Some Democrats would support McCain if their favorite doesn't win nomination, poll suggests
As the Democratic steel-cage death match shows no signs of ending soon, here's the latest sign that the bitter fight is hurting Democratic chances of capturing the White House in the fall.
A new Gallup poll says that 28 percent of Hillary Clinton supporters would vote for Republican John McCain over Democrat Barack Obama, while 59 percent would definitely vote for Obama.
Among Obama backers, 19 percent would vote for McCain over Clinton, while 72 percent would support for Clinton.
The results, from daily tracking polls conducted March 7-22, suggest that supporters of Clinton, who trails in the delegate and popular vote counts, are more upset with the nomination race than Obama's backers.
With several polls showing McCain now leading either Democrat in a hypothetical race, the new findings are already being promoted by McCain's campaign and the Republican National Committee. They both sent out the results, with this quotation from the pollsters:
“The data suggest that the continuing and sometimes fractious Democratic nomination fight could have a negative impact for the Democratic Party in next November's election. A not insignificant percentage of both Obama and Clinton supporters currently say they would vote for McCain if he ends up running against the candidate they do not support.”
Meanwhile, both Clinton's and Obama's schedules suggest that they believe she has a solid lead in Pennsylvania, where the next Democratic showdown comes April 22, while North Carolina, which votes on May 6 along with Indiana, could be in play. Neither is in the Keystone State today, while Obama holds a town hall meeting in Greensboro, N.C., and Clinton plans three events in the Tar Heel state on Thursday.



DNC people believe that if the race ended now, somehow people will magicallly align behind Obama whom the press and DNC is pushing. Not so. Some of us despise Obama. We think he's arrogant, pompous and carries baggage that is destructive to the fabric of this country (Rev. Wright and his racist church and some anti-Israel ties). End of story.
McCain is in great shape right now, because of the Democratic infighting and his reputation as the Democrats' favorite Republican. He can mess that up fast by going to far to the right in his VP selection. Here's a good analysis of how it might work on both sides:
http://digits.hrblock.com/ssDigits/digits.php?rType=1&sPath=1140&sNode=1140&uId=198
As a new citizen to this country, this is my first presedential vote.... I am so GRATEFUL to this country for all the opportunities it has and continues to give me.
I am registered as a democrat, and really liked Obama at the beginning of this context, and would have supported either Clinton or Obama. NOT ANYMORE.. please count in as part of that 28% who will not vote for Obama.
Yes, US critism is allowed and should be encouraged...but when I saw the hatred and anti-americanism spewed at Obama's church that he sat through for 20+ years... it hit me in the gut... when Obama's preacher said: "9/11 is american's fault", it hit me in the gut....
This country has many ennemies abroad, so I cannot vote for someone like Obama who has his "anti-american", "anti-white" preacher as his personal preacher.
I never thought my first presidentail vote would go to a republican, Mccain, but it looks like I and my family have made peace with the notion is Hillary is not the democatric nominee, my family and I will be voting for Mccain, he at least has served this country long enough to earn our votes!
Thank you.
The DNC and the MSM are trying to shove Obama down our throats but I know at least 20 people who are staying home if Obama is the nominee. The people will not be fooled this time the way they were fooled by the media with the push to go to war. Obama is unqualified, and he is a media and DNC creation. If Obama wins the nom and loses the GE, the idiots in the MSM and the DNC will blame it on the Clintons. It is always the Clintons' fault!
Gallup should have asked one more question to examine how deep the division is...The next question should be "If Obama is the Democratic nominee will you (1) vote for him (2) vote for McCain or (3) stay home and not vote...
...most of the Clinton supporters I know and there are many, many, many...are saying that if Obama gets the nomination, especially if the DNC leaves Florida and Michigan out of the primary race, they will either vote for McCain or stay home and not vote...and this in conjunction with all those "Democrats for a Day' that Obama signed up during open primaries to knock out Hillary will mean other voters also deserting him...
Barak Obama's chances of winning the general election are built on an illusion that was reinforced by aggressive caucuses that will not exist in the general election.
I am a new american citizen and will be castiing my first presendential vote this year.
I am SO GRATEFUL for this country and all the opportunities it continues to give me and my family. Sometimes, when you are a recent immigrant, you have a different perpective of how wonderful this country is.
Of course this country has flaws, but I love that it encourages US critisim, and tolerates it.
I thought I would be voting democratic this year, and frankly I would have voted for clinton or obama. But now, I can say NO WAY!!!
You can count me and my family as part of the 28% that will be voting for Mccain if Hillary is not the nominee.
As someone who is a minority himself, I suppose I should be voting for Obama, and I was really happy about his candidancy, but his associations are very troubling to me.
US critisms I understand, but Obama's views have been shaped by an "anti-american", "anti-white" preacher, and I cannot in good faith vote for someone who has allowed himself to be associated with someone who insults this country that I am now a proud citizen of...
So, we will be casting our vote for Mccain if Hillary is not the nominee,
although there are things we disagree with Mccain (Iraq) on, there are things we agree with him as well(pro-stem cell, pro-environ protection, agn alaska drilling, agn bush's tax cuts)...he is more of a centrist like hillary
we feel at least Mccain has served this country long enough to EARN our votes.
Thank you.
Away with her!
The poll misses an important point. A lot of Obama support will not vote at all if Ms Clinton is handed the nomination. Anybody who is sophisticated enough to support Ms Clinton because of her political views and programs will not rationally support Mr McCain. For the portion of Ms Clinton's support that is not rational -- so be it.
I think its actually ironic that Clinton supporters are more upset with the nomination race than Obama supporters. Frankly, I think the Obama camp has far more to be upset about. Clinton has played more political tricks and been more inconsistent than Obama has. He has tried to take the high road.
That said, I think the reason that Clinton supporters are more likely to jump is that those who are attracted to Clinton are more divisive themselves. A good example is the S. Corber fellow above. Is there anything really material to despise Obama about? Sure, you can paint people any way you want, but when you look at what the man has done and what he stands for, you should honor that. In fact I think its a shame people seem so hate Hillary so much too, even though I'm for Obama.
Why No Mention: Obama won “Red States” with G.O.P. Money and Crossover Voting to take out Clinton, and right media promoted unknown Obama, while only attacking Clinton? Obama Red States do not = Clinton Blue States in gen election!
According to an article in Time magazine published last November, Republicans have been organized in 14 states to VOTE Senator Barack Obama. At least three former fundraisers for President Bush flushed his coffers with cash early on in the race, something the deep pockets had not done for any candidate in their own party. With receipts topping $100 million in 2007, the first-term Illinois senator broke the record for contributions. It was a remarkable feat, considering that most Americans had not even heard of him before 2005.
The Time article went on to explain that rank and file Republicans were switching parties this spring to vote for Obama in the Democratic primaries. Though not mentioned in the piece, a group called Republicans for Obama formed in 2006 to expedite the strategy, and the Obama campaign launched its own “Be a Democrat For a Day” campaign in 2007.
If, Obama wins the nomination (or even the VP spot), Karl Rove’s strategy prospects brighten considerably. Largely unvetted by the media, the senator carries considerable baggage from his stint as a state legislator, particularly his 17-year relationship with Chicago slumlord Tony Rezko. So far, the mainstream press has paid lip service to the particulars of Obama’s past and instead portrays him as a fresh new face in American politics.[thecityedition.com]
She's behind in delegates, states, and total votes. Why is she still in it? Pride, Ego, her sense of Entitlement, lust for Power? She ran a lousy campaign - no plans after Super Tuesday is evidence of that. Being surprised by Texas' bizarre delegate proportioning rules is evidence of that. Losing hold of her lock nomination is evidence of that. She's like Bush; she surrounds herself loyalists regardless of their skills or abilities. Her campaign so far is evidence of that. Not a good sign for a future Clinton administration, huh? To S. Corber, she'd better hope that Obama wins in November or she's exits the public stage as Ralph Nader Jr.
I am one of those Clinton supporters that will not vote for Obama and will vote for McCain. I'd rather take a chance on a "maveric" than someone who attended a racist anti American Church and called me (a white person) "typical" You may defend the typical statement and say, "oh thats not what he meant" but in my world I call that a "Freudian slip. I was a Obama supporter before I found out what kind of church he went too. Oh and where is the media's indepth look at Obama's past with people like William Aires? How about the money funneled through Rezko from an Iraqi? Where is the true journalism here where we can learn more about the man that inspires so many? I don't like what I've seen so far in the reporting and I think if their is a closer look, others won't either.
I think in this case that one (wo)man sharpens another. Mrs. Clinton may be having too much leeway in the press with her "kitchen sink" antics, but that could actually help Obama in the long run. Much of the fodder that the Republicans will use against Mr. Obama can already be predicted, so he mostly just has the problem of how to come into the general election with a clever defense.
The addiction the media and the American public have with negative campaigning is something to be reckoned with, however. It would be a powerful antic for the Obama campaign to adopt, but in the process they would alienate so many voters like myself.
I still can't believe she compared him to Bush and put him beneath McCain. Attention Superdelegates!
Obama is a crook, a radical extremist, has associations with domestic and international terrorists, hates whites and Jews, yeah - now there's a viable candidate. Oh, and did I mention he hates America? If the Democratic Party is stupid enough to nominate him, I'll vote McCain, at least he understands national security issues, he may be old and I may not like his policies, but at least he's not an empty-headed fascist.
So mush hate. Americans voted for Bush and are paying a dear price. Voting for MCCain to continue the war and other failed policies is just foolish. Obama is no Saint, neither is Hillary or McCain. Cutting off your nose to spite your face is not a good idea.
This poll is a bunch of hooey. I don't buy it for one second. Hillary Clinton's supporters are loyal Democrats. Did this poll measure how many of the people they "polled" are really Democrats and not Republicans who have crossed over to muck things up. I've been following this race since day one and I've heard repeatedly that Obama supporters will not support Hillary Clinton, from the supporters themselves, from pundits galore (heard it again three times just yesterday) and from Obama himself. Now suddenly, I'm supposed to believe that it's Clinton supporters who are threatening to defect to McCain. Clinton supporters are the base. They are loyal Democrats. They know the difference between Democrats and Republicans and they will not give the White House to another Republican (no matter how many times Chris Matthews and MSNBC bloviate about it). Get real.
DON'T BE DUPED !!!
Large numbers of Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses from early on. Because they feel he would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. And because they feel that a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket would be unbeatable. And also because with a Clinton and Obama ticket you are almost 100% certain to get quality, affordable universal health care very soon.
But first, all of you have to make certain that Hillary Clinton takes the democratic nomination and then the Whitehouse. NOW! is the time. THIS! is the moment you have all been working, and waiting for. You can do this America. “Carpe diem” (harvest the day).
I think Hillary Clinton see’s a beautiful world of plenty for all. She is a woman, and a mother. And it’s time America. Do this for your-self, and your children’s future. You will have to work together on this and be aggressive, relentless, and creative. Americans face an even worse catastrophe ahead than the one you are living through now.
Hillary Clinton has actually won by much larger margins than the vote totals showed. And lost by much smaller vote margins than the vote totals showed. Her delegate count is actually much higher than it shows. And higher than Obama’s. She also leads in the electoral college numbers that you must win to become President in the November national election. HILLARY CLINTON IS ALREADY THE TRUE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE!
As much as 30% of Obama's primary, and caucus votes are Republicans trying to choose the weakest democratic candidate for McCain to run against. These Republicans have been gaming the caucuses where it is easier to vote cheat. This is why Obama has not been able to win the BIG! states primaries. Even with Republican vote cheating help.
Hillary Clinton has been out manned, out gunned, and out spent 2 and 3 to 1. Yet Obama has only been able to manage a very tenuous, and questionable tie with Hillary Clinton.
If Obama is the democratic nominee for the national election in November he will be slaughtered. Because the Republican vote cheating help will suddenly evaporate. All of this vote fraud and republican manipulation has made Obama falsely look like a much stronger candidate than he really is. YOUNG PEOPLE. DON’T BE DUPED! Think about it. You have the most to lose.
The democratic party needs to fix this outrage. I suggest a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket. Everyone needs to throw all your support to Hillary Clinton NOW! So you can end this outrage against YOU the voter, and against democracy.
I think Barack Obama has a once in a life time chance to make the ultimate historic gesture for unity, and change in America by accepting Hillary Clinton’s offer as running mate. Such an act now would for ever seal Barack Obama’s place at the top of the list of Americas all time great leaders, and unifiers for all of history.
The democratic party, and the super-delegates have a decision to make. Are the democrats, and the democratic party going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee to fight for the American people. Or are the republicans going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee through vote fraud, and gaming the DEMOCRATIC party primaries, and caucuses.
Fortunately the Clinton’s have been able to hold on against this fraudulent outrage with those repeated dramatic comebacks of Hillary Clinton’s. Only the Clinton’s are that resourceful, and strong. Hillary Clinton is your NOMINEE. They are the best I have ever seen.
Sincerely
jacksmith...
I am a lifelong democrat but I will reluctantly cross party lines if Hillary does not win the nomination. There are 2 reasons for this...1.) I despise Obama. 2.) Mccains moderate record gives me comfort. (only his stance on the war gives me pause)
An Obama ticket would sink once the GOP hits him with his ties to an anti-white, anti-American church. And i personally do not trust him or even like him for that matter. I WILL NEVER VOTE OBAMA. This isn't a passionate declaration that will go away come November...let me repeat...I WILL NEVER VOTE OBAMA!!!
ANYONE BUT OBAMA!!!!!!
If you like Bush you'll LOVE McCain. So go vote for him. His policies are the exact opposite of Hillary's. Celebrity. That's what determines the American presidency. Ultimately a country gets the government it deserves.
I won't vote for hillary. First of all she has a fake smile like a jackal. The Clintons are so desperate to win. Bill was the prequel to President Bush ( I voted for Mr Dole). His poor decision "turn the other way" with the CIA back in the 90's is criminal. There's very little difference between The Clintons and the Bushs. Hillary supporters are obviously horrified by non whites. What possibly could attract anyone to Hillary. Why did she vote to go to war? Why doesn't she post her record online? Because she has accomplished much. If she's such a strong person and leader why didn't she leave Bill after the numerous affairs leading up to "The Big Lewinsky". Perhaps when Chelsea gets the Monica question she should be honest and just say that my dad is a whore. Guess what Chelsea baby, it was the biggest embarrassment for the Democratic party ever. Keep your daughters away from him! Why would any women support her? She has no personality and has no style what so ever. To vote for a black man only because your black is just as ignorant as a women voting for a women because she's a women. Hillary can't win because if the Clinton steal the nomination a big percentage of Obama supporters will cross party lines. In this case voting for the better candidate. As least McCain isn't a neon dressed robot with a old grey haired bitter husband. Mrs McCains a damn fine looking women. Way to go John!
Should we ask Bill how spring break was?
Hey Hillary, You thought this would be a cakewalk to the White house... guess what, we smelt your gas and don't like you.
No "Slick Hillary" .... No Thank You.
Attn: American Jewish Population, Get ready for a black president.
this life long Democrat is annoyed at the media the lack of scrutiny, the associations and yes the stands Obama takes, Bascially change per Obama means weak legislation that is half assed so that it ends up ineffective legislation. This is his way of "getting along". But along the way he sacrifices true principles and thus ends up no leader in the real sense of the word.
I see his health plan as the weakest of any democrat.
I see few solutions and a lot of rhetoric. I see speeches rather than answers to direct questions and thus a lack of genuineness and transparency. I see arrogance in this tactic speeches rather than questions and answers and speaking basically to a friendly press. that tactic was used by Bush. I didnt agree with it for him and I cannot for a democrat either.
I never thought i would say go nadar but if Obama is the only choice, go Nadar.
This is precisely why Hillary supporters who say their voting for John McCain need an antidote to the kool-aide they drank.
You are telling me that they would rather vote for 100 more years of a 6 trillion dollar war that has bankrupted this country simply because you are angry that your candidate didn't win (see Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stigliz for accuracy on this figure)?
This is SO SELFISH!
People who voted for Hillary Clinton and then say they are going to vote for John McCain CAN"T think beyond their candidate for the sake of their country. If you voted for Hillary Clinton and switched to John McCain there is something else informing your values than the political issues at hand and I'll tell it to you straight: You all are a bunch of CLOSET RACISTS and need to face up to who you are.
You think that because you don't call black people the "n word", or say "colored people" or belong to the KKK that you are not racists. But you are. How could you vote for Hillary Clinton, when she herself has said that her views are 90 percent similar to Barack Obama, and then vote for John McCain in the general election? This is so STUPID! And your choice to turn your back on the values that Hillary represents and vote for John McCain reveals the extent to which your poisonous racism has infected your intelligence.
If you vote for McCain, you can kiss Roe Wade good bye, he will stack the Supreme Court, you can count on even MORE tax breaks for the rich (by the way, the rich have more money than they did in the Gilded Age 100 years ago), you can bet on no policy for global warming worth speaking of—the list goes on ad nauseum. He is against everything Hillary has stood for and everything that Obama has said that he will fight for.
The truth of the matter is you Hillary supporters who say that you will now vote for John McCain would rather cut off your noses to spite your face-- and you know what? You deserve it. If John McCain gets into office, let's see you walk around with a hole in the middle of their face like syphilis victims in the Middle Ages....your poisonous racism has eaten your intelligence.
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