Poll: Plurality Says Obama Has The Experience To Be President
The new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll, which shows Barack Obama ahead of John McCain 50%-41% among likely voters nationwide, shows that Obama has passed a key threshold: A plurality of registered voters, 49%, now say he has the right experience to be president, compared to 42% who say he does not.
It might not sound impressive at first, but it's a big changed compared to their previous poll from three weeks ago. At the time, only 37% said Obama was experienced enough, and a clear majority of 53% said he was inexperienced.
McCain is seen as experienced by a much greater majority -- 80% of registered voters -- but the number for Obama still suggests that one of the major arguments that Republicans have made against him hasn't been working anymore.
The poll also illustrates just how much the economy has affected the campaign, with 69% of respondents naming it as their number-one issue. Thus Obama's 48%-36% advantage over McCain on the economy is able to trump McCain's 48%-39% advantage on handling an international crisis.
Caution - landslide ahead.
October 14, 2008 5:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
JOBS...
October 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
BABY
October 14, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
JOBS...
October 14, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wish people could distinguish between longevity and experience. The only experience for being president is being president. And given that Bush's second term was even worst than his first, experience doesn't mean a whole lot.
McCain has longevity but the performance, knowledge and temperament he has exhibited demonstrate that he would be a disaster as president. One day he'd get a bee in his bonnet and invade a country; the next day he'd apologize for doing it. John "Drama Queen" McCain
October 14, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think another crucial distinction is experience vs. preparation. My sense is that Obama is as prepared to be president as it's possible to be, given that it's an impossible job.
October 14, 2008 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. Also, "executive experience" my ass. Coocoo had some years of "executive experience" under his belt when first elected. And he's brought us the worst presidency ever.
October 14, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't forget the new Ipsos poll.
Ipsos/McClatchy: Obama 51 McCain 42
October 14, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
How can nine percent more can think McCain can handle an Int'l crissis baffles me. It really does. Are they asleep the last three weeks. Eric,
Do you have any numbers on Falin?
Also, there was a news report a month ago estimating 40% of the likely voters will vote before the election day. Can you guys compile a report on early voting numbers in swing states?
Obama is now holding this lead for more than two weeks. I'm nervous and excited.
October 14, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'd say that outside of Obama strangling a kitten at the debate tomorrow night, McCain can start packing up his kit and getting ready to go back to Sedona.
This shit's over.
October 14, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
and knowing the people that live in Sedona, it's amazing that they allow him to own one of his houses there.
October 14, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Always remember the LEAST EXPERIENCED President ever elected to the office:
Abraham Lincoln.
October 14, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
The latest, least experienced candidate for President:
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
Bill Clinton
George Bush II
October 14, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't give a shit about any other news except polls. No BS matters except polls, guys.
GWU/Battleground's poll (53-40) has now been backed by CBS/NY Times, this time still better, Obama leading by 14% (53-39).
October 14, 2008 6:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some of the stats from CBS / NYT polls:
Obama now leads by 18 points among independents. The same poll last week showed McCain led among independents.
21% say their opinion of McLame has changed for the worse in the last few weeks. Two main reasons: McCain's attacks on Obama and his choice of Palin. Even 33% McCain backers say he has been attacking Obama rather than explaining what he would to as president.
McLame's favorable/ unfavorable is 36/41; Obama's 50/32.
Obama now enjoys leads over McLame with both men 53-41% and women 52-37%. 82% of Hillary's voters now back Obama - up from 67 percent last week and the highest number to date.
With voter registration up in many key states this year, 63 percent of those casting a ballot for first time in 2008 are backing Obama.
Source: CBS, with minor changes in language.
October 14, 2008 7:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep. Forget Bloomberg/LAT.
Go look at the internals of the CBS/NYT poll and then turn on the mike and queue up the Fat Lady, 'cause its time for her number.
October 14, 2008 9:22 PM | Reply | Permalink