Sept. 24, 2008
Obama Opens Up Big Lead In New Poll
Washington Post/ABC News Poll: Economic Fears Give Democrat Clear Nine Point Advantage
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Obama, McCain On Lying
When is it appropriate to lie to the American public? Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain tell Katie Couric what they think.
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Candidates Want 'Oversight'
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain criticized the Feds' bailout plan for lacking oversight. The candidates also called for help on Main Street. Chip Reid reports.
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Poll: Race A Factor For Obama
A new poll shows race will factor in for a number of voters this year. Ed Gordon, host of "Our World With Black Enterprise," explains to Maggie Rodriguez what the "Black Tax" will mean for Obama.
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Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. speaks during a campaign event in Green Bay, Wis., Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. (AP)
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Turmoil in the financial industry and growing pessimism about the economy have altered the shape of the presidential race, giving Democratic nominee Barack Obama the first clear lead of the general-election campaign over Republican John McCain, according to the latest Washington Post-ABC News national poll.
Just 9 percent of those surveyed rated the economy as good or excellent, the first time that number has been in single digits since the days just before the 1992 election. Just 14 percent said the country is heading in the right direction, equaling the record low on that question in polls dating back to 1973.
More voters trust Obama to deal with the economy, and he currently has a big edge as the candidate who is more in tune with the economic problems Americans now face. He also has a double-digit advantage on handling the current problems on Wall Street, and as a result, there has been a rise in his overall support. The poll found that, among likely voters, Obama now leads McCain by 52 percent to 43 percent. Two weeks ago, in the days immediately following the Republican National Convention, the race was essentially even, with McCain at 49 percent and Obama at 47 percent.
As a point of comparison, neither of the last two Democratic nominees -- John F. Kerry in 2004 or Al Gore in 2000 -- recorded support above 50 percent in a pre-election poll by the Post and ABC News.
Last week's near-meltdown in the financial markets and the subsequent debate in Washington over a proposed government bailout of troubled financial institutions have made the economy even more important in the minds of voters. Fully 50 percent called the economy and jobs the single most important issue that will determine their vote, up from 37 percent two weeks ago. In contrast, just 9 percent cited the Iraq war as their most important issue, its lowest of the campaign.
But voters are cool toward the administration's initial efforts to deal with the current crisis. Forty-seven percent said they approve of the steps taken by the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to stabilize the financial markets, while 42 percent said they disapprove.
Anxiety about the economic situation is widespread. Just over half of the poll respondents -- 52 percent -- believe the economy has moved into a serious long-term decline. Eight in 10 are concerned about the overall direction of the economy, nearly three-quarters worry about the shocks to the stock market, and six in 10 are apprehensive about their own family finances.
Two weeks ago, McCain held a substantial advantage among white voters, including newfound strength with white women. In the face of bad economic news, the two candidates now run about evenly among white women, and Obama has narrowed the overall gap among white voters to five percentage points.
Much of the movement has come among college-educated whites. Whites without college degrees favor McCain by 17 points, while those with college degrees support Obama by 9 points. No Democrat has carried white, college-educated voters in presidential elections dating back to 1980, but they were a key part of Obama's coalition in the primaries.
The political climate is rapidly changing along with the twists and turns on Wall Street, and it remains unclear whether recent shifts in public opinion will fundamentally alter the highly competitive battle between McCain and Obama. About two in 10 voters are either undecided or remain "movable" and open to veering to another candidate. Nevertheless, the close relationship between voters' focus on the economy and their overall support for the Democratic nominee has boosted Obama.
Among white voters, economic anxiety translates into greater support for Obama. He is favored by 54 percent of whites who said they are concerned about the direction of the economy, but by just 10 percent of those who are less worried.
The survey also found that the strong initial public reaction to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate, has cooled somewhat. Overall, her unfavorable rating has gone up by 10 points in the past two weeks, from 28 percent to 38 percent.Poll Database
Search recent CBS News campaign polls.
She remains broadly popular -- 52 percent of voters view her positively -- but there have been some notable declines. Over the past two weeks, the percentage of independents with favorable views of Palin dropped from 60 percent to 48 percent. Among independent women, the decline was particularly sharp, going from 65 percent to 43 percent. Her favorable rating among whites without college degrees remained largely steady, but among those with college degrees, it dropped nearly 20 percentage points.
The survey also showed some backsliding in enthusiasm among McCain supporters. Overall, most supporters of each presidential candidate said they are enthusiastic about their choice, but 62 percent of Obama supporters said they are "very enthusiastic," compared with 34 percent of McCain's supporters. Coming out of the GOP convention, nearly half of those backing McCain said they did so fervently.
Among Republicans, conservatives and white evangelical Protestants, strong enthusiasm for McCain's candidacy has dropped by double digits.
The survey, conducted Friday through Monday, included telephone interviews with a random national sample of 1,082 adults, including 916 registered voters. The margin of error for the full sample is plus or minus three percentage points; it is four points for the sample of 780 likely voters.
Overall, Obama and McCain are tied among men in the new poll, while Obama has opened up a sizable lead among women. The candidates divide white voters, 50 percent for McCain to 45 percent for Obama, while Obama has an overwhelming advantage among African Americans, 96 percent to 3 percent.
Independents, key swing voters, now break for Obama, 53 percent to 39 percent, reversing a small lead for McCain after the Republican convention. McCain is the choice of 86 percent of Republicans, while about as many Democrats, 88 percent, back Obama.
In the new poll, voters once again gave Obama higher marks than McCain when it comes to dealing with the economy, 53 percent to 39 percent. Two weeks ago, Obama's edge on the question was a narrow five points, his lowest of the campaign. Among independents, Obama's advantage on the economy -- now 21 points -- is greater than at any point in the campaign.
McCain's advantages on national security issues have also been blunted. Two weeks ago, when those surveyed were asked who they trusted to deal with a major unexpected crisis, McCain led 54 percent to 37 percent. That lead is gone.
Similarly, McCain's once-sizable advantage in dealing with the battle against terrorism has all but disappeared. There were also big shifts toward Obama on handling Iraq and international affairs more broadly.
The first presidential debate, set for Friday evening, is slated to focus on foreign policy and national security, but economic issues seem likely to be included, given the developments on Wall Street. The debate appears poised to draw record levels of attention, as interest in the election has been sky high and continues to grow. Almost all voters are tuned in, and 55 percent are following "very closely," higher than at this time in 2004 and more than double the percentage so engaged in 2000.
A substantial hurdle for Obama is the widespread public skepticism about whether he would make a good commander in chief. On that question, he has made no significant headway in allaying voters' concerns. They remain evenly divided -- 48 percent said he would be effective in that role, 47 percent said he would not. Nearly three-quarters said McCain would manage the military well, and as many said he has the knowledge of world affairs to serve effectively.
Still, the candidates are rated about equally on the question of who is the stronger leader.
In the aftermath of the national conventions and the surprise pick of Palin, McCain had narrowed the gap with Obama on who is more likely to change Washington. In the new survey, Obama has reestablished his credentials on that front. He also now holds a double-digit lead as the more honest and trustworthy candidate, flipping what had been a slight McCain edge two weeks ago.
Obama has also cemented a clear edge among voters prioritizing the economy, a growing group. Among "economy voters," he now leads McCain by nearly 2 to 1. McCain holds advantages among voters prioritizing a range of concerns that rank lower on the issues list, making it harder for him to find ways to drive the agenda of the campaign into favorable territory.
Polling analyst Jennifer Agiesta contributed to this report.
By Dan Balz and Jon Cohen
© 2008 The Washington Post Company
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See all 860 CommentsNO BAIL OUTS!!!!
McCain will win he says "NO and Obama says yes.
Mark My Words.
NO BAILOUTS FOR WALL STREET!!!!!
Posted by ddhinnyc
That pig won''t oink here!
At lest Joe Biden is allowed to talk to the press. They''re so afraid of your little drama queen making a mistake the McCain people are demanding only photo ops, no reporters.
Posted by gop_will_win
I just hope that my local soup line features Sarah''s world renowned moose stew.
the stimulous for them is removed.
So why wouldn''t the dems now act like the
repubs and put the party before all else
and drag the heII out of this bailout
passage thing?
let''s "SLOWBOAT" them !!!
Never give a buck a break!!!
Kick ''em when they''re down!!
If the dems dont, then maybe the repubs
are right,,,dems should stay home and
let others do the fighting
Posted by antisocialis at 09:33 AM : Sep 24, 2008
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Oh, I see! Misconstuing some idea(s) of Obama YOU interpret as a willingness to lead us into socialism, is MORE frightening than Bush asking for a MASSIVE corporate welfare for an irresponsible Wall Street in REALITY!
Mister, I''d say you''re not real keen on what you should and should NOT be afraid of!
Posted by rplat at 09:32 AM : Sep 24, 2008
Ah, don''t like the results? Slam them and make baseless conspiratorial claims...
Look at our nation''s history. When the hot topic is the economy - Dems win hands down. A big factor is the perception that the GOP is to blame for the current financial crisis.
You can be the leader who architects then new global credit system based on soveriegn state interests in a post-globization world!
YOU AND BIDEN CAN DO IT!!!!
PROVE IT TO US!!!!!
JUST SAY ''NO BAILOUTS''!!!!!
SHOW SOME GUTS AND STAND UP TO WALL STREET!!!!!
SHOW SOME GUTS OBAMA AND SAY ''NO TO WALL STREET''!!!!!
DON''T CAVE IN TO WALL STREET OR YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!
NO BAIL OUTS!!!!
DON''T SUPPORT THE BAIL OUTS!!!!
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Posted by six-seis-six at 09:47 AM : Sep 24, 2008--
I know, all politicians are bought and paid for but if Obama or McCain shows some GUTS and say NO to Wall Street then that candidate would win.
NO TO BAILOUTS NO TO WALL STREET!!!!
SHOW SOME GUTS!!!!
Americans have learned that the Republicans are ALWAYS out to rob them and plunder the nation''s Treasury.
They have learned they can only afford to vote Republican IF the economy is good enough to allow them to make money faster than the Republicans can siphon it off for themselves and/or for investment offshore.
It ain''t, which leaves them having to vote Democrat.
TELL WALL STREET ''HELL NO''!!!!!!
What you going to do when Obama wins - get another nine cats?
Posted by StormyTexan at 09:51 AM : Sep 24, 2008
Again, I didn''t see any of you rightwingers complaining about the polls when McCain was ahead. But, of course now that you don''t like the results they are to be dismissed.
No candidate over 50% support in Sept. has lost since 1948 apparently. Neither Gore or Kerry ever broke 50% which is critical IMO.
Unless Obama totally tanks in the debates this is all but done people. McCain should be expecting a call from the Viagra folks shortly.
BE BRAVE OBAMA!!!! YOU''RE THE ''CHOSEN ONE'' TO SAY ''NO'' TO WALL STREET!!!!
IF YOU SAY NO BAILOUTS FOR WALL STREET THEN YOU WILL WIN IN A LANDSLIDE!!!!!!!!
SHOW SOME GUTS OBAMA!!!!
I am a working class man. I came from a rural town where my mother made $87 dollars a week as a cook. I know for a fact that if people will work hard and apply themselves they can turn humble beginnings into something so much more. We need to deregulate the tax system and pay a flat tax. Tax everyone equally. But do yuo honestly think that its right for a person to work part time pay in almost nothing and then recieve a check from the government for $5000? We, the hard working people think thats just as big an atrocity as the ultrarich paying no taxes.
SAY NO TO BAILOUTS!!!!!
SAY NO TO WALL STREET!!!!!
TELL WALL STREET TO GO TO HELL!!!!!!
Posted by StormyTexan
It seems to be your savior Bush and his treasury and fed appointees that are the true socialists.
Posted by antisocialis at 09:59 AM : Sep 24, 2008
AMEN!
Posted by StormyTexan at 10:01 AM : Sep 24, 2008
OK, we will raise the minimum wage $4 an hour and stop that.
They STILL won''''t work more than 20 hours a week because it would interfere with their housing assistance, food stamps, electric assistance, and free health care!
Posted by StormyTexan at 10:06 AM : Sep 24, 2008
I note that they are "your" employees.
Is the rest of America supposed to take responsibility for the fact that you are a lousy manager who permits her employees to goof of for your money?
They STILL won''''t work more than 20 hours a week because it would interfere with their housing assistance, food stamps, electric assistance, and free health care!
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Posted by StormyTexan
AMEN!
Jesus also hated the money changers..........
We need to change our trade policy to level the playing field for american workers. It is unfair that we compete with those making a dollar a day. We need to put tarrifs on products coming in to this country that will level the playing field. Then the working man can really pull himself up.
You said "I know for a fact that if people will work hard and apply themselves they can turn humble beginnings into something so much more." That statement used to be true. It is harder and harder now for the common man to do anything other than remain common his whole life.
We have allowed corporate america to ship all the jobs they can overseas then import illegals to do what''s left. How is the common man to get a break under those circumstances? Real wages have been stagnant for the last decade. Ceo''s have seen their salaries increase a hundred fold.
What''s fair about that?
They STILL won''''''''t work more than 20 hours a week because it would interfere with their housing assistance, food stamps, electric assistance, and free health care!
Posted by StormyTexan at
Of course, god forbid, you should walk away from the keyboard and man one of the phones yourself.
They STILL won''''''''t work more than 20 hours a week because it would interfere with their housing assistance, food stamps, electric assistance, and free health care!
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Posted by StormyTexan
You aren''t much of a boss then. Got a spine? LOL
lolll..no wonder you love George W. Bush - he is EXACTLY the same kind of loser...
Now, does she add value to the business, or does she sit around ALL DAY LONG EVERY SINGLE DAY in front of her keyboard telling lies about Obama?
Me, I''d fire her so quick it would make her head spin the other way around for a change.
Instead they should look back to just two years ago to see what a roaring economy we had been enjoying the previous six years with gasoline at $2.19 a gallon and unemployment at 4.6%. That%u2019s when the voters then started talking about %u201CChange%u201D and they elected a majority of Democrats in both houses of Congress%u2026. In just these past two short years with the Democrats, gasoline has gone to $4.00 a gallon and unemployment is up to 6.1%.....
The liberal leadership in Congress should not be allowed to continue the devastation of our economic well being%u2026%u2026. Change???? We%u2019ve had about enough Democratic change this country can handle%u2026..
These are just a few things that come to mind when hearing supporters of McCain/Palin trying to justify reasons to vote for those two. To actually know that these people will lie to their children as they tell them that they did everything they could to protect them, make their future better than they the parents had, teach them to not see another individual as an American but as a N*****, J**,S***,W******, while spouting un-Christian lies that they are true children of God is unbelieveable and borders on child neglect/abuse. Others around the world are paying close attention to the intelligence of the Average JOE/Josephine American during this election.Most battles/war are won through the usage of intelligence as a weapon. As for the examples shown by McCain/Palin so far. F
Posted by WashCapitals at 10:07 AM : Sep 24, 2008
Doubtful. Unless he totally tanks, the American people will still trust him over McCain with the economy. Also, winnning the debates doesn''t translate into a win on election day. By most accounts Kerry trounced Bush in the debates for example.
I''ll stick with the nation''s history which shows that when a candidate breaks 50% in September, the nation has made up it''s mind. Also, when the same party has been in office for two terms, generally they get voted out. The economic crisis we are facing only makes that much more likely.
Heck, that may be enough to get me to vote for Obama !
Message to Obama ! Fight this welfare for the rich handout and you will win my vote ! ! !
You guys really want a president who is constantly and blatantly lying to you? Get real and get smart! He''s not gonna stop lying just because he holds the highest office in the US. Heck no! He will lie his way into more taxes for you, more war, more federal deficit and the list goes on and on and on.
Wake the heck up and let the liar live his life in his own misery, the way liars should. He is making his own bed, let him sleep in it, alone. Why drag the American people into his lie? It will only bring misery and make the world hate the US even more, if that is possible.
Shame on the liar!
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