Quinnipiac University


October 23, 2008 - Economy Buoys Obama In Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania Quinnipiac University Swing State Poll Finds; McCain Gains Some Ground In Florida, But Fades In Ohio --- FLORIDA: Obama 49 - McCain 44; OHIO: Obama 52 - McCain 38; PENNSYLVANIA: Obama 53 - McCain 40


It's still the economy as Sen. Barack Obama rolls up support among groups who have not supported a Democrat for decades to lead Republican Sen. John McCain in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to simultaneous Quinnipiac University Swing State polls released today.

With 12 days to go, Sen. McCain is narrowing the gap in Florida, but fading in Ohio and barely denting Sen. Obama's double-digit lead in Pennsylvania.

No one has been elected President since 1960 without taking two of these three largest swing states in the Electoral College. Results from the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe- ack) University polls show:

* Florida: Obama up 49 - 44 percent, compared to 51 - 43 percent October 1;
* Ohio: Obama up 52 - 38 percent, widening an October 1 lead of 50 - 42 percent;
* Pennsylvania: Obama ahead 53 - 40 percent, compared to 54 - 39 percent last time.

By margins of eight to 19 points, voters in each state say they trust Obama more than McCain to handle the economy.

By smaller margins of two to six points, voters say they trust McCain more than Obama to handle foreign policy.

"As we enter the home stretch, Sen. Obama is winning voter groups that no Democrat has carried in more than four decades, and he holds very solid leads in the big swing states. If these numbers hold up, he could win the biggest Democratic landslide since Lyndon Johnson in 1964," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Voters are scared about their economic futures and have decided that Sen. Obama is Mr. Fix-it," Brown added.

"Sen. Obama is no longer the candidate of the young, the well-educated and minorities. He is now virtually the candidate of the 'all.' He is winning among all age groups in all three states. He wins women by more than 20 points in Ohio and Pennsylvania and is competitive among men in all three states. Whether voters went to college or not, they are voting for him.

"Perhaps the most remarkable development is that Obama is doing significantly better among white, born again evangelicals in Ohio and Pennsylvania than did Democratic nominee John Kerry four years ago. He also is winning Roman Catholics in those states, historically the key swing voter group in the electorate and synonymous here with the blue-collar vote.

"In Florida, Obama's margin over McCain is due mostly from stronger support from Hispanics than Kerry received."

President George W. Bush's approval ratings are:

* 27 - 66 percent in Florida;
* 22 - 72 percent in Ohio;
* 21 - 73 percent in Pennsylvania.

Florida

Among those who say they already have voted in Florida, Obama gets 48 percent to McCain's 44 percent, a statistical tie in this smaller subgroup. .

Looking at all Florida likely voters, men split with 46 percent for Obama and 45 percent for McCain. Women back Obama 51 - 42 percent. The Republican leads 52 - 41 percent among white voters, 71 - 23 percent among evangelical Christians and 51 - 40 percent among Catholics. Obama leads 49 - 39 percent among Hispanics and 77 - 20 percent among Jews.

Independent voters back Obama 51 - 39 percent, similar to October 1.

By a 56 - 35 percent margin, Florida voters have a favorable opinion of Obama, compared to 52 - 40 percent for McCain.

Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, gets a slightly negative 41 - 43 percent favorability.

Sen. Joe Biden, the Democratic running mate, gets a 51 - 28 percent favorability.

The economy is the most important election issue, 61 percent of Florida voters say, and voters trust Obama more than McCain to handle the economy, 51 - 43 percent, compared to 53 - 39 percent October 1.

Voters trust McCain more than Obama 50 - 44 percent to handle foreign policy, compared to 52 - 41 percent last time.

"One reason that Sen. Obama has pulled ahead in Florida is that the number of Sen. Hillary Clinton supporters who said they will defect to back Sen. McCain has dropped significantly," Brown said.

Ohio

Obama leads 71 - 20 percent among those who already have voted in Ohio. Among all Ohio likely voters, the Democrat leads 58 - 33 percent among women and gets 46 percent of men to McCain's 44 percent. White voters back Obama 47 - 43 percent, as do black voters, 94 - 3 percent. Independent voters go 50 - 37 percent for the Democrat.

Obama gets a 58 - 33 percent favorability in Ohio, with 48 - 42 percent for McCain.

Palin's favorability is a negative 37 - 41 percent, while Biden gets a 49 - 22 percent favorability.

For 61 percent of Ohio voters, the economy is the biggest issue, and voters trust Obama more than McCain 55 - 36 percent to handle this issue, compared to 50 - 39 percent last time.

Voters trust McCain more, 48 - 46 percent, to handle foreign policy, compared to 53 - 38 percent.

"To overcome Sen. Obama's lead in Ohio, Sen. McCain would have to get virtually every voter who remains undecided plus almost all of the Obama supporters who said they still might change their minds - a very small percentage possibility," Brown said. Pennsylvania

Obama leads 59 - 35 percent with women, while men split with 47 percent for Obama and 45 percent for McCain. White voters back Obama 49 - 44 percent, while black voters back him 92 - 3 percent. Independent voters back the Democrat 55 - 35 percent. Obama gets a 60 - 30 percent favorability, compared to McCain's 51 - 41 percent. Palin's favorability is a negative 38 - 43 percent, with Biden at 54 - 22 percent.

The economy is the most important issue, 55 percent of Pennsylvania voters say, and voters trust Obama more than McCain 54 - 36 percent to handle this issue, compared to 55 - 36 percent October 1.

By a 47 - 45 percent margin, voters trust McCain more to handle foreign policy, compared to 48 - 45 percent.

"Sen. Obama leads comfortably in Pennsylvania, mostly because he has pulled ahead in the four key suburban counties surrounding Philadelphia where Keystone State races are decided," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Obama is leading among whites and blue collar workers, but white men and 15 percent of Sen. Hillary Clinton's primary supporters are clinging to Sen. McCain, probably not enough to change the tide in the closing days of the campaign," Richards added.

From October 16 - 21, Quinnipiac University surveyed:

* 1,433 Florida likely voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.6 percent;
* 1,360 Ohio likely voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percent;
* 1,425 Pennsylvania likely voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.6 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio and nationwide as a public service and for research. For more data and RSS feed - http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, or call (203) 582-5201.

I didn't say that an Atheist can't be a good person, I'd just prefer a person of faith. It shows me that they can believe in something. It's just a personal preference.

Some people believe in 70 virgins, Pat Tillman believed in his country. They can still believe strongly about something, be it spiritual or something earthly or something else. It is how you live your life that counts.

The constitution says there should be no religious test for anyone to hold office. Personally I wish none of these candidates would continue to wear religion on their sleeves. It is offensive. Contrary to the right wing orthodoxy, many of our founding fathers were not Christians, but Deists who believed in a God that basically set everythig in motion and really didn't do much else.

Probably the most religious president was Carter, and look how that turned out.

I agree with you; Pat Tillman's a hero. But if not for "friendly fire" from his fellow Americans, in a war that we have no business fighting, Pat Tillman would still be here. But that's for a different thread.

I wonder if Apple got that "quote" from the same sources from whichof its other "facts" come.

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/o/obama-books.htm

So true DMC, so true. If we want to, I'm sure that we can all come up with stories of wasteful spending that is and has taken place with EVERY politician and / or political party. Right now our country is in domestic turmoil, is trying to find a way to get out of a war, and at the same time keep both our allies and ourselves safe. Those are the issues that concern me.

Right now I really couldn't give a rats ass if the democratic party picked up the hotel / dinner tab for Senator Obama and his family or if the republican party paid for Governor Palin's shoes. The fucking media are just a bunch of opportunist whore pigs who report to the American people like they are an ignorant bunch of assholes. And unfortunatley there is a faction of people out there that will decide who they will vote for based on these type of irrelivant stories that are being put out by the whore rag media and will not place their vote based on the REAL issues and what the respective candidates tell us that they plan to do about those issues if elected.

DC, stop beating around the bush and tell us what you REALLY think. Of course you are 100% correct. This clothing thing with Palin is a complete diversion. I want to know about her qualifications to step in if McCain dies, just like I want to know if Joe Biden will make some long winded gaffe as president if Obama dies. I want to know how Obama will lower taxes on the middle class AND fight two wars and have health care to boot. I want to know how McCain can lower taxes, fight two wars and balance the budget. I'd like to hear the candidates tell us foreign policy and economic experts they admire (and I mean current ones, not Winston Churchill and Adam Smith). To put the Palin clothing thing in perspective, she is one of four people who have a chance to be the next president or vice president of the United States. Last time I checked all four are getting big time secret service protection, they fly around in their own planes, they travel in motorcades with streets blocked off for them, they stay in the best hotels, and I highly doubt they are doing their own laundry, ironing and cooking.
All of this costs lots of money. If the RNC wants their Vice president looking sharp, its their money to spend.

Well said DT.

Yes, well said by ALL of you!!!!!

No matter who wins this election year you are ALL winners!!!

Well said by ALL of you (including Ice)!!!!!!!!

This thread has more replies than random post whoring BTW and soon will match the number of page views as well.
A for that too

Not for much longer though.

To all those calling for fairness in the presidential race - I say "Bullshit". I wanna see them sling the shit!! A no-holds barred steelcage match would be better!

Dig up all the dirt you can on your opponent, and if it ain't juicy enough add in some made-up stuff. When I turn on my tv I wanna be entertained. Bring on the crap!!

i can't wait til he wins.

Instead of a debate, how about Jello wrestling??

I love the ellipsis in Apple's quote. Truly is classic ignorance.

Also, AppleOnYa, what is wrong with being a Muslim? Even if Barack HUSSEIN (again, so the fuck what?) Obama was a Muslim, what is so polarizing about that to you?

Ummmmmmmm ALL, EVERY SINGLE MUSLIM attacked us on 9/11. Your next door neighbor, the one who takes his 2 kids to soccer practice and goes to his job in the city, yeah, he attacked us too.

Steel cage tag team match. Loser leaves the country.

I'd prefer chocolate pudding wrestling.

I wouldn't mind seeing Sarah covered in chocolate pudding.

Pig! Sure, here you have a woman who is being judged on her looks instead of her vast knowledge of the inner workings of government and foreign policy...

Oh, hell, even I can't say that about her with a straight face.

Don't worry, Babe. We'd secure you a picture of Joe Biden wearing a diaper, wrestling in a pool of Spaghettio-s.

To be fair

Scott McClellan Backs Obama for President

President Bush's former press secretary, who drew fire from the administration for his tell-all book, endorses Barack Obama

AP

Thursday, October 23, 2008

NEW YORK -- Scott McClellan, President Bush's former press secretary, says he is backing Barack Obama for president.

McClellan made the endorsement during a taping of Comedian D.L. Hughley's new show that is premiering on CNN this weekend. The former Bush administration official said he wanted to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done.

He's the second former Bush administration figure this week to publicly back Obama, following former Secretary of State Colin Powell. McClellan caused bitterness among his former co-workers with a tell-all book that criticized Bush.

Obama Camp Plans Major Celebration in Chicago on Election Night.

With 12 days to go until Election Day, Barack Obama's got big plans for a Chicago Election Night celebration.

FOXNews.com

Thursday, October 23, 2008


Barack Obama waves after speaking at a rally in Indianapolis, Ind., Thursday. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama took a lot of ribbing for setting up Greek columns on the larger-than-life set of his nomination acceptance speech in Denver two months ago.

But at least he knew for certain then that when the ballgame was over -- he was going to be the Democratic candidate for president.

Now, with the Nov. 4 general election still 12 days away, the front-running Illinois senator is planning an Election Night celebration that could put his Invesco Field party to shame.

A huge stage is being constructed in Chicago's Grant Park, where Obama hopes to declare victory before a cheering throng that could dwarf the one at the Democratic convention. Back then, "only" 80,000 fans were in attendance that night. This time, it could be hundreds of thousands in the park and its surroundings -- closer to Berlin in July than Denver in August.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the price tag of the fanfare has been pegged at $2 million, to be picked up by the Obama campaign. Mayor Richard Daley reportedly suggested Obama use a cheaper venue, but was turned down.

Obama is well on his way to winning the election, according to most polls and electoral vote projections. The campaign may be preparing to set the champagne on ice. But it may want to heed the usual reminder: As Yogi Berra famously said, it ain't over till it's over.

An Obama victory -- he would become the first African-American president -- would logically be cause for an historic celebration. So far, the campaign's staying mum on the expected crowd count.

Asked how many people the campaign was anticipating in Grant Park, Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor quipped, "At least 10."

"We have a lot of supporters who have given their time and effort to the campaign, and we want them to share in the election night with us," Vietor told FOXNews.com.

The excitement is palpable at Obama's rallies, a tone the candidate has reflected. "I feel like we got a righteous wind at our backs here," Obama told supporters in Leesburg, Va., Wednesday evening.

But John McCain -- and Obama himself -- are warning the Democrat's supporters not to get ahead of themselves.

McCain says he savors being the underdog so close to Election Day, and for weeks he has accused Obama of "measuring the drapes" and counting him out.

"My opponent's looking pretty confident ... these days," McCain said Wednesday in Goffstown, N.H. "He'll be addressing the nation soon. He's got another of those big stadium spectacles in the works. But acting like the election is over, it won't let him take away your chance to have the final say in this election."

Obama is making an effort to catch himself and couch his language when he talks about post-Election Day plans. He is warning supporters not to get lazy and "screw it up," as he says Democratic campaigns have been known to do.

"We're going to have to work, we're going to have to struggle, we're going to have to fight for every single one of those 12 days," Obama told the crowd at an Indianapolis rally Thursday. "It's not going to be easy, but I'm hopeful about the outcome ... but we cannot let up."

Vietor brushed aside McCain's criticism that Obama is being too presumptuous.

"That's ridiculous. We're working hard every day to talk to voters, to get out the vote and knocking on doors. This is a campaign that went through one of the longest primaries in history, and rest assured we take nothing for granted," he said.

He said the Grant Park event will be free and open to the public.

As for McCain, he's holding his election night festivities at the Biltmore in Phoenix, which customarily hosts weddings and business retreats. Compare that with Grant Park, which customarily hosts the rock mega-concert Lollapalooza.

Also by contrast, only a select group of reporters will be allowed to witness McCain's postelection remarks, which he is reportedly planning to give to supporters on the hotel lawn. Due to limited seating, the rest of the media on site will be watching on TV in a separate filing room.

With a theoretically limitless outdoor capacity, the press are invited to attend Obama's event. While there's no fee outright to cover it, news organizations have been asked to pay for prime seating and Internet and phone service.

Meanwhile, Obama is trying to downplay speculation about post-election plans. He spoke about foreign policy challenges Wednesday after meeting in Virginia with his "working group" on national security. He oscillated between jabs at McCain (he said his rival's latest tax policy charges were a sign "that they have run out of ideas"), and deference to the voters who will decide the election.

Asked whether he planned to attend the global economic summit scheduled for mid-November, Obama made sure to pay homage to President Bush.

"Even though the election will have taken place and we will have a new president-elect, we are still going to have one president at a time until January 20th, when the new president is sworn in," Obama said.

"So, you know, there is always a transition period. I don't want to get too much ahead of ourselves."

He noted that his economic team has been in regular contact with the "uppermost reaches of policy-making, Secretary Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke."

"But I don't want to make commitments at this point in terms of our participation ... before I've even won the election," he added.

I thought he was in Hawaii with his Grandmother.

He left right after an early rally, and will be back Saturday.

Does the fact McCain plans on spending election night in a 700 room hotel "which customarily hosts weddings and business retreats" signal McCain knows it's over? In a related story, the AP writes: "Only a small press "pool" — mostly those who have traveled regularly with the candidate on his campaign plane, plus a few local Arizona reporters and other guests — will be physically present when McCain speaks." Apparently McCain doesn't even plan on attending his election night party at the hotel, but will instead address the crowd from the lawn outside.