January 29, 2008
Posted: 07:02 PM ET
Who voted in the Florida GOP primary?
Who voted in the Florida GOP primary?

(CNN) — Early exit polls are giving insight into the makeup of Florida’s Republican primary voters:

– They were significantly older than in previous primaries: half were over 60 years old, and more than a third were over 65.

– Over 80 percent were white and about 13 percent were Latino. Half of those were of Cuban heritage.

– About a third described themselves as evangelical/born again.

– Roughly 30 percent said they were veterans.

– Nearly 30 percent declared themselves moderate Republicans, and about 1 in 10 said they were liberal. Roughly 60 percent were self-identified conservatives.

– Just over two-thirds have a positive view of the Bush administration.

– Over 60 percent said the economy is in bad shape.

– CNN Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Exit Polls


For Everyone   February 12th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

He is not concerned about being "Top Dog" however he is concerned about all people and their issues. Also when his wife Michelle Obama speaks of her husband, she does not have an agenda, unlike some spouses who seek to be in the White House.

Let 's put aside our differences and support "Change". Put Senator Obama in office and continue to support him, because he will have 8yrs of mess to clean up.

Pat M   January 30th, 2008 8:18 am ET

McCain - Supports Bush & Policies - Wants to stay the course in Iraq - Welcome to another X Number of Years supporting war and Iraq - Light on Health Care - Big on Veterans - I respect McCain - But for these reasons it will be anothr Bush Administration.

Romney - Suports Bush & Policies -Talks big on Economy - Also supports the Iraq War - Light on Health Care - Romney is an intelligent man - But his loyalty to Bush and Republican ideals will ignite another Bush Administration.

If you vote McCain or Romney look forward to another four years just like the last eight.

Michael   January 30th, 2008 8:11 am ET

Hillary shameless Clinton won a primary and gave a victory speech in a campaign (disguised as fund raisers) that she pledged not to campaign in and now is asking for the votes to count ; how shameless can you get????
How can I honestly vote for her?? when she is showing us that she will do anything to win. My gut feeling is that she wants the white house so bad that she will do and say anything to get a win and that makes me nervous because that type of zeal can be dangerous to us as a nation.
Therefore, my advice to you Hillary shameless is to go home to your Husband and shut the back door on your way out……………

JohnS   January 29th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Please, please WATCH Hillary on CNN talk about "PRINCIPLES." How can any learned person ever stand talking or listening to these Clintons? Thanks Obama for snubbing these liers, devious cheaters, … non-God-fearing people!!!!

By the way, did the Clinton years (8 solid years) resolve all these issues– healthcare, energy, global warning etc. that we are struggling with today? How is it that they never resolved these issues?

Let us wait until the Republicans start to ask Bill to open the Clinton Archives!!!

Murry   January 29th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

This is very sad that young people did not come out to vote in Florida. This is about YOUR future!
All young people and young-hearted people come out and vote for the candidate that can take us into the future.
Vote Obama 08!

Sandy   January 29th, 2008 9:32 pm ET

DROSE- They were allowed to come to Florida. Just not campaign. They were allowed to do fundraisers and they all did.

wendy   January 29th, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Clinton wins hands down. All the way to democratic convention. It is not a beauty contest as it will be a insult to 2+ million democratic voters in florida.

South Carolina Girl   January 29th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Margie Miller–

You are right. Mormons "heed the counsel" of their church leaders. Counsel such as: get an education, stay out of debt, reach out to our neighbors and serve those in need, and avoid addictive things like alcohol, gambling, and pornography. We are such a bunch of lemmings. No free will whatsoever.

Dave Hearst   January 29th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

Margie Miller- I am a mormon and have been most of my life. That is simply not true.

With all of the adversity facing the United States, and all of the shortcomings of Government, I want a President that can get things done. I want an individual with outstanding intelligence and ability, who has proven in the past that he has an ability to solve complex problems, and the ability to get things done. America is facing some tough challenges and needs a leader that has the courage and the ability to change the way that things have been done, and find a way to get certain difficult issues a workable solution.

In my mind that leaves Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. John McCain looks like a deer in headlights when asked a question about the economy that requires even modest understanding. John McCain is the perfect solution if you want things to continue as they are. I think it is terribly unfortunate that Rudy will probably exit the race. He has the ability, the intelligence and the willingness to get things done. I don't think there is any question that Mitt has the ability and the experience as well as the intelligence. The question is, does he have the courage to go against the grain if necessary to implement difficult solutions when certain leaders get entrenched in a different position. The answer? I hope so.

Also, McCain will never win a general election against Hillary or Obama. Rudy has a great chance, Mitt has a decent chance.

Tim   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Where is our sense of community? All I see here, mostly, are blistering flame wars and harsh attacks on each other. It's a very sad state of affairs. Please treat each other with dignity - no matter who they are - and especially those who disagree with you.

Sandy   January 29th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Here are your census on Florida:

15.8% Black
80.2 % White
20.2% Latino/Hispanic
2.2% Asian

People under 5 years old 6.2%
18 to 64 years old 77.8%
65 and older 16.8%

female 50.9%
male 49.1%

Elise Shurtliff   January 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

In Response to Margie Miller:

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints (LDS - mormon) my entire life I would like to respond to the idea of "heed to cousel" The LDS faith has never asked any members to vote a specific way, to do so would remove their members agency and freedom of choice (in addition the LDS church's tax-exempt status).

Carter Usm   January 29th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Why do people keep saying that Mormons are not Christians? They believe that Jesus Christ is the son of god, and that their church is based on the word of God, the father of Jesus. Joseph Smith founded the church after he was told by the angel Moroni where some metal plates containing holy scriptures were located. He found them and although they were written in "reformed Egyptian" he was able to translate them by placing two magic stones in a hat and covering his face with it. How can you argue with the word of God? Joseph Smith also let us know among other wondrous things that the Garden of Eden was in Jackson County Missouri.

Drose   January 29th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

In response to Bruce Dixon's comments, "Get a life". The reason the media made a "big" deal about Barracks win in South Carolina, is that is was a true campaign primary. The New Hampshire paper that originally endorsed Hillary, called her a liar today for going back on a sworn promise to them that under no circumstances would she vilolate their trust and campaign in or go to Florida. Just another example, among many, of Clinton lies. She is desparate to win any way she can. Bubba can't help her now. Wake up Bruce and smell the bull crap.

Ray Davis   January 29th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

If a persons vote is secret, how do you know how many whites voted for Clinton or how many blacks voted for Obama?

Keivn   January 29th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Experience in any job matters including the office of presidency.

john   January 29th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Latino can only vote if they are citizens. Currently the Supreme Court is
reviewing voter ID laws, and likely to rule them legal in time for the fall
election. YOU MUST HAVE PAPERS TO VOTE!

Rand   January 29th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Over 60 % said they were conservative? Please stop with the jokes. REAL Conservatives would be mad as hell with GW, and would be disgusted by the so called front runners. GW, Mccain are liberal in immigration, Huckabee talks tough about Immigration but his records shows that he has always done the liberal thing like mayor 9/11, Rommney has no credibility he Flip flops more than Kerry.

Do not get me started on Taxes because only one out of the 5 has never voted to raise any tax, and yes creative made up city and government fees are taxes. All but one support GW's approach of nation building and policing the world. Yes, we should be in Afghanistan but give me a break about Iraq! enough is enough, McCain said that as far as he was concerned the troops could be there 50 to 100 years.

Big liberal spenders except one that has never voted for an umbalanced budget. Real Conservatives are very rare in the Republican party because liberals with the label of neo-cons have taken the GOP over. Neo Cons are Liberals. Come on tell me which of these guys is a true Conservative and back it up.

StayHome   January 29th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Dear Mr. Illingsworth,

Please plan your annual vacation elsewhere, so I do not have to avoid you crossing 3 lanes of traffic to see a palm tree.

Matt   January 29th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Yea Angela. Clinton didnt campaign in Florida. Obama didnt campaign in Florida. Guess what, Clinton won big all things being equal. That counts for something. Just because Clinton might give a victory speech in Florda doesnt mean she campaigned there. How convienient for Obama that the DNC keeps disqualifying states that Obama loses big in.

David Snider   January 29th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Old People, when are you going to give up your ignorance? Us young people have outgrown your childish games! Open your eyes for once!

Obama 08

Paul   January 29th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

"half were over 60 years old, and more than a third were over 65."?

Obama should have gone to Florida!

"two-thirds have a positive view of the Bush administration" ?

Such nonsense!

THIS COUNTRY NEEDS SOME HOPE!!

Bob in MA   January 29th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

CNN reports 80% of the turnout was White, 13% Latinos. The "good ole' boys" must have repressed the black vote again(just like 2000.)

Anthony   January 29th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Why does CNN only use Obama's numbers from SC when looking at super tuesday and not also the numbers from Iowa and NH where his votes were majority white? Is CNN discrediting those wins or just trying to paint Obama as a president for only blacks?

Martha Kira   January 29th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

How can CNN already be declaring Hillary Clinton the winner here in Florida with only a little over 300,000 votes on her ticket and Broward and Miami Dade not even having reported yet? Aren't you being premature?

Zelalem Bogale   January 29th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

Don't you all think the Democratic outcome in Florida tonight would have been different if Obama and Edwards actually campaigned there, as Hillary sneakily did? Let's just be fair.

Cable King Pittsburgh PA   January 29th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

A big "Yikes" to that 2/3 crowd that supports the Bush adminstration.

Better to saw Florida off and just let it float away.

Amy   January 29th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

It is so silly that Hillary is in Florida and CNN is reporting her as a winner when there are no delegates. The same Hillary that snubbed the voters in South Carolina can spend time in Florida. Now I know CNN is the Clinton network.

Mark Hill   January 29th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

And by the way to those of you who don't live in FL. Bill Clinton won the state in 1996 and there is no reason to be certain Hillary can't do the same. And, while JEB served two terms, he was not very popular at the end.

Felix Richter   January 29th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

If South Carolina was a tribute to Barack's supporters (young and black), Florida is a tribute to Hillary's (old, white, and female).

Matt, the DNC is not giving any delegates because if states chose their own dates, it would be a free-for-all, with states competing to have the earliest votes to spread their influence. And look at how much Florida means for this race. It means so much because the state's primary was moved up. Imagine if states were all given delegates for when they placed primaries. Pandemonium, I'd wager.

rw   January 29th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Wow, look at the comments in here: anti Mormon, anti born again, ageist. Not good people.

And Jeff Y, does that make the 80+% of blacks that voted for Obama in SC just because he is black, bigots too?

Since I am on the subject of race, and this country is a country of diversity, why is it that the cable channels think that by placing two white and two black commentators, with a token female, equals diversity? Where are the Hispanic commentators (oh yeah, Lou Dobbs has one) where are the Asian, where are the NATIVE AMERICAN? This is their country too!

Martha Kira   January 29th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Here in Florida, we had every candidates' name on the ballots (both Parties). Why are you only reporting the results for three each in the Parties? Where are results for the candidates the media ignored all through the Primary process? (Like Biden who I voted for today even though he dropped out from lack of media attention driving down donations). And I ask again, where are you getting your polling numbers from since Miami Dade and Broward (two bigger counties) haven't reported? Their web site reporting pages aren't even reporting anything yet.
And not only was there not ONE exit poller at my polling place, but no one asked me my race or age so where are you getting that data from?

Zelalem Bogale   January 29th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Matt - this stripping of delegates by the DNC was previously agreed to months ago - you should have been outraged then, if at all.

Nobody can win Florida because there are no delegates!!! CNN looks like an arm of the Clinton Family like Fox News is an arm of the Republican Party - yes, it's THAT overt and shameless.

Mark Hill   January 29th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

I live in conservative NE Florida. Even here, I don't believe that 2/3 have a positive opinion of the Bush administration. I think your polling statistics are faulty.

Paul DEM GA   January 29th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

GO HILLARY….. CARRY THIS LANDSLIDE INTO SUPER TUESDAY.. AND MAKE IT CLEAR YOU ARE THE DEMOCRATE…
DELEGATES SHOULD COUNT, IF OBAMA THINKS THE VOTE SHOULD NOT COUNT THE VOTE, THEN HE SHOULD NOT COUNT THE VOTES IN THE GENERAL ELECTION… NOT VERY DEMOCRATIC…FOR THIS FREE COUNTRY.

Richard Coleman   January 29th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

Well if McCain wins I'm offically becoming a Democrat. if he wins than it proves to me that the only party with principles is the democratic party.

Jack form WV   January 29th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

So what this says is that the people who have age and wisdom are thinking the Bush Administration is doing what’s best? These people have been around for a while and they must think Bush is on the right track they might have something here, no more bombing in the USA which is about the only thing I think he’s done. They might just be right, however being a retired VET I can not condone the killing of such young kids or even worse is maimed for life just doesn’t sit well with me at all. We have much more important things to do right here and now. Getting those people off the streets and getting them into a home, get back some of those jobs we outsourced for a better America. Find a way so that every American can have health insurance they can afford and will cover them completely with no hidden charges, and prescription drugs that we all can afford. Once we have things straightened out here maybe then we could get involved in the world issued but not until we have some of these issues taken care of

Lee   January 29th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

The voices of Florida democrats have been heard! HILLARY WINS FLORIDA!!!!

earl illingsworth   January 29th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Pardon me, but Florida is a segregated, low brow ,single(minded) party state! The Dem's don't have a chance , the illegals make up 20% of the state as slave labor, for the wealthy. Former Gov. Jeb Bush, and current Gov.Charley Christ are political pawns for the" Cuban (Miami) Machine", the states a joke! The D.N.C. is going to make em pay, for the last eight years, and their belligerent intolerance for protocal regarding when scheduled primaries are to be held. Hillary will easily win the state, for reason I'd rather not discuss right now,but where those delegates go is something I'd like to discuss. Unlike Michigan, where Hillary got the delegates, it would be a travesty for her to get Florida again because of a technicality! So who voted, certainly not the poor, or the disenfranchised , but the wealthy and the Latino's, whoopee!!!

Texan   January 29th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Mike Mike Mike
No candidates from the Dem. party campaigned in Florida. BUT barack ran TV ads there that cost millions of dollars. Senator Clinton and Edwards did not. Senator Clinton will be there tonight AFTER the polls close to show respect to the hundreds of thousands of loyal democrats who went out to vote. Any objection?…. or do you think they should be ignored and disenfranchised ?
So Mike, who is not "playing by the rules?"
Get your facts before you post please.
Looks like you have been "hoodwinked"

Jim ( Independent )   January 29th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

I agree with you Mike , This Florida and Clinton the scandal queen stuff is a joke.

angela   January 29th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

I don't understand why CNN TV gives equal billing to the results of the Democratic and Republican primaries in Florida. They are reporting the running tally of the Democratic primary as if the numbers are real. All of the three major candidates pledged not to do any campaigning in Florida. Thus, it is obvious that the candidate with the best name recognition will have a land slide. This type of reporting is simply misleading to the public– and, undoubtedly, Clinton will claim it as a victory. Let's just call it what it is– a non-vote.

William Brown   January 29th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

People say that economy is in bad shape. Yet majority votes for McCain - a person who knows nothing about it.

tinky   January 29th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

If mainstream media (cnn, fox, ect.) would show any footage of Ron Paul and stop excluding him, he would be the one winning in Florida and all the other states and he would be our next president!!! Stop this non-sense and put up some good footage of Dr. Paul! He is the only one tellling the TRUTH!

Beth   January 29th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

if Obama was winning fl by this margin you obama supporters would love it and laugh…well in this beauty contest she sure is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rese   January 29th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

If Florida don't matter for democrate why is cnn making a big deal out of it .Go
Huckabee

lara   January 29th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

could we please get some statistics about the democrat voters?

who is voting for clinton, who is voting for obama and who is voting for edwards????

cnn is so one sided is unreal…

Margie Miller   January 29th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

The only reason I would not vote for Mitt is that the LDS church has a policy of asking their members to "heed to council". I know this is so because I have LDS friends who told me that was so. They said if they go to a conference of their church and a member votes against a piece of legislation proposed by their leadership, they are called upon later and asked about their vote and asked to "heed to council".

kevin h   January 29th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Apparently, the Bill of Rights, has escaped 'ol Gilbert…well I'm sure the right to bear arms didn't but hey, what's 9 out of 10?

Branden, Georgetown, KY   January 29th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

wow. to all of you who keep saying mormons are not christians and are not people of faith, perhaps you should stop reading all the mainstream news media reports on Mormons, because they inevitably use diction that makes Mormons seem like a bunch of liars. Why? Because they ask people who grew up mormon, but no longer practice and have ill feeling towards the church, for information on the religion. That's like interviewing a political scientist on climate change. If you want accurate information on the church so you can make an educated decision on whether or not Mormons are Christian, go to the source, not the news. I'm voting for Mitt. And not because I'm mormon.

billylee8   January 29th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

A whole two-thirds have a positive view of the Bush administration?

Man, I almost forgot how Florida single-handedly screwed over the entire U.S. Now I remember.

will   January 29th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Im not sure where they are looking but thats not Jacksonville, FL. This is RP country!

Cristina   January 29th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

I am young (23) and republican. And as a young republican I voted for Giuliani because he is a moderate and not a crazy conservative. Extremes in either direction are bad and although christian values are good your religion shouldn't matter in this political race.

Mary   January 29th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

DIdn't Obama say in a speech that he thought that the Florida delegates chould be seated and now today, since he is behind, is saying that it is a beauty contest.

William Tillman   January 29th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Let the waters rise, we don't need Florida.
I just found out — they like this administration
He sank the whole country & let Florida float
around in blind bliss.

America Forever   January 29th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Okay CNN you are *&&^%. Your comment: "If McCain wins, he will be the clear front-runner. If Romney wins, it's still up in the air. "

Truth: Romney is the front runner right now. If McCain wins, he will only be slightly ahead of Romney. Super Tuesday will blow air between your two ears and maybe, just maybe you will start reporting the facts!!

Robin   January 29th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

CNN — why haven't you called the race at 10% reporting for Clinton? On Saturday you called it for Obama with approximately the same split after about 3 seconds. Biased, indeed.

Will   January 29th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

For the last time, Senator McCain is not for amnesty, and CIRA is not amnesty, either…you guys puke whenever you see a Democrat and a Republican sponsoring a bill together without considering the ramifications of doing so. Bipartisanship is something this country needs more, not less.

I mean, deporting 12 million people? Many of whom are citizens (yep, children born on U.S. soil are U.S. citizens under jus soli? That's not just inhumane…it's impossible.

Migs_NYC   January 29th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

I hope Ron Paul wins Florida, or at least ends with a result that warrants better coverage from the networks. I can't believe how much press has been given to Giuliani even though he hasn't raised as much money, gotten more votes or delegates than Ron Paul.

What's up CNN?

Matt   January 29th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

What is wrong with the Democrats? Why do they keep taking delegates away from states? This is like the second time they have done it already. Who cares when states hold their primaries?

Renee   January 29th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Bryce
The Florida primary cannot be "won" by a Democrat. No campaigning occured here and no delegates are at stake.

Zelalem Bogale   January 29th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Why is CNN covering the INCONSEQUENTIAL Democratic election in Florida? The way your commentators nuance the unimportance of Florida and never fully articulate that it "doesn't count", coupled with the live ticker counting votes next to the Republican ticker counting votes (which actually counts towards delegates), leads people to think the Democratic race in Florida is legitimate. This is an outrage! There are no delegates awarded to a Democratic Presidential candidate in Florida, period. And the fact that Hillary Clinton's lobbying to make the result in Florida a headline, after she and the other Democratic candidates agreed to not campaign in Florida since the DNC was going to strip Florida (and Michigan) of their delegates, is being validated by your news company, frankly makes me sick. Hillary Clinton is attempting to gain momentum by undermining her word and integrity, but nobody is calling her on it - this is a travesty of journalism. Take the Democratic ticker off the screen!!!

Anthony Linn   January 29th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Let's hear of some of Hillary's supporter's, not just Obama's. I think the news tends to make too much of this, and is making it about race.
I have yet to hear anyone talk about gas prices, and what they intend to do. Bush and his family have destoyed our lives with his poor decisions, the time has come for change. Vote Hillary Clinton.

Gibbs   January 29th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Mitt Romney is the most qualified, the most experienced and the most able to turn our economy around. All you have to do is look at what he has accomplished over the last 25 years. Why would America want another political lapdog like McCain leading us into bigger deficits and worsening immigration problems? We need someone smart with strong leadership skills to pull the country out of this recession with fresh ideas and the smarts and experience to get it done!!

Basquale   January 29th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Are there only the richest and oldest people living in Florida? Unbelievable all the oldies are voting for the future of the younger! Shame as Florida has always been.

Jeff Y   January 29th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

That's right! Mormons are bad people. They only say they believe in Jesus. They don't really mean it. I know, cuz I once saw this Mormon guy jay-walk.

And Catholics aren't Christians either, right? So Giuliani is out too.
And heck, ya can't vote for Obama, cuz he's black.
Oh, and Hillary's out because she's a woman.

White protestants men are the only folks fit to fill the office!
I guess that leaves it up to Edwards, Gravel, Huckabee, McCain and Paul.

You're entitled to use that rule to vote, but the rest of us get to call you an ignorant bigot.

Mike, Eugene, Oregon   January 29th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

I surf over to CNN to actually read the news, but lately all I see is a bunch of pro-Cltinon cr*p! What on earth are you guys doing, posting Cltinon as the "winner" of the Florida primary? THERE IS NO DEMOCRATIC FLORIDA PRIMARY!!!! All of the candidates signed a pledge to not campaign in Florida (or Michigan), to have themselves removed from the ballot! So, at best, this is a duplicitous move by Clinton, another example of her not keeping her word. At worst, it is a cynical attempt to invent her won rules in her/"their" grasping ruthless bid for power. Have the decency to remove this from your site.

Anthony Linn   January 29th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

While I'm a loyal Clinton fan, this is politics, and sometimes it's ugly. Sure Bill Clinton may have carried on too much, but then again, the media sometimes carry on too much as well. It's up to us to decide, or is it. It seems as though our votes dont really count with this whole ordeal, after all it has nothing to do with the popular vote, it's all about the delegates, entirely unfair. Mr Kennedy made a choice based upon anger, and not facts. Obama surely has a great message, but I have yet too see the facts behind his plans. Anyone can give a great speach, and people will both listen and follow. After all, we want change.
Don't listen to the media folks, they disect everything 50 different ways, that's so tiring. Vote on the facts, the plans, the candidate, and not just words spoken. This is our future, our time. All the younger folks out there are sold on the vibe and the constant media coverage and get sucked in by the negative talk, and not the facts. My family prospered and did well under Bill Clinton, they were some of best times this country has had in some time. And I'm certain that Hillary is a great candidate. She has great Ideas, great motivation and drive. And she is the best qualified for the job of President of the United States.

Hooligan   January 29th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

Wow Gilbert, what an unbiased and accepting statement to all forms of life . . . the president's religion, faith, or what have you should NOT matter in an election. The fact that over 1/3 that voted were "born again/evangelical" is sickening.

I'd vote in the Republican primary for McCain (only because he seems the only sane guy left in the GOP). But, Obama is the man for the job. He won't let faith blind him to the real problems in America. Here's to him!

D.H.   January 29th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

The name of Mitt Romney's church is The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, and members are often called Latter-day Saints or "Mormons".

karen r   January 29th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

I'm hoping Gov. Romney does well in Florida. He is a little more conservative than Sen. McCain, and Gov. Romney is not for amnesty, unlike Sen. McCain. Um, Mr. Gilbert, Mormons belong to a church called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I think that makes it Christian. You might want to examine your heart.

Lee   January 29th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Very well said Bryce - I agrees wholeheartedly. They are not fair at all to Hillary. Big deal if they dont get delegates - people there have voices too and they are speaking - people should listen.

nancy bent   January 29th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

CNN = POLITICS

Thanks for that warning.
I'll see you in a non-election year.

caesar   January 29th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

I don't trust polls anymore.
I don't even trust the way votes are counted.

We should just skip to the general elections, because it is simply going to be against a person who will perpetuate war or bring troops home.

Lee   January 29th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

I wonder if the headlines will call the democratic primary a "rout" tomorrow - even though they call it a beauty contest. Hillary is gonna kick some tail!
More people will vote in florida than all the other states put together so far ….
We'll see how she does :)

Hillary 08

james   January 29th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

We need a TRUE man with experience and a man of FAITH
Mitt is Christian. I wonder about those who claim that Mormons are not Christian. That is just NOT true. Enough of this religious intolerance!

South Carolina Girl   January 29th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

I was born and raised as a Mormon in South Carolina, and I am sick and tired of ignorant bigots telling me that I'm not a Christian. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. So stop telling me what I do or don't believe.

No one should vote for or against Mitt because he's a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm a Mormon, and I'm voting for Obama.

Topher   January 29th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Now that the exit polls are win, WAIT untill the votes are actually counted to decide a winner. The voters decide who wins not the media. In South Carolina voters did not go to the polls because they had already heard Obama won. The media needs to take a critical look at how they are acting in this elections. CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, ABC, NBC and CBS do not pick our next President, we do and I hope that the media respects that - becuase they have not so far.

Peter Brown   January 29th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

If I was an American and I'm not, I would back John McCain. He is Christian and I believe his commitment to helping America much more than Mitt Romney who comes across too much like a "used car salesman" who just wants to get elected and will do all he can to that end and nothing else. "Mitt's Not It! "

T   January 29th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

The above comment shows why we seriously need a democrat as the next president - especially someone like Hillary. We need to stop these evangelicals from electing presidents based on their faith and not the issues - these are the people that put Bush into power and these are the people we liberals need to defeat.

Texan   January 29th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Senator Clinton will win big here. Call it a "beauty contest" if you will Cnn, but these voters are sending you and Time/Warner a loud and clear message. Maybe I will get a "dish"…

Will Argyle   January 29th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Give a rest, Gilbert.

The word "heretic" is rightly reserved for history books and Monty Python skits. Are you voting for the President or for the Holy Roman Emperor? Check your watch, set it forward four centuries, please.

Your Daddy   January 29th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

News flash: The Stereotypical GOP voter is old, religious, conservative well-off and white….

…And as natural in a crowd of black folk as old Mitt was the other day singing 'who let the dogs out?" and commenting on someone's 'bling bling.'

Dianne   January 29th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Mitt is a CHRISTIAN as are all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

bj smith   January 29th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Gilbert Marv reminds me of why I am a Democrat!

C. Weimer, Sacramento, CA   January 29th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Well, Mr. Marv, maybe you'll get lucky and Jesus will return and consume everybody you don't like in a ball of fire. You just be sure and point 'em out, okay?

Whatever happens in Florida, if it's the burial place of Rudy Giuliani, that's good enough for me.

Billy   January 29th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

Sadly, there is no real conservative left in the race for the GOP nomination. Niether Mitt Romney nor John McCain have true conservative credentials based on their records. An old Washington insider like McCain is the best the GOP can do?

pj4521   January 29th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

Bush should be proud that the senility crowd still thinks his administration is doing a good job. What a riot.

Bryce K. Dixon   January 29th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

I hope CNN makes as big a deal now that Hillary as won Florida, like you news anchor and commentators did when Obama won South Carolina…

I guess Obama is now on the ropes and the sky is falling too…. well he should just abandon the race now……

I love CNN but your unfair, distorted and personal attack against Hillary is shameful, it reminds me of the Fox Lies Network… and thier support for Bush and his madness….

And the constant suggestion that the Clintons are somehow Racist is so wrong, I want slap Roland Martin and Donna Brazile How could you guys even suggest such a thing…. Its one thing to support Obama but to stick the racial knife in the back of the Clintons… wow

Sue, Michigan   January 29th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Over 2/3 have a positive view of the Bush administration??? Are you kidding me? These people must be the ones who got the tax cuts, don't have a mortgage, and could care less about troops dying in Iraq.

Jason   January 29th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Hmmm…sounds like pretty good numbers for Mccain. Vets, older Americans, Cubans, moderates. Those are his crowd.

H.ROSS   January 29th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Dont they have any young people in Florida ?

Gilbert Marv   January 29th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

I hope and PRAY that John McCain WINS BIG..
We need aTRUE man with experience and a man Of FAITH
John is a Christian. Mitt is NOT, Mormons are not Christian.

Jane Nycum   January 29th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

As a news source I believe there is an obligation to report facts, not innuendos. I also believe that with the country in the dire situation it has found itself, you have an obligation to be vigilant when reporting. It is also important and a journalistic standard that what is reported is fact, not opinion. Why does a news person sensationalize a brief and unimportant observation between Obama and Hilary at the State of the Union Address? It is time for CNN to focus on real news. I want to hear about issues that are relevant to the welfare of the citezens of the US, not gossip, speculation and sensationalism. Are the reporters at CNN reporters, or salesperson for powerful corporate organizations. If I want the news, I listen to NPR or Jon Stewart, who by the , comes a lot closer to the facts than you do.

Roger from MA   January 29th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

"Just over two-thirds have a positive view of the Bush administration"

So basically it's the gullible redneck crowd who's coming out to vote tonight. Looks like a good night for Mitt!

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