Comments on: Poll: Obama’s Lead Over McCain Is Widening http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/ An Internet hub with domestic and international news, analysis, original reporting, and popular features from the left, center, indies, centrists, moderates, and right Mon, 28 May 2012 21:59:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: d2onyx http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117765 d2onyx Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:54:50 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117765 Honestly, I rather think it;s all a put on but what else would you expect them to say and how else would you expect them to act? The same way HIllary had to put her feelings aside for the unity of the party, so do they. Do you really expect the Reps. to publicly declare their amazement and disbelief at McCain's choice? I'd love to be a fly on the wall because that's the only way you will get the truth from Reps. about McCain's choice, i.e. his judgement. Honestly, I rather think it;s all a put on but what else would you expect them to say and how else would you expect them to act? The same way HIllary had to put her feelings aside for the unity of the party, so do they. Do you really expect the Reps. to publicly declare their amazement and disbelief at McCain's choice? I'd love to be a fly on the wall because that's the only way you will get the truth from Reps. about McCain's choice, i.e. his judgement.

]]> By: DLS http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117705 DLS Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:15:19 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117705 "Good grief" -- you left out once more the misuse of "reactionary." Slipping, McCain-style? “Good grief” — you left out once more the misuse of “reactionary.” Slipping, McCain-style?

]]> By: JSpencer http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117698 JSpencer Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:53:07 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117698 Kia, if Palin lasts long enough to have a debate with Biden, we'll get the opportunity to find out how developed her geo-political skills are. Kia, if Palin lasts long enough to have a debate with Biden, we'll get the opportunity to find out how developed her geo-political skills are.

]]> By: AustinRoth http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117631 AustinRoth Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:52:24 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117631 kia - you seem to be arguing against yourself. If you are going to throw the Perot Arkansas quote out there, then you seem to be saying 'mom and pop' candidates make great Presidents (from the Democratic point of view, at least) kia – you seem to be arguing against yourself. If you are going to throw the Perot Arkansas quote out there, then you seem to be saying 'mom and pop' candidates make great Presidents (from the Democratic point of view, at least)

]]> By: kiarmuid http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117565 kiarmuid Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:49:01 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117565 I agree with Leonidas re: swing states.<br><br>Sarah Palin? C'mon, its pandering a la Geraldine Ferraro. How can the mayor of a town of 9000 people be qualified to be POTUS? If Ross Perot called Arkansas a "mom and pop shop" what the heck is Alaska? A kiosk?<br><br>Without the tutoring could Palin beat a freshman poli sci major in a test on foreign leaders, capitals, etc etc? I agree with Leonidas re: swing states.

Sarah Palin? C'mon, its pandering a la Geraldine Ferraro. How can the mayor of a town of 9000 people be qualified to be POTUS? If Ross Perot called Arkansas a “mom and pop shop” what the heck is Alaska? A kiosk?

Without the tutoring could Palin beat a freshman poli sci major in a test on foreign leaders, capitals, etc etc?

]]> By: JSpencer http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117560 JSpencer Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:41:52 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117560 As a lifelong Michigan resident, I will be surprised if McCain wins our state. I expect him to do well on the west side (Grand Rapids for example), in smaller conservative towns (Midland for example), and in many rural areas, but overall I think Obama will pull it out. McCain has some left-over notoriety here from the 2000 primary, but that particular McCain might as well be from a parallel universe compared to who he seems to be now.<br><br>I would also echo Rico's point; I too can understand why conservatives would express great "interest" in Palin, but to unequivically express "delight"? They don't even know her well enough to know if there is reason to be delighted. All that response does is show a high level of disingenuousness. I'm happy she is a family person, a self-described hockey mom, and an acheiver... but we're talking about a possible president here. As a lifelong Michigan resident, I will be surprised if McCain wins our state. I expect him to do well on the west side (Grand Rapids for example), in smaller conservative towns (Midland for example), and in many rural areas, but overall I think Obama will pull it out. McCain has some left-over notoriety here from the 2000 primary, but that particular McCain might as well be from a parallel universe compared to who he seems to be now.

I would also echo Rico's point; I too can understand why conservatives would express great “interest” in Palin, but to unequivically express “delight”? They don't even know her well enough to know if there is reason to be delighted. All that response does is show a high level of disingenuousness. I'm happy she is a family person, a self-described hockey mom, and an acheiver… but we're talking about a possible president here.

]]> By: Leonidas http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117498 Leonidas Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:51:24 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117498 Lets face it folkes, its going to be a close election. The polls that really matter are the ones in the swing states and among moderate voters there. Right now they are really close. <br><br>Colorado Obama +0.4 <br>Nevada McCain +1.0 <br>Michigan Obama +4.3 <br>Ohio McCain +1.2 <br>Pennsylvania Obama +5.0 <br>Florida McCain +3.1 Lets face it folkes, its going to be a close election. The polls that really matter are the ones in the swing states and among moderate voters there. Right now they are really close.

Colorado Obama +0.4
Nevada McCain +1.0
Michigan Obama +4.3
Ohio McCain +1.2
Pennsylvania Obama +5.0
Florida McCain +3.1

]]> By: StockBoySF http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117432 StockBoySF Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:54:05 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117432 I think that McCain is receiving more support because of his choice of Palin. The religious base is pleased with her. This might also explain why McCain received a lot of money the last few days- the rightwingers who weren't happy with McCain were energized by his pick of Palin, threw their support behind him and gave money that they previously had withheld.<br><br>But in order to win the election one needs the support of independents. Given that Palin's views appeal to the religious right (teaching creationism in school, pro-life, abstinence only and no sex eduction in schools, etc.) most independents will lean towards the Dems' views. <br><br>These new independents will not be as enthusiastic as the Democratic base and may not even donate to Obama, but I feel that in the end they will vote for Obama. I would even wager to bet that some women and independents who were initially energized over Palin will swing to Obama as Palin's views become more widely known.<br><br>It will be interesting to see if camp McCain tries to moderate Palin's positions.... He may because he understands that he does have the religious vote wrapped up and he does need the independents to win.<br><br>Just my opinion....<br><br>The only poll that is accurate is the one on Nov. 4. I think that McCain is receiving more support because of his choice of Palin. The religious base is pleased with her. This might also explain why McCain received a lot of money the last few days- the rightwingers who weren't happy with McCain were energized by his pick of Palin, threw their support behind him and gave money that they previously had withheld.

But in order to win the election one needs the support of independents. Given that Palin's views appeal to the religious right (teaching creationism in school, pro-life, abstinence only and no sex eduction in schools, etc.) most independents will lean towards the Dems' views.

These new independents will not be as enthusiastic as the Democratic base and may not even donate to Obama, but I feel that in the end they will vote for Obama. I would even wager to bet that some women and independents who were initially energized over Palin will swing to Obama as Palin's views become more widely known.

It will be interesting to see if camp McCain tries to moderate Palin's positions…. He may because he understands that he does have the religious vote wrapped up and he does need the independents to win.

Just my opinion….

The only poll that is accurate is the one on Nov. 4.

]]> By: Ricorun http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117424 Ricorun Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:35:33 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117424 I think it's quite obvious that DLS is correct -- Repubs, especially social conservatives and fiscal conservatives, are delighted with the Palin pick. Even several of my friends who I consider pretty reasonable folks fall into that category. But I have to confess that I find it rather odd. How can you be delighted about someone you know precious little about? I can understand thinking... "gee, she sounds interesting. I like what I hear. Tell me more." But delighted?<br><br>And it's not a question of experience per se. A person can be thin in that category as long as they're stronger in others. The thing about Palin is, most of us have no idea about the full measure of the woman. But even that would also be fine if it was obvious that McCain did. But it isn't obvious. He hardly met her before he picked her. And there are significant questions as to which she was vetted. That's not a reflection on her, it's a reflection on him. She might be a very capable individual, full of all kinds of positive traits and experiences, however typical or atypical, that may bear on her fitness to be VP (and possibly P). But I don't get the impression that even McCain was fully convinced of that when he picked her. And that, to me, is important. I think it's quite obvious that DLS is correct — Repubs, especially social conservatives and fiscal conservatives, are delighted with the Palin pick. Even several of my friends who I consider pretty reasonable folks fall into that category. But I have to confess that I find it rather odd. How can you be delighted about someone you know precious little about? I can understand thinking… “gee, she sounds interesting. I like what I hear. Tell me more.” But delighted?

And it's not a question of experience per se. A person can be thin in that category as long as they're stronger in others. The thing about Palin is, most of us have no idea about the full measure of the woman. But even that would also be fine if it was obvious that McCain did. But it isn't obvious. He hardly met her before he picked her. And there are significant questions as to which she was vetted. That's not a reflection on her, it's a reflection on him. She might be a very capable individual, full of all kinds of positive traits and experiences, however typical or atypical, that may bear on her fitness to be VP (and possibly P). But I don't get the impression that even McCain was fully convinced of that when he picked her. And that, to me, is important.

]]> By: JSpencer http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117359 JSpencer Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:05:40 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117359 DLS : "...notoriously lefty sources like NPR"<br><br>Yeah, NPR is about as unbalanced as, say... The Christian Science Monitor! What's your idea of the center, Hugh Hewitt? Redstate? <br><br>Here, have a reality check - it's on me! <br><br><a href="http://presidentialwatch08.com/index.php/map/">http://presidentialwatch08.com/index.php/map/</a><br><br>Good grief... DLS : “…notoriously lefty sources like NPR”

Yeah, NPR is about as unbalanced as, say… The Christian Science Monitor! What's your idea of the center, Hugh Hewitt? Redstate?

Here, have a reality check – it's on me!

http://presidentialwatch08.com/index.php/map/

Good grief…

]]> By: ChrisWWW http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117292 ChrisWWW Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:50:30 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117292 <blockquote>Palin surprised and impressed me and has done this for others who want someone good as a VP and who want a chance at some reform and reduction of federal spending</blockquote><br>By supporting Ted Stevens and the Bridge to Nowhere?<br><br>Alaska receives something like $1.80 in Federal spending for every $1 they pay in taxes. I wouldn't look toward Alaska for lessons about fiscal conservatism.

Palin surprised and impressed me and has done this for others who want someone good as a VP and who want a chance at some reform and reduction of federal spending

By supporting Ted Stevens and the Bridge to Nowhere?

Alaska receives something like $1.80 in Federal spending for every $1 they pay in taxes. I wouldn't look toward Alaska for lessons about fiscal conservatism.

]]> By: DLS http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117290 DLS Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:41:18 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117290 I'd actually like to see a Pew poll also be released that describes views on Palin.<br><br>Palin surprised and impressed me and has done this for others who want someone good as a VP and who want a chance at some reform and reduction of federal spending, in addition to others ("social conservatives" and especially the Religious Right) who seem to like her, too. Even on notoriously lefty sources like NPR, the word from the convention (and from callers who manage to be Also Heard) is that many people like her and feel better about McCain and the GOP now.<br><br>If she drops out (an extreme assumption at this time!), it probably dooms McCain. I'd actually like to see a Pew poll also be released that describes views on Palin.

Palin surprised and impressed me and has done this for others who want someone good as a VP and who want a chance at some reform and reduction of federal spending, in addition to others (“social conservatives” and especially the Religious Right) who seem to like her, too. Even on notoriously lefty sources like NPR, the word from the convention (and from callers who manage to be Also Heard) is that many people like her and feel better about McCain and the GOP now.

If she drops out (an extreme assumption at this time!), it probably dooms McCain.

]]> By: christoofar http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117213 christoofar Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:33:38 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117213 +1 to what DLS & others are saying, too early yet. After the RNC convention would seem a better time for more accurate polling.<br>I am starting to think that we may see Palin drop out of the race if things continue to spiral outwards about her background. +1 to what DLS & others are saying, too early yet. After the RNC convention would seem a better time for more accurate polling.
I am starting to think that we may see Palin drop out of the race if things continue to spiral outwards about her background.

]]> By: JSpencer http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117147 JSpencer Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:26:39 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117147 I'm skeptical of polls too. My hope would be the poll portends an uncharacteristic trend toward common sense among the fence-sitting crowd, but I know better then to treat it as more than a conversation piece. I'm skeptical of polls too. My hope would be the poll portends an uncharacteristic trend toward common sense among the fence-sitting crowd, but I know better then to treat it as more than a conversation piece.

]]> By: DLS http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117145 DLS Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:24:32 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117145 Wait at least to the end of the GOP convention and another week would be better still. Let's see how much these two graphs change:<br><br><a href="http://iemweb.biz.uiowa.edu/graphs/graph_Pres08_VS.cfm">http://iemweb.biz.uiowa.edu/graphs/graph_Pres08...</a><br><br><a href="http://iemweb.biz.uiowa.edu/graphs/graph_Pres08_WTA.cfm">http://iemweb.biz.uiowa.edu/graphs/graph_Pres08...</a> Wait at least to the end of the GOP convention and another week would be better still. Let's see how much these two graphs change:

http://iemweb.biz.uiowa.edu/graphs/graph_Pres08…

http://iemweb.biz.uiowa.edu/graphs/graph_Pres08…

]]> By: Rambie http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117067 Rambie Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:19:40 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117067 I agree with Elrod, once both conventions are over we'll get a better picture. I agree with Elrod, once both conventions are over we'll get a better picture.

]]> By: ChrisWWW http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117003 ChrisWWW Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:08:02 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117003 Thanks Kathryn. I was going into withdrawal. :-) Thanks Kathryn. I was going into withdrawal. :-)

]]> By: elrod http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-117002 elrod Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:51:23 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-117002 Excellent, Kathryn!<br><br>I'm skeptical of short-term polls. Let's see how this looks next week after it all settles in.<br><br>The race was VERY steady for two months. Now there is major movement to Obama. Is it a brief bump or genuine shift? We'll have to wait. Excellent, Kathryn!

I'm skeptical of short-term polls. Let's see how this looks next week after it all settles in.

The race was VERY steady for two months. Now there is major movement to Obama. Is it a brief bump or genuine shift? We'll have to wait.

]]> By: Kathryn http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-116921 Kathryn Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:26:02 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-116921 Oh Chris, let me try:<br><br>"This poll just illustrates how angry women are at the DNC for passing up Hillary. We have been so insulted that not only are going to support the gutsy, ballsy Sarah Palin we are going to do so in a way that shows how upset we are about BIG OIL.<br>We are pretending to be men when we answer the pollster's questions then we will revert back to women and tell Big oil to take a hike by voting for gutsy Palin. If only the DNC had listened to us. :("<br><br>How's that? Oh Chris, let me try:

“This poll just illustrates how angry women are at the DNC for passing up Hillary. We have been so insulted that not only are going to support the gutsy, ballsy Sarah Palin we are going to do so in a way that shows how upset we are about BIG OIL.
We are pretending to be men when we answer the pollster's questions then we will revert back to women and tell Big oil to take a hike by voting for gutsy Palin. If only the DNC had listened to us. :( “

How's that?

]]> By: ChrisWWW http://themoderatevoice.com/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/comment-page-1/#comment-116854 ChrisWWW Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:35:43 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/republican-party/22330/poll-obamas-lead-over-mccain-is-widening/#comment-116854 Sil? Sil?

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