February 5, 2008
Posted: 08:20 PM ET

Several distinct patterns are emerging in the combined early exit polling from the states holding primaries today:

–Worries About The Economy

The economy is the top issue for both Democrats and Republicans.

Democrats overwhelmingly – but also a majority of Republicans – see the nation's economic condition as being "not so good" or "poor."

The #2 issue for Democrats is the war in Iraq.

The #2 issue for Republicans is illegal immigration.

–Change

Democratic voters say the quality that matters for them most in a candidate is that he/she "can bring about needed change." "Having the right experience" is a distance second.

Republicans most often look for a candidate who "shares their values," followed by "has the right experience" and "says what he believes."

Related: Watch Bill Schneider break down the important issues.

Filed under: Exit Polls


Joe   February 5th, 2008 9:54 pm ET

The political pundits and pollsters underestimate the general public and overestimate the importance of endorsements.

Steve, Cedar Rapids, Iowa   February 5th, 2008 9:27 pm ET

Please, with the economy going into the tank, what is Senator McCain going to do/?Some crucial votes are coming up in the Senate and I am curious which side is Mr. McCain going to come down on? Doing George Bush's bidding or voting for some alternatives offfered by the Dems and even some Republicans.a few of who are up for reelection in Blue States. I am sure Senator Reid will be glad to accomodate these votes for Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain. We know how Clinton and Obama will vote. The ball is in Senator McCain's court.

Jose Card - Independent   February 5th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

If you read Alan Greenspan's new book, he said that Senior Bush's economy had an impressive 4.1% of growth after coming out of a recession.

Bill rode the prosperity wave at the end of the cold war. All around Earth, people were optimistic and creative and the economy expanded with it. If anything, Bill sliced our defense budget big time, which saved lots of budget and also did great damage to our national security. But then he gave China our satellite and missile guidance technologies before he signed the most favorable trade agreement for China in Nov., 1999 just before he left office. He knew what that trade agreement would do to our economy as he and Hillary planned to return for his third term after the damage is done. It's always easier to pander for votes when people are suffering.

Bill first admitted and then retracted that Sudan offered to get Osama bin Laden for us, but he didn't know what to do. Had Bill done his job, we wouldn't be in Iraq and we wouldn't have had 9-11.
It beats me why New York elected Hillary.
It beats me why people even consider Hillary/Bill for his third term.

GRACE, SUN CITY CENTER, FL   February 5th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

WELL, STARTING WITH DISTRICT GERRYMANDERING.
THE MEDIA BIAS. THE MAJOR PARTY MONOPOLY ON BALLOT ACCESS.
THE CAUCUSES WITH THEIR CRAZY QUILT PROCEEDURES. (W.VIRGINIA)
THE EARLY STATE INFLUENCE COMPROMISING THE INTEGRITY OF VOTING.
THE WINNER-TAKE-ALL WIPING OUT MILLIONS OF VOTES.
THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE… NO OBLIGATION TO THE VOTERS.
THE INSANITY OF DOING THE SAME THING OVER & OVER, EXPECTING
DIFFERENT RESULTS.
GEORGE WASHINGTON OR THOMAS JEFFERSON COULD NOT WIN AN
ELECTION IN THIS COUNTRY TODAY.
WAKE UP AMERICA!!! YOU LEARNED NOTHING FROM DUBYA.
IT LOOKS VERY MUCH LIKE THERE WILL, ONCE AGAIN, BE A LOT OF REGRETS
IN THE FUTURE, AS A RESULT OF THIS ELECTION.
I HOPE RON PAUL ACCEPTS A DRAFT FROM THE L.P. PAUL AND HIS
SUPPORTERS HAVE A LOT INVESTED IN THIS ELECTION. THE GROUND
WORK IS LAID… THE ORGANIZATION IS THERE. PLEASE RON…. MAKE
THIS YOUR LAST STAND FOR FREEDOM AND JUSTICE IN AMERICA.

Lowell   February 5th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

When is the news media going to realize that Huckabee is getting votes, not because of his religion, but because he supports The FairTax? Wake up everybody.

deroy   February 5th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

NEWS FLASH:

the only change the voters are going to is "CHUMP CHANGE".

count it.

mr.fair tax   February 5th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

WHAT DANG CHANGE?
WHAT DO PEOPLE MEAN??
I SAY WIN THE WAR, PROTECT AMERICA….. WERE DOING THAT!!
YES WE NEED SOME TWEAKING TO MEDICAL IN AMERICA, BUT NOT A MAJOR CHANGE!!
YOU NEED TO WORK AND NOT EXPECT GIVE AWAYS PEOPLE, NO CHANGE THERE!!!
PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS!!!!!
NO ILLEGALS!!!
NO DRIVERS LICENSE TO ILLEGALS!!
OH AND HAPPY MARDI GRAS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kat   February 5th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

While I have always identified myself more closely with the Democratic Party I am a conservative liberal… a moderate. After the past seven years of an administration that aggressively fought against my values and those of many of my countrymen I am certain that we are off course and in need of change… but to what end and at what cost? There has to be a middle ground. A candidate that can serve as a leader for all Americans, unite our country and restore our tarnished reputation.

If we come to the general election with a republican that ignites concern and fear in half of our citizens and a democrat who ignites fear and concern in the other half of our citizens, we will only further divide our great country. But if we come to the general election with candidates from each party that can unite and lead the entire country, the country will be victorious no matter which candidate wins. United we stand, Divided we fall.

Come Election Day my vote will be cast for the candidate that is most likely to uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States of America, unite our country and with any luck…inspire us.

If I had to choose a republican candidate for President it would be John McCain. While we differ on many of the key/wedge issues I believe he would uphold his oath of office and would be able to unite our country. His honor, valor and patriotism are inspiring.

If you had to choose a candidate for President from the opposing party who would it be? (poll available at http://www.moderate4america.org)

rafael   February 5th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

barrister, it's the vast right wing conspiracy… LOL!
you sound just like your candidate

Ryan   February 5th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

We really can't go by exit polls because you only take a sample of the people in one to various locations not really getting a clear picture of who is ledding.

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