[tomder55]

Did McCain's appeal with independent voters derail the Obama express by syphoning votes he needed ?

[George_1950]

I don't think so. The analyses of where the polling went off the tracks will be interesting.

[CaptainRich]

The result are being discussed on the networks now. The consensus is that the polls there couldn't track many of the independents, and there were plenty.

[George_1950]

My point isn't about the independents unless there was just a huge number of first-time voters. John McCain is a well-known commodity. I thought all the yap was about Obama appealing to the 'young' and 'first-time' voters. I can't imagine someone wanting to vote for Obama for such idealistic reasons, but going to the poll to vote for McCain. That behavior seems too inconsistent.

[tomder55]

the polls there couldn't track many of the independents

Hmmm... maybe the diebolt machines malfunctioned again??

[Dark_crow]

I believe it was based on issues, as it should be. Exit polls show the economy as the most important issue, next the war in Iraq and another third healthcare. Hillary Clinton, (Another Come Back Kid:p ) having based much of her early campaign as being best qualified to overhaul the healthcare system. McCain won most votes among those most concerned about the economy,

[tomder55]

Conventional wisdom said that when they tallied the votes from the college towns that Obama would lead .That did not happen . It also said that Obama had a huge independent following .It also said that the bulk of the independents voted in Democrat booths. None of this appears to be true because if it were then Obama would've won the primary..

[George_1950]

Hillary overhauling healthcare and McCain overhauling the economy: these politicians should have to wear a warning label like those on cigarette packages.

[RubyPitbull]

Too funny Tom (Hillary pic link on your post). Aw, forget about the newspeople. I can tell you exactly what happened because I live in NH. People here don't like polls and most don't like people coming up and asking them who they are voting for. People here cherish their privacy and their right to keep their votes to themselves. The younger ones and the not so informed love the attention of newscameras and will answer, but most of us middle aged and older folk like to play games and give the wrong info on purpose. ;)

Regarding McCain vs Romney, I mentioned on another thread that Romney has been running attack ads against the other candidates here, primarily against McCain. Most people in NH don't like powerful "big business" throwing their weight and money around and getting nasty. Due solely to Romney's campaign tactics, along with an ad run by McCain that I explain below, McCain was able to garner the Republic backing here.

I believe regarding Hillary & Obama, there are various reasons she pulled out ahead. She delineated her position and spoke about exactly what changes she has planned. Obama for the most part, just talked about change. People in NH want to know what "change" means and if they aren't given a direct response, it doesn't bode well for a candidate. As for the younger people, they don't take voting as seriously as the older ones do and weren't as committed to either of the candidates as the media and Obama's campaign people would like the rest of America to believe. I also believe that Hillary pulled out ahead due to her showing a sense of humor during Saturday night's debate, and then that little teary eyed "candid" moment of hers on Monday. While Fox News thought it was phony, egotistical, and manipulative, many of the voters who where interviewed by the local media, thought it was heartfelt.

All the candidates held town meetings in various locations throughout the state since the end of summer. They had very high attendance and the public asked very pointed questions. If they weren't answered directly, and there was any dancing around an issue, they lost the vote of potential supporters. The people here don't like anyone mincing their words when they ask a direct question.

Tom, just as an FYI, your man Giuliani made it clear that winning in NH wasn't as important to his campaign as Super Tuesday is. His candor that he wasn't counting on NH went hand in hand with McCain's point blank confession that he needed NH to back him for him to stay in the campaign. He ran an ad in which he looked into the camera, talked about what he wanted to do for the country, didn't attack anyone, and simply said, "I need your vote NH." Very effective campaign strategy In my opinion.

[George_1950]

Thanks, Ruby, for that explanation of the NH primaries and its voters.

[speechlesstx]

That's a possibility, the media is all over the map on the exit polling but it seems about 40 percent of the voters in both primaries were independents and about 40 percent of those independents each backed Obama and McCain. But of course we all know it was the ovarian-Americans that delivered for Hillary. I guess we know what we can look for now...

Huffaker, Cagle Cartoons

[RubyPitbull]

You are welcome George. I hope that as we progress, voters in other states will be able to cut through all the media circus garbage and give us all a better perspective as to where people's minds are at and why they voted as they did. I said early on that this is going to be one of the most interesting primary campaigns I have ever seen. Those candidates worked their butts off here. I live in a little podunk town and I couldn't believe how many times each of them came here to speak.

I think if people aren't swayed by how other states vote and make a sincere attempt to become informed on each of the candidates position, we are going to see some crazy swinging all over the place and it will take a while before we see a true front runner from either party. All of them are talking about change but the problem is that there are so many issues and each issue holds a different degree of priority to each voter. So, we were seeing a lot of changing of positions by many candidates. And, I believe that trend will continue as they progress. Those wankers would sell their own mothers down the river just to get their butts into that office. LOL!

[RubyPitbull]

Speechless, you always crack me up. Thanks.

FYI, my ovaries are intact and I can tell you that my vote didn't go toward Hillary. ;)

[bushg]

Ruby... I am afraid her ovaries... will be lead by Bill so my ovaries are afraid to vote for her... but I would love to see a woman president someday.mm my ovaries are taking a liking to that handsome man from the south.

[RubyPitbull]

LOL bushg, which man? There are many to choose from. You talkin' about that ladykiller Thompson or maybe Paul? Hehe.

[tomder55]

Thanks Ruby . On another posting I said that Hillary has to use the line that Mondale used on Gary Hart (where's the beef?) .I hear that she did .

[RubyPitbull]

Tom, are you referring to the original commercial's sentiments that Mondale quoted, or what a woman may say privately when they are disappointed. ;)

Nah, she didn't as far as I am aware of.

[speechlesstx]

LOL bushg, which man? There are many to choose from. you talkin' bout that ladykiller Thompson or maybe Paul? hehe.

I bet it's this guy... :D

[RubyPitbull]

LOL Steve! My ovaries are shriveling as we speak!

[bushg]

Lol, my ovaries have decided that it is time to go watch my soap operas. You better be glad that I like you and your dogs... or I would be offended.