Teasing today's NBC/WSJ poll

Posted: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:00 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
Here's one question from today's NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll that we're releasing early: 59% say it's more important to have a president who will focus on progress and moving America forward, versus 37% who would rather the president protect what has made America great.

VIDEO: A Hardball panel debates: How can the Clintons be most effectively used to help Barack Obama win the presidency.

For more on the poll -- the match up between McCain and Obama, whether adding Hillary Clinton to the ticket helps or hurts Obama -- tune into NBC Nightly News tonight or click onto MSNBC.com at 6:30 pm ET.

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Comments

Refreshing numbers. Give us more!

Matt, Idaho (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:04 PM)

WE'RE LOOKING GOOD DEMS!!!!!!!!

YOU GATTA LOVE THOSE NUMBERS!!!!!!!

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Most others liberals around here are in total denial. Donna is a prime example.
Fred Led (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 5:07 PM)
**************************************************************

Denial of what Fred?

Bring forth your argument.

Here’s an example of how to do that:

George Bush has failed the American people.
He promised us that his friendship with the Saudis, and the search for WMDs in
Iraq, would result in our being loved as liberators, and lower prices at the pump.

What does a search for weapons have to do with our being liberators?

With his latest oil run, to Arabia, he succeeded only in further humiliating himself.
As Hillary put it, he went begging. He has no influence with them. They sent him packing with his tail tucked.

Here endeth the lesson.

Bring proof as to how I am in denial Fred. Otherwise, you’re a hit, and run put down
artist of no substance.

I liked that you called me a ‘prime example’ though. The results from my word search pleased me.

Thanks !

donna (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:04 PM)

Is there some reason the WSJ thinks their polls are so special? Every other pollster releases their polls as soon as they are ready, but with the WSJ there's always this big suspenseful buildup - "you'll have to tune in later to see the results!"

Just release the damn numbers already.

Linda. Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:05 PM)

HEY FIRST READ, WHERE IS THE STORY ON MCCAIN NOT CARING ABOUT BRINGING THE TROOPS HOME. HUFFINGTONPOST, DRUDGE, AND A FEW OTHER MEDIA OUTLETS HAVE THIS UP, WHY DON'T YOU???

Paul, Riverside, CA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:06 PM)

Women Get Informed John McCain Refused to Return to Washington to Vote to Give Women Equal Pay

Sen. McCain & The Republican Party Defeated a bill To Give Women Equal Pay........................May 2008

Sen. McCain Refused to go back to Washington on Thursday to Vote to give Women Rights For Equal Pay on the same jobs as MEN. Women are you really listening?

What sparked the Bill in Congress was a woman, Lilly Ledbetter who worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, after 20 years found out that she was paid 40% less than the men on the same job. This means she will get significantly less then the men on the job in Social Security and Pension Benefits at retirement.

The bill sought to counteract a Supreme Court decision limiting how long workers can wait before suing for pay discrimination.

Voted against Equal Pay Law ; the right to give Women the same pay as men because and the President said it would cause Women to file Lawsuits. Funny they did not think if Employers would not discriminate in the pay scales there would not be a need to file a lawsuit.

Sounds like Sen.McCain and the President expect Employers to keep paying women less for the same job.
NEW ORLEANS — Republican Sen. John McCain, campaigning through poverty-stricken cities and towns, said Wednesday he opposes a Senate bill that seeks equal pay for women because it would lead to more lawsuits.

Senate Republicans killed the bill Wednesday night on a 56-42 vote that denied the measure the 60 votes needed to advance it to full debate and a vote. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had delayed the vote to give McCain's Democratic rivals, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, time to return to Washington to support the measure, which would make it easier for women to sue their employers for pay discrimination.

McCain skipped the vote to campaign in New Orleans.
"I am all in favor of pay equity for women, but this kind of legislation, as is typical of what's being proposed by my friends on the other side of the aisle, opens us up to lawsuits for all kinds of problems," the expected GOP presidential nominee told reporters. "This is government playing a much, much greater role in the business of a private enterprise system."

WomenForEqualPay (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:07 PM)

Mark, stop being a wus and tell the producers to stuff it. Release the poll already.

Rod (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:08 PM)

Seriously First Read, you're taking 2+ hours to update your own site and then you update with a "tease"?????

John McCain said "That's Not A Big Deal!" when troops come home on YOUR network, and everyone in the media is on top of the story but you? Are you waiting for another Bob Johnson, Jim Johnson, Magic Johnson or whatever his name is lead or something????

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:08 PM)

Where are you on reporting the Iraq comment McCain made on the Today Show about bringing troops home "not too important" . Already reported at HuffPo, Politico, Daily Kos, etc.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/11/mccain-iraq-comments-brin_n_106468.html

MI, NY (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:09 PM)

Any data in the polls that asks Americans if they want to hear pretty, but nonsensical speeches? You know, like the ones Obama gives?

Taylor Maid (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:10 PM)

It's called CHANGE. The old way doesn't work and we get that!

Mike G- Ventura CA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:10 PM)

Wow. Obama by a landslide. I'm glad.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:12 PM)

Makes sense to me. If the president focuses on progress, makes some and moves the country forward, then the country will continue to be great and looking to the future. Protecting what has made us great is looking to the past.

Benny, Alameda, California (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:13 PM)

America will face more challenges in the next 5-20 years than we have ever dreamed. 59% of those surveyed are right to be looking forward at how we will solve today's AND tomorrow's problems.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:14 PM)

Let's Talk About Taxes The Republican BUZZ WORD
NOTICE HOW REPUBLICAN TAX CUTS SENT THE DEFICIT/DEBT TO A HISTORICAL HIGH.................

Let’s see what the honest answer is to this question including how giving Tax Cuts to the Rich has affected hard working Americans

The Answer is...................................

The War in Iraq has balooned the NATIONAL DEBT from a SURPLUS in 2000 to 5.7 TRILLION DOLLARS in June 2001 when the first TAX CUTS (For The Rich) were enacted to $9.4 TRILLION DOLLARS Today 6/9/2008.

That’s 3.7 TRILLION DOLLARS in NEW DEBT just as Medicare and Social Security are reaching Crisis proportions. A Significant amount of the Deficit is owed to FOREIGN BANKS.

Keep In Mind that Sen. McCain Voted Against Tax Cuts For The Rich 2001 before he's now decided to Vote for them

A BARREL OF OIL WAS.....$28.00.....BEFORE THE US INVADED IRAQ AND NOW ITS $139.00 A BARRELL AFTER THE INVASION

Here’s how the Republicans chose to Ignore the problem today, June 10,2008. We The People Must Stay Informed;

McCain seems to have flip-flopped on the ESTATE TAX.

Here's McCain today: "The estate tax is one of the most unfair tax laws on the books, and the first step to reform is to keep it predictable and keep it low."

LetsKeepThemHonest (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:14 PM)

Yes, I would agree with that statement. It would be a huge leap of reality to believe that anything done by this administration has made us safer. I will never forget the Color Coded alert system and how it's proverbial puppet strings hit orange and red as every election approached. Saber rattling is not a foreign policy. Get real!

I would rather have a tax and spend liberal than a spoiled, ‘generational wealth’ conservative maxing out the country’s credit cards. Neither Bush nor McCain have ever been in touch with how the average Americans “pay as we go” or worse, they simply do not care. I am so outraged over the deficit. How can we maintain this war while asking no one at home to sacrifice? The mentality of this just completely escapes me. The Republicans of the recent 15 years are a complete sham. I am still shaking my head over McCain’s new message of “reform, prosperity and peace”. If you aren’t outraged, you really aren’t paying attention. The only hope of recovering from the current state of affairs is to stop paying ‘interest only’ on our debt and get the heck out of this quagmire in Iraq. Once we have stopped the cash bleeding; we can shore up our domestic situation by offering corporate credits for domestic job creation, credits for green jobs, alternative fuel, etc. Doubling down on this war as a matter of policy is just ridiculous.

And to others: McCain certainly isn’t the ‘hero’ he’s been painted out to be. Crashing several military planes and getting shot down doesn’t exactly scream competence. McCain’s education and service are merely adequate. Barrack Obama is extremely intelligent. He was elected to be President of the Harvard Law Review, he has demonstrated strength, wisdom and character in facing his opponents in this race and I have every confidence that he will surround himself by similarly smart and competent people. So to imply that he and Bush have anything in common because of their lack of experience is laughable. Real change is coming, I hope you recognize it when you see it.

PS. dusual, is that slang for delusional? just curious. Lisa, GB,CT - Eric Salinas, CA - Pat Huntington, NY - Pat Boston; I enjoy your posts every day. keep up the good work!

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:14 PM)

Please -- let Hillary rest in peace!

It was enough to hear about that woman when she was running -- she is now GONE! Now you people would like to cast her as Obama's SAVIOR!

Obama has won without her help and will continue to win WITHOUT HER!

Willis, TX (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:14 PM)

Bill Clinton has already said that if Hillary is put on the ticket as V.P., the country will get "three for one!"

If there is no other reason to keep her off, that would be it.

Jo, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:15 PM)

This poll is looking good for Obama. I think Obama is going to win big come November. I expect the narratives to change once America zero in on McCain's gaffe.

The guy said bringing troop home is not that important. Obama should allow 527 groups to pound him on this issue.

I can create a video myself to make it more evident.

Bee (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:15 PM)

Senator Obama does both. Senator moves this Country forward AND protects what makes America great.

Senator McCain, with his Cold War mindset, certainly doesn't move this Country forward. Also, if Senator sticks to the policies of our current President, like
he says he will, he will not protect what makes America great. Our current President certainly has not. The rest of world looks at us distrustfully, our soft power and our reputation are greatly diminished. Our great American Dream is also sputtering out for too many American families.

Kim, CA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:15 PM)

Progress and moving America forward.........and exactly HOW would a 71 year old war veteran DO that? He has trouble moving HIMSELF forward, let alone a country. This is almost enjoyable watching the Repukes crash and burn this year! Couldn't happen to a better bunch of conservative jerks!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:15 PM)

What a yummy teaser . . . can't wait to see the poll results!

Obama/Biden '08/'12

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:16 PM)

Hmmm... and which candidate gives Americans credit for being willing to do the work of making this country better for future generations?

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:16 PM)

Well, well, it looks like the men in this country screwed up yet again by forcing and bullying everyone to put Obama as the nominee. Has anyone seen the pictures of Obama lately? He looks like a deer in the headlights, right before he gets smashed by a truck. I'm guessing the look is due to him realizing he can't BS anymore and that a debate with McCain will make him look like the total fool that he is. Way to go dems...we chose the WRONG candidate again. I will not be voting this election cycle. Foolish men!

J fl (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:17 PM)

Obama by a landslide. Obama and Clinton were identical as far as policy is concerned. Once the general gets rolling, her supporters will fold into the Obama tent. McCain can't rev up his base. So this is a contest between one guy who has increased his base vs another guy who can't get his base to come out. This is why the repubs are essentially running an anti-Obama campaign, bc they know their guy is a lost cause. Once the bright lights are on and the MSM can't hide the old man's temper or endless stream of gaffes, this thing will be all wrappred up. We might even move up Obama's innaugeration to Labor Day.

Dave, NY, NY (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:18 PM)

I agree with the 59% who said, they would rather have a president who will focus on progess, and move America forward. That is why it is very important to have Senator Obama in the Oval Office come January 09.

Obama for president 08/12.

Californian for Obama (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:19 PM)

How do you move forward? Abandon McBush's prime principles of divide the country and conquer through fear and manipulation.

I for one do not want to have a man who "misspeaks" often. McCain has already told the world that Iraq's current government is Al Qaeda and that "I will veto every beer that is brought before me."

This kind of “misspeaking” is liable to bring America into World War 3! This country, teetering on the bring of bankruptcy and failure, can not afford, literally, another 4 years of a Bush or Bush clone (McCain).

Justin, Philadelphia PA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:20 PM)

It makes total sense because moving forward addresses the basic needs of the people (high gas price, economy, etc). The other option may no longer be relevant in a globalized/internet world --- America needs to make appropriate changes, not total change. Therefore, we need to break out of the 8 years Bush/Cheney fiasco. The man who can get us there is McCain. His experience and insight allow him to discern what went wrong and can provide the right solution.

Boboy, WI (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:20 PM)

Sorry, I'll be watching Race for the White House during this time period.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:21 PM)

What has made America great is it's willingness to improvise and adapt.

Bottom line, "protect what has made America great" means we have to keep moving forward.

Dan (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:21 PM)

YouTube of John McCain saying Troops coming home is "NOT TOO IMPORTANT":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSaH2uyWz_I&eurl=http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/06/11/mccain-calls-bringing-troops-home-not-too-important/#comment-718424

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:22 PM)

I like Biden but he would not be a good VP...he has a habit of "open mouth and insert foot"....Hillary is still the best choice for experience, knowledge, and she has proven that she does not give up easily...........

Ann from VA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:22 PM)

IS IT A PRESIDENT WHO FOCUSES ON "PROGRESS" IN IRAQ?
OR IS A PRESIDENT WHO WOULD "PROTECT" THE CONSTITUTION WHICH HAS MADE AMERICA GREAT?

TOM TYSKIEWICZ, FOREST HILLS, PA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:23 PM)

Why can't you guys get Clinton out of your mouths?? He can't win unless he has her on ticket?? I am appalled at the desire to continue to chime on and on about the "hillary" voters won't support the democratic ticket. The "Reagan Democrats"will vote in November.

PS. My mute button on the TV is getting a workout because everytime Pat Buchanan opens his mouth he reminds me of why the narrative persists! Enough already!

Jari Detroit, MI (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:24 PM)

C'mon folks, NBC News is paying for the poll to get you to watch NBC Evening News so why would they want to release the results before then? That's how for-profit journalism works. You want to find out more, tune in to Brian Williams.

Ed, Watertown MA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:24 PM)

I agree, I would rather gamble on change than stay a failed course any day of the week! Obama is the man for change.

http://www.politivine.com

Politivine (SC) (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:24 PM)

Mark, Chucky T and Dummy-enico ... please STOP IT with the HRC hypotheticals; she WILL NOT be on Obama's ticket, so give it up, already!!!

ObamaMama - Glenwood, IL (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:24 PM)

Wow. John McCain said it's possible he may lose Arizona. 50 state strategy - can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

Go do your thing Howard Dean and David Axelrod.
_______________________________________
Eric, I have very little to complain about as far as championship titles up here lately. So I hate to pour it on with fans from other cities - except of course - New York- (dysfunctional relationship between the two cities to say the least). But I really do love them. It’s the month of October that’s the killer.

So good luck with your Lakers. I’m happy they won last night and I hope they win tomorrow night. Nothing like a 7 games series. We’re pretty excited up here as are you guys out there are from what I’ve been reading.

Again, good luck. Not surprisingly, the ratings are pretty damn good!!!

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:25 PM)

Will any of the 37% please explain to me what is left that is so great about America after 7 1/2 years of the Bush Administration?

What I used to think was great about our country was our civil liberties. Our system of checks and balances to insure any administration would not get power hungry and put there personal aspirations above the good of the people. Our standing in the world as a shining example of a democracy in action that fights hunger, oppression, terrorism (real terrorism! not made up terrorists like those in Iraq. They only came after we invaded and occupied Iraq). Freedom of speech. The seperation of church and state.
The ultimate illegality of the U.S. government ignoring the constitution, The very framework that made this country the greatest in the world to begin with. A country that solves problems with diplomacy before violence.

I have watched everything I love about this country slowly flushed down the toilet by the likes of Bush, Rumsfeld, Cheney, Rice and Rove. And here comes McCain to continue us down the path of destruction with no regard or remorse for the people he serves.

So please enlighten me. Why should we stay status quo?
In another 4 years what ideals will be left to protect?

Mark,Seattle (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:25 PM)

FR - why are you not reporting this? Get the candidates opinions on this!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/11/bush.europe/index.html?iref=topnews

MI Chick (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:25 PM)

I don't know about anyone else, but I have found if you want the news first go to Huffingtonpost.com. First Read is really falling behind in my opinion. See if they will even post this.

Sue in La. (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:25 PM)

That is certainly a heartening result and says a lot for us as a country. We're moving on.

NO FEAR!

Obama '08

Gail, TN (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:26 PM)

The War on Terror has always been a bogus mindf#$k. Of course it's going to be about the economy: inflation on gas and food, unemployment, the mortgage crisis, the weakening dollar, ridiculous healthcare premiums. People are hurting. Do they want to vote for an old fart who wants to continue to make the rich richer, at their own expense? Of course not.

Obama 08 / 12

Chris F. Northern Cal. (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:26 PM)

hat General Wesley Clark says about John McCain on Huffington Post today....

"I know he's trying to get traction by seeking to play to what he thinks is his strong suit of national security," Clark said of McCain while speaking from his office in Little Rock, Arkansas. "The truth is that, in national security terms, he's largely untested and untried. He's never been responsible for policy formulation. He's never had leadership in a crisis, or in anything larger than his own element on an aircraft carrier or [in managing] his own congressional staff. It's not clear that this is going to be the strong suit that he thinks it is."

Resume aside, though, Clark also took issue with the Arizona Republican's instincts on national security. "McCain's weakness is that he's always been for the use of force, force and more force. In my experience, the only time to use force is as a last resort. ... When he talks about throwing Russia out of the G8 and makes ditties about bombing Iran, he betrays a disrespect for the office of the presidency."

SMS (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:28 PM)

Ah one of those typical read into the answer what ever you want polls. WTG once again worthless New York Media. Cant wait to see how insane this country really is come November. At least you democrats have two candidates to choose from.

Dave, Tn (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:28 PM)

Hillary's speech on Sat was wonderful and I dearly hope she will follow through to campaign for Obama.

Assuming she could make it through confirmation hearings and her age isn't an issue, Hillary would be a perfect choice for the Supreme Court -- something Bill didn't and couldn't do (afterall, he was disbarred wasn't he?).

Alternatively, a cabinet post as secretary of Health and Human Services would be another great position for HRC -- 'just not VP.

Hillary: if only you hadn't thrown Barack under the bus and gone SO negative, you would've been the nominee. If only you hadn't been SO conning and entitled, you would've been the nominee.

If only you hadn't listened to Mark Penn and shown your warmth and humanity, you would've been the nominee.

Thanks for a GREAT primary season!

sara, mesa, az (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:28 PM)

Sounds pretty insipid to me. And as for continuing to taunt voters with Hillary possibilities...well that's just as weak. Sen. Clinton lost - now the republicants just love her and all she's done for every 3 year old girl compared to that nasty Barack Obama. Maybe people should be remembering Margaret Chase Smith a little more.

bill, okla (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:30 PM)

The only thing Obama has offered so far is change...

Everything else he is offered shows that he is a true tax and spend liberal.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:33 PM)

When the Republic attack machine gets into full swiftboat gear on cult leader Obama, the numbers won't be looking pretty. It will be pining for Sen. Clinton, the winning candididate with a landslide victory hands down.

crat3 (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:34 PM)

"Obama supporters need to realize Obama is not God and needs someone strong on the ticket with him...such as Hillary. if he doesn't choose a woman for VP, McCain will and that ticket will win. women need and want a voice in the election...........

Ann from VA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:35 PM)

Heck yes, progress beats out fear mongering!

Another note of history is being made, the conservative tax and spend, fear and national security approach to winning elections is finally a thing of the past.

Richard in Bellevue, WA (Sent Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:36 PM)

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