Obama opens double-digit lead
Click the Play Button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Barack Obama is widening his lead over John McCain in early polling. A new Los Angeles Times-Bloomberg poll shows Obama topping McCain by 12 points – 49% to 37% – in a two-man race. If you include third-party candidates Ralph Nader and Bob Barr, Obama leads McCain by 15 points. A recent Newsweek poll also shows Obama up by 15.
CNN's poll of polls reflects this growing gap as well, with Obama now leading McCain by 8 points – 48% to 40%. That's double the 4-point lead Obama held in this average of polls less than two weeks ago.
Obama's lead may be due in part to his positions on domestic issues, with many voters saying he'd do a better job than McCain handling healthcare, taxes and the economy, the nation's number one issue. McCain once said he's not an expert on the economy. He continues to insist that the fundamentals of the economy are very strong.
McCain is also lagging behind when it comes to the passion of voters. Among those who say they'll vote for McCain, 51% say they're "not enthusiastic" about him. But of those who say they will vote for Obama, 81% are enthusiastic.
McCain remains the most trusted when it comes to protecting the country from terrorism. But that may not hold up if advisers like Charlie Black keep saying things like another terror attack on U.S. soil would help McCain.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean if Barack Obama is opening up a double-digit lead over John McCain in some polls?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jaye from Williamsburg, Virginia writes:
Big deal. These numbers don't mean a thing. If the mainstream media would give McCain as much attention as they give to Obama, then there wouldn't be such a spread. Today Obama offered to help Hillary Clinton with her campaign debt. Now if that isn't buying votes, I don't know what else is.
Frantz from Atlanta writes:
It means that the media will now turn on the front-runner in order to make things more interesting. And, the GOP dirt machine will get cranked up.
Greg from Ontario writes:
Jack, Polls are seldom accurate at the best of times. The people they are important to are journalists, pundits and those rare voters who try to figure out how everyone else is voting so they can do the same. Thank god we got guys like you and Wolf to keep the issues up front.
Pamela from Germany writes:
It means that the American public is not as stupid as some think. They realize that McCain is a flip-flopper and can see the huge difference between the two candidates. Once the head-to-head debates start, I believe the lead will get even larger.
Fred from Las Vegas writes:
A double digit lead in June doesn't necessarily guarantee Obama a win. Any number of things can alter the direction of this race. But whatever happens, if the Democrats don't win this time, I don't know when they will.
Ross from Baltimore writes:
It means most voters don't want George Bush's third term.
Dan from New Orleans writes:
It means that the I.T. department over at Diebold may have to rig the voting machines that much more than they had to in the last election.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
ever hear the old saying the higher they climb the harder they fall, jack? obama will be in the toilet by november.
Jack, It means McCain needs a terriorist attack in the USA. Or at least scare the bejesus out of Americans and make them believe it. Patsy in Atkinson, NE
Absolutely nothing before 4 November 2008. Ask Mike Dukakis!
It means that it's June and not November. Dukakis, Kerry and Gore all lead by double digits nationally in June and look what happened there. Not that Obama can't pull it off, it's just that this is going to be a lot closer than anyone thinks. Somebody, somewhere is finding a 'Willie Horton' to 'swiftboat' Obama with in an October surprise. There's a reason those words are synonymous with snatching defeat from the jaws of victory for the Democrats.
Jack,
Obama opening up a double-digit lead is just the tip of the iceburg. All it means is what most of us, including you, have known for months now. Come November the Grand Old Party and there most recent puppet will lose by the biggest landslide in Presidential history. Every time McCain agrees with Bush, off shore drilling for example, he pushes himself further in the hole with middle class America.
I wish it meant more that he has a double digit lead. With the country in the state the republicans have put us in, I am suprised it is not a 25-30% lead! I suspect when the debates start and people see the difference in the way these two candidates present themselves, we will see the lead widening for Obama. That plus choosing a running mate who is strong on defense and the democrats have a very good bunch for him to choose from!
Carol
Knoxville, TN
It means pollsters have got it right.
John McCain's reputation as a Maverick and someone hated by the far right nose holders is all that has him not even further behind.
It indicates to me that November should be a landslide.
It means that people are waking up to the wicked republican agenda and that they are no longer being guided by fear but by economic issues. Besides what could be scarier than the last 71/2 yrs of gwb and the possibility of 4 more with mccain?
It means that we shouldn't get lulled into a false sense of security thinking things are better than they are. November is still a long ways off. I'll be interested to see what the polls say once we're reintroduced to good ole Karl Rove.
I am hoping it means the same thing as what I said about Hillary Clinton's campaign, which is that McCain had already reached his critical mass of support. Hopefully November will show that I was right.
It probably means nothing. November is a long way off. I would like to think it means that Americans are getting smart and realize that we can't afford another 4 more years of McSame.
it means the race is not close and people are tired of mcBush, but the republicans will pull an october surprise to try to scare the people to run for the mountains, it will depend on the american people to see if we are smart enough to not fall for it again.
It simply means that McSame has not yet begun to fight. And that means that the Swift Boaters are biding their time, gathering their resources and waiting for the right time to drop their stink bombs. Once they go to work, all the morons who voted for Bush the second time will be sucked in just like they were in 2004. You can’t fix stupid.
As I have said before, Dukakis led George HW Bush by 20 plus points in August 1988. He went on to lose 41 states.
Moreover. many commentators and analysts believe that particular poll to be a hoax. I do as well. Nothing is legit this year.
Until election day in November, it means little if past elections are any indication. However, I am surprised that it took this long for Obama's lead over McCain to reach double digits, considering McCain is running on a Bush League platform.
Operative term being "some polls". I believe that everyone realizes that the results of any poll depends upon how the questions are phrased, where and of whom they are presented, and most importainly, what are the results desired by the pollster. Polls are designed to tell the person / group paying for the poll what they want to hear, other wise the pollster is out of work.....
Jackzilla, fat lady 's sung ?
Jack, Senator Obama opening a double-digit lead means nothing to me at this point. At the Daytona 500, you can lead all the laps you want but leading the final lap puts you into the history books. It is a long campaign with a lot of laps left and many opportunities to put it into the wall.
It means there will be a democratic party landslide because most people are fed up with the incompetent Bush administration and with the republicans that allowed its policies to be unchallenged.
Jack, as a big Obama fan asked me that again in November. No doubt Obama will win the election, but not so easy. Poll does not say much right now. There are months in between now and november and lot of things can happen or be reveiled by then. Let's wait and see Jack..
It means that someone took a poll of some people in a region and we are now to believe that Barack Obama is going to beat John McCain. Here's a thought...Why not ask the people being polled to give a definitive reason they would vote for John McCain over Barack Obama this November.
Treat them like Bill O'Reilly does his guests when they don't answer the question directly or try to give a generalized answer. The only difference being that we make sure the person asking the question, knows what they are talking about prior to asking it!
No one in the correct mindset would vote for John McCain right now. If people would wake up and realize that there is, has been, and will be a time for a President like John McCain...the issue is that now is not that time!
Jack,
The media should do away with the polling system. They mean nothing as history has shown us. Let's all wait until Novemeber to see who the actual winner will be.
Steve
Laguna Niguel, CA
Jack it means that people are getting to know both candidates better and that John McCain's reliance on the war in Iraq and his military experience is not resonating with the American people. I have the same amount of service as McCain and am a Viet Nam Veteran but that doesn't qualify me to be Commander in Chief. I blame a good part of our economic woes on the war in Iraq which never should have been started. It seems G.W. Bush wanted to finish the job that his father, H.W. Bush couldn't get done.
It probably means nothing. It is still a long time before we reach November, and regretably anything can happen between now and then.
It means most Americans are thinking again and are refusing to be hoodwinked by the GOP's campaign of fear.
It means people prefer to support the candidate that does not appear to flip flop on issues. This lead will soon shrink though as Obama continues to change his mind on various topics, as he did with public campaign financing and support of the FISA bill.
Either Obama is winning or McCain is showing his age or maybe both. Ya think.
McCain's time came and went in 2000. He showed us then he is not the fighter he claims to be when, after winning New Hampshire and having the "Big Mo", he allowed then underdog Bush beat him in South Carolina.
I also recall the 2000 GOP Convention when he lost his temper at TV newswoman Maria Shriver. He showed then a true disdain for women journalists by yelling through gritted teeth, "What are you doing here girlie!".
Marvin
Ocala, FL
Jack,
It is because any question asked McCain he puts a spin on it to twist it to National Security. National Security is important but it is not the ONLY issue. He also needs to stop running on fear tactics only.
Where's the beef of his campain?
Paul
Texas
Jack,
To me it means Barack Obama ia an amazing politician.
He's taken all those darts from Hillary that took his lead over McCain from about 8% to 1-2%.
Then McCain has been hitting hard from the get go, trying to jam his debate proposal down Obama's throat.
He's taken hits from McCain over campaign financing which he set himself up for with his comments last year. Did he really think McCain would negotiate fairly for public financing?
But above all else, I'm starting to believe in the American public again;; seeing thru all this Republican BS.
Bruce
Marietta, GA
It means Americans do want change and are hopeful that Obama can be the change he advocates. It also means that the "inexperience" factor McCain throws around to disuade voters for backing Obama isn't working: if voters really didn't trust Obama to lead our nation, he wouldn't have this lead.
It also means pollsters are eager to call this election–I'm still going to wait for November to see if this means Obama wins the White House.
I'm not counting on Sen. Obama having a double digit lead, in November. But, if Sen. Obama can keep his lead at 6%, we will have change in on January 22nd, 2009..... Thank Goodness....
Patricia
Palmdale, Ca.
As much as I would like to think it means Americans are wising up, I seriously doubt it. All the republicans have to do is talk as though they are religious and the lambs will follow, right into a nuclear war with Iran if McCain has his way.
Jack I think it means the respondents are so desperate and disgruntled with their government they're ready to elect an inexperienced unknow who promises change. Nobody really knows what he intends to change or how he will change things but just the promise seems to be enough.
It means there is a glimmer of hope. Its way too early and we all must be very cautious, but perhaps there is a little bit of light out there ahead of us. Its only June, and we have a long way to go.
I hope it means the Democrats will take the Presidency, the House and the Senate so we can get something done for the people for a change. The Republicans have catered to big oil, big pharma and the war profiteers while average Americans are left with foreclosed homes, no healthcare and salmonella tomatoes. Enough already!
I think it means that most Americans are joining the rest of the world in giving the Bush Administration and his "anointed one", senator McCain,
the single digit salute!
Means nothing. Polls change and people change. November will be the turning point and Poll night we will see who is our next president that will be a do nothing president but luckily he will be smarter than the last.
Jack, I'd like a double digest lead to a job some where in Va. My time is getting shorter by the day. How much longer I can hold out unemployed without becoming a statistic in the housing crisis I'm not sure. Lucky for me I'm not using gas ofter but funds are at all time low.
The Presidential General election will mimic the Democratic Primary!Barrak Obama started even or behind in almost every primary, then within a few weeks time started to either catch up and pull even, or gain a substantial lead. Say what you want abut Obama's negatives, he has an infectious quality that grows on voters in every racial demographic, and socio-economic class. John McCain will watch his poll numbers start to dissipate, despite his best efforts. His campaign will revamp its message several times, and gain some ground with some particular nitch groups, while the delegate math starts to look increasingly unfavorable.
Jack,
Doesn’t really mean anything right now because Obama has plenty of time to flip flop like he did on campaign financing, And I’m sure there is plenty more flip flopping to come which will make it easier for people to vote for John McCain.
I feel good he has the lead, but the media will beat the hell out of him AND his lead by the time November get here.
I pray that everyone give these polls and all you so called analyst a long vacation after this election .
I am mentally drained from all the b.s. and can't wait for November to get here ...
It means that the American voters "won't be fooled again." It means people would rather vote for an unknown optimist than a known pessimist. It means that people no longer trust anything about the Republican party when it comes to our health, economy and foreign policy. It means Barack Obama is our next President.
Jack, It means that Obama can be cautiously optimistic. I think as long as Obama stays on message and lets McCain flounder all over the place the Dems will win the election. So far McCain has thrown out every gimmic he can think of and called it an energy policy. Keep it up, John!
Jack,
Hopefully it means that the Hillary supporters have calmed down and realize that voting for Mccain is absolutely not an option. That Having been said, what ever happened to President Dukakis? Oh yeah he lost his 20 point lead. It anit over till its over.
Jenny Rome GA
It means that we have yet to hear from the swift-boaters.
It means people are actually thinking about their choice in this election and voting for America's best interest.............
Hi Jack, please tell the Republicans that their chickens are coming home to roost.
You almost sound surprised by this lead. The more McCain talks about issues, the less appealing he is to voters and besides, he is a republican trying to follow one of the worst if not the worst so called leader of our country in history.
A double digit lead means simply what it appears. At this moment in time a double digit percentage of Americans favor Obama to McCain. The reasons for the double digit spread are obvious, bad economy, bad foreign policy, wasteful spending and economic degradation. None of this is going to get solved by Bush, and especially not by November. In other words McCain is in a world of hurt.
It means that Mr. Obama and the DNC must remind themselves on a daily basis that Dukakis was ahead of Bush SR. in June of their election year.
I never thought I'd get tired of this election but day by day polling is too much for me to digest. Anyway, the only poll that really matters is the one on November 4, 2008.
It means just about nothing in late June. It's hot, the Midwest is under water, gas and food are overpriced, people are losing their houses, the economy is in the toilet, hurricanes will probably soon be taking aim at the south, and there is no end in sight to the insane war. Except for the talking heads, political junkies and pundits, nobody focuses on politics until after Labor Day at the earliest. If Obama has a double-digit lead in October then it will mean something. But if that happens then the Republicans will wheel out the sleaze machine, and will it be nasty. God help us.
I am sure the current "powers that be" will cause something to happen between now and November to cause all the scaredy cats to want another Republican!
About the same thing it did on June 20th, when you asked....
"What does it mean that Barack Obama is already leading John McCain in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida?"
And here I thought you were going to make it a whole week!!!
Harry
Ky.
It means that he will have to work even harder to maintain/exceed that lead from now until election day. It won't be easy because 'It's Getting Ugly Out There.'
What does it mean if Barack Obama is opening up a double-digit lead over John McCain in some polls?
It means that Americans are ready for change and they see Obama as the candidate who can make it happen.
If this continues I wouldn't be surprised if McSame comes down with some type of "health issue" (demanded by the GOP leadership) to get him to step down and a new candidate installed at the convention.
Regardless of who the GOP offers, I'm voting for Obama and I'm a fomer Republican.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Well Jack:
It simply means that the voters like what Obama has to say and they
don't like what McCain is saying.
The people aren't going to hold Obama to his word on campaign financing. Most of us realize that he will need it to counter-attack against the republican "swift Boat" type lies. Hell, they don't have a platform so ya'
know the lies will be coming.
In following George Bush's lead in Iraq, McCain shows that he doesn't care about the will of the people.
It means the electoral map of 2008 will be as blue this year as it was red when Reagan defeated Mondale in 1984
Jack, It means, the voters that elected Bush twice, "are still out there."
Jerry N/Tulsa
It means Barack is having a good day.
It means that we Americans started to make sense.
And I don't think McCain is strong on terrorism, but I trust Obama to capture Bin Laden and lead the war on terror to an end in Afganistan with a victory.
I don't know Jack,
Maybe it mean's the kid might actually know what he's doing!
You know the Clinton's,Bush,McCain, and other's harp on the experience factor.
Look's like Obama's showing the old dog's some new tricks!
I'll be interested to see how thw numbers jump after the debates start. Obama sounds like the President of the new American century, and McCain has all the appeal of a reheated casserole.
I think we spend too much time and money on polls.
People seem more interested in what the polls say rather than what the candidates say, especially the media.
Many people will vote based on what the poll results are, if their candidate is far behind, they won't bother to vote because they think it won't make a difference.
In Zimbabwe, people are being murdered for participating in the election process, in America, many people won't bother to go vote if it is raining outside......go figure....
Jack, the American people are tired of all the bs. We as Americans are finally involved in our government and we realize that we are in need of a change. Obama moving up in the polls just shows that we can make a change and have a voice in leading our country in a more meaningful direction. Thank God for a fresh face, with new and improved ideas.
Jack,
It means that Barack Obama is young and exciting and promises a new day for the tired overtaxed, overworked,underpaid and getting nowhere fast people of American. He tells it like it is, if we want something different and are willing to work for it he will work to help us reach our goals. John McCain really older and very uninspiring. He seems set in his ways and after his many years in polotics he is not going to even try to change anything except the monogramed towels in the White House bathrooms. It wouldn't surprise me if 50% of Republicans vote for Obama, though they will never admit it. It means that Obama will win the general election!
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
It doesn't matter what percentage of people "plan" on voting for them. If 30% of the country went out and voted for John McCain, it'd be a because only 60% of the population actually votes in the presidential election. Which ever one of them gets a higher percentage of their supporters to the pole will claim victory. Its how Kerry, who was more popular, lost to Bush. Sure, 55% of the country wanted him in office, but 55% didn't turn out to vote for him and we've had bush the last 4 years.
It means we Kossacks at Daily Kos are celebrating. It will probably be closer by November but we will have a keg party election night anyway.
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
It just means it's summertime . After the conventions,when the " Not So Swift Boat" attacks begin there will be a temporary closing of the gap. But not too much of one because Obama will have the cash to counter their knuckleheaded ads . By November Obama should have an 8 – 10 percentage point lead and the rest as they say will be history.
It simply means that of those people polled they prefer Obama over McCain and nothing more. Jack if we would have believed polls in the start of this political campaign Hillary Clinton would be the nominee. Political polls are like "Gumby", your old enough to remember the little green guy. They are very flexible and it depends on the person interviewed and by whom they were interviewed and what is going on in their world that day. November is a long way off. Lets see what the voters think and not the Pundits when the time comes. Besides, even the voters do not decide the election. It is up to the Electoral College and who really knows what those people think..
Polls at this time a of no signifcance.
Jack
It's a hopeful sign but it is a long way to November. Let's see what the weeks bring. If Senator Obama continues to trend upward, be prepared for the GOP Slime Machine to go into Warp Drive, and I do mean WARP. Warp Obama's record, Warp his words, Warp his personal history, Warp the truth... and remember they have 8+ years experience on that last one... !
Pablo
Arlington, Texas
Just remember that it was just a short year ago when the polls had Hillary so far ahead that the nomination was wrapped up. A year later she faded and became an also ran. Or the sure thing, Big Brown, tossing a shoe in the stretch and finishing out of the money and no Triple Crown. I'm not betting the farm on this guy either.
It means nothing unless the state polls reflect that too. If we have another candidate winning the popular vote and not the electoral college, it will mean civil war.
It just shows that America is willing to hold our heads up and work together to solve problems instead of sticking our heads in the sand and waiting for the sky to fall. Every great leader in our History repeatedly asked us to dream and then to work hard to achieve the dream. As we have seen from our present Administration the idea of scaring us to death like small children will not work anymore.;
You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time...looks like Obama has found them the right mix to pull the wool over the public's eyes most of the time. Sighhh. Why couldn't Colin Powell have run for office this year?
Susan,
Augusta, ME
Exactly what it meant for Dukakis!
Diddley-Squat!
June 25th, 2008 2:53 pm ET
Exactly what it meant for Dukakis!
Diddley-Squat!
Jack, Polls are seldom accurate at the best of times. The people they are important to are journalists, pundits and those rare voters who try to figure out how everyone else is voting so they can do the same. Thank god we got guys like you and Wolfe to keep the issues up front.
Jack,
I don't trust those polls. People will say anything when you call them around dinner time to get you off their backs. I'm for Obama, but I'm not relying on polls though, remember New Hampshire?
In the movie "Out of Africa" there is one breathtaking scene in which an airplane suddenly comes out of a jungle settling and swoops over a tremendous cliff. For those of us with a touch of vertigo it was an unforgettable scene. However, the scene in no way indicated the conclusion of the movie.
The polls reflect just one short scene of this election movie, and for now the scene is breathtaking.
All those who are now saying why couldn't Colin Powel run are totally BSing themselves and us. We know you'd have a problem with him too. It probably would be something like he's too close to Bush too. Come out and really say what your beef with Obama is.
Jack,
I think it means that McCain is doing better than expected. I'm still undecided, but at least McCain is putting all the cards on the table when it comes to energy. Now that home values are tanking, do the Dems want us to just give away all of our non-hybrid cars too? I don't have any spare change right now to buy a hybrid, my spare change is going in the gas tank and on a gallon of milk.
Jack, I hope it means that people realize that McCain is a one-trick pony. His credentials are all about battle. Obama has the smarts and the scope of talent needed to deal with the broad range of issues that a country's leader needs to understand and manage.
i think it means big changes are coming to the electoral map,this year.i think the only red states will be ark,tenn,ktky,w.va.,and utah.the rest will man-up for change.
It means hope is on the way.
Also
Yes we can
all the best
Jesse
Duluth MN
It means that voters are beginning to pay attention! The economy is hurting our wallets so much, that now we're deciding who will do us the most good.
We're also able to see past some of the BS that Lou Dobbs and Jake Tapper, (ABC) keep yapping about.
(Yapping – what a puppy does when he wants attention!)
It proves what Democratic leaders have been saying all along. Now that Clinton is out of the race (oficially), the Deocratic party is healing itself rather quickly, thanks to John McCain. Angry Clinton supporters who threatened to vote for John McCain have now actually paid attention to what his platform and goals are instead of being preocupied with Obama bashing. These people are not stupid. They won't throw their vote away to McCain.
It means not only are President Bush's approval ratings at an all time low, Republicans as a whole will all get a taste of this. McCain is going to continue to fall in the polls, I know it is early but no matter how hard McCain is trying to get away from Bush, it is not going to happen, the country has had enough!
It's obviously too early for the world to break out the champagne, but in my opinion Obama has a very good chance for a big B-L-O-W-O-U-T in November. This could just be the beginning of a Democratic tsunami. Only 28% of Americans are willing to openly classify themselves as Republicans, and the more rabid the attacks the more people seem to be swinging to Obama.
Obama is the brightest and most promising politician in a generation, and McSame is, well...more of the same. But even worse as he is a hand-me-down from 2000. He's an even weaker candidate than Bob Dole due to the fact that he only has Bush's undeniably failed "presidency" to run on.
Come on Obama!
I hope it is an Obama in a landslide. McCain is the same as bush., they both mumble and stumble when speaking. How did Bush ever get to be president, he is stupid same as McCain.
It means that not everyone that is polled is not telling the truth.
Either it means the American people understand John McCains pandering or flip-flopping or Barrack Obamas finally getting the post primary bounce he needs to win this election and the country is tired of the same old palyers in Washington and they want change!
Ask Hillary Clinton how accurate early polls are.....
It means that the Republican Party just doesn't get it, and they probably never will. McCain is a poor example of what the Republican's have to offer in terms there pick for President. He is exactly what most Americans look at as a "been there, done that" out of touch, big business, big oil, old school GOP candidate. We cannot afford 4 more years of these types of policy's, and by electing Obama we'll assure ourselves that this won't be the case. The American people are paying attention, I wish the RNC would do the same.
These last couple of months, watching him suck up to the Giuliani and Bush big oil machines just tells me the republicans voted in this guy because of his phony maverick reputation. His problem is convincing conservatives that the maverick reputation is not who he is. His problem with independents is convincing them otherwise.
Did America realize the "Straight Talk Express" has made several wrong turns?!?!
it means that our next President is going to be Barack Obama. this show that not only MaCcain is the underdog but also most people are ready for a change.
Unfortunately, it means nothing. Those of us who regularly engage in the political process are a small number. When your show garners the numbers of viewers that American Idol captures, then we'll know the polls are predictive. The truth of the matter is that most voters won't really become involved until a few weeks before the election and a lot can happen to sway them.
Jack, there is hope??
Maybe, just maybe, enough Yanks have had ENOUGH of the Republican manifesto and want a NEW DIRECTION??
In November, it will come down to how many get off their duffs and vote. If a good share of the 'non voting' types do likewise, in my opinion, the outcome would be a DEM sweeping victory!!
What it means Jack is that the American people are waking up and smelling the coffee and belong long they will be smelling what Barack is cooking.
It means what we all know is true, that Democrats are tremendously energized and Republicans are just as much demoralized. As Mr. McCain knows as an ex-offcier, esprit de corps is everything, and his corps ain't got none.
Barring some bizarre event or revelation, it's already over.
Jack,
It means exactly what it looks like – after eight years, the American people are hungry for change, and McCain's chances of a win in November are rapidly drying up. This could end up being the most one-sided presidential election since the 1980s.
That means, by November 4 Obama will lead McCain by near triple-digit.
jack,
This is just the beginning, once hillary start campaigning for obama, he will go up to at least 20% . mccain is bush twin brother only older.
RAE, NEW YORK
Given the fact that President Bush has a 28% approval rating and a right track/wrong track poll suggests that 84% of Americans think the country is on the wrong track, I'm surprised Obama's lead isn't 40%. I suppose the closeness of the race is a credit to the heroism that John McCain displayed nearly 40 years ago. But at the end of the day, Americans may be waking up to the simple fact that we owe McCain our respect and appreciation, NOT our vote. A dated mindset and tired policies that have failed the country in the past is not what we need for the next 4 years. Just a thought.
What it means Jack is that the american people are waking up and smelling the coffee and before long, the will be smelling what Barack is cooking.
The reasons that Democrates will win most elections are simple:, Gas Prices, War debt, Social Security, Katrina, Health Care reform, 47 mm people without health care, 36 mm people that are food insecure, Nations that don't respect us, torture in our prisons, There's so many issues it's hard to relate to one.
Jack,
We are seeing a repeat of the Kennedy / Nixon election in 1960. You have a young, energetic and charismatic person in Obama and an older, more serious and stuffy person in McCain. Obama is attracting large crowds with his ability to connect and motivate people while McCain is attracting only the most diehard Republicans. Given the momentum Obama already has, I just see his lead increasing as we get closer to November.
Robert
Forest, VA
Jack,
It is way too early to tell, but good news for Obama backers like me. The Republicans have not started their attack ads yet, and historically the gap tends to narrow as we approach November. But, this election does not seem to hold up to historical analysis so it could just as well signal an impending landslide victory for Obama. Only time will tell for certain.
Jack – It just confirms what I have said months ago – The GOP will loose this election by a record number. Like Hillary, he should just conceed now before the humiliating defeat comes.
Nothing, It's June. We should be focusing on state polls anyway.
It means John McCain needs to start spending his resources to buy up more electronic voting machines for November.
Brownwood, Texas
A double digit lead in June doesn't necessarily guarantee Obama a win. Any number of things can alter the direction of this race. But whatever happens, if the democrats don't win this time, I don't know when they will. McCain has too many vulnerabilities and he is on the losing side.
Favorable poll data is very pleasant, but Obama nor can any of his supports rely polls.
As an Obama supporter and Independent voter, I am sceptical of polls, because they don't count for votes, they don't count for elections, they don't count in court and they don' t count at the bank, they only count for chatter.
Furthermore, I would not be surprised that come Sept – November time frame, to see a new crop of media driven polls that show John McCain's return from the dead. He would have risen in the polls to fight on and be hailed as the old comeback kid. To keep us all tuned in for the next episode of as the election turns. Sound good Jack, but I am waiting on the vote count, not poll numbers.
It means that people can see a huge difference between the two candidates. Most only see one way out of this hole this country has been pushed into for the last 7 1/2 years – Obama with a hope rope.
Considering McCain had several moths head start in getting his message out, it means not many people are buying what McCain is selling.
I remember in 2000, Bush said that he would be the uniter not the divider. The same message as Obama ,just with different words.
Republicans are heading for a defeat of a magnitude not seen since the days of Herbert Hoover and the Great Depression.
It may be too early to tell, Jack, but this is the first time I'm voting for the next president of the United States, and it seems like the polls are illustrating this phenomena. There's millions more like myself who are tired of being critical of the government, yet doing nothing and now advocating governmental reform through supporting Senator Obama.
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
It means that there is hope for this country afterall
I think there's part of Obama's new lead that we're overlooking. Certainly, the Democrats are closer to unificiation, and the country is getting to know Barack Obama better, but there's two sides to every story. Percentage wise, Obama is staying the same; it's McCain's number that's going down. While Hillary and Barack were bashing each other's brains out, McCain was getting a free ride. Now that he's in the public eye more often, the reality that he is a pandering, old-style politician that has gone from maverick to Bush clone is out in the open. He can no longer hide the fact that he will most definately NOT be anything resembling change. Not to mention, he could use some charisma.
Obama is now being seen as the true agent of change while McCain is now truly seen as Bush 3. Now that Hillary is gone Obama has the chance to tell his story as opposed tofighting off the Clintons. His policies make sense and McCain's are politics as usual.
It means that McCain's message of "trust" is not working. Faith, hope and love trump trust any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Oh, and good luck comparing Obama to Dukakis. Running against Bush is their only similarity.
Jack, It means that Obama is in the driver seat and McCain is forced to react and fight for every percent. He'll be forced to continue to attack and come up with "initiatives." Both of which offer more opportunities for slip ups than comebacks. This, in turn, allows Obama to sit back and allow either McCain kill his own candidacy or his own surrogates to defend him...or perhaps both. It's his election to lose now.
He is gonna be President so I am not suprised.
Polls mean absolutely nothing because most people don't tell the truth.
It means Americans are paying attention this far out from the election and they are seeing what a poor choice McCain would be. The country needs someone with good leadership, new ideas, and the ability to make sound decisions even if those decisions are unpopular. Obama has a better approach when it comes to oil and gas ideas, the economy, healthcare, and hopefully getting out of Iraq to focus better on Afganistan and Bin Laden. Obama has also decided not to take tax payers money to fund his election. The American people are starting to take notice of all these things and realize he's more than just talk.
Not really Jack. As much as I want to see Obama win in November I don't feel the polls in June are reliable. Have you ever seen a campaign run like this before? He is amazing!!
Obama leads; McCain leads. The poll trolls are effecting the media that they are in a "feeding frenzy." Doesn't mean , as you would say Jack "diddly squat." Everybody getting excited to early in the general election. Have a cup of coffee and a sweet bunn and take another poll.....in about three and a half months......then you will have something to sink your teeth into.
Jack:
This lead can only grow higher. This political season has many surprises and by that alone I don’t see a Dukakis, Gore or Kerry history repeat itself this time around. Tis the silly season of politics 2008.
This means that hope and real change are on the way!
.........It's not over.................'Til it's over............
It means that, hopefully, we can pull a republican congress, since it has been A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS that got us into this mess anyway.
Jack,
It means that we Obamacans need to work harder to get the word out because obviously there are still some good Americans who care about the country who haven't stepped up to support him yet. His lead should be 40% by November 4th.
Ron
Washington, PA
Jack! it mean the beginning of the new era for the 21st century has just begin.McCain will not only lose in the landslide to Obama but probably winding up in the hospital during the night of election when the media swill project Obama the winner before the polls close in the midwestern states.
Puoch
Orlando,Florida.
VICTORY!! What else??
This number will continue to grow as the vail drops on John Mcsame. It is clear that this once honorable man has sold out to the GOP and is no longer a maverick just a predictable bad ploitician. Question is seems that the other news station is playing the Comment by McCain of not being proud of his country why isn't CNN? I mean the go after Michelle Obama for saying the same thing McCain said only he is running for President?
Poll results change constantly, but this one may predict a trend. Look at the destruction the Bush administration has done to most American's lives and ask yourself, "Why would anyone in their right mind vote for John (George Bush) McCain." If this trend continues, don't be surprised if Obama's lead grows to 40% by November 4th.
Jack,
I think that it is very early in this election cycle to delcare a winner. That being said, the more Obama can open up a lead in the national polls the more people will see him as the future President. One drawback might be him being seen as the establishment canidate. When someone has a significant lead in polls, like Obama, they often get touted with this label. He also should not rest on his laurels like he did in the primary with Hillary Clinton.
Check your calender, it doesn't mean anything.
How much does a lead in an early poll matter? Ask Hillary.
Jack, just because you are up in June doesn't means you will win in November. With that said, Obama's lead would grow to about 57% to 37% for McCain. As you can look at every race Obama has run, once his ahead he stays there (except S.D.). So McCain has a uphill battle all the way back to the Senate.
Cornell Ousley
from Riverdale,IL
Has anyone vetted the pollsters? Just wondering
This is only good news!!!
Just the tip of the iceberg Jack!
Absolutely nothing, Jack! The “Best Political Team on television” has five months to go. Also, let’s not forget that Walter Mondale was leading almost 18 points in his race against Regan back in ‘84…and we all know how that turned out. Finally, the Bush’s bought one election what’s to stop them from buying this one too?
IT MEANS NOTHING. BUT YOU MEAN EVERYTHING!
Malcolm, Connecticut.
Jack you and I both know that these early polls mean squat. I ofcourse a Democrat is for Obama 1000% but this country(The people who really run it) will stop at nothing to get Grandpa McCain in office because of the color of his skin and because of GREED,POWER,and ARROGANCE which is a shame. Just look at what happened back in 2000 so I expect the worse for the upcoming election!.
Being from California I only have three words TOM BRADLEY EFFECT.
I'm getting kind of worried that people won't show up to vote for him because they think he has it in the bag. Turn out is key!!! Be wary of all polls, it's still 50-50 with McCain as far as I'm concerned.
I'm actually going to respond to one of the postings (Jim in Cape Coral, FL)..... How does offshore drilling push McCain deeper into a hole with middle America? At least McCain is giving an opinion or offer of a solution; something Obama has become exceptional at avoiding. Probably a good tactic seeing as my 3rd grade daughter could beat the GOP in 2008.
Obama 08!
2+2=4 not five. ,
so? It proves america might choose the right candidate this time
I think it shows more than anything the unity of the democratic party. Think about it Jack, Obama and McCain were running neck and neck when the democratic party was split in half, now that things are coming back together it is no wonder that Obama is widening his lead every day.
At this pace democrats can look forward to a landslide victory in the fall.
I think it shows more than anything the unity of the democratic party. Think about it Jack, Obama and McCain were running neck and neck when the democratic party was split in half, now that things are coming back together it is no wonder that Obama is widening his lead every day.
At this pace democrats can look forward to a landslide victory in the fall.
Chris
Greensboro, NC
good times are coming . jobs goverement working for a change . and countres listing and hopefuly. wanting peace. go obama
When asked how Obama might respond to harsh attacks from Republicans, suggesting that Democrats have "cowered" in the past, Obama replied, "Yeah, I don’t do cowering."
We are in it... to win it Jack!
Chicago, IL
Jack,
Polls change quickly (remember Hillary's double point lead over Obama). However, I hope that its a sign that American's are tired of the Republican Bush standard that McCain has adopted. McCain is seen as McBush, and no one wants a third Bush term.
Tom
It means that McCain is going to need the 'Colbert bump.'
How come nobody ever talks about why, in the college towns and areas of higher education, they are clearly in favor of Obama. What is the correlation between education and understanding he's the better candidate?
Lets hope it not the 'Bradley Effect' at work!
It means that he now has everythigng to lose.
"sarah, indiana June 25th, 2008 2:17 pm ET
ever hear the old saying the higher they climb the harder they fall, jack? obama will be in the toilet by november."
--------------–
Isn't that what everyone said when he was battling Hillary? 🙂
Jack, It means, the American voter is sick of business as usual. Sick of Iraq, sick of high gasoline prices, sick of the economy, sick of the lies and fabrications that got us into Iraq. John McCain's new name should be John McSame. He's not an independent republican, because there's no such thing. He simply an extension of George Bush and our country is sick of Bush politics, the Bush economy and the Bush scare tactics. What it really means is: we've grown up as voters.
It means that the only way Senator Obama should agree to weekly town hall meetings with McCain is if all the town halls can hold 30,000 people.
Jack, it means that broadcast punditry will have new numbers to talk about until they're blue in the face (better that than red!), dispite history (and CNN's own website article) telling us that today's numbers will have little to no bearing on the actual outcome of the election. I'll start caring about polls after the conventions. For now, I'll sit here bemused.
It means we are off to a good start. If McCain keeps it up, I expect to see atleast a 10 point lead come November.
It doesn't mean anything in terms of predicting the outcome of an election that is months away.
The only serious issues that have been brought to the forefront since Obama was identified as the dem nominee, is the energy policy. It is too soon to say if the frivilous issues will continue to dominate the political landscape, but Obama has seemed to emerge from them, with his change in washington mantra still intact. as evidenced by the wide margin of support. It will be interesting to see how the domestic agenda, foreign policy, and presidential qualities impact voters decision in November, or if we will have to endure the silly season of religion, race, and other non issues that have dominated the primaries.
it means american isn't as dumb as back in 2004
it means the media is running out of news to report
It means Obama wins big in November, unless he does something really stupid in the meantime.
I think it shows who the next president of the United States will be. If he's leading this much now, think about how much more his popularity will increase in the next few months now that Clinton isn't in the running.
what took so long?
It means nothing. Let's look at state by state polls and have some prediction of the electoral map. These polls are meaningless this early in the presidential campaign.
A big popular vote poll lead really doesn't mean much in practical terms at this point. Sure, if one were to aggregate polls from all 50 states and then assign electoral votes, it would mean something more. I'm sure that most of these aggregates will say that Obama is winning anyway, but probably not by the same margin as a nationwide poll.
I predict that Barack Obama will open up a triple-digit lead (100-0) by October. 🙂
Gallup poll has it tied with McCain winning over the last two days.
A double-digit lead means people are getting wise to the very significant differences between Barack Obama, and Bush's third term, John McCain. We can only hope this trend continues.
Jack,
I hope it means that we, the People, are beginning to wake up!! I can only hope that people wont be fooled by McCain's pandering! There are no easy solutions to oil prices, no easy solutions to the mess that Bush is leaving behind!
It means that people are not falling for McCain's same-old-same-old.
MCCAIN = MORE WAR, MORE NATIONAL DEBT, MORE PANDERING, MORE OF THE SAME.
The double-digit lead is only significant when you consider where Obama is leading. If he's dominating the big states, like California, New York, and Illinois, but losing by a small margin in most of the midwest and south, even winning by 12% could lead to a loss when considering the electoral system.
I think support for Obama will continue to stay strong through the election though- the people who back Obama are very passionate and excited about him and his campaign, something unique to politics in quite some time.
It means we have a future and that Americans woke up and stopped, on the majority, thinking Bushism is a good idea. Its about time.
What it means is, "Turn our the lights, the partys over".
Jack,
I think Obama's double digit lead is indicative to what we see in November. The current administration has single handedly handed over the white house to the democrats; and deservingly so. I'm no fan of either candidate, but McCain scares the bjeezus out of me.
paul
Staten Island, NY
I am delighted that Obama is increasing his lead over McCain. This shows me that the American people are fed up with the fear tactics and smear tactics of the Republicans and able to see a truly good man who wants finally to change 'politics as usual." I am amazed to see that one man (our illustrious) president ) has single-handedly almost destroyed our country to salve his ego. I have every confindence that Barack Obama can turn our country and stop the insanity of the last 8 years.
It means Barack Obama is going to win and that America will have true change we can believe in.
Jack,
We've got until November, anything can happen. Jack your a silly guy with silly questions.
For one thing nothing. I have never been called. No one I know has ever been called. So if they want a sampling of real American voters why do they always only pick a special few. And besides. I'm going to vote for McCain. BUT if they did call I'd say obama to throw the liars off. And I bet there are a heck of a lot that are doing the same.
THESE POLLS MEAN NOTHING. Remember New Hampshire. And if people didn't think that obama was such a greenhorn, that people wouldn't vote for him and stayed home til it was too damn late, add that to his stealing the caucus and his butt would be sitting where it belonged in obscurity.
Barack Obama is representative of this country's willingness to move AWAY from those who are most powerful shaping bias policy instead of the citizens. It is a move AWAY from politics of fear as a vast manipulation of our rights. Obama is intelligent, forthright, well spoken, and will bring us transparent governance.
His lead in the polls means that the people are SPEAKING OUT loudly against what America has become: A nation ruled in fear, lied to, and used. We are disgusted, we want real democracy back, not a ridiculous lapel pin symbol. Give us Barack.
I hope it means that Americans are finally seeing thru the republican games. In reality it is still very early. I think Obama may be up by 30% come November.
It means it wont be long till we can start repairing the damage done by the Bush administration.
What do I think of a double-digit lead? One word: DUKAKIS.
It is obvious what the double digit lead means–Reaganism and mantra that Government and Taxes are always bad is being soundly repudiated by voters who want opportunity. I teach 8th graders way out on the Navajo/Hopi rez–I know how important the hope of opportunity is for people everywhere.
The hopeless are hoping these polls aren't going to be a reflection of November's election results but with the difference in policies, age and appearance will see the election results in Obama's favour by at least 30%. What they should do is draft everyone who votes for McCain regardless of their age and send them off to Iraq then Iran.
It means Obama is in the lead, which at this point means little given the relative amount of media exposure McCain and Obama have recieved in recent weeks. Face time with America predicts elections.
It means that this country is finally waking up to reality, and the damage that the past eight years of political absurdity has caused the United States.
How far ahead of George HW Bush was Michael Dukakis the first week of July in 1988? This race hasn't even started yet.
And National polls really don't mean much–this race will be decided in the Electoral College. Can Obama win in Ohio? West Virginia?
The only "issue" that matters in this race is whether or not the GOP can succeed in framing Obama as a "brie and chabliss" elitist sissy, as it did with Stevenson, Humphrey, McGovern, Mondale, Dukakis, Gore, Kerry, etc.
It doesn't mean anything. November is a long long way away.
Aha... look at the source: LA Times!
The Gallup poll shows them dead even at 45 each!
It means that the American people are finally waking up and smelling the winds of change. John McCain is the same old politician, who is not passionate nor inspiring. If he was going to make a difference, he had three decades to do so. Obama will change our image in the world and our domestic issues at home and has inspired many of us to help ourselves. We are the change we have been waiting for.
It means the country is finally waking up and realizing that Washington needs a nice spring cleaning and Obama is the only candidate on the ticket that brings sense of hope for the future.
At this stage of the campaign, I believe it means very little – however it does signal a thirst in the electorate for something different.
Barack has certainly tapped a chord in this nation, and especially among our youth and those young at heart that we do not need to continue a democracy by the same tawdry principles that have dictated our national politics recently.
However, whether chord of change can be truly played by this messenger is yet to be seen. For nor, despite the Old Guard Right's best attempts, it appears Barack may be the panacea this nation needs to right itself.
Whether the luster fades come November or not will be worth watch, and if it does fade – will it be because those of us yearning for a new day were duped by the same old swift boating tricks of the past, or was it that our messenger isnt who we believe him to be today at core.
Should be interesting to watch, this is the stuff of legend for those of us who love this country and always look to the dawn.
I think it means that Americans are slowly realizing the truth that Barack Obama is the better candidate.
Rock Star vs. Rocking chair
Exciting vs. Boring
Passion vs. Dull
Come On Obama should be up 20 points.
Jack,
I hope it means that people are finally listening to the issues. I think it means that Hillaryites are realizing that hate won't get them the changes they need in issues for women. They are listening to McCain and seeing his platform isn't about change, but a modified verison of the same. Like his off shore drilling plan, this will benefit......the oil comapanies. How; by giving them more oil leases to go with the ones they aren't even drilling on now. Just more money, for big business and more stress for us at the pump.
I also think it means that Americans have wised up. We no longer will allow our politicians to talk down to us; we're checking the facts. We also aren't just going to be swept away by the media either. Thanks to the democractic primary; Americans learned that your opponent will say or do anything to get elected. But we also learned that some of the media have agendas, that they exploit to advantage their chosen candidate. I even believe at the end of the day some will even realize that their party may not be in their best interests and vote for Obama.
Jack,
What else can I tell you... I am happy! But warn my fellow Obama supporters not to drop the ball, we don't know what the Republican Neo-Conservative attack machine will do.
Dems, Independents and Fair sighted Republicans: WE SHOULD KEEP FOCUS!
Vic
I just pray that it continues to grow.I am tired of bumping my head trying to make ends meet and. Mc Cain can't even get into a car without bumping his head.
jack obamas, double digit lead means americans are finally waking up bush and his crooks have been beating us up for far to long go barack
It means there are a lot of ill informed people out there.
It means Barack Obama is going to sweep in Novenmber. Of course a lot people are waiting to see who are the VP's. McCain better have a younger person with economy background. He worries me if he will actually get to finish his term if elected.
Youth and change go hand in hand, GO OBAMA !
Frank from Massachusetts
Polls...shmolls... It means he's winning... Duh?!
That McCain has as much support as he has says that there are a lot of truly evil people in this country. McCain's only real objective is to kill off all those people who have the wrong religion. He even thinks that that is what is most important to the economy. What sort of people would vote for that?
Jim, Craig, CO
Not a thing. The Republican smear machine has not yet gotten off the ground. I believe McCain will not be in favor of those tactics, but stopping them will be akin to stopping the tides.
Polls won't mean a thing until we get a chance to see if the American people have learned anything from Carl Rove's tactics. I for one, pray that we have.
An 8 point lead in June is meaningless.
At this Time it only means "Hope"....... I just Pray that it continues to bethe case in November.
America has finally awakened......
It also means that Obama does not need to ride in any tanks before November.
Hi! I never, ever comment but I have to say that the people I know are extremely excited about Obama and the polls have to be taken into consideration. People don't have to respond to polls, so I would think their choices are sincere.
Thanks a lot!
What is means is that people are finally wising up to the fact that it's the economy, stupid!
It means we will have a president with a real mandate from the people. Maybe we can get off the dime and get moving in the right direction. James DeVito . Eureka Springs Arkansas
All keating aside. It means McCain is the token candidate for the Repuclican's this time around. Does anybody really think that any Repulican following Bush's disaster of eight years, would even had a chance. Even Dukakis could have won this time around!
It means there's some hope and that Obama is awakening a long dormant feeling among the electorate. It's about time this wonderful country and its dynamic, hard working people had a leader instead of a empty suit and his handlers. Given that the online hate machine is already in full bloom with slurs and half truths, I hope the poll numbers widen steadily in rebuke.
It means that I might not have to move to Canada this year.
Hey Jack, whats good?
Well, it sure isn't the McCain campaign.
The double digit lead means Mcitty Mciity Mouse McCain will have to go back to the hill to finish his career out in congress>
It also means the American people are growing in numbers of being well informed..the American voter is beginning to understand that in order to be responsible for this countries future we must elect "responsible" representation.
It means that Americans have stopped worrying about hypotheticals abroad and are focused on domestic realities.
This means the American public are sick and tired of Bush type politics, like this illegal war in Iraq,Domestic spying,The Katrina incident , Basically all the issues that this administration has not addressed.
They are ready for serious change!
Its June 25th!
NOTHING!!!
After all the garden-variety of speculation and mispredictions by pollsters during the primaries, do you really want us to believe that this poll holds any meaning?
Remind me what McCain's qualifications are again, he's ready to "push the button" on day one?
obama"s current lead means the biggest landslide in the history of presidential elections.
It means America has gotten smart and is ready to take our government back!
To me it means that we might finally get a president who will turn this country around, and gain back the respect of the rest of the world. It means Barack Obama will be our next president, and I could not be happier!
As happy as I am to hear that Obama is doing great in the polls. I am concerned that the people being polled are only saying they will vote for him because they they do not want to sound racist.
it means its a democratic year no matter what. if it was a Brick Wall (D) VS John McCain (R) McCain will still lose and narrowly carry Texas haha
Nothing, Jack. Obama's double-digit lead means nothing. The race hasn't even officially started, Jack. Howard Dean had a double-digit lead before his race started. So did Rudy Guiliani. So did Hillary Clinton. It all means nothing. Stop trying to make news stories out of nothing, Jack. Nothing is nothing is nothing.
A double digit lead at this point means nothing. 40% of the electorate considers themselves Republican and 40% considers themselves Democrats and the othe 20% are "swing independents". In Nov the race will be down to a 0%-5% lead in either direction. Another to-close-to call is coming.
At this stage of the game it only means people are wanting "change" no matter what form it comes in. It doesn't matter How qualified Obama is or isn't. He represents change. If McCain has an ounce of sense left in his head he WILL NOT agree to debate Obama any more than he has too. I can't see McCain verbally sparing with Obama and surviving. Compared to the Nixon-Kennedy debates, McCain will make Nixon look like a winner!
How can anybody in their right mind want to even take a chance on repeating the policies of the last 8 years. However,it is early, unless Obama makes a terrible mis-step or voters succumb to a Republican lead smear or fear campaign . Barack Obama will be our next president. The world can't wait
Means very little now, though I think it's representative of the mood TODAY.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
At this stage in the campaign, it is more a figure that gives encouragement, but that is about all. We still have between 5 & 5 months to go which is an eternity.
jack this just proves that more people are finally pulling there heads out of there"BLANK" and realizing how important this election will be,McCain is a true american hero, BUT! is he truly qualified simply because his father and grandfather were also in the navy! bye the way I beleive they were both admirals?He's married to a much younger very wealthy woman. there's nothing wrong with that, wish I was!my point is he's been out of touch with the average american for YEARS!
Jack this has the same weight as the polls of just a few months ago, when if you recall, Senator McCain was bringing up the rear in his quest for the nomination, and of course Senator Clinton was a shoe in. I am always amazed at the medias attention to poles when we are so far out from the actual vote. I don't know, can we take a poll on these polls? I would bet the results would show that at least 64% of Americans do not really care one way or the other. I am worn out with this particular election. Would it be to much to ask that we now focus in on the 2012, hey lets take a pole!
It is certainly a good sign for Mr. Obama, but 4 months + a political campaign = an eternity. Fortunately for Senator McCain he is experienced in all matters temporal, he might just beat out that eternity.
I would be surprised if Barak Obama did not win in November. I am a lifelong Republican and I will vote for John McCain. But I also believe that history, in the form of the first president of color, and the slide of the economy will push an even race in favor of Obama. There are too many factors in favor of the Democrats this year. Typically a poll, like the LA Times poll, is not an indicator of the feeling of the electorate in November. But I also believe that Obama has a better chance of holding and expanding his constiuency than McCain does on presentation alone.
Former Clinton supporters are finally starting to come to their senses about who would be best to represent our country at this time. Many have realized that McCain has evolved into nothing more than a conservative puppet spewing off whatever he has to in order to make sure he does not lose their support. If they have to decide between Obama or "Bush Part 3," they will gladly choose the former.
Didn't Hillary have a double digit lead over Obama?
Wasn't that a slam dunk?
I ain't over till it's over.
Hey Jack,
How about showing the latest Gallup poll which has McCain and Obama TIED at 45% apiece? Oh wait...that would require you to be OBJECTIVE; something your network cares nothing about.
It means there is hope for America.
The latest Poll is just further proof that the forgotten working Middle Class and elderly are wanting a Change in the way our Country is being run and only see Mr McCain as more of the same!!
Jack,
Obama's early double digit in the polls is differnet from canidates double digit leads of the past. Most Conservatives want to suggest using Dukakis and Carter stats as parrels for their reasoning. This is half wishful and half delusional thinking on their part. This is because it provides a "vehicle" for their denial. They (GOP) have "screwed up" foreign policy and the economy so bad...they would rather forget.
Tony
It means that the American people are fed up with the propaganda sound-bites, and the crucifixion machine lies and half lifes that make up the Republican dialogue in their campaigns. We are also fed up with having to go to C-Span to hear Obama discuss the issues and hear McCain try to discuss the issues.
I think it shows that Obama has a lot of popular support, but I'm interested in knowing how many people polled will actually vote. Support doesn't mean anything if people don't get out and vote.
Sound familiar? Ask Hillary.
Hopefully it means the end of the Evil Empire.
At this early stage in the general election I believes that the double digit lead, as well as most of the polls taken, are very misleading! I am of the personal opinion that the current political polling system is unable to accurately reflect the views of the newly invigorated voting populace. This is due to the fact that these members are under represented if represented at all by the polls. Therefore, I ultimately am of the contention that these polls are meaningless due to their inability to have a precise sample size. I think that the better question would be not what the polls mean, but how could they be adapted to be a better barometer of ALL the peoples' choice.
Hillary Clinton and Colin Powell should run together bc they would be unstoppable. It would be the perfect ticket and the first time that the third party overcame and beat the party system.
I am a registered Democrat and love my party but come November I will be voting for McSame and so will most other Democrats who say they won't but in the privacy of the voting booth know it is the RIGHT thing to do!
Until the American people take on the responsiblity of educating themselves on the issues and candidates, rather than letting talking heads who spout only half truths and hatred tell them how to vote, the country could easily elect another GWB. How do you think we ended up with two terms of George W Shrub.
Just because he is holding a double digit lead doesn't mean he should be strutting around like he's the next president. We know that the last person who did that didn't even win the primaries (i.e. Hillary Clinton). Just because he is leading now doesn't mean that he will win. November is 5 months away and McCain can wipe away that lead very easily if Obama is not careful.
I would think that with the state that the United States is in right now the lead would be larger? They don't poll cellular phones and alot of people (especially the under 25 crowd) don't have landlines. The lead is probably much larger – Lord i hope!
It means nothing unless he wins. no one will remember who was leading in june only who won in nov. remember the turtle and the hare, the American people will not benefit from a second place finish by obama it’s either a gold metal or nothing.
Bernard Manigo
Bloomington, IN
I don’t know Jack. What does it mean that the Gallop Poll shows them in a dead heat tie? I guess it means that polls, as often is true, mean very little, while the actual vote means a lot.
This early it means nothing. If he were ahead by 40 points then we might have something to talk about. I support Obama, however, he must become specific, he wont be able to ride emotion only in the fall. Based upon the condition of the economy and the number of lost jobs, and lost homes he should be up 25 points now.
It means the American people are ready, nay, begging for change! They want to end the Iraq war, solve our health care crisis, get rid of our dependence on foreign oil, and so much more!
It also means that Democrats are in a good position, but may not be come November, so let's keep our eye on the prize and try not to gloat!
It means I can breathe a sigh of relief.
It means that people want change, but unfortunately don't realize yet how much worse it would be under Obama and an unrestrained Reid/Pelosi Congress. With more taxes, regulations, union influence, trial lawyers unfettered, liberal activist judges, the border left wide open, no emphasis on exploiting our natural resources....the economy and everything else will get much worse under Obama. Combine that with his utter lack of experience and prowess in security and defense, and it's a terrifying prospect. Am I a Republican using scare tactics? No! I'm actually scared!
It does not mean much if you are a Cleveland professional sports fan. Big leads can sometimes lead to epic failures. Obama's lead can't logically grow much larger, but it can be diminished. McCain and the GOP will be on the offensive for the next four months. Obama can't be react slowly or he will end up like the 1989 Cleveland Cavaliers who lost after watching Michael Jordan go on the "offensive" in the 4th quarter of game 5 (I can't come up with an analogy from the 50s that would work for McCain). Obama should ignore the numbers and keep playing the game that got him here.
Jack,
It means you have a new generation of voters setting new records by different standards. This early lead for Obama is an arly indication he will surely win. The only question is.....by how much ???
GO OBAMA !!!!!