s fav/unfav among Clinton voters was 55%-20%; now it’s pretty much the same at 53%-24%. Does this mean Obama voters have taken this campaign a lot more personally than Clinton's supporters? Or does this mean Obama's voters are more intensely loyal to their candidate than Clinton's? These are questions the superdelegates may end up debating amongst themselves at some point.

*** Other interesting numbers in the poll: The percentage of respondents who correctly identified Obama as a Christian increased from 18% to 37%. But those identifying him as a Muslim also increased five points (from 8% to 13%). Fifty-eight percent said globalization has been bad for the country; just 25% said it has been good. Congress’ approval rating is at 19%. And just 14% view Nader in a positive light; 37% have a negative impression of him. The poll was conducted March 7-10 among 1,012 registered voters, and it has a 3.1% margin of error.

*** Getting closer to a re-vote? According to the Washington Post, the Florida Democratic Party has set June 3 as the date for a possible mail-in do-over election. The party confirms the date to First Read, but cautions that nothing is set in stone, due to the fact that Florida Democrats are disagreeing about the particulars. But there are a lot of unanswered questions about how the election will be conducted, including if it passes muster with the Justice Department since Florida is a state that has to get pre-clearance for their elections, even party-run ones. South Carolina Democrats and Republicans have faced this issue in the past. By the way, Michigan also appears closer to coming up with some sort of re-vote compromise.

*** The Limbaugh effect: Want more proof that the liberal blogosphere has turned into a big-time ally for the Obama campaign? It has really begun to push the “Limbaugh Effect” story to explain why Republicans, per exit polls, have begun to break for Clinton in Ohio, Texas, and Mississippi. But let's not get carried away on this issue since all three states have Southern tendencies (yes, you Southern Ohio), meaning identity politics is more likely to trump everything else. Until there's an actual swing of Republicans voting for Clinton in a state without culturally Southern tendencies, then assume this so-called "Limbaugh effect" is nothing more than an urban myth.

*** The delegate count: Obama leads, 1,614-1,497. The NBC pledged number has Obama leading, 1,398-1,244. Clinton leads in superdelegates, 253-216.

*** On the trail: Clinton, McCain, and Obama are all in DC for Senate business today, although McCain later travels to Philly for a fundraiser there. Also, Bill Clinton holds fundraisers in New York and Michelle Obama campaigns in Pennsylvania.

Countdown to Pennsylvania: 40 days
Countdown to North Carolina, Indiana: 54 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 236 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 313 days

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Comments

Excuse me, but why exactly would it be Hillary’s turn? When did we decide that we have to complete the women’s rights movement before the civil rights movement? I must have missed the memo on that one.

The paleo-feminists like Gerry fail to realize that this campaign is about the future, not finding some symbolic closure to the past. Barack is running as an American, not the embodiment of all things African-American. He displays more of the positive character traits that are supposedly the province of women in this campaign than the woman candidate herself. My sisters have lost their way, and some are apparently losing their minds.

Hillary’s true weakness is that she can’t get past her own experience. The constant fear that she might appear soft because of gender clouds her thinking in areas of critical importance to the nation. It’s great that she has tried to push children’s issues in the Senate. That hardly offsets helping Bush and McCain drag us into a disaster in Iraq out of fear that she might someday be accused of being congenitally weak. If she can’t leave the past behind and make detached objective decisions when that three AM call comes in, she’s just isn’t ready for the office.

It may be that we have to wait for a woman of the next generation who knows without reservation that she is in fact equal. One who can express the best of those characteristics we generally think of as the strengths of women without fear of losing an election. One who doesn’t have all of Hillary’s experience. It may not be as long a wait as many fear. I’ll bet two years ago you couldn’t find many in the African-American community who could have believed that the main obstacle standing in the path of fulfilling their dream in 2009 would be a single graceless woman.

jaycee, Ventura, California (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:20 AM)

Obama/Biden: Experience the Change!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg

Frank Medina Ohio (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:21 AM)

By playing the race card, Obama's supporters are sending a message to both his supporters and his detractors.

Obama supporters are in a frenzy attacking anyone that supports Clinton as out of touch "baby boomers". Isn't Obama a baby boomer?

Politics is a fight and so far Clinton keeps tagging Obama with punch after punch while Obama whines and cries. What he is getting hit with is compounded by the fact that the media has now been shamed (as they should be) into asking him tough questions that he tries to avoid answering.

If he is the nominee, he will get pummelled by the Republicans because so far Obama appears to be unable to take a punch or hit back. He can't close the deal.

Bill, Santa Fe (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:22 AM)

"Indeed, this latest NBC/WSJ poll shows that more voters think a candidate’s leadership style and trustworthiness (48%) is more important than ideas and policies (32%) when asked to pick between the two."

And that, my friends, is why this country is going to hell in a handbasket real fast!

Just amazes me...I thought voting by popularity contest stopped in High School...guess not. Guess the popular kid with no substance will always beat out the less popular but smarter and issue oriented kid.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:25 AM)

I suspect the discord you see in the polls now (mid-March) between the state of the Country (bad) and whether McCain is electable versus Obama and Clinton is a function of the fact that McCain is already the nominee and Obama and Clinton are still fiercely duking it out. Had the reverse been true (the Dems had a nominee and there was a negative Rep. race going on), I suspect the poll numbers would be very different.

There is a lot of time, its still the Democrats game to lose (of course, if they don't pull it together, the Dems may well lose).

But Nov. is a way off.

Lisa, New Britain, CT (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:28 AM)

As this keeps going the Democrats continue to lose ground on John McCain as he sits back getting himself healthy. This Primamry has become a gigantic joke. Instead of embracing the fact that they have the first woman and african-american, they are bashing eachother for reason that have nothing to do with the issues like The Economy, The War, Heath care, our standing in the world etc. And where are the so called Democratic leaders???? Has anyone seen Richardson, Biden, Edwards, Pelosi, Dean, Reed, Hoyer or anyone??? No !

They are all too busy hidding and doing a horrible job in The Congress as well as blowing their opportunity to get The White House. With everything Bush has done how could this happen???

Politics as usual and lack of leadership as usual for the democrats.

The democrats should be ashamed of themselves

Embarrassed (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:30 AM)

Lots of food for thought-- thanks. Certainties? None. Snarky comments by Clinton trolls and Obamaniacs? Plenty.

Clinton trolls:
1) Obama has more legislative experience than Clinton: 4 years more.

2)Obama has passed 3 substantive bills in the U.S. Senate and many more in the Illinois Senate. Clinton has passed 0 substantive bills in the U.S. Senate.

Obamaniacs:
1) Clinton is not being "divisive". Her campaign is negative and lacks credibility, but how is she dividing? She needs everybody's vote, just like Obama.

2) Clinton is not race-baiting. Her campaign has been lazy on, maybe encouraging of, racially-charged remarks. Wake up. Last I saw, Senator Obama is still considered black by American society. We will never be able to tiptoe around his color. Ever. Yes, what Ferraro said was ridiculous and moronic in its grasp of history. Who the heck cares? The economy is in recession and a war is going on. We need Senator Obama's superior judgment on the job.

Jerry Tsai (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:31 AM)

I wonder how long it will take Jaycee Venture, Ca. to cut and paste his daily Pravda-like dietribe.

Message to the super delegates; If he can't win at least one of these states...NY, Tx, Ca, Pa....then he probably can't win the general election.

Yes HILLARY can!

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:32 AM)

Re. the style v. substance issue...

I completely agree with the final points of that paragraph. Clinton and Obama are very similar on the issues, nobody disputes that. She may have an edge in some Washington experience and her indepth knowledge on some issues. I readily give her that. But we don't necessarily elect or need President's with those strengths. Advisors can bridge the gap on both Washington experience and in-depth knowledge on topics and policy.

Why I think Obama is the better choice is exactly on style, character, visionary leadership, and how he works with people. He is a big picture thinker with extraordinary leadership skills. He has run an extremely competent campaign (as is evidenced by how far he's gotten with a sure steady hand). He is calm under fire. Also his learning curve has been truly outstanding (this is evidenced by many things as the article attests).

Character is important as lapses in character distract from governing...does anyone really need me to articulate all these as I make a personal vow NOT to try and go negative this morning.

I can't speak for all, but for me, the reason I focus on Hillary's tactics in this campaign is because that is a "tell" on how she is expected to lead. And I don't like that style of leadership (OK, I really do detest it, but that's as negative as I go) and that is in substance a large part of why I'm supporting Obama, who clearly shows evidence of being Presidential even as he runs for office.

Lisa, New Britain, CT (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:35 AM)

Limbaugh effect

"assume this so-called 'Limbaugh effect' is nothing more than an urban myth."

Really?? How do you explain that 24% of Clinton's total vote in Mississippi was Republican? That was not the case earlier in South Carolina, Alabama, or Louisiana. You can't dismiss this glaring statistic merely by saying this was a southern state.

Come on, you guys can do better than that!!

Obie, Burtrum, MN (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:36 AM)

Hillary has no substance for most people. Her inability to beat McCain, divisiveness, lies, and slander have rocked her forever. And that was prior to supporting a racist like Ferraro....who said the same statements about J.Jackson 20+ years ago. She cares not about the Democratic Party or the country...just herself.

CraigB; Chincoteague, VA (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:38 AM)

For those people who think Ferraro is racist. This is pastor wright recently. video speaks for itself. Maybe Hillary isn't all the evil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUbUBTlmAiA

Michael (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:41 AM)

I'd surmise that Obama supporters look more unfavorable on Clinton than the other way around because the Clinton's have conducted themselves in ways unimaginable than what I previously thought of them capable of. But then again, I guess you can say wasn't thinking straight at the time.

Black Women for Obama
Obama '08!

Boo-Kitty (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:42 AM)

What everyone fails to mention, is that it doesn't matter who wins the primary. The assumption is that the democratic party would rally behind the nominee, and thus all would vote for their candidate. However, with Hillary determined to tear the party apart, if she were the nominee, McCain would certainly win.
Suzanne, Elkhorn, WI (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:09 PM)

__________________________________________________
The Dem party is on life support and the repukes are in CCU!
Everyone rally round McWar and get this whole BS election in bed with the Military/Corporate warlords. We need a rest and no matter who is elected nothing will CHANGE! All is a big joke on the taxpayers and fodder for the media who pushes the propaganda of the day!

ASSUME THE WORST (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:45 AM)

In terms of the "uniting the dems' segment...

I will say that this is where tactics are important (and I think they are important because they speak to both the character of the person and to how they will lead and govern).

Let's talk timing and when (at least) Obama supporters started to turn...I can speak for myself but I've seen and known others who feel similarly.

I feel like I am a pretty typical Dem. At the end of January, I could see supporting both voters as I turned to Obama as my choice. I felt positive that my state supported Obama on Feb. 5th. Me and my children went to his rally in Hartford (Feb. 4th) and I have to say I never felt so positive as a Democrat. At that point, clearly I still would have supported Clinton as the Democratic nominee.

However what happened between then and now (5-6 weeks, seems like a lifetime). It became clear that Clinton felt her back was against the wall. She choice to take the path she did. Even though they are so similar on the issues, the tactics showed differences in the two. I can point to negative campaigning, kitchen sink strategies, marginalizing so many of us in her talk of which states matter, changing various rules, inconsistent and sloppy campaign strategies by her staff, now this whole big racial/gender MESS. Obama, at that point, had to respond or risk being called not tough, not able or willing to engage. etc. I feel his response was necessary but measured.

I want to stay postitive, I am a democratic voters who is ALWAYS turned off by the negative and always factor that into my vote (who went negative first, who had to respond, how did they respond).

We had this kind of result in the Fifth Congressional District (my district) in CT last year. Look who sits in Congress today (for those who don't know, a young State Senator, Chris Murphy, in an upset, unseated a long-time Republican (and woman) Congressperson, Nancy Johnson. You can guess who I voted for...

I pledge to try and stay positive but I can't honestly say that tactics don't matter. They are close on the issues, tactics can tell a lot.

Obama 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:46 AM)

If the Democrats continues on this self-destrutive gender/race,he/said,she/said it's just giving the nomination to McCain because by August Americans will be sick of it. It's very possible that Democrats will pick-up bigger majority in congress and will continue this partisan politics as usual. Who loses? We the people who allow it. I AM DISGUSTED WITH POLITICS/POLITICIANS

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:46 AM)

What the blacks are now seeing is 2 Democrat parties, 1 that just wants them to stay on welfare and be a voting block for them (thats the white elite dem) and the other, that can see a Black American leading a nation, or a city. We are now seeing the white elite democrat show his racial colors.Thought we had grown more than this..

Stop the Madness (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:47 AM)

You are undoubtedly wise in your skepticism about the "Limbaugh effect," but the exit poll data from Mississippi and Texas does raise questions, and I don't at all understand your logic with respect to "Southern tendencies." Why would Republican voters from states with such tendencies be voting in the Democratic primary? Even if they were, why would they, based on those tendencies, be more likely to cast a sincere vote for Clinton? Even if she is perceived as the more "conservative" between them (an arguable point at best), wouldn't the antipathy to all things Clintonian more than counter that perception?

Sorry if I'm missing something obvious here.

aba (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:47 AM)

Polls here and polls there.....it gets very confusing. Suffice it to say that Obama will lead in pledged delegates and the popular vote after these primaries have concluded and is more electable against McCain the Hillary. There is nothing confusing about that! Let's move on, give Obama the nomination and gear up for a battle with McCain.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:49 AM)

Fair enough on the Limbaugh effect, I'm content if someone can just (neutrally as possible please) keep an eye out because games-playing in primaries can certainly effect how decisions are made in the general.

I (as a non-Southerner, former West-Coaster now New Englander) can concede the point that I know nothing about Southern politics!

Obama 08

Obama 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:50 AM)

www.hillaryclinton.com Come and see why we are so excited.

John Doe (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:52 AM)

In November, it was 47%-40%; in January, it was 44%-41%, and now it’s 42%-45%. The reason? His support among African Americans and Obama voters has greatly eroded.

Kind of hard to be popular when you play the race card......

As Paul Miller said in here "kind of hard to be elected president when you have a negative 53 rating".

It’s also noteworthy that, according to the poll, Clinton’s and McCain’s top attributes among all voters are similar: being knowledgeable of the presidency, having strong leadership qualities, and being a good commander-in-chief.

You liberal media people just do not understand.....
Hillary was never in the armed forces, so how in the world could she have experience as commander in chief??????? John McCain was in the Navy, so he has the lead as wide as the Pacific Ocean in that department.

Is this why we are electing a President????
John McCain is not likeable?????
In that case Hillary Clinton should win by a country mile because everybody hates her guts.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:52 AM)

Florida and Michigan will never have a re-vote. First, there are no "do-overs" in politics. There is no process or law that says how a state can request a re-vote, how it can conduct a re-vore, or how it can count a re-vote. Second, the number of lawsuits over any kind of suggested re-vote will take years to resolve. Even if a re-vote takes place, there will be lawsuits challenging the validity of the vote. The Democratic delegates from both Florida and Michigan will be excluded from the convention this year.

HL Bowman, NY (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:52 AM)

Until The Dems leaders dennounce and reject Hill and her campaign this is going nowhere.

Nj (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:53 AM)

Your assumptions about the Limbaugh effect are just that, and nothing more. You ignored testimony from poll workers who witnessed voters clearly stating their intentions. There is much more evidence that the Limbaugh effect is real. Saying it doesn't exist is turning a blind eye to the truth. You must disprove it before calling it an urban myth. You failed miserably. Why don't you do some real investigating and prove it? Your opinion is your opinion, but don't expect anyone to take it for fact. Where else would the Limbaugh effect have any impact, other than in traditionally conservative strongholds? Where else are you going to find voters willing to commit fraud? Where were the last vestiges of Jim Crow laws? Finally, is "identity politics" a code word for racism/sexism?

TJK, Hunt Valley, MD (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:53 AM)

"Southern tendencies (yes, you Southern Ohio), meaning identity politics is more likely to trump everything else."

Well that's some typical lame Liberal thinking. If the dishonest corrupt worthless Clinton were leading the "The Limbaugh effect" would be pushing to vote for Obama. The whole idea is to keep the fight going. Nice try though.

Dave, Tn (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:54 AM)

Why anyone still believes what polls say is a mystery. Look at the polls of three months ago, and compare them to what has happened up until now. None of the polls were even close in predicting what the outcome of any elections would be.

Dre Hubert, Las Vegas NV (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:55 AM)

We are'nt Stupid here 1st Read. Republican's have their nominee. They also know that by voting for Hillary from here on out, it keep's Barack from starting a national campaign.

Bill Clinton's Negative rating's are of His own doing.

Voter's are paying attention to Leadership Quality's, that's why Barack does well. Hillary is too devisive, no doubt!

Rick,Ky (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:57 AM)

so.... the fact that most of USA have already voted and one candidate have won 28 states, that cannot tell you anything but a sample of 1000-2000 people of the people in the united states says all.
look in front of you 28 million people voted and by a margin of 700,000 obama is leading over hillary. the liklyhood that Obama voters would have changed their mind is next to Zero because in order to vote for a guy named Barack Obama you realy need to believe in the candidate. so no i dont buy it and further more who are those people who think that he will be the better candidate against McCain and who yet will chose her over him, maybe they are doing this because it dont matter. The whole thing smell a bit like Denmark

Jon, seattle (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:58 AM)

Hillary can not beat McCain one on one when you compare their three top atributes - being knowledgeable of the presidency, having strong leadership qualities, and being a good commander-in-chief - McCain can win that fight. Obama can out flank McCain. Plus this election will be about the Economy! Even with the Republicans talking about Iraq. The White House will bring out threats against America on a more regular basis as the election becomes closer to continue to keep Iraq and threats in front of the voters mind. This is how Bush/Cheney will help McCain.

John - PA (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:58 AM)

THE FLORIDA PRIMARY ELECTION REAL STORY : The primary election date decision to move up the date was made by the "Republican" Gov. Crist and "Republican" legeslator. They knew then full well that the DNC would not accept the results. However they went forward anyway.Now Gov.Crist is trying to fog the issue,that every vote should count and that some beaurcrate in Washington is stopping the process.Even though we "know" it was of his own making,and done for political advantage.For Gov. Crist wants to be the Republican Vice Presidential candidate ,and he helped McCain get the nominationby endorsing him and campaigning for him in Florida. We will have a new primary vote here in Florida and the Democratic Party of Florida will have to pay for it.We Floridians will not forget, how we were treated by the Republicans and we will be making Florida a "blue" state.

Mark Anderson, Tampa,Florida (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:00 AM)

Clinton offers no style, no substance and no integrity. She hides tax returns, over exaggerates any experience, spouts off memorized data and calls it proof that she is ready to be commander-in-chief. I call her a sore-losing liar that is destroying the Democratic Party. I am a 50 year old white women and you haven't polled me. Don't put me in her category!

Mary C (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:01 AM)

Also, Bill Clinton holds fundraisers in New York

Who owns Hillary Clinton? Let's have a little disclosure here re the library, Kazakhstan, tax returns. Amassing a private fortune while attached to the public teat demands disclosure, particularly from a person who apparently now claims "35 years experience". Journalists, please get to work finding actual facts rather than playing your little "racist versus monster" namecalling games.

iowan (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:03 AM)

All these events point to the fact that Clinton is running McCain's campaign against the Democratic party.

New Wave (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:03 AM)

I am so tired of the drama day in and day out...

Every damn Democrat need a good reality check. The nomination is wrapped up for the Republicans and now they are sitting back laughing at the Dems.

IN MS, 28% of Republicans voted for Clinton, to keep her in the race and we fight among each other.

I realize AGE DOES NOT PROMPT WISDOM and if there is nothing positive to SAY about moving this country forward, then SHUT UP!

Normally the Republicans are charged with racism, but this election it's the Democrats against other Dems.

Are you kidding me?

How do we the Dems want people to support us when we have a great turn out this year and are divided by race? Get over yourselves and stand up for what right for a change.

The old way of thinking to say something is reality that has offended people is ludacris. If you say age trumpets wisdom, act that way or go climb under a rock!

We talk about we hate genocide, we hate how the muslim world acts, we hate this or that or that country should ????? blah, blah, blah...Well aren't we a piece of work?

And Clinton needs to set a new bar in her campaign with these people who are killing her campaign.

These advocates are her friends, so she is reluctant to speak against them, but let me tell you Hillary get rid of them, if you do become President, they will come back. If not, these people have not been hearing the public who wants something new and are tired of the old way of doing business.

The government is a business and if you haven't figured it out by now, loyal friends with the best intentions are making you look absolutely crazy. Friends and business; don't mix. It's business, it's not personal...tell them and if don't like it, then tough! It started with Bill Clinton and has been out of control since.

Folks reality is homes, schools, education, healthcare, the war, etc...

NOTE AGAIN: 28% OF REPUBLICANS VOTED FOR CLINTON TO CONTINUE THE MADNESS, SO THE DEMS CAN TEAR EACH OTHER DOWN AND DIVIDE US BY RACE. TO SAY OBAMA GOT THE BLACK VOTE AND CLINTON GOT THE WHITE VOTE...WELL MISSISSIPPI IS AND WAS NOT THE ONLY CONTEST AND WE
the Dems need to wise up!

Starchild, Mo (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:04 AM)

Chuck, check for yourself.
He went on the Ruch Limbaugh show the day before March 4, to lobby the votes. They will even see the devil to get votes, and the sad thing is that she denied it on national tv.
http://www.wbap.com/Article.asp?id=606119&spid=6051

demos (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:06 AM)

The point is that Republicans are voting for Hillary now, not because they like her, but because they want her to be the nominee in order to lose to McCain. Look at the numbers... That's not an urban legend, and its skewing the delegate totals in OH, TX and MS. That is an important news story, and goes to show why the Democratic superdelegates should step in now and end this.

Russ, Connecticut (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:07 AM)

could someone please force hillary to drop out and go back to new york where she belongs, she's going to loose the election for the dems, all she can do from now on is be counter productive for the dems, for once she should do something for someone other than herself

MK,MO (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:08 AM)

Chuck,
Hilary Clinton comment about John McCain being qualified, Her being qualified and Obama giving a speech come straight out of the republican play book and in fact come out of your colleague "Joe Scarabrough" on Morning Joe. He is the one who suggested it and after he bashed Barack Obama on national TV she won, and she used the same comment.
The next day (March 5, 2008) when she was on the show she said that she will take him as the vice president.)

We know what is going on here, the Clinton's and the Media.Joe seems to keep putting the flame to slash Obama and we take notice.We the public cannot do much but consume and take notice.

demos (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:11 AM)

It's really time to change the tone or end it altogether. Divisive and offensive tactics are not worth it. The last two days were terrible.

Anyone who has influence should use it wisely before it is too late. That includes former President Clinton.

Robert (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:13 AM)

So there is a parallel between Clinton and McSame. Still personality favors Obama. I think that's the true reason for the RACE-BAIT '08! Obama honestly inspires people that Clinton or McSame would have to pay for.
Bring it down to the lowest common denominator. It seems each year we nash our teeth and wail, "Why does it have to be so negative?" YET WE SUPPORT/TUNE IN/ EVERY DIRTY TRICK IN THE BOOK.
You get what you put in.

Dr.Strangedog, MI (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:14 AM)

I want to WARN everyone... VERY IMPORTANT!
PLEASE READ!!!!

I have caught wind that Republicans are writing on these blogs. They are intentionally becoming an Clinton supporter that hate Obama supporters and vice versa... They are changing there party to Democratic so they can vote in the upcoming primaries.

They have found a weak spot in this Democratic primary thus far. They see the opening to divide us... They have been the ones that have been feeding race and gender into our politics.

Clinton supporters & Obama supporters I urge you to unite! Let us not be against each other!!! Let us join forces and fight together to get out of the war in Iraq and make much needed changes in Iraq and at home!

Obama and Clinton differ so slightly on policy... This fight is mostly about personality. Also one difference is a top down mentality versus a bottom up. Either way they have good intentions.

Please I urge everyone: Obama and Clinton Supporters to unite with whoever is the Democratic Presidential Nominee.

Let's change the tone of this race TOGETHER. We can support our favorite nominee at this point. But let us do it in a less divisive manner. We can point out what we like about our choice, and try to say one good thing about the opponent.

I love America and I love what these two candidates see for our future.

Let us unite Clinton and Obama supporters and be a force the Republican candidate John McCain cannot reckon with...

I have been one of those supporters that bashes the other opponent. But i have seen what has done to me and to others. I have even said "oh if the opponent gets the nomination I will not vote for that person, I will stay home or vote for someone else"
Then I asked myself "what do I want for the next 8 years" It definitely was not McCain... and I am sure if Clinton and Obama supporters asked themselves that same question the answer would be similar.

Lets unite and do this together.
Thanks,
Celeste

celestegip, Highland Park, NJ (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:14 AM)

It’s also noteworthy that, according to the poll, Clinton’s and McCain’s top attributes among all voters are similar: being knowledgeable of the presidency, having strong leadership qualities, and being a good commander-in-chief. Yet McCain has higher scores on these attributes than Clinton does. On the flip side, McCain’s strengths are Obama’s weaknesses and vice versa. McCain’s worst attributes -- being likeable, being inspirational and exciting, and bringing real change -- are among Obama’s top categories. His worst categories: commander-in-chief, positions on the issues, and knowledge of the presidency. Do Democrats go for a nominee that covers a flank against McCain? Or capitalizes on one?
======

This is absolutely critical. Why on EARTH would you nominate someone to go up agaisnt McCain, when that person's only "strengths" are dwarfed by McCain's? Is experience REALLY Clinton's ONLY advantage over Obama? It seems that way, but it should be noted that Obama reigns supreme on actual judgment (what's experience worth if its experience making the wrong choices?). Is she doomed trying to claim an experience advantage over McCain? Absolutely.

The BEST way to confront McCain? Don't give him a mini-me candidate that he can easily trump on every point. Give him someone that can come in from the side for the knockout punch! Obama's obviously the answer. If we learned nothing else from Gore and Kerry, it's that personality matters more than experience.

Ron, TX (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:15 AM)

I think it's very troubling that msnbc will not show the video of Obama's (Pastor Wright) spewing racial slurs and hatred toward whites and the Clintons,at his church services.

The news media have a obligation to report all the news. Obama needs to be questioned on his Pastor's statements.

Obama was present when his Pastor made these hate filled and racial remarks.

When is the media going to question Obama on these things?

(John Doe (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:15 AM)

Just an observation on the "Limbaugh effect". Limbaugh does encourage his minions to vote for Hillary, HOWEVER Sean Hannity urges his followers to vote for Obama.

unionsalt, ny (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:16 AM)

The timing of your poll means everything. You haven't told us when your poll was conducted. Was it after Clinton victories in TX and OH? Or was it after Obama victories in TX, Wyoming and Mississippi?

The results of the upcoming primary elections seem very predictable although there might be some surprises. The odds are heavily weighed towards Obama. The only person that can stop him is Obama.

Keith in PA (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:18 AM)

Yes bush and gop have driven America into the ground and America knows it and will respond by driving gop out of office for years to come.

thats a fact jack (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:18 AM)

Mccain is more of the McSame...more wars...more debt...more tax cuts...more deficits...more religious zealotry in our government...more pandering to the arabs...more pandering to right wing dictatorships...more criminals running our government departments...more profits for exxon and haliburton...more republican coke snorting gay telecharlatans...more more more

Rick, NC (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:19 AM)

hillary monster "George Wallace" clinton is a racist pig!!!

Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:19 AM)

“Does this mean Obama voters have taken this campaign a lot more personally than Clinton's supporters? Or does this mean Obama's voters are more intensely loyal to their candidate than Clinton's?”

Sure, Obama supporters take it personally. Why not? The Clinton campaign (with more than a little help from the media) MADE it personal. Obama’s supporters have watched him respond to negative attacks with grace and with dignity almost every day. If what has happened in this campaign has made Obama’s supporters are more loyal than Clinton’s, she has only herself to blame.

Obama 08

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN (Sent Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:21 AM)

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