CBS Poll: Obama Leaps Ahead In N.H.
New Poll Shows Obama With A Seven-Point Lead Over Clinton On Eve Of Primary
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Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks at a rally Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, in Claremont, N.H. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
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Iowa Shakeup Affects NH Voters
Barack Obama is on the move as Hillary Clinton struggles to keep pace. Chip Reid has the latest on all the presidential hopefuls scrambling to remain viable candidates.
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Hillary Clinton Fights On
Despite Sen. Barack Obama's win in the Iowa caucuses and his apparent lead in the New Hampshire polls, Sen. Hillary Clinton says there's more than one contest. Clinton speaks with Harry Smith.
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Looking Towards New Hampshire
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Barack Obama
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Among likely Democratic primary voters, Obama leads Clinton 35 percent to 28 percent with John Edwards getting 19 percent in the poll. The poll re-interviewed the same group of voters that CBS News surveyed in November. In that poll, Clinton led Obama 39 percent to 19 percent with Edwards getting just nine percent support.
By winning the Iowa caucuses, Obama appears to have put questions about his electability to rest for many New Hampshire voters. Forty-two percent in the latest poll said they believe Obama has the best chance of winning the general election, up from just 11 percent in November. In the earlier poll, 72 percent gave Clinton the best chance of winning but 41 percent of those same voters now say so.Read The Complete Poll
And Obama has a large lead among self-described independents, an important block of voters in New Hampshire. Forty-one percent of independents support Obama, compared to just 24 percent who say they are backing Clinton. Clinton maintains a slight lead among Democrats, 33 percent to 30 percent for Obama. More than four in ten likely voters who say they will vote in the Democratic primary are independents.
Both Obama and Clinton are seen as agents of change, a driving theme of the campaign. While 63 percent of respondents said Obama can bring "real change" to Washington, 60 percent said the same for Clinton. But Obama has made headway among New Hampshire voters on the question of experience. Fifty-one percent said Obama is prepared for the presidency, up from 37 percent in the November poll. Eighty-one percent agreed that Clinton is prepared to take over the Oval Office, a number statistically unchanged since the previous survey.
Since November, 26 percent of likely Democratic voters have changed their minds about who to support and the latest survey indicates the race remains fluid. Twenty-eight percent of likely Democratic voters said their minds could still change and nine percent said they remain undecided.
On the Republican side, CBS News reached too small a number of Republican primary voters from the November poll to create a reliable estimate for that race. On the individual level, however, John McCain picked up supporters from other candidates, while Mitt Romney lost some of his November supporters. Mike Huckabee’s win in Iowa did not seem to gain him many new voters in New Hampshire.
This poll was conducted by telephone January 5-6, 2008 among registered voters in New Hampshire, first interviewed by CBS News and the New York Times November 9-12th, 2007. CBS News re-interviewed 323 likely Democratic Primary voters for this poll. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample of Democratic primary voters could be plus or minus five percentage points. The error on measures of individual change is much smaller.
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Read The Complete Poll



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See all 205 CommentsThe word is change. And I don''t care if Obama is a Muslim, a Wiccan or a Rastifarian, he''s better than anyone on the Republican side.
Nobody has created more terrorists than Bush. It is definitely time for a change.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
P.S. HA
Posted by CaliDoc at 12:04 PM : Jan 07, 2008
Unfortunately you may be correct the go HUG A REPUBLICAN slogan whether thats what needs changing or not got them. Oh well divided government is better and I question the Parties activist and the ability of the Dems to put forth a competent candidate going instead again with the light weight feel good guy wonder what this one will do when the swifties come and they will hopefully there are no photots, hug a piranha, and sick Oprah on them no doubt%u2026
Hopefully Senator Clinto can hold on until the middle has a chance to vote for nominee or she may consider running as an Independent.
Real sophomoric reporting. Tell me what is to be derived by the reader from such a subjective (without any qualification at all) statement, or what is your purpose of peddling such rank and muddled verbiage? You submit supposition of a definitive and measurable trend with nothing of measure -- you are hilarious, but surely not to be considered a knowledgeable source or reference. This, of course, leads me to legitimately question the actual validity of any presentation of data, or poll results.
Obama votes to continue the war in IRAQ and nobody questions.
Obama votes for Patriot Act without Civil Liberty safeguards and nobody questions.
How this guy gets a free ride to the White House is beyond me.
The Primary is the time to hold these dopes responsible for their votes.
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Posted by talkingham at 12:40 PM : Jan 07, 2008
nothing would surprise me.
Real sophomoric reporting. Tell me what is to be derived by the reader from such a subjective (without any qualification at all) statement, or what is your purpose of peddling such rank and muddled verbiage? You submit supposition of a definitive and measurable trend with nothing of measure -- you are hilarious, but surely not to be considered a knowledgeable source or reference. This, of course, leads me to legitimately question the actual validity of any presentation of data, or poll results.
moaners out there. Just exactly are you looking for
in a candidate? What makes your *** candidate so
special? GO AHEAD TELL US! Why is your candidate so
*** the right one?
This is the talk on most black radio stations and among some elites and working-class blacks, that which Obama is being set-up by staunch Republican conservatives and white supremest groups to "swing" the Democratic vote to Republican when election time comes around.
I''ve heard this argued on numerous of black radio stations and among various classes. It will be interesting to see if this is true!
Hilary is a "hold your nose and vote" candidate--if given a viable option, neither party wants her--her values and mores are too flexible and she''s a bit too much the Republican clone, these days. "Devil in a blue dress, Blue dress on...Devil in a blue dress on..."
Posted by talkingham
That sounds like something Hillary might think because she thinks everything is about her.
There''s something almost patriotic about voting down Queen Hillary - it''s like a rebirth of America in the spirit of the American Revolution. Down with the establishment, up with the people!
When Hillary attacks Obama, people feel like she''s just trying to maintain her power and dominance. I don''t think it''s going to work.
so what do you think he will do for us? NOTHING,
Obama is a consummate speaker, a real feel-gooder and this is appealing. He is not my first choice, but I would vote for him any day over any of the Republicans. Never have I seen more mindless leadership than the present Administration and all the Republican candidates are singing the same tune!
so what do you think he will do for us? NOTHING,
Posted by sanightengal at 01:03 PM : Jan 07, 2008
On the other hand, to extrapolate your point, most of us would rather hire a novice than hire a dr. known for malpractice, a shyster lawyer or a sleazy mechanic that creates most of the problems with your car so he can fix them.
The fact is--we have been given a boatload of people we neither trust, like or respect. Given that--many are loathe to knowingly do what we did for Bush--give the reins to a devil we only think we know......
They are losing not based on lack of experience, but based on the experiences that many of us have had with them in charge.
Lives in DC"
Posted by NameVerified
You know what''s the difference between Hillary and Barack is that Hillary would take you down in a very painful and humiliating way if you tried to trivialize her in that way. Barack would invite you to let him know if what frustrates you about your current life so that he can help.
I don''t think enough is said about strength coming in different forms . . .
Any time she would want to communize another sector of society (after health care),
all the Clintonista brownshirts would be goose-stepping around
like politically-correct brain-dead zombies chanting:
"do it for the children"
"do it for the children"
"do it for the children" ,,,, ad nauseum"
I had to laugh and point that out one more time. TOO funny.
Either way, being a young voter myself. I have yet voted for a president. And this seems to be the hardest time to just jump in here, but I feel that my vote really does count and I need to get my head into this a little bit more.
Take out Obama and Clinton and you have lost all your good stories, interestingly enough. What I think is the press should get their heads out of their rear ends and actually start reporting the important stuff instead of sitting around pointing and saying, "She has boobs and he is black". WHO CARES!! It''s not 1960, times change.
But to be quite frank I have no idea what will happen, and I am clueless as to my decision.
Lives in DC"
Posted by NameVerified
You know what''''s the difference between Hillary and Barack is that Hillary would take you down in a very painful and humiliating way if you tried to trivialize her in that way. Barack would invite you to let him know if what frustrates you about your current life so that he can help.
I don''''t think enough is said about strength coming in different forms . . .
Posted by SamTheTVCat at 01:10 PM : Jan 07, 2008
-Well said, TVCat. Obama is a new energy powered strain of Americans. World, watch out!
Look grin smile, arent I cute, isn%u2019t my family cute, look Oprah, Mattews, Russert, Novak and Rove like me, why would I need a record trust ME I am a uniter not a divider wink wink you NEED this change again you need this change, I voted present as to not offend my buddies across the isle I just want to Hug...OH Please. If the Dems are mis guided enough to send us another weak candidate we all know the options the swifties will tear him to shreds as they I guess should, gun foot etc%u2026wonderful record the Dems and it will bring divided government to boot, something%u2019s never change partisans fall for any marketing line and pretty face that spews their sound bite. Weak leaders put us all at risk.
Ok go on go hug a Republican just the change you need sure then they will vote with ya uh huh sure..
.
Here''s the "case" for O-BOMBA:
1. He is the most ignorant, inexperienced and lest-capable Dem politician running for president.
2. He is a total hypocrite on lobbyists. His efforts in support of Illinois lobbyists have cost US taxpayers $12 million - so far. (Documented by Brian Ross on July 16 - see ABC NEWS website).
3. His shady real-estate dealings with his partner-in-crime, sleazy lobbyist Tony Rezko stink! - especially O-BOMBA''s deal to buy the lot next to his Chicago mansion for a bargain-basement (pay-off-like) price from Rezko.
4. He wants to bomb Pakistan.
5. O-BOMBA is so devoid of creative thought, he has to steal the campaign ideas of John Edwards on healthcare, poverty and nuclear proliferation and try to pass them off as his own.
6. What''s that white powder around his nostrils? (Must have had a powdered sugar donut, right?)
Eight years of having bumbling morons in charge is enough. America can, and MUST, do better than O-BOMBA.
.
Regardless, a vote for a Republican in 08 is a vote for the culture of incompetence, cronyism, divisiveness. It''s time to vote for a candidate who wants to and can lead the whole country and not just their party.
Obama 08
"My question is very personal, how do you do it?" asked Marianne Pernold Young, a freelance photographer from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. "How do you, how do you keep upbeat and so wonderful?"
Some people should not be allowed to vote.
I''ve heard this enough to bring it to this forum, I thought, I repeat, I thought, you''ll were intelligent enough to dialogue on this comment, without the primitive feedback.
And NameVerified your comment demonstrates how narrow-minded and dimwitted you are, how did you get from my comment, I"m a disgruntled "Negro", let along a male...
And I''m not "grandstanding" for the Clintons'' either, I was simply stating what I''ve heard, so try reframming from jumping to conclusions without examining all the facts.
-Posted by Buddhabman at 01:21 PM : Jan 07, 2008
It looks like the crazy ward at the local hospital just had an escapee! And that lunatic found a PC to type on! Offer him a box of crayons and lead him back to safety.
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Posted by antoniof123 at 01:18 PM : Jan 07, 2008
Sorry I disagree the People will not elect another incompetent leader, trade a smirk for a grin. Divided government has always been preferred and if Congress and I believe it will and should stays in the hands of the Dems, then its is easy for the electorate to reject a nominee as weak as Obama, it will be easy for me anyway, competence matters, intellect matters, track records matter, ethics matter not just Personality that%u2019s a recipe for disaster. I know I could vote for someone I don%u2019t like but is competent but I could not vote for an empty suit.
You hardcore rightwingers have seen the apex of your power and influence. Hope you had fun. You did so at the expense of the nation. It''s time to let responsible adults govern the nation again. The spoiled, self-entitled little idiots like GW can all join greedy, slimy lobbying firms where they belong.
Prinzowhales - You just proved your ignorance. The quote is "anyway you look at it you loose" and it was by Paul Simon - not the Beatles. If you''re going to try to impugn liberal icons, at least get the icon right.
As for CaliDoc - I bet you live in Orange County and voted for that pre-neocon piece of slime Bob Dornan. Where did he slither off to when he got beat by the Mexican gal Huh? Same place as all of your type will be in Feb 2009. BTW I''ll be in OC next week, I''ll be sure to pi*ss on it in your honor.
Posted by NameVerified at 01:30 PM : Jan 07, 2008
Why on earth do you care? This is conspiracy nonsense from a disordered brain.
Or are you just showing the true colors of the fear and smear party because you yourself are scared of what will happen this November?
If he wins, good luck to Democrats....
Republicans will win the next term.
America has gone too far to put an average Joe in-charged.
Posted by metroduck75 at 12:57 PM : Jan 07, 2008
This country isn''t unlike many others in the Third World, putting more value to "ability to connect" than substance. But it''s too early to lose hope already.
Hillary, Obama, Edwards, it doesn''t matter. The Republican, Rightwing, KKK, Nazi, Swift Boating 529''s are going to face the best organized and funded Progressive 529''s you have ever seen.
Say your prayers, bring your best shot and be ready to get buried.
"Regardless, a vote for a Republican in 08 is a vote for the culture of incompetence, cronyism, divisiveness. It''s time to vote for a candidate who wants to and can lead the whole country and not just their party."
Just a crazy Liberal
Obama 08
Hillary, Obama, Edwards, it doesn''''t matter. The Republican, Right-wing, KKK, Nazi, Swift Boating 529''''s are going to face the best organized and funded Progressive 529''''s you have ever seen.
Say your prayers, bring your best shot and be ready to get buried.
Posted by Buddhabman at 01:40 PM : Jan 07, 2008
AMEN !!
A Great Post!! This Says IT ALL !
The USA has Seen Enough !
RETURN OUR COUNTRY !!!!! ASAP !
It`s Been SOLD,,..We Want it Back,..Punish the Thieves too,..The Shrub MUST be held Accountable!
On issue after issue, while Democrats offer real solutions and new ideas to provide the American people with the change they want, the Republicans can only offer a third Bush term.
Posted by onodream at 01:55 PM : Jan 07, 2008
..............
No.
Women are no more intelligent than men, they''re just better bull *********.
Just take the average married couple...
Wife says: "I think the sky is green........ RIGHT HONEY!"
Husband says: "Yes dear."
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