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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Romney wins CPAC poll again

Posted: Sunday, March 01, 2009 9:48 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:

From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro and Abby Livingston
For the third straight year, Mitt Romney won the CPAC presidential preference straw poll with 20% of the vote. Bobby Jindal finished with 14%, just ahead of Ron Paul and Sarah Palin, who got 13% each.

CPAC over the years has drawn a younger crowd of student activists. (57% of the respondents to the Fabrizio-McLaughlin poll were between 18 and 25.)

Newt Gingrich finished with 10%, Mike Huckabee 7%, Mark Sanford 4%, Rudy Giuliani 3%, Tim Pawlenty 2%, Charlie Crist 1%, and 9% said they were undecided.

Just 55% said they were satisfied with the potential GOP 2012 field; 44% said they wished the Republicans had a better field.

To show just how conservative this crowd was, 95% said they disapproved of the job President Obama was doing -- 80%, in fact, said they “strongly disapproved.”

Of the job Republicans are doing in Congress, 70% said they approve.

The results were announced just before Rush Limbaugh delivered the closing speech to the conference. When the results were announced, a very small number stood up when it was announced Romney had won. They clapped and cheered, but it was a tepid reception.

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"""RUSH IS RIGHT --- OBAMA FAR LEFT""" =====

OBAMA SUPPORTERS SHOULD REALIZE THAT WHEN THE TIDE TURNS --- EVERYTHING OBAMA IS 'PUTTING IN WILL BE THROWN OUT!'

... BECAUSE OF THE MANNER IN WHICH OBAMA IS DOING IT!

THE DAY WILL COME WHEN REPUBLICANS RETURN TO POWER --- YOU CAN BET THE FARM ON IT!
These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

The circus has left town. Rush Limbaugh said he didn't need a teleprompter? Who does he think he is - the President? He said President Obama can't inspire this country. Look at the polls Rush. Look at our president's favorable ratings. Then look at the GOP's favorables. Ouch.

East coast getting slammed with snow today. But it's March. Baseball and hot dogs and beer and peanuts and A-Rod just one month away.

So now all you CPAC whiners, go home. See you in 2012. In the meantime, we have a president who is a democrat, which means a democratic agenda.

Finally.
I'm not too sure, but in "my" opinion, Rush Limbaugh crossed the line yesterday in his speech ! insuinating to people that we take to the streets, start rioting and protesting, hoping Pres Obama fails , and telling republicans to "stick to thier GUNS", to me is bordering on him being a 'home grown terriost", and possibly TREASON...I will probably get attacked for my views, so be it..I'm "entitled to my opinion, same as you " ! I think the FBI needs to investigate Limbaugh !
Obama and the communist democratic party leadership must be politically defeated in 2010. This must be acccomplished before our country is converted to a comunist regime like north korea and cuba.
The doubting Thomases that don't believe this possible are the same ones that didn't believe that our economy could be toppled by corruption and bad government.
Democrats have been in charge of Congress for more than 2 years and look what has happened. Now they have total power and the economic sky IS falling.
Imagine that, republicans supporting another past loser, and allowing a fat doper to set their future agenda!!
Maybe the potato"E" guy Quayle should be called on again, he stands as much of a chance as all the losers on this list.
"To show just how conservative this crowd was, 95% said they disapproved of the job President Obama was doing -- 80%, in fact, said they “strongly disapproved.”


Bush did a good job and Sarah Palin is a good choice for president.

Psychotics. Text book.
It is nice to know those that real people consider their leaders in America through the Democratic process of voting…at CPAC .  Rush Limbaugh's name did not show up in this list...Maybe because Rush knows that he will "fail" if he were to contest. Maybe Rush is only full of Hot Air and can't stand to compete as real Republican leaders do.  As a Republican I am truly ashamed of him both as an individual and as an American.  The hateful values that Rush pours out on the air are un-American and has rendered the Republican Party an endangered party.  Can you really wish another person to fail and see success? No...Because eventually you inherit what you wish others.  Most Americans do not wish Rush to fail, we wish him great success.  Rush talks so much nonsense that he forgot to address the $1.75trillion dollars we Republicans piled up for our future generations.  Rush is totally uninformed, uneducated and needs to be corked so that we can listen to real leaders.  
Rush, your 15 minutes of fame is up...cya.
   
Romney. Someone that knows something about running a business, about economics, and that you cannot spend yourself to prosperity.

Unlike the current White House occupant.
Did Flush Dimballs thunder for the death penalty for the servants of drug addicts that cop for them in parking lots?

Thy name is "hypocricy," and it seems to be all the Grand Old Pimps have left.
If it looks like a pig, and oinks, its a pig. Rush Limbaugh is exactly as he seems. He is a shock-jock. He, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity Bill-O the clown make their very sizable income's preaching hate and discord. Understand, they do have a following. I suspect these are the thirty percent that supported G.W. Bush in his rape of the U.S.  
You major News Companies make me sick.  No mention of Rush, when he is the headliner at the CPAC.  Afraid?  You're disgusting.
"To show just how conservative this crowd was, 95% said they disapproved of the job President Obama was doing”

Replace the word "conservative" with "out of touch" and you would have a more accurate description.  If this is how the Conservative movement stands in the face of the overwhelming popularity of President Obama with the rest of the country than the Conservative movement is doomed for at least a generation.
Wow, now there's a Change in Republican Ideology, a Morally Corrupt Economic Dimwit. O well, may the skies open up & takem all away.
this 26% of the american population is a very scary group of people....
How sadly out of the touch with the American public the CPAC participants have proven to be.  I respect their right to promote their viewpoints however divergent they may be with the rest of the nation.  Best of luck to them.  
The Evil of Extremism: White Supremacists, Nazism, bin Ladenism, Limbaughism, ,, all characterized by self-proclaimed righteousness, open or disguised hatred of others, egotism, self-indulgence, excused gross dishonesty, rationalized and exaggerated self-protection, feelings that more is owed them, aristocratic style arrogance, proclaimed absolute authority and more, all being examples of a warped, self-centered, sociopathic philosophy that seeks to falsely justify suppressing some while elevating themselves. The individual doctrines are promoted by charismatic leaders using twisted arguments to create enthusiasm in crowds seeking to belong. The cure: a large dose of humility, an openness to all others, an adapting of honest objectivity, a patience with reality, an acceptance of own fallibility, an understanding of fitting in instead of presiding over, disciplined moderation and a faith that is real in recognizing and accepting everyone's equal value under God. Extremism will always eventually bring down the society that incorporates it but in the process it will cause drastic harm and severe injustice - it is a sickness.
Oh great, bring back the buffoons!  Except for Bobby Jindal of whom I don't have much info, I don't care much for either of above names.  I mean, Mitt Romney & Sarah Palin?
What a bunch of losers, they really have nothing to offer this country. Every idea they cling to has been proven a failure. The fact that a hate filled drug addict gave their closing speech says it all.
Not Romney again.  His time is past.  Go Huck!
The republicans continue to hide their heads in the sand. Do they have any intelligent politicians? Can they not see that the American people are sick of their lies, distortions, pandering, self interests, hypocritical unAmerican acitivities, unworkable policies and politics as usual?
What are they thinking of, or are they??
you know what? with the lousy way FR now updates posts and not exactly hard hitting journalism like asking jindal why he will not use his real name piyush, and spending so much time on a rabid consrevative meeting in which 90% disagreed with obama(that's not news, it shouldn't even make the ticker) perhaps it is past time for the lay off bug to hit FR much like print journalism. journalists do not understand what its like in the real world unless they too feel the pain. this morning alex witt was fawning all over steve forbes and his tax cuts.With that I said, I too disagree with the job obama is doing. I think he has forgotten about the middle class promises he made. We ARE hurting out here in the real world and 13 dollars every two weeks is not going to do my family any good. that's less than one tank of gas and it's not going to help us catch up. there's a diffrernce between lip service and real service. oh yea, boycott MTP.
Yes, mouth foaming parrots, who kiss the rear of Rush "Jabba The Hutt" Limpbaugh, and who hate america. Where did their parents go wrong, or is it interbreeding ?
This is short and sweet, they are all a joke! Are any of them smarter than a 5th grader? NOT
This report simply demonstrates how bankrupt the GOP has become over the years. Ideology and purity in right belief appears to have triumphed to the party's determent.

Observations by political pun dints are valid, it would seem; in defeat the GOP swings to the right and hide in righteous indignation.

That is not how to win votes from the center of the political spectrum.

Now, if we can determine a method of keeping the Democrats from stubbing their collective toes....
What, Joe the Plumber (neither Joe nor plumber) failed to place?  Even after his historical lesson about how it used to be OK  shoot people (I think congress members?) who spoke ill of our troops?  Not that I can recall anyone speaking ill of our troops rather than of our policy.  Oh wait.  There was Rumsfeld who insisted there was no bad policy, just a few bad apples among the troops. Guess Joe must think it's a shame Rummie couldn't have been be shot with impunity.  
"a very small number stood up"  so, 'high enthusiam' for their 20% straw poll winner.  

With 80% strongly disapproving of President Obama's performance, you'd think they could coalesce around a candidate more clearly....
So fitting this group into the 20% approval rating of congress that consistantly shows up across the nation, we truly see how small this group is.
Ron Paul -- the only man who tells the truth, should run with Palin who has yet to be corrupted by the Kissingers and Brzezinkis and Soros of the world bankers. He can be her VP. A winning combination.
Mitt Romney, the king of cutthroat layoffs when he was in the private sector. A perfect spokesman for the GOP!
Wishful think no matter who you poll
Citizens unite!  It;s time to tar and feather again.
Only this time, when we go after Limbaugh, we'll put it on You-tube so the whole world can  rest assured that justice will be done.
The Grand Old Party, yep same old ideas, same out of touch Frat boys. I'm glad I switched to Independent.
I had to laugh when Joe Wa called Rush a 'fat doper'... B. Hussein, who now inhabits the white house, WAS A DRUG DEALER!! The president is supposed to be the best of the best and that's what you elect?  Thank you Rush for inspiring me to get back to my history books, reconnect with our Founding Fathers' Vision (and I can assure you Obama wouldn't be in it) and for becoming passionate about my country and my core values again.  You truly are "on loan from God" ha ha..dittos! xoxo
we are all americans, why so much hate. if the gop had all the answers obama wouldnot be in office
I am a conservative. The popular GOP candidates really are not that inspiring. Neither was "little trees". But I have to wonder, if a businees is failing why shouldn't those with the most to lose be able  to cut payroll? Are there people who really want a job that is not necessary or is "created" by the government? To depend on money from that would make me sick. What does someone mean when they say "create" jobs? Who pays for the "created" jobs? I have supported a family of six, with a two year degree, and never able to qualify for government help nor did my wife and I ever look for it. What happened to being self sufficient and driving oneself to the point where you may not be indespensible but would be a stupid decision to eliminate? Everybody is responsible for their own failures. Start from there. Republican or democrat will not matter at all. I hope Obama succeeds. I just hope we do not become socialist along the way.  
I thought I was a conservative until I started reading this garbage - nothing like "opinions from illiterates!" Rush Limbaugh is a great big tub of hot air - and unfortunately, you people who fall at his knees whenever he speaks, look ridiculous. The America I grew up in didn't need a blowhard like Rush to tell them what to believe in. They believed in America - not a self-serving hypocrite like Limbaugh.
How ironic! The republicans crying about all the spending going on in Washington. It's okay when they were holding the checkbook for eight years! The ONLY person I would have wanted to here at that convention would have been Ron Paul. He is the only one in Washington that has a clue about our economic situation. When this house of cards that both parties built comes crashing down, maybe then America will wake up and realize what Dr. Paul has been trying to warns us about for years comes true. Maybe then we will realize what it's really going to take to get this country back to being the America our founders intended, a truly free and prosperous United States! Thank God for Ron Paul!!      
Do you think, just maybe, the country can finally see how selfish and hateful the Republican party has become?
I am very disappointed in "Obamanomics" so far.   Yes, health care needs reform.  You can't cut reimbursements without caping malpractice -- both  premiums and law suits.  We will have no doctors to take care of any of us if you do.  
Look at Wall Street -- do you really think the stimulus will help?  I doubt it.  I really think we need a 3rd party -- one that truly represents the people not some off the wall platform that represents only a fraction of this countrys' population.  
All of you freaks complain and act like you have the answers as well.  Well, you don't and in fact neither do I.  I dont see any of you gutless cowards running for president.  Yet, you complain about stuff when it doesnt go your way.  At least someone is out there trying.  I care less if they are a Democrat or Republican.  I am a Republican and can tell you all to quit your damn Whining.  Until you gett off your lazy asses and do something do me a favor and shut up.  #1 Yes, Rush is an idiot.  #2 Bush did what he could with what he had.  What did you think was going to happen after 911. #3 Obama hasnt been in office long enough to critisize what he's doing.  #4 What makes us smart enough to judge all of this?  Do all of you have a government background.  Please do me a favor and shut up!!
Fortunately CPAC doesn't elect our president.  Fortunately Romney got only 20%.
No republican should figure on getting elected.
Even less a cultist mormon.

Marie in Texas has no clue what Limbaugh said. He never insinuated anything and wouldn't know a home grown terrorist if it hit her in the face. I think you better research what treason is, as I feel all people should research what something is before opening their mouths. Not just believe what you hear. Just like any of our leaders should know their history before claiming America did anything. Don't just run your mouths.
I guess I am tired of being part of the silent majority that does not voice it's opinion, so here goes.  President Obama is in my prayer's.  I hope he will help make the decisions that will solve our problems on every front.  

Now, I have something to say about the negitive comments on Mitt Romney.  Everything I have read or heard about him helps me to see there are still good men ready and able to step into leadership roles.  Instead of encouragement they face attacks on their character.  How many of you would step forward and serve?  Mitt Romney is a leader.  My hope is that more good men and women will also come forward and share their talents and abilities in a way that will help us to continue on as a great country.  May God Bless America.
Ron Paul! God in heaven, if ever we needed you it is right now! I wish all my fellow constitutional libertarians could untie, just once, to get a guy who would REALLY make some big time, sweeping changes. I know you liberals will disagree, but it would be for the overall betterment of our country and our society. Just listen to him, he is the most level headed realist we have ever seen. If Washington and Jefferson were alive today, they would vote for Ron Paul, so would Lincoln. Please America, wake-up before it is too late!!! Ron Paul for 2012
please give me a break. republicans are the ones that got us in this mess in the first place,no matter who is in there someone will find away to find something wrong with the way that the president is running this country. you can not just please everyone.and god help him if he does not get this country going. remember obama did not make this mess that we are in you republicans did that with bush as our leader. started a war that we should never have been in, and to tell you the truth he did nothing for this country but make a mess of it. so please rush limbaugh and the rest of all you pro republican please shut the hell up.
I really hope Mitt Romney runs for President in the next election.  I will vote for him.  Also, I think Obama is doing a TERRIBLE job and most people in Miami, FL feel the same way.
I  certainly think that   those that  supported ROmney  in winning the straw poll were great !  But serously I hope as a  Fellow Republican   that we  put  someone that  has a chance  of beating Obama  in the  2012  Election.  Mitt  Romney is a great  man and definately would   make  a great President.

TO be honest lately   Obama is too much like  Carter   of the 70's and is totally   leaning to the Socialistic side.  

At least the  Congressional  Republicans have  guts not to cause  our  Country harm.
I am so sorry that Rush Limbaugh wants the President to fail.  May be he should move to some other country and take fromer failed president with him.  We all are in the same boat - we can't have a drug addict sink a hole in our boat.
A theme I found lacking in the speach was "service".  I heard competition.  I heard personal responsibility.   Those are admirable qualities, but, the freedom to be of service by the grace of God is what provides a little bit of heaven on earth.  The Lord is giving us plenty of opportunity to exercise those freedoms.  The conservative party somehow needs to regain that connection if they want to win back some credibility.  The far-left hasn't won, yet.  (I don't think government is the answer.)  But the conservative party will need to do better in making its service case to win my vote again.
Democrats in total control ? God help us, no talk, just wait and see the results ( from Billy-Bob to O'mama) it will all come out soon !


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