December 14, 2007
Posted: 09:06 AM ET

Clinton and Obama are in a dead heat among black voters in South Carolina.

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) – The first post-Oprah poll of likely Democratic voters in South Carolina shows a toss-up between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama among African-Americans in the state, although they see Clinton as the most electable candidate next November.

Clinton leads Obama by a statistically insignificant margin of 46 percent to 45 percent among black voters in the state, according to CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll conducted December 9 -12. (The sampling error for black voters is eight percent, a larger number than the four percent margin in the rest of the poll.)

Former Sen. John Edwards comes in a distance third, with 5 percent.

Obama has made significant gains among African-Americans since earlier this year, when Clinton was buoyed by her higher name recognition and Obama remained largely unknown.

The Obama campaign has used their large grassroots organization and small community events in the state to register new voters and introduce Obama to African-Americans more familiar with Clinton.

About half of South Carolina’s Democratic primary-goers are African-American. Black women, who were a clear target of the Oprah rally here last weekend, make up roughly 30 percent of primary voters.

Black voters, asked which candidate has the right experience to be president, chose Clinton over Obama by an overwhelming margin of 72 to 17 percent. They also said, by a margin of 67 percent to 21 percent, that Clinton had the best chance of beating the Republican nominee next year.

Obama won kudos for running a positive campaign: 42 percent of black primary voters said he spends the least time criticizing other candidates. That number was 24 percent for Clinton.

Among white Democratic voters, 41 percent support Clinton, followed by Edwards and Obama, who claim 27 percent and 24 percent of the vote in the CNN poll.

– CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John Edwards • Polls • South Carolina


CNNSurferDude   December 14th, 2007 9:29 am ET

But wait, the next post up talks about the Oprah backlash?? I'm so confused…

BR-New York City   December 14th, 2007 9:48 am ET

"Among white Democratic voters, 41 percent support Clinton, followed by Edwards and Obama, who claim 27 percent and 24 percent of the vote in the CNN poll."

…and everyone is up in arms over a black woman supporting a black candidate. Give me a break! Just because Hillary is a woman doesn't give her an automatic bid to become president. I live in New York City and I can't tell you one thing about Hillary's record of 35 years that she has accomplished. Can anyone in the world please provide some insight to this New Yorker, as what makes her so qualified to be president? Other than being a woman.

Charles   December 14th, 2007 9:57 am ET

Does it sound immature only to me? People think that one candidate has "he right experience to be president" AND "the best chance of beating the Republican nominee next year". But some of them still are going to vote for another candidate because he's "running a positive campaign" and, let me guess, because he's black.

Christine Atlanta, Ga.   December 14th, 2007 10:11 am ET

I Listen to Sean Hannity's radio show every afternoon. It is gut churning. He is positively giddy over the prospect of Barack Obama becoming the nominee. He despises the Democrats, yet everyday is pushing for Obama. Now why do you think that is? Why is Karl Rove giving Obama tips on how to defeat Hillary?
The Republicans know they can slaughter Obama in the General election. Implications that his 'brain is affected by his past cocaine use'. 'He come from Muslim roots and secretly is trying to help the Muslims take over the world.' Or how about this, "Do you trust a man with only two years on the National political stage?" "America has big problems, do you trust a guy with so little experience?

It doesn't matter if these things are true or not, it works.

John Kerry, a four term Senator, and winner of the Purple Heart; made to look like a flip-flopper and lying, coward. Max Cleland of Georgia, lost 3 limbs fighting in Vietnam; the Republicans had him looking like he worked for Saddam Hussein. John McCain lost to Bush in the 2000 primary; his own party accused him of having a 'black baby.'

The Democrats always go for 'hope' and 'change,' and they always lose.
In spite of the unpopularity of the war, you put Obama up there and the Republicans will win the election.
I live in Georgia, Evangelical Heaven. Rudy Gulianni could say he supports public abortion, free at your local supermarket and he would win the General Election over Obama.

Hukabee is having his little surge right now, but at the end of the day, it will be Rudy. And you put Rudy "hero of 911″ against Obama "inexperieced, coke snorting, Muslim supporter". Which 'soundbite' do you think will resonate with the general population?
How many times do the Democrats have to lose to get it? BE RIGHT AND LOSE should be our motto.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co   December 14th, 2007 10:14 am ET

We need to take the Color off the vote I never the White are vote for Clinton or Edwards, Huckabee or any other White president candidates all you hear is the Black vote other people live in America Black and White

Desmond, Harrisburg, Pa   December 14th, 2007 10:25 am ET

The issue is most black people will vote for what they are use to. Also, any Black educated figure that not trying to carry all of our people on their shoulders is critized and said they are not "black enough" We need to wake up. No it is not about black or white. But it is about "Change" the Clintons have had 8 years in the White House and have done a great job. thank you Bill and now please step aside and let Obama take the lead and quit pushing Hillary on us.

LEE, watertown, ny   December 14th, 2007 10:40 am ET

The bottom line, although only 50% of the blacks support Hillary, they consider her over Obama in having (a) the "right experience", and (b) the ability to beat the republican nominee next year. These factors or Hillary favors over Obama are shared by the dem voter polls in Iowa and New Hampshire.

It will not surprise me at all that Hillary will win these early states by January 2008, and Obama's presidential pursuit will just be a dream (or a nightmare).

Jim - Tucson   December 14th, 2007 10:43 am ET

Unfortunately for the Dem's there's many people out there who won't vote for a Obama in a general election simply because he's African-American. There's also many people who won't vote for Hillary in a general election because she's a woman.

Thus, if Hillary or Obama is the nominee, the 2008 election will be very close.

dickson,charleston,s.c   December 14th, 2007 10:50 am ET

CNN, enough of your Crap. We have seen what you can do and what you can not do. So let us do what we can do…

Anonymous   December 14th, 2007 10:52 am ET

the latest Rasmussen poll has Clinton ahead by 4 points.

She's also ahead in NH by 3

suzzy,portsmouth,NH   December 14th, 2007 10:53 am ET

your poll is wrong. Do it again…

greenplant   December 14th, 2007 10:55 am ET

latest Rasmussen poll has Clinton ahead by 4 and latests NH poll has Clinton ahead by 3.

The polls that show Obama ahead is a Newsweek poll with a margin of error of almost 7 points.

270towin

jack,dallas, tx   December 14th, 2007 10:57 am ET

I Listen to Sean Hannity's radio show every afternoon. It is gut churning. He is positively giddy over the prospect of Barack Obama becoming the nominee. He despises the Democrats, yet everyday is pushing for Obama. Now why do you think that is? Why is Karl Rove giving Obama tips on how to defeat Hillary?
The Republicans know they can slaughter Obama in the General election. Implications that his 'brain is affected by his past cocaine use'. 'He come from Muslim roots and secretly is trying to help the Muslims take over the world.' Or how about this, "Do you trust a man with only two years on the National political stage?" "America has big problems, do you trust a guy with so little experience?

It doesn't matter if these things are true or not, it works.

John Kerry, a four term Senator, and winner of the Purple Heart; made to look like a flip-flopper and lying, coward. Max Cleland of Georgia, lost 3 limbs fighting in Vietnam; the Republicans had him looking like he worked for Saddam Hussein. John McCain lost to Bush in the 2000 primary; his own party accused him of having a 'black baby.'

The Democrats always go for 'hope' and 'change,' and they always lose.
In spite of the unpopularity of the war, you put Obama up there and the Republicans will win the election.
I live in Georgia, Evangelical Heaven. Rudy Gulianni could say he supports public abortion, free at your local supermarket and he would win the General Election over Obama.

Hukabee is having his little surge right now, but at the end of the day, it will be Rudy. And you put Rudy "hero of 911″ against Obama "inexperieced, coke snorting, Muslim supporter". Which 'soundbite' do you think will resonate with the general population?
How many times do the Democrats have to lose to get it? BE RIGHT AND LOSE should be our motto.

Posted By Christine Atlanta, Ga. : December 14, 2007 1

Talk of dry sarcasim from Karl Rove. Obama wouldn't even take his advice. Stop qouting him here because majority of People where I am are trying to forget this looser…

Monte Brown, New York, NY   December 14th, 2007 11:02 am ET

Neither race nor gender influenced my decision on which candidate I support. I am a black American man and I choose Hillary Clinton because I want the party of compassion to win the race and bring forth the CHANGE WE NEED. Black Americans must understand the magnitude of what is happening today and forget about this black nonsense. We are in an ideological war in America. WE MUST BEAT THE REPUBLICANS. Obama does not care about black people and he certainly doesn’t care if the Democrats lose to the Republicans. He would be satisfied if he wins the primaries so that it would advance his own political career. That is why he got egomaniac Oprah to stump for him, an egomaniac.

If black people vote for Obama it will make us look like petty, racist, superficial hypocrites. What ever happened to “give the job to the person that is most qualified”? I refuse to discriminate against the more qualified candidate because Obama is black. I was raised better than that. Hillary clearly has the ascertainable vision for a better America. We still don’t know Obama, and we are still unsure of what he will do if elected. He won’t even beat the Republicans. Hillary Clinton set out to win the war against the Republicans a long time ago. How the heck is Obama going to change anything? If the Democrats don’t seal the deal in the executive branch and keep the House and the Senate nothing will change. I don’t know what Obama is talking about, “changing Washington”, and he is relying on political sound bites to advance his ideas. I still find it hard to believe that so many black people support Obama because he, being president, will not improve the lives of black people anywhere. It will give us false hope. I don’t ‘HOPE” for change. I “WORK” for it. Bill Clinton is blacker than Obama. Black people need to stick with Hillary Clinton. We must BEAT THE REPUBLICANS.

slinkmalinky   December 14th, 2007 11:07 am ET

Obama can't win because the majority of Democrats are racial bigots that have done nothing but talk about racial equality for votes..

Dan, TX   December 14th, 2007 11:16 am ET

Who would give us transparent government. Barack Obama, that's who.

A bill was introduced by Sens. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) to create a public, searchable database of all federal grants and contracts.

The bill sailed through to passage.

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   December 14th, 2007 11:16 am ET

Man I hope those S.C. voters wake up! How in the world do they suppose two well-heeled Harvard graduates–who "continually" adjust their own messages–to the polls and focus group popularity points-will really make definitive change in Washington. Both of these fine public servants are active Senators–at a time when our congress is truly "helpless to overcome the GOP and the President. As much as I admire them both I have to ask–if they aren't doing that great of a job now–how could they possibility handle the greater responsibility of the Presidency? John Edwards needs to be the candidate to lead the party. He is a great leader who has "consitently" been on message (in fact has set much of the parties reform agenda) demonstrated good character, integrity and morality, and has no skeletons. He is the the only candidate (from either party) who seems determined to create a sense of urgency getting things done and always keeping "average Americans" at the bargaining table in the form of the President (as it should be) in Washington. Note the "change agenda" that has "suddenly" appeared in Hillary and Obama's stump speeches. They've literally pulled it directly from Edward's own agenda (which hasn't changed since before 2000)–hoping to capture some of his momentum as a reformer. Edwards is the most genuine artical the American people have been offered in my voting lifetime. Let's put Edwards up against "anybody" the GOP selects–and win back Washington to the American people.

Ginny, Byron, CA   December 14th, 2007 11:18 am ET

Great post, Christine. I couldn't agree more. My guts are (and have been) churning for some time, also. I'm praying that the Dems will see clearly why Rove, Hannity, and Republicans in general, are so transparently pushing for Obama. It is an absolute: if Obama gets the nomination, there will be a Republican in the White House for the next 4, if not 8 years. Obama will be ripped apart by the dirty Republican Attack Machine and Obama supporters are too blind and politically naive to realize it.
A note to Nelson: I read your posting several times and still do not understand your message.

VOTE NO TO THE REPUBLICAN PLAN TO WIN!   December 14th, 2007 11:19 am ET

RE: "I Listen to Sean Hannity's radio show every afternoon. It is gut churning. He is positively giddy over the prospect of Barack Obama becoming the nominee. He despises the Democrats, yet everyday is pushing for Obama. Now why do you think that is? Why is Karl Rove giving Obama tips on how to defeat Hillary?
The Republicans know they can slaughter Obama in the General election…"

I, too, listen to Hannity and Limbaugh for kicks and YOU ARE SO RIGHT. They will say anything true oe false to take down what they call the Clinton Machine because she is the only one that can beat them. They praise Obama in hopes he will win the primary so they can later take him down and keep the Presidency. YOU OBAMA SUPPORTERS ARE THROWING AWAY THE COUNTRY, THROWING RIGHT BACK INTO THE HANDS OF THE REPUBLICANS…Just read the following quotation from a commentator on the CNN article about Oprah posted on this same day…

"I would like to say that as an Anglo-American woman who is a registered republican, I am a bit disturbed by the backlash concerning Oprah's support for Barack Obama. I am not voting for him, but I understand what she meant: to fulfill Martin Luther King's Dream, people will be judged by the content of their character. I don't think anything she said was out of line. If you like Barack Obama, then vote for him."

THE REPUBLICANS WANT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA TO WIN SO THEY CAN KEEP THE PRESIDENCY!!!!

VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT WHO CAN WIN THE REAL ELECTION!!! DON"T FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE REPUBLICANS…

Joe, Florida   December 14th, 2007 11:22 am ET

Christine from Atlanta, Ga

You are completely and utterly correct!

Clinton is the BEST CHANCE the Democrats at winning back the White House.

Joe,worcester,ma   December 14th, 2007 11:28 am ET

Hillary stopped being negative but CNN will do it for her. I think that is the message here. Go ahead with your ill ideas CNN…..

chris, cincinnati,   December 14th, 2007 11:36 am ET

To Monte in NY

I am a black man who supports Obama not because he is black, but rather because I believe is the best person for America. I will not waist time countering some of your opinions, but I will ask you not to insult my intelligence by suggesting that Black people only support Obama because he is black. That implies we lack the mental and moral capacity to see past race and make an intelligent and informed decision that is not soley race based!

Bottom line: you are entitled to your opinion, and I respect you for that. I just ask that you not disrespect other AMERICANS that may disagree with your choice for president by stating our primary reason for supporting Obama is only because of he is Black.

May God Bless You and America

Randy S. Lawton, OK   December 14th, 2007 11:38 am ET

Posted By Monte Brown, New York, NY : December 14, 2007 11:02 am

Monte, Hillary doesn't know what compassion is.
You need to open YOUR eyes and read the signs, Hillary cannot and will not beat the GOP. Have you not been reading these blogs. 50% of America say they absolutely will not vote for her regardless of political affiliation. her campaigns endless dirty tricks, innuendos, rumor-mongering are turning more voters off of her 'message' (whatEVER that may be, it's hard to tell, since she changes with any shift in the wind) every day.
Oh yes, we DO know Hillary, she's a puppet of the establishment and under her Washington would be business as usual. Corporate and industry would continue to run this country at the expense of folks like you and me.
Oh, BTW, there's not a person running for President that's not an 'egomaniac', but that's still better than being a megalomaniac, i.e. HRC.

Posted By Nelson Colorado Springs Co : December 14, 2007 10:14 am
Dude, learn how to construct a proper sentence. Absolute gibberish, what you posted.

Yolanda Brown, South Caolina   December 14th, 2007 11:42 am ET

I Listen to Sean Hannity's radio show every afternoon. It is gut churning. He is positively giddy over the prospect of Barack Obama becoming the nominee. He despises the Democrats, yet everyday is pushing for Obama. Now why do you think that is? Why is Karl Rove giving Obama tips on how to defeat Hillary?
The Republicans know they can slaughter Obama in the General election. Implications that his 'brain is affected by his past cocaine use'. 'He come from Muslim roots and secretly is trying to help the Muslims take over the world.' Or how about this, "Do you trust a man with only two years on the National political stage?" "America has big problems, do you trust a guy with so little experience?

It doesn't matter if these things are true or not, it works.

John Kerry, a four term Senator, and winner of the Purple Heart; made to look like a flip-flopper and lying, coward. Max Cleland of Georgia, lost 3 limbs fighting in Vietnam; the Republicans had him looking like he worked for Saddam Hussein. John McCain lost to Bush in the 2000 primary; his own party accused him of having a 'black baby.'

The Democrats always go for 'hope' and 'change,' and they always lose.
In spite of the unpopularity of the war, you put Obama up there and the Republicans will win the election.
I live in Georgia, Evangelical Heaven. Rudy Gulianni could say he supports public abortion, free at your local supermarket and he would win the General Election over Obama.

Hukabee is having his little surge right now, but at the end of the day, it will be Rudy. And you put Rudy "hero of 911″ against Obama "inexperieced, coke snorting, Muslim supporter". Which 'soundbite' do you think will resonate with the general population?
How many times do the Democrats have to lose to get it? BE RIGHT AND LOSE should be our motto.

Posted By Christine Atlanta, Ga. : December 14, 2007 10:11 am

Well said Christine. I totally agree with you. I also saw "the Hillary- bashing-Obama-lovefest-between Rove and Hannity on fox 2 days ago. Rove giving Obama how to bring down that woman Clinton. Rove says "I expect Hillary to loose" i guess they are taking bets.
Come on you true democrats what we need is to win the white house use your brains not just your hearts. if the republicans managed to smear a war hero john kerry, it is going to be a cake walk for them to smear Barack HUSSEIN Obama, no matter how charismatic and hopeful he is. Go for Clinton / obama 08 ticket this would be the most powerful unbeatable ticket and Obama will be ready to be president with all the experinece as the vp and his name hussein would not matter by that time and he can be great president then.

kudos   December 14th, 2007 11:47 am ET

SO no thoughts or comments about real issues? How about the next President of the United States being either a woman or black man. Is that enough to get you off the Seinfield thread? I don't think so, but I would hope so….

Ruth,derry,nh   December 14th, 2007 11:48 am ET

you are the expert on ignorance….

FYI….stop picking fights and get a good therapist

Gary,concord,nh   December 14th, 2007 11:52 am ET

Obama reminds me of the finer qualities of so many great presidents. Funny enough I thought three years ago that if a woman or a minority would have a shot at the presidency it would be Oprah. Now she may be the one who essentially is garnering all of that potential and passing it on to Obama. Good for her for finally taking a proactive role in the future leadership of our nation. Everything about Obama’s campaign makes me so proud of America. I think this Nation is at the advent of a period of greatness that seems almost biblical in its profound importance.

ato,baltimore,md   December 14th, 2007 11:57 am ET

A “bad problem” to have Oprah’s endorsement? Are you kidding me? There can be no problem with an Oprah endorsement. It’s nothing but blessings, in my opinion.

P Brown, OKC OK   December 14th, 2007 11:58 am ET

Monte Brown - you are one sad and weak brother and I am saying so as an African-American female.

tim   December 14th, 2007 11:59 am ET

A bad problem regrettable but necessary: we are getting a little paranoid about Hillary and CNN.

chris, cincinnati, oh   December 14th, 2007 12:01 pm ET

To Monte in NY

I am a black man who supports Obama not because he is black, but rather because I believe he is the best person for America. I will not waist time countering some of your opinions, but I will ask you not to insult my intelligence by suggesting that Black people only support Obama because he is Black. That implies we lack the mental and moral capacity to see past race and make an intelligent, informed decision that is not solely race based.

Bottom line: you are entitled to your opinion, and I respect you for that. I just ask that you not disrespect other Black AMERICANS that may disagree with your choice for president by stating our primary reason for support is solely because he is Black.

May God Bless You and America

Amanda Orlando, FL   December 14th, 2007 12:14 pm ET

Hilary is winning by name recognition only- and only in later states where she has not been actively campaigning.

Notice the trend here. As Obama moves from state to state and voters actually see him, meet him, and hear him, his poll number skyrocket. And when that happens, the Hilary campaign lashes out and loses more voters. I predict that this will happen from state to state to state, just like it did in Iowa, then New Hampshire, and now South Carolina.

Tere, FL   December 14th, 2007 12:15 pm ET

mONTE BROWN,
With comments like yours "Clinton is blacker than Obama" I am now convinced that you have completely lost your head. i used to give you the benefit of doubt, you must be one sick person in need of therapy. There is still time though to see a therapist before Obama wins this nomination and then we can invite you to help him campaign against the Mike Huckabee

Tom, New York, New York   December 14th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

We democrats have played it safe for years. With our tails between our legs we have walked on to the political scene afraid to show support for our own platform, too scared to take a chance on success, and what has that brought us? Failure. Hillary Clinton has already failed once at trying to bring us health care, failed at doing whats best for our country during a time at war, and failed at keeping corruption out of politics. Yet, until recently she has been the lead candidate for the Democratic Party. Why? Because we see her as the safe bet. But if we continue doing things the old ways we will loose again. If not in the polls, then in a further divided nation that still cant get anything done. For the success of our party, and for all parties (republican, democrat, independent, whatever) its time to take a chance on success. Its time for a change. Its time for Barack Obama.

Oh Havens   December 14th, 2007 1:07 pm ET

THIS COUNTRY IS STILL VERY RACIST. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TODAY AND YESTERDAY IS THAT MUCH OF THE BLATANT RACISM HAS BEEN SWEPT UNDER THE CARPET BECAUSE OF LAWS BUT DEEP DOWN IN PEOPLE'S MIND[AND WHERE THEY CAN AFFORD TO PRACTICE IT] RACISM IS STILL ALIVE.
Bill Clinton has stated many times before that when he first ran for president, he had the same experience that Obama has today but all you racist idiots voted for him. Now when just one black woman in the person of Oprah supports Obama, you turn the whole thing into racism. Haven't you seen previous black Presidential candidates that Oprah didn't support? If white people voted Clinton with this same experience and this is not racism how does Oprah's support for Obama now become racism? And for all you black people out there singing the songs of 'experience and qualification' go back to your little closets and list all the experienced presidents who have advanced your cause and then ask yourselves if you still want to be singing this song. If you starb Obama in his back today, not only will you be starbing your very selves but many black generations to come after you because the next black creature who imagines becoming a president will SURELY draw on the Obama experience and then hide back into his/her shell.

Good luck to you…I am glad and proud not be an American!

John New York, NY   December 14th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

Monte,

Part of me doesn't want to dignify your comment with a response, but you just said Barack Obama doesn't care about black people.

His wife and daughters are black. So he doesn't care about his own immediate family?

He gave up a high-paying job on Wall Street to move to the South Side of Chicago and work as a community organizer.

Monte, I think your comments are so outrageous that you are actually hurting your own cause.

Orlando, Chicago, IL   December 14th, 2007 2:43 pm ET

Hey, Monte Brown,
You nailed it with your commentary. I to am a Black American and solely feel Hillary will take us to the next level because of her tactics, awareness and fearless plan to make some warranted change in America. At this very moment we as Humans need to wake up and smell the coffee regarding the future of America. How many of you can say we still live in the land of the free and brave based on all the garbage happening within the Great US borders? None!!! So, looking at the presidential layout from a educated, responsible and realistic standpoing she fits the bill to get what we the people need to have done. To survive the 8yrs of damage created by a snailed brain commander sitting in DC.

As for the Oprah syndrome factor, she is a human being not GOD so her impact should be minimal if you're an independent decision maker about your life.

Glenn,Birmingham,Al   December 14th, 2007 3:49 pm ET

Experience, did she hold office before 2000? She just seems weak to me. Takes anything people dish out…..

Ito   December 14th, 2007 3:51 pm ET

Is there any black person out there that seriously believes Hillary will do more for them than Obama? Hillary is not your champion, black people.

Obama is a non-divisive person who appeals to whites and blacks. He is half black and half white, after all. Hence, a true symbol of what America should be, neither black nor white, but a mix that serves the best interest of all colors.

Hillary is just an elitist white lady riding on the coattails of her husband.

This is a huge moment in Black history and people who say Obama should take a back seat and wait his turn are being ridiculous. And dare I say afraid? Why not put a sign on the door to the white house that says, colord folk go to the back of the bus?

But we are not just talking about supporting Obama because it is a huge moment in Black history. Civil rights comes before women's rights. Why? Because women are first people, then they are women.

Unlike past black candidates, (i.e. Jackson and Sharpton), he may actually be a real and genuine person and not trying to "be" bigger than what he is or somebody he is not.

Unlike Keyes (the little known black Republican candidate), Obama has a realistic chance of making it to the Oval Office.

What if Obama were to die in th next four years. Would you still believe it was a good idea for him to wait and take a back seat on the bus to Hillary Clinton.

The fierce urgency of now demands that we wait no longer. There is no good reason to wait.

Hillary will divide this nation and she WILL NOT bring Republicans and Democrats together. She will not repair our nation's reputation in the world. She will sell us out to the highest bidder.

Lunavendi, providence RI   December 14th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

People vote with emotion all the time..not necessarily logic. If this weren't true, Bush never would have been elected. i think folks should vote based on what matters to them. if it's universal healthcare or ending the war or whatever. i think voting for someone because they are like you whether by religious or moral beliefs or race or gender is still a valid reason to vote. I don't think it's useful or helpful to degrade someone who has made up their mind to vote for a particular candidate just because you think they're voting for the wrong reasons. America is a complex country made up of different minded people. At least there is a recognition by everyone that this election is important and they SHOULD vote. Celebrate that. Bottom line is that the wheels will grind just as they have since the founding of the country whether your guy (or gal) wins or not.

Jason Park, Duluth Georgia   December 14th, 2007 11:16 pm ET

The fact is, Hillary created most of the problems she is now promising to change. She is just as responsible as George Bush for the misleading and mishandling of the Iraq war, and now she has given Bush the benefit of the doubt once again regarding Iran, who like Iraq, does not have the weapons we claim it to have, at least according to our best intelligence estimates. Her polarizing nature scuttled the chances for national health insurance for over a decade. The truth is that Hillary is a war-mongering hypocrite, who had a chance to prove real leadership in standing up to a war-hungry mob, and failed, MISERABLY. Why did she do it? Short-term political gain. People with beliefs stand by them through thick and thin, and don't just change them when it's politically expedient to do so. Politics is a performance business, and where it counted, she has already failed. Hillary Clinton says she's a leader, but on the big issues she is, as Obama said to Edwards in one of the first debates, "four years late in leadership on these issues."

Obama has a proven history of a) getting it right the FIRST time, b) sticking to his convictions, and c) more importantly, bring together both sides of the aisle to achieve things, not just to posture politically in the hopes of getting elected.

As McCain said, "we came to change Washington, and Washington changed us." Clinton is a perfect example. She is the quintessential corrupt, calculating , principal-less politician. Furthermore, there is no chance that republicans and independents will vote for her.

The choice is clear. Obama will get things done, not just talk about them. It is time for a change, not potentially another war with Iran.

Chris, Middletown, CT   December 15th, 2007 8:31 am ET

Christine -
I'm surprised you would say that - is it more convenient to forget that Hillary polarizes the country?? There will be people who strickly go out to vote against her? I'm a Republican - if the race was Giuliani against any of the Democrats….a social liberal and fiscal conservative (a moderate) would get my vote - if we aren't smart enough to run him….and the Democrats are smart enough to run Obama - he will get my vote - along with 5 other Republicans I know - he is also driving the youth vote - the same voters who watch all the stuff on YouTube about HRC….I think the stuff that you just want to pretend doesn't exist…if you truly want to "win" - then look at what 70% of the voting population describe themselves as "moderate" - social liberal fiscal conservative - not if they described themselves as "Saul Alinsky Marxists" - HRC would be the candidate….they don't

James, Lawrencevile GA   December 16th, 2007 12:58 pm ET

It would be a shame for black America to vote on Obama just because he is black and because Oprah said vote for him. Black America should vote on the best candidate and it is not Obama. Hillary is the better candidate and has the most experience. The Clintons have been good for this country.

Beth & Jeff Chicago, IL - HILLARY IN 2008   December 20th, 2007 4:50 am ET

WE SUPPORT HILLARY '08 :)

She's the only one "can roll up her sleeves and clean up the mess" left by the GOP — NOT dreamer boy!!

Or vote Biden or Richardson b/c God save our country if the newbie gets elected = who isn't even wise enough to realize what he DOESN'T KNOW yet; let alone play pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey in the Oval Office! He could have waited until 2012 or 2016. He's only 47, but he's such a baby that he's demanding to be King now :( Sadly the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Senator Obama is certainly NOT!! AND Oprah should stick with her own life and hawking her Book Club (which she can't even get right all the time either).

JUST SAY NO - TO OBAMA IN 2008 :(

Missy, NJ   January 4th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

When can America get passed the racism. Enough Already! I like the saying of one psychologist on a program called "Meet the Faith: He stated, "you have white problems and black problems. The white problem is prestige and fitting into a particular class and the black problem is that we have the same degrees, same qualifications, various experience and hard working and still cant get a JOB!!!!!!!!!!!
Why ??????? Because of the color of our skin!!

LDL   January 8th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

I am a black college graduate and an American military veteran. New Hampshire was an assumption waiting to happen. I often ask the question, "Who said Obama has a clean sweep for the Presidential bid?" I am not sold and I personally feel uncomfortable with his ability to lead our nation. You can't run this country without help. An outsider isn't the answer. A person with the ability to rally the Congress and Senate for the good of the Nation and then the world is the answer. Our best hope may just lie in Hillary Clinton. Why? She has one of the best mentors anyone could ask for. Bill…

adnaw6   January 11th, 2008 10:22 am ET

the clintos's were impeached! how can we let them back in. they are one! once you are impeached, you shouldnt be let back in!(hello) God never intended for a woman to lead over men! its backwards period. and all hillarys experience tells how old she is, I want something fesh and new, new ideas, fresh ideas, bill clinton will have the whitehouse in another scandel sooner or later. and the blacks will turn around and vote for obama at the last moment in a presidental race if he gets the nomination, they dont see it happening so they vote for hillary. the clinotns were IMPEACHED! lets dont go back.

SUZANNE ELLIS   January 16th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

WE HAVE GOT TO PUT HILLATY IN THE WHITE HOUSE, AND ANY WOMAN OUT THERE WHO DOES'NT VOTE FOR HER OBVIOUSELY NEEDS TO BE COMMITTED. WE HAVE THE POWER TO DO THIS!!!!!

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