Teasing the upcoming NBC/WSJ poll

Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:00 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
Tonight at 6:30 pm ET -- on NBC Nightly News and on MSNBC.com -- we'll be releasing the latest NBC/WSJ poll. But here's one thing we can release right now: there's still an enthusiasm gap.

In the poll, 52% of Obama voters say they're excited to vote for the Democratic presidential nominee. By comparison, just 26% of McCain voters say they're excited to vote for the Arizona senator.

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Comments

WOW!! That has got to be demoralizing for the Mccain camp. It also makes me believe that Obama really can win this b/c he has excited his voters and they will show up to the polls rain or shine and stand in line for hours to vote!!!

Kris STL (one of the 100,000 at the Obama rally) (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:26 PM)

I'm shocked, truly shocked. I'm surprised Mccains numbers aren't lower, what a despicable campaign he's run.
Obama/Biden 08

Marcia A Pekin Il (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:28 PM)

Honestly I'm very excited about an Obama Presidency!!! I really think he's going to CHANGE the way Washington does business and how the Gov't treats it citezens. I can't wait to cast by early vote ballot on my next day off!

Gary M., Orlando FL (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:29 PM)

Thats huge.
I am hoping it indicates a reverse Bradley effect. Republicans who will poll for McCain but "pull" for Obama in the privacy of the booth.

Obama\Biden '08

...For Toot.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:29 PM)

you people are so in the tank. no one takes you seriously.

lisa mechanicsburg, pa (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:33 PM)

This shouldn't surprise anyone who has been listening to the last week. McCain's campaign has basically been who he isn't and what he isn't. According to his campaign, he is not George Bush and he is not Barack Obama. They have been rather silent on who John McCain is other than "a maverick," a term that tells you nothing about his actual stance on any particular issue.

When you run that way (putting aside misleading scare tactics), your votes tend to come from people who oppose the other candidate instead of from people who support you.

tmess2, Kansas City (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:33 PM)

Count me with the 52%! Yes, we can! Si se puede!

Sue, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:34 PM)

Going state by state it is difficult to produce a scenario where Senator McCain garners enough electoral votes to win.

Looking at the 2004 results, all the current polling data, primary turn outs, it is highly unlikely that Senator Mc Cain wins.

Allan G, Dover, NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:36 PM)

But do any swing states go blue in this poll? That's the key.

Rick in Raleigh (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:36 PM)

Can't wait to see the numbers. There's a Pew research poll out today that has Obama up by 14 points (O:53/M:39). It will be interesting to see what the NBC poll looks like. I am very confident that Obama will be our next President; the question is- is he going to bring a landslide with him and how big.

NB, OH (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:39 PM)

I'm excited! And worried. And probably on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Two more weeks and out!

Just A Guy, Cincy, OH (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:39 PM)

GO VOTE! WE FINALLY HAVE A CHOICE, A VOICE AND A RIGHT FOR CHANGE!!!!!

GO OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Sophia Beck Laramie WY (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:39 PM)

You guys are such teases!

I'm enthusiastically going to drop off my Oregon mail-in ballot (we all vote by mail) tonight. Pretty much went Dem all the way this time.

I'm tired of being called a traitor (either you are with us or against us), unamerican (live in a city), unpatriotic (don't support the war or flag pins) and the like.

I was a Republican that swithched to Democrat, at the end of the Regan Admin, with the influx of the evangelical and the "mean" Newt movement. This year, the Reps are surely justifying that switch for me. I love and respect our diverse "diversity" and will be happy to pay additional taxes to ensure that the entire country has health insurance and get out of poverty. Now that is patriotic and american. That's how I was raised.

O

rd portland, or (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:41 PM)

Palin ruined it for the GOP candidates. McCain ruined it for himself and his party choosing Palin. If she is the future of the GOP they have no future.She is too late for interviews now-she is blantantly throwing McCain under the bus inorder to save herself and her future with the GOP.What kind of person is she? No someone I would hire to work for me in any capacity.

Kris K in CA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:42 PM)

You mean hard core redumblicans are ... "holding their noses" when they vote for mcpain.

Rich, Katy, TX (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:42 PM)

GET REAL. REPUBLICANS WILL TURN OUT THEIR VOTE ON ELECTION DAY ---- AS USUAL. IT IS THE DEMS WHO HAVE A HISTORY OF STAYING HOME AND GETTING STONED!

REPUBLICANS WILL TURN OUT THEIR VOTE. (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:43 PM)

When will McCain get it? We're tired of the bogus md-slinging. You'd think tanking in the polls would get his attention--but apparently not. He's almost as clueless as his running mate.

Liz (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:45 PM)

Lord knows it's time to tap the vein with another round of polls.

Sabrina, Tampa, Florida (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:46 PM)

Sounds like more good news for McCain to accompany the 14 and 11 point deficits he has in the Pew and Gallup polls.

http://democratictribune.com

Publisher, Tipton, IN (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:49 PM)

Let's hope some of those unexcited McCain supporters decide to get excited for Obama! You never know!

Christine, Hadley, NY (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:49 PM)

New NBC/WSJ poll results shock nation:
52% of folks are anti-american, while 26% bask in God's approval!

Buzz "boy, can I spin 'em, or what?" (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:49 PM)

That's great news for Obama....

Obama/Biden '08

Eric, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:50 PM)

Well Pat Buchanan, you're no closet racist. There will be no Bradely effect since you're an ardent,ovet, Confederate flag waving racist!
voters are excited to vote for the Democratic presidential nominee who is not stuck in pre-civil war and Jim Crow days..
=============
Margaret Holmes, Elmhurst Illinois (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:05 AM)
This news is just a subtle diversionary tactic to pander for voter sentiment... this is not even news-worthy.
Margaret Holmes,
You are inhuman and have no decorum. What if she dies?
====================================================

Senator Obama, I as a volunteer and contributor, will work as hard as I can to ensure we take back the Whitehorse. Don't worry about a thing, you are blessed to be with your grandmother. Were it not for her you would not be where you are. Likewise shaping your values we would not be where we are in the polls today. We love you.

Peace and everlasting love
Nobody but Obama/Biden

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:51 PM)

I just watched Chris Matthews and I am appalled by the comments Palin made today at one of her rallies. I can't even fathom that she thinks she will be "IN CHARGE" of the Senate if she is the VP. Please someone out there tell me they can tell her she is full of it. This is mind-boggling! I am LIVID about this.

MadasHelinVA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:52 PM)

And this is news? Which American would be proud of such negatism the McCain Camp has been spewing?

latinovoter (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:53 PM)

We're waiting!!!

LB, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:54 PM)

Here in red state Louisiana the enthusiasm gap is more obvious than ever and getting more pronounced. Many hard-core Obama supporters are working tirelessly despite the long odds that the demms can carry the state. Democratic congressmen and senator now look stronger than ever.

Ken Benitez, Independence, La. (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:55 PM)

Moderate Republicans, military personel, and independents were encouraged this week when former General and Secretary of State Colin Powel endorsed Obama.

Powell critiqued McCain for
1. selecting Palin, saying is unqualified
2. questioning McCain's erratic performance during this economic crisis
3. a mean spirited and narrowing campaign

While he spoke eloquently of Obama
1. a transformational leader
2. a Steady hand both domestic economy and international affairs
3. willing to speak to those who we don't speak with to make a more peaceful world

stevenf, pa (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:55 PM)

I think there's going to be a "McCain effect" in this election. People who have been lifelong Republicans are secretly going to vote for Obama!

Jackie, Plattsburgh, NY (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:56 PM)

Great news! I am excited to vote for Obama too!

Let's run to the finish line like Michelle Obama said. Vote early and help others to the polls. Call battleground state voters! Donate! Canvas!

YES WE CAN!!!!!!

Michelle, Huntsville Alabama (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:56 PM)

26%? I'm surprised it's that much.

Lila Snow, Portland, Maine (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:57 PM)

That makes perfect sense. From what I can figure, since Bush has an approval rating of about 30% and McCain has about 44ish% of the vote, that means that about that other 14ish% of people are voting for McCain only for SOME other reason (fear, racism, religious beleifs, what-have-you), not because they are happy with the Repuplicans and what they have done or how McCain will be just like Bush. They just can't bring themselves to vote for Obama.

SSB, Newport News, Va (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:59 PM)

Lets see how exicted people are when they pay $6 for a gallon of gas, 60% of their income going to taxes, and have double digit interest mortgages. Well, at least we'll be able to get a abortion anytime and anywhere.

Sally Quinn, DL (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:59 PM)

We know where this is going....

Obama campaign has stayed on message. Barack Obama has kept his cool and shown himself to be presidential.

McCain campaign continues to sputter on and hopes some issue or emergency will come along and save them. McCain looks erratic. Kind of sad. Not really....

Robert, Boulder CO (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:00 PM)

Who is the REAL Colin Powell?

John Irvine (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:01 PM)

Interesting, waiting to see the full details of that poll.

Amherst, NY (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:02 PM)

McCain considers himself a gambler. His recent gambles, such as the gimmick of “suspending” his campaign and picking Sarah Palin for VP, show that we do not need him gambling with America’s future.

America needs Obama.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:03 PM)

How can anyone honestly be "excited" to vote for John McCain? Oh right they aren't. They are the remaining 26% of Republicans that look in the mirror every morning and lie to themselves about the GOP being a prosperous and pragmatic party.

Mike, Baltimore MD (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:06 PM)

After eight years of Republican rule that taken us into a black hole of spending, I question the sanity of anyone who's excited for more.

1-2 trillion dollars of unnecessary war to make a profit for a few republican friends.

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/timeline-part-i-bush-cheney-war-and-oil/

1 trillion dollar bailout because Republicans needed the housing bubble to continue to expand so people could take out Home Equity loans and actually have money to spend..and keep a false economy going.

Sorry, we've had enough, and luckily we've got someone to be really excited about.

infogiant, austin, tx (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:07 PM)

blah blah blah more of the same old same old.

johnboy (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:08 PM)

Shocking! NOT! Come on First Read...give up the goods!

Alison, FL (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:09 PM)

What's wrong with that 26%? Are they stupid or just anti-American?

Very Pro America (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:09 PM)

How could any one in there right mind that has been paying attention the past 8 years get excited about another 4 or 8 more years of a republican president.especially John Mc cain and Sarah Pailn. This independent voter wants to look ahead not back to 1950. That is where John Mc cain will keep us.

Jeff Oregon (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:09 PM)

John McCain's campaigns don't bring excitement and purpose, as much as lies, mantras ("Joe the Plumber"), and fear.

game kid (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:10 PM)

Senator Obama has went his whole adult life trying to help people despite what others may think.

Mia in Miami (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 9:48 AM)
----------------

Can one person be produced that Obama helped? Thought not. Oh, you said "trying to help". I'm sure Obama has tried to help. I guess that's a good enough qualification to be prez.

He Tried (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:12 PM)

This is good news, but no surprise to Obamanites. We're READY for an Obama/Biden administration to start, and the sooner the better!

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:13 PM)

And now we're being treated by the Obama campaign with Grandma on her death bed. Does this soap opera with this idiot ever stop?

Typical White Person (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:14 PM)

These poll results are completely understandable. I can imagine that it would be difficult to get excited about a candidate whose entire campaign strategy has basically been centered around lying about the other candidate's positions on issues and creating propaganda about trivial issues. The McCain campaign's message is essentially, "Don't vote for Obama because (insert lie or misleading information here) instead of "Vote for McCain because__________" When the McCain campaign does speak about their own policies, which seldom occurs, they even misrepresent the effects that their plans will have if implemented. How can someone feel enthusiasm about a candidate that is running such a misleading, negative, fear and hate-mongering campaign???

Shannon, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:15 PM)

What is exciting about voting for McCain? Most of his supporters said he is the worst of two evils! That is terrible to think that way. Why even waste the vote is you are not absolutely for someone.

Sonia, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:16 PM)

I voted in Colorado today - along with a lot of other people. It's going to be a very interesting election night in America on Nov. 4th - especially if you are a democrat. :)

LA in Denver (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:17 PM)

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