Political Punch
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper
RECENT POSTS
- An Emotional President Obama Tours Former Slave Port with Family
- O Baby! The Obamas Visit Maternity Clinic in Ghana
- In Ghana, President Obama Gives Tough Love
- 2 Prez Obama: Questions Sent in Via Text, Email from Africa & the World
- Obama Campaign Plane Emergency: Report Shows it Could Have Been Catastrophic
- Give it Some Time, Obama Says in Defending the Recovery Act
- In Shift, US Calls for "Amnesty" for Journalists in NK
- Obama Pushes Back Amid Criticism Over G-8 Progress on Iran
- While the President's Away, Health Care will Stray?
- 'My Cousin In Kenya Can't Get a Job Without Paying a Bribe': Obama Tells African Leaders to Get Their Houses in Order
MONTHLY ARCHIVES
« Previous | Main | Next »
ABC News Polling Unit on Clinton Pollster's Memo: 'Full of Overblown Claims'
March 20, 2008 2:05 PM
Clinton senior strategist Mark Penn put out a polling memo today heralding a "shift to Hillary."
Peyton Craighill of the ABC News Polling Unit reports: "Mark Penn’s note is full of overblown claims based on current polling. He’s cherry picking numbers from recent polls. Much of his claim of a Clinton swing is based on the latest tracking data from Gallup in which Clinton is now ahead by 7 points. If you go back two more days Obama has a 7-point lead in a separate USA Today/Gallup poll. CBS has a new poll out today that shows a close 46-43 percent Obama-Clinton race. The CBS poll also has the match ups with McCain at 48-43 percent for Obama-McCain and 46-44 percent for Clinton-McCain. We see little indication of a shift to Clinton. Of the nine polls cited in his note, five of them are not airworthy."
("Airworthy" is a term our Polling Unit uses for polls we can use for our reporting, as opposed to ones so poorly done we are discouraged from mentioning them on air.)
Myself, when it comes to polls, I think of what a wise woman, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, said in January:
"One thing I think everybody should've learned after New Hampshire is let's not pay so much attention to polls....I didn't pay attention to polls before New Hampshire and I'm not going to start paying attention to it after New Hampshire."
- jpt
March 20, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (66)
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
Clinton Supporters will not support Obama
Former Senator Hillary Clinton supporters know that Senator Barack Obama’s word means nothing. Americans also know that Obama’s position on any topic of importance changes faster than any other politician that has earned him the name, “Both Ways” Obama. Today my wife and I like thousands of Boston based Senator Clinton supporters received an invitation to meet Hillary during a debt reconciliation gathering.
Many diehard Hillary supporters like my wife and I declined for two reasons. First, Senator Obama publicly stated that he would help Senator Clinton raise money so that she could settle her $20 million debt and then reneged. Secondly, my wife and I do not want to hear from Hillary say anything about Senator Obama solely because Senator Clinton is a diehard Democrat.
In the future my wife and I will support Senator Clinton but for now if she supports a fellow Democrat whose word means little, then she can pay her debts without our help. I am sure that many other Hillary supporters feel the same as we do. Finally, since the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that disrespected Senator Clinton so that their star candidate would win, I do not understand how a politician as Senator Clinton would continue to support the DNC and Senator Obama.
Posted by: Dr Hubert, Lt Col, USAF, Retired (2005) | Sep 5, 2008 3:36:45 PM
Lets get one thing straight, the media and the DNC elected Sen. Barack Obama. When the truth was delayed in the media until the end of the primaries, the media made sure that Sen. Hillary Clinton did not have any chance of winning.
Posted by: Dr Hubert, Lt Col, USAF Retired | Jun 9, 2008 5:50:22 PM
Obama has never visited a war zone
The media continues to make a big deal about Sen. Hillary Clinton and her comments pertaining to Bosnia. Unlike Sen. Clinton, her opponent, the Senator from Illinois has yet to visit any war zone. Having protected President and Mrs. Clinton and President and Mrs. Bush in foreign countries, I know what the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) would brief any civilian visitor. I am sure that Sen. Clinton recalls what she was told by the USSS or her military escorts that most likely briefed her "she had to be aware of snipers". I am sure that the same USSS or military advisors briefed her that if attacked by snipers, she would have to stay low and run to the nearest bunker or vehicle as she recalls. As an officer that lived in all three war zones that is what I regularly briefed civilian visitors. I am convinced that this is why she recalls the event the way she did. The regular video shows that she has been in a war zone thanks to the media.
No one is safe in a war zone. Having served in the Balkans (i.e., Bosnia), Iraq and Afghanistan I can assure all Americans that snipers can kill you from afar. Ask the families of thousands of American soldiers that have died from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). IEDs are deployed from afar and like snipers, both are deadly. The Senator from Illinois would rather talk about anyone that goes to a war zone than put his words into action. As a soldier my hats are off to Sen. Clinton. As for any media comparing this event to the Senator from Illinois pastor's behavior, I find this repulsive and totally unethical. But then the American news media is known for attacking Sen. Hillary Clinton. Americans should not forget the so-called sound bites were against America and yet the Senator from Illinois is defending his pastor as he would an uncle. Even recently, Sen. John McCain has been reminded that he misspoke in Iraq.
Posted by: Dr. Rene, USAF Retired, Recently | Mar 25, 2008 4:44:59 PM
White men views do not represent American views.
I don't believe that Sen. Clinton's ability to win has been overblown by the media. The true is that the anti-Clinton media has not been fair and mostly reports pro-Obama propaganda.
The news media continues to report that all American men understands the Senator from Illinois and feel compassion for his hard life. As one that started working in a copper mine and as a young man saw a second coworker die in the workplace, this event led to my decision to join the U.S. Air Force. As one that worked through the ranks as an enlisted airman and retire as a Lt Col, I know what it takes to get ahead through hard work and getting an education. As an Hispanic American that was never given special treatment but saw Black coworkers given higher promotion rates although they were less qualified, I understand how White Americans feel about affirmative action programs. I too was a victim and had to work twice as hard to get promotion that were so easly given to Black or White employees. I also saw many White Americans work equaly as hard as I did because they came from an unpreviledged backgrounds. But through it all we all united for America and freedom.
Now the extremely well financed Senator from Illinois is getting over 50% of all his donations from unknown contributors of $1,000 (CNN) and not the small contributors with $25-50 donations as he Senator stated. This politician so easily says one lie after another. In my world, someone that does not tell the truth is called a “liar”. In my world, if I lie in my workplace I would lose my employment. Once again it shows this Senator is unable to unite America. The Senator from Illinois is inexperience, unknowledgable and imature for those of us that work from pay-check to pay-check. For those that live from pay-check to pay-check, the Senator from Illinois choses to forget what the average American has to live through to get from one day to another. The Senator from Illinois tells so many lies that one does not know what to believe. This shows why he is not ready to be president. I would think it would be fun to sit with Sen. Clinton over a beer or glass of wine than with Sen. Obama.
Posted by: Dr. Rene, USAF Retired, Recently | Mar 23, 2008 3:42:38 PM
I love this stuff. Especially the oft used reference to Obama and Latte drinkers. Are you referring to those latte drinking Teamsters, whose union supported Senator Obama?
Mark Penn called Bill Richarson's endorsement of Obama "insignificant." Probably wouldn't be saying the same thing if Richardson had endorsed Senator Clinton. He would have heralded the endorsement as a "watershed, a defining moment for this campaign."
Also wonder how many blue collar working folks realize that Senator Clinton once sat on the board of directors of that notoriously worker friendly company Wal-Mart. Think a few votes might shift?
Well that's enough. I've got to go down to the Starbuck's close by. I'm having lattes with a couple Teamster buddies
Posted by: BC | Mar 22, 2008 10:39:26 PM
Where are her tax returns? Until those are released this is just wasted breath. And more and more stories are coming out about her fabrications - easily discovered fabrications - so her nose is getting bigger by the day. Obama should relentlessly ask for those tax returns and then we'll all get to see the connections with rich Saudis. And, please people, read about her connection with this bizarre elitist religious group The Family. My Gawd! I pray she somehow sees the light, leaves this race and let Obama bring some healing to the nation and the WORLD!
Posted by: magikpowerwoman | Mar 22, 2008 9:10:13 PM
Where are her tax returns? Until those are released this is just wasted breath. And more and more stories are coming out about her fabrications - easily discovered fabrications - so her nose is getting bigger by the day. Obama should relentlessly ask for those tax returns and then we'll all get to see the connections with rich Saudis. And, please people, read about her connection with this bizarre elitist religious group The Family. My Gawd! I pray she somehow sees the light, leaves this race and let Obama bring some healing to the nation and the WORLD!
Posted by: magikpowerwoman | Mar 22, 2008 9:10:03 PM
Gov. Richardson betrays Hispanics
America now knows that the Super Delegates do not have to vote for the candidate that the majority of his states voters approved. Gov. Richardson proved that he is an un-loyal friend and the Hispanic American culture is appalled by his lack of loyalty. In my view, Gov. Richardson spoke for himself and his support is based on his career aspirations. As a Hispanic American, Hispanics see Gov. Richardson as a traitor. New Mexico voters clearly supported Sen. Hillary Clinton. Like the Senator from Illinois, Gov. Richardson did not win New Mexico presidential primary because like most Hispanic American’s, New Mexico voters voted for Sen. Clinton. If it were not for the Clinton’s, Gov. Richardson whom claimed to be a Clinton friend would have never had the success that he has enjoyed in America. At least the Senator from Illinois stood by his racist friend, no matter what anyone thought. Hispanic voters know what racism in America is first hand. Well before the Pastor Jeremiah Wright CD was released, this is why Hispanic voters will not support the Senator from Illinois because we know that he is a clever racist. Although Gov. Richardson is half Hispanic American, the Governor does not represent Hispanic Americans.
Posted by: Dr. Rene, USAF Retired, Recently | Mar 22, 2008 4:44:19 PM
don't think anyone could explain it as well as Obama , this is the America we live in right at this moment..anger, separation,confusion..fear, frustration. We need an honest voice of truth..Obama is the only one (running for office) not afraid to speak truth..bruises & all. I know that when I vote for president I need someone with a voice to inspire the nation, to help change the attitude of the American people who actually don't believe that we are one nation under God..The people who would never want to be "one" with anyone else. People who couldn't unite with even their next door neighbor if he happened to be a different color than himself or a different political party or anyone he just didn't like,for that matter. We need someone to change that mentality. If you truly listen to what he says..you realize that he is speaking from truth... He understands why people feel this separation..how they arrived at their perception..he is never speaking from only a 'black "point of view or a "white" point of view..he speaks from a human one..as an observer..open minded, with compassion,without judgement..ready to help talk it out..ready for the blows that may come, steady until it is resolved & until there is change.....isn't that what we intrinsically need? That's what we need as children.. isn't that what we need as a nation.. Isn't that the man he is? All I know is that I want somebody with that kind of statue to lead the country for my children & make a difference. As for Hillary camp's latest desparate move to undermine Obama's integrity & drive a wedge between races....would you ever want to be held liable for someone elses words.. especially when they were venting frustration? Anyone who would let this deter them from voting ,never believed in him anyway so ..............TIME FOR CHANGE ..YES WE CAN , OBAMA is a LIGHT in this DARKNESS that we're facing ....Let him SHINE!!
Posted by: SHEDROCK | Mar 21, 2008 5:19:45 PM
With his campaign taking such a drastic nose-dive, why doesn't Obama have the judgment to fire some of his high-level campaign managers???
Posted by: Judgment? | Mar 21, 2008 10:58:40 AM
Dr T, if you called Obama a hypocrite and a liar, I wonder what you will call Hillary. It is really sad that Americans does not want to face the truth. Everybody is dening that they are not racist when in the true sense of the word, they are still showcasing it. Why would what Obama's pastor said hurt him but what Ferraro said does not hurt Hillary?
Posted by: CAROILNE | Mar 21, 2008 3:43:44 AM
cordelia525, LOVE the crying into the latte line. ok if i borrow it?
Posted by: so saddened | Mar 21, 2008 2:36:05 AM
Bruce, I beg to differ. Just because I support Hillary , I am a troll. How convenient.
I have no hatred and do not despise Mr. Obama personally. I am voting for my next President and Hillary is my choice along with almost 14 million othesr. Am I just supposed to bow down and accept Obama as my savior and President? If I did, I would be a hypocrite. I would rather be a troll than a hypocrite.
Posted by: Jay | Mar 21, 2008 1:58:34 AM
I just found out that CNN’s Jack Cafferty Blog:Posted: 05:57 PM ET, has the same analysis I posted at 2:49 PM in this Blog regarding the "CBS Poll: Pastor's Remarks Hurt Obama:"
First, Mr. Cafferty did not write how the poll shows "Among Democratic primary voters, unfavorable views have doubled," about Obama.
I do remember readers complaining how other networks were not covering the Obama pastor story of race division and anti-USA, attempting to "sweep it under the rug".
CNN and MSNBC can save money like Mr. Jack Cafferty salary, if they allow more unbiased opinions by the readers like ABCNEWS and this Blog are doing so far.
Posted by: Angel | Mar 20, 2008 11:27:42 PM
I'm an Independent voter, and have been repelled by the Hillary campaign. The reality is that Hillary is talking more of the same, while Barack is talking about real changes. What's interesting is to watch Hillary talk about how much good her experience does her, and then subsequently view a clip of her voting for the Iraq war - citing her "experience" there.
It's taken me awhile to get back into the political swing of things, but I say it's time for Hillary to bow out and let the most encouraging presidential candidate step forward and win this fight for us. That's just my two cents.
Posted by: greeneyedblues81 | Mar 20, 2008 11:05:23 PM
I think that it is interesting that media does not push further for Florida and Michigan votes to be counted. Two MAJOR states have currently no voice in choosing the democratic candidate for November election.
Yes, polls are great for Hillary, as long as the DNC let's the voice of people who have voted for Hillary in Florida and MI be heard. Then, with PA, Hillary will indeed lead the popular vote.
Why is there so much bias for a woman candidate? Why any man can get an easier ride on this contest?
Why is so, when the best man in this race is indeed a woman!
Hillary 08!
Posted by: Meg | Mar 20, 2008 10:53:31 PM
The saddest part is that supporters of the two campaigns continue to tear into each other with such ferocity, especially the Clinton supporters. Poll after poll shows more Clinton supporters vowing not to even consider voting for Obama if he's the nominee, with a smaller number of Obama supporters saying the same about voting for Hillary Clinton.
People like Jay and similar posters on the other side troll from blog to blog leaving their venom, poisoning other Democrats and Independents many of whom have just entered or returned to politics in the hope that something positive might happen this year to pull this country from the NeoCon nightmare.
Who benefits from all this bitter and hateful infighting? John McCain and the Republicans.
Who would have thought that the Democratic Party contains this much hate within its own ranks!
Posted by: Bruce | Mar 20, 2008 10:15:47 PM
Every time Hillary opens her mouth it turns out she's contradicting something she said or did earlier. Do you think Bill had her turned into a Stepford Wife? I'm just sayin'....
Posted by: Tom J | Mar 20, 2008 9:44:14 PM
I am clinton supporter but I am realist as well. i think game is over for our beloved Mrs Clinton. We should work hard together for Obama. He certainly is very promising!
Posted by: chris mathew | Mar 20, 2008 9:28:25 PM
Obama is a toast now. He should have avoided comparing his granny with his pastor. He can not choose his granma. But, he can choose his pastor. Sacrificing his granma to make a political point is not accpetable to me. He has every right to be a meber of that church. However, he cannot ask for our vote after being a member of a hate mongering church for 20 years
Democarts be ware of this. Don't blow it again.
Posted by: Joe | Mar 20, 2008 9:20:02 PM
Post a comment

