CBS Poll: Clinton, Obama Tied

McCain Has Big Lead Among Republicans; Also, Most Americans Think Economy Is In Recession

(CBS) 
McCain's consolidation of nearly half the Republican vote is all the more dramatic considering that his campaign spent much of 2007 on life support after disappointing fund-raising and staff defections. As recently as December, only 7 percent of Republican voters were supporting his campaign. Since then, however, McCain has posted an impressive string of victories in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.

Even those normally viewed as most skeptical of the Arizona senator's record now appear to be coalescing around his candidacy - he now leads among conservatives, as well as with moderates.

Perhaps most surprising is that McCain is also seen as the best Republican candidate to tackle the issue of illegal immigration, according to 38 percent of respondents. During the summer of 2007, McCain's poll numbers took a dive that was mostly attributed to his support for a comprehensive immigration bill that included a path to citizenship for those in the country illegally - a provision derided by critics as an amnesty program for lawbreakers.

McCain also leads his opponents on other key Republican issues, including the economy and lowering taxes. More than 60 percent of Republican voters believe he is most fit to serve as commander in chief and that he is the most electable candidate in the GOP field.

The only good news for McCain's opponents is that the Republican race is still fluid. More than half of those who have not yet voted in a primary or caucus say they haven't made up their minds. Still, the window for other candidates to reach these voters is closing rapidly. Since January, the number of voters who say they could change their mind has fallen 21 percentage points.

Regardless of who wins either party's nomination, it appears likely they will have to make the economy a central part of their pitch to voters. It has replaced the war in Iraq as the top concern of Americans - 53 percent believe the economy is in a recession and 38 percent said it was their most pressing issue, compared to 21 percent who said the same about the war.

Voters' opinion about the economy is plummeting rapidly, the survey found. More than 70 percent believe the economy is in bad shape - the highest percentage recorded in 15 years. Only 28 percent believe the economy is in at least somewhat good shape, representing a drop of 10 percent in only two weeks.

Confidence in the economy is also very low. Only 6 percent believe conditions are improving, while 67 percent expect them to get worse.

The troubles in the economy - highlighted by recent reports showing little growth in the gross domestic product and the first net job losses in four years - are hitting home for many Americans, 46 percent of whom said they are making just enough to pay their bills.

Not surprisingly, Americans' worries about the economy have done nothing to help President Bush's already low approval rating. In the latest survey, only 27 percent of Americans approved of his job performance, matching his all-time low.

---

This poll was conducted among a random sample of 1232 adults nationwide, interviewed by telephone January 30-Feb 2, 2008. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. The poll included 491 Democratic primary voters; the margin of error could be plus or minus 5 points. Error for Republican Primary voters could be plus or minus six points. The error for subgroups is higher.

[mstiger71]

I think Obama has a real good chance now. I also agree with some of the other comments. The Clintons don''t have what it takes anymore. I think they are over for the most part. Not saying that she does not have a chance to win. I think she might have a good chance.

[smartpolitic]

Obama is a master deluder & I hope america wakes up & vote based on values & leadership qualities. His speeches are amiable, but vague & clumsy. He is perfect reflection of President Bush in the tactics, whom created more problems then solved it, becuase of the special interests. We don''t need another president who is going to serve the special intertests & without a leadership quality & experience.
By the way who cares if he was right about Iraq war. Attacking Iraq was the right move, but the wrong part is the facts that justified the attack & the handling of the occupation.
I am supporting Hillary, because she is aware & taking seriously the problem that the next president need to address diligently. She is the real "Change".

[b-easy63]

Premise matters as does foundation--we were hamstrung by Clinton with NAFTA, then Bush decided we should enter a grueling Ididerot, and that we should run with our hamstrings cut and do handstands, back bends and somersaults at the same time--now both Clinton, Bush and America wonder why we are flat on our back---and Hilary supporters think--because they got up and ran in 1992--they can do so again--look down--we have no hands and we have no legs---we are not the same country economically or manufacture wise or even culturally that we were in 1992 or 1994.

[b-easy63]

The Clinton administration got rid of the national deficit ...
Posted by WomenOnGuard at 04:57 PM : Feb 05, 2008


Bill and Hilary do not have the same advantages this time as they did before..

1. Like having inherited a country just after Taxes were already raised by a Republican President and reaping the windfall. 2. Like having an opposition Congress that not only demanded a balanced budget, but also demanded all programs get slashed including Welfare and other spending. 3. finally, like having a mfg base to kick start the economy and provide jobs and workers/technology through innovations in technology (dot com) and a strong mfg base

Due to NAFTA which Bill put into place, Democrats will be juggling pretty much the same balls they did in 1992--except Bush has made them all medicine balls and nightmares and Bill has already cut off our hands and arms by outsourcing both labor and mfg to foreign lands with cheap labor. If the Clintons fail to "fix" the economy--think about this post and try to learn its import.

[ycmartin]

Please take the time to examine the history of the Clintons. It is like some unknown alien gas washed away the past. Go back and look at the Clintons. You will find corruption, perjury, impeachment, and selling influence to all takers. These two are not shining examples for america. Rather they are examples of what is wrong in politics. Those of us old enough to have lived through the Nixon years and Nixon''s beleif he could sell any lie and do anything he wanted to do without fear of the consequences look at the Clintons as being cut from the same cloth. NO MORE CLINTONS''

[b-easy63]

CORRECTIONS:

I remember the days of Nancy Reagan, where she and every other Republican wore RED to signal their affiliation with the GOP. Conversely, the Democratic ladies favored blue--as their color of choice. And so it went for decades. Now enter Bush with a blue tie--albeit sky blue--maybe signalling with that, and his immigration and Dubai dealings and Port leanings that he was not so different from Democrats after all. Now we have Hilary--continually wearing red--the color of Republican ladies and maybe--girls who are still Gold Water Republicans at heart--she may have to pretend to be a Democrat for the sake of infiltrating their party--but at least she shows her "true colors" in how she backs Bush on votes and not so subtly--in the colors she chooses while on the campaign trail.

Posted by b-easy63 at 05:04 PM : Feb 05, 2008

[b-easy63]

REALLY?!?!

I don''''t usually listen to what "Limbaugh in drag" says. I didn''''t know she was a Clinton supporter.

Posted by hungry1968 at 10:19 AM : Feb 05, 2008


coulter said that Hilary was far more conservative than McCAin and that if it came down to Hilary and McCAin, she might campaign for the better conservative or Hilary--herself. Hilary does have some very interesting views--not shaped by liberalism or even tolerance--like endorsing torture or advocating the continual expansion of FISA and wiretapping of the American citizenry--by a Presidency and DOJ that has already shown themselves to be rogue and without respect for laws or Constitution. WE understand why the loyal Republicans endorsed and voted to help Bush on these issues--we will probably never understand why Hilary did--unless it was a poll or something that told her most Americans don''t mind being tapped or having people be tortured--that occurred on the day of her vote. Hilary has always been a sucker for the poll of the moment and its influence on her vote--for that day.

[b-easy63]

I remember the days of Nancy Reagan, where she and every other Republican wore read to signal their affiliation with the GOP. Conversely, the Democratic ladies favored blue--as their color of choice. And so it went for decades. Now enter Bush with a blue tie--albeit sky blue--maybe signalling with that, and his immigration and Dubai dealings and Port leanings that he was not so different from Democrats after all. Now we have Hilary--continually wearing red--the color of Republican ladies and maybe--girls who are still Gold Water Republicans at heart--she may have to pretend to be a Democrat for the sake of infiltrating their party--but at least she shows her "true colors" in how she backs Bush on votes and not so subtly--in the colors she chooses while on the campaign trail.

[Martha Z]

Clinton is the best candidate choice to fix our economy, hands down! The Clinton administration got rid of the national deficit when the first Bush was in office and the Clintons will do it again after the present Bush.

[tibu987]

Vote against politics as usual.
Vote against members of Washingtons "good ole boys"
club.
Vote for change.
Vote for Obama.

72 year old white veteran.

[jon2012-2009]

Hillary, on the other hand, has the admiration of Ann Coulter. To me, that speaks volumes.....

I could never vote for someone who has earned the respect of the likes of Coulter.

Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:10 AM : Feb 05, 2008

REALLY?!?!

I don''''t usually listen to what "Limbaugh in drag" says. I didn''''t know she was a Clinton supporter.
Posted by hungry1968 at 10:19 AM : Feb 05, 2008

Ann Coulter has referred to Hillary as a "prostitute." I really don''t care about whom Coulter supports or not.

[elsylee28]

Guys make sure you check out the article "The Intoxication of Inspiration" on the blogzine SAVAGE POLITICS (not related to Mike Savage) at www.savagepolitics.com. It is awesome......everyone should read it before voting.

[hungry1968]

Hillary, on the other hand, has the admiration of Ann Coulter. To me, that speaks volumes.....

I could never vote for someone who has earned the respect of the likes of Coulter.

Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:10 AM : Feb 05, 2008




REALLY?!?!

I don''t usually listen to what "Limbaugh in drag" says. I didn''t know she was a Clinton supporter.

[fuzzybear9]

Hello America and Independet Voters

at the outset, let me at least thank CBS and their Offiliates for providing a Forum of free thought.

in reviewing the past few months of this Election process , I realize that we have No candidate for the more Educated Independent Voter.

and I finally realize that what Thomas Jefferson said
to be true `` That the Masses cannot rule themselves ``
How could they ? How can an Illegal Immigrant in Southern California make proper selections regarding a candidate of any substance, that all they need to promise is, enchilatas on every table, and free Social Security Cards for the asking.

No fellow Americans, I can finally see the end of the Great Union is near at hand, overthrown not by the Enemies without but the Enemies and Traitors within.

so having said that much, I bid you all a good day,
and I will proceed to make plans for another New Better Constitution, and the structuring of a New
Nation for Independent Voters. and might I add True Patriots it was a good fight but alas in Vain.

Sincerely Fuzzy Bear

[TogetherinParis]

We need Hillary Clinton. Absolutely!

[goldesprit]

"I''''m not so shallow so as to eliminate someone from contention because they use a legal substance.

If the worst thing that can be said about Obama is that he smokes, I could care less." formrusmcsgt

Yes..shallow...

I''ll say it again. Your feelings about smoking are not of any application to this arguement.

Its what the Republicans may do to compromise the democrats--through Obama''s stance on prevention/smoking, that is a valid issue, because it may be a rather obvious achillies heel, bringing down the party.

You can like or dislike smoking all you want.
You are not the electoriate or the spin doctors.
Its about liability in a candidate.
This particular liability.
Smoking is not "prevention"!!
DUH.

[formrusmcsgt]

Are you awake? Maybe you drifted off after your blessing.

Posted by goldesprit at 09:07 AM : Feb 05, 2008

I''m not so shallow so as to eliminate someone from contention because they use a legal substance.

If the worst thing that can be said about Obama is that he smokes, I could care less.

Hillary, on the other hand, has the admiration of Ann Coulter. To me, that speaks volumes.....

I could never vote for someone who has earned the respect of the likes of Coulter.

[goldesprit]

Your opinions about smoking are not relavant. Your own opinions are fine.

Its what the political spin possibilities are in causing Obama to appear to be less than logical when representing that he is so into "prevention" that is very obviously ammunition for the Republicans, potentially.

Are you awake? Maybe you drifted off after your blessing.

[formrusmcsgt]

Posted by goldesprit at 08:51 AM : Feb 05, 2008

I read that the first time and didn''t think his smoking was all that big of a deal and still don''t.

I don''t try to impose my beliefs on others. He''s a grown man and smoking is legal. If he chooses to do so, so be it.

[amishcar]

OPENSECRETS.ORG ROMNEY AKA CONMEY THE SNAKE OIL SALESMAN AND MCCAIN AKA MCNUTS BOTH HAVE DEBTS ON THEIR CAMPAIGN SO NEITHER CAN BALANCE THE US GOVT BUDGET. ONLY RON PAUL DOESN''T HAVE A DEBT ON HIS CAMPAIGN ALL OTHER CANDIDATES HAVE DEBTS. GO SEE FOR YOURSELF AT OPENSECRETS.ORG AND READ MORE THINGS WHILE YOU ARE THERE. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND THEN VOTE AND DONATE.