February 6, 2008
Posted: 12:47 AM ET

(CNN) – McCain came in third among Missouri conservatives, so how did he win the state?

His overwhelming support among the state's moderates, even those who are sharply at odds with his positions.

Twenty-three percent of Missouri voters believe abortion should be legal, and they picked McCain 2-to-1 over Romney and Huckabee. And 30 percent are against the war in Iraq and they also picked McCain 2-to-1 over Romney and Huckabee.

McCain, of course has a strong pro-life Senate record, and he has made achieving victory in Iraq his top issue.

Related: CNN Analysts say McCain is on the road to Republican nomination

CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider

Filed under: Bill Schneider • John McCain


truthincampaigns   February 6th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Hey, wait just a dadgum minute! John McCain is a champion of ethics and campaign reform. He's a proud and prominent member of the Keating Five, which should all bloggers need to know about.

Go search on this and get yourself educated before you hang labels on him. If you must, then label John McCain as one of the exclusive Keating Five principals!

-Truthincampaigns

Charlotte   February 6th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I want to know how many blacks voted for each candidate? How many women? How many of them were black. How many Hispanics? How many with a college degree? How many Asians? How many under 25? How many over 40? What was the median income of each group. The media seem to think the democrats need to know these little details?

Shannon   February 6th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Uhhh… "hello" of course Huckabee is playing the "religious card"… HE'S CHRISTIAN… THAT'S WHAT CHRISTIANS DO… WE GIVE PRAISE TO OUR LORD… IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. He's a man of great substance that stands by the MORALS our entire FAITH is about. THAT is what makes him such a good candidate! THAT is what this Great Nation, that YOU live in is based on… CHRISTIANITY! As far as him having a strong pro life record, of course he does… AGAIN… CHRISTIANITY. I used to think that it was a terrible thing for the government to step in and be able to decide what I can do with "my" body. It's all how you LOOK AT IT THOUGH. Through maturity and wisdom and a stronger relationship with the Lord, I've come to realize it's not so wrong to allow the government to have a say, if it's coming from "biblical" reason and not just the government flexing it's muscle. I had an abortion when I was a teenager. I know my Lord forgives me, but will I ever be able to fully forgive myself is the question. Really the only SHAMEFUL thing, is that I felt I "HAD NO OTHER CHOICE", like a lot of teens. IF MORE SUPPORT, physical, emotional, financial, was made a priority and made available for girls/women, they wouldn't FEEL THEY HAD TO. If ABSTINENCE outside of marriage was VOCALIZED more, instead of "SEXUALITY" being crammed down young peoples throats, there would be less abortions and no need for anyone to step in. Of course there are unique situations like incest or rape, that the woman of course SHOULD be able to abort, but those are not the greater percentage. WHY would things have to revert back to "back door coat hanger procedures"? Why not support PRO LIFE because it's the RIGHT thing to do and tell these girls/women "WE ARE HERE FOR YOU, WE HAVE SUPPORT ALREADY IN PLACE FOR YOU", and stop telling them "Go ahead honey, go sleep with whoever, it's easy to abort it if you get pregnant".
GO HUCKABEE! In God we TRUST… or at least America "at one time did".

master of genius   February 6th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

everyone please save all your breath, Mccain will win, because he have a good heart. if you want to vote, make sure you vote for Mccain and be happy with it. Thanks

Ike   February 6th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

This election clearly exposes voters illitracy and riotous emotion that blind reality.Gender, race, charisma, smooth talk, eloquency, likability conservatism are canker warms that degrade the fabric of our political process and becloud our view of awful reality; what a shame. Our nation political destiny any hope?My name is Sam and I approve this message

Don   February 6th, 2008 11:38 am ET

They are also the most unitelligent of all voters next to Mike Hukabee.

Garry   February 6th, 2008 9:09 am ET

"It amazes me every time someone brings up Romney’s money. Like it is a bad thing or EVIL to have money. Isn't that why you get up and go to work for in the morning???????? Romney is extremely intelligent and smart. I have a hard time figuring out why people are so jealous of him because he has done well. Does it threaten your own self esteem or sense of self worth? Is that why you attack him and most of the time and bring up his wealth?

Or is it like Huckabee who keeps bringing religion into the race and saying things like, "Well on Tuesday I'll just walk to the brook and pull out a smooth stone and slay the giants”. Huckabee keeps playing the religion card over and over again, it makes you sick every time he does it. Huckabee will absolutely stay in the race, “with the Widows mite” Mainly because he is an absolute Mormon Hater.

Another comment made earlier by a miss guided soul. They said if Romney got into the Whitehouse our taxes would go the Mormon Church. More uninformed Mormon Haters taught by their Paid Ministry saying things that are just plain stupid. Mormons pay tithing to build churches, help the needy, all over the world. They unlike you do not have a paid ministry. On the welfare help please check the record, just stick with the facts.

William A   February 6th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Anyone who is against the War in Iraq and voted fo McCain deserves him.
I would vote Huckabee 3 to 1 over McCain if I were inclined towards Republicans.

I can't understand any AMerican voting for McCain who is against the Iraq War unless they want the War to go on indefinitely and it will under his reign. Wake UP !

Steve, Cedar Rapids, Iowa   February 6th, 2008 9:01 am ET

People don't want a Bush light in McCain which is what you will get if he is elected. The Republicans controlled everything for over 6 of the last 8years and look where your at? Health care, gas prices, Iraq, working longer for less.The Republicans have done absolutely nothing for working people.What has Bush and Chenet done for working people? I can't find anyone who will admit they voted for Bush. Someone sure did! It will not matter who McCain has for a running mate. I do not want a religious zealot like Governor Huckabee a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Doesn't he know about the separation of church and state? High voter turnout favors the Dems in November regardless whether it is Clinton or Obama.The Dems will roll to victory in November. There is a reason why so many Republcans are not running for reelection. Even Senator McCain himself is none too popular in parts of his home state of Arizona .Anyone seen Vice President Cheney lately?

The Dean of Heroics   February 6th, 2008 7:47 am ET

Hannah..all I can say is that you must've taken a stupidity pill yesterday. I'm in LA, as well…wasn't a problem for me.

HANNAH TOOK A STUPIDITY PILL, EVERYONE!!

TJS   February 6th, 2008 7:37 am ET

As you see, If McCain wins the nomination it will def be a democrat in the White House. I am planning to vote Rep for the first time, but not if it is McCain or Romney. Especially McCain. I could NEVER vote for him. If he is the VP for Huckabee but not as our president. If we had a better nomination than McCain, I think we would get some democrat white males at the end. Especially if their nominee is Hillary.

Hannah Waldhorn   February 6th, 2008 3:33 am ET

i am a non-partisan voter registered in California… i just read an article on the msnbc website that obama was worried that non-partisan voters in this state were not given the option to vote for the democratic candidate in certain counties, even though they are entitled that vote. i knew that i was supposed to be able to vote for the democratic candidate, but the option was not included on the page of non-partisan issues and i ended up giving my ballot over without voting, i was going to vote for obama. afterwards i found out that i could have, but it was never made clear to me before hand. i am in los angeles and that is one of the counties msnbc said may be affected, i knew i could have been the only one to be confused. when i read that article i was so angry because it said the clinton representatives were saying that this was just obamas way to complain, but i am angry i didnt get to cast my vote and cant imagine that i was the only one to make the mistake!!! i dont know who to talk to about this but i want someone to know… TELL EVERYONE please.

Brooklyn Latina   February 6th, 2008 3:32 am ET

If Huckabee is on the ticket, there is no way that I would ever consider voting for an anti-Catholic, anti-Mormon bigot.

McCain cheated on his wife until he found a rich chick half his age and then dumped his wife.

Not a winning ticket–

especially in a year of "change" old ugly angry guy versus young, happy, optimistic Obama…

Young and happy will win.

jstbnme   February 6th, 2008 2:20 am ET

I know I said I had posted my last post, but I had to say….I have lived in Arkansas, and this state is ten times the state it was before Huckabee, and not once I mean once did it seem that his religion played any part in his leadership of the states economy, education, health care etc. and his undertaking of restructuring the infastructure that was in really bad shape. He left us with low unemployment, a much much higher graduation rate in our schools, and just come to the state and look aound, you can see it all around you, The Clintons on the other hand nearly destroyed the state…and I did not vote for Huckabee the first time he ran, I am a democrat, but after his first term, it was a easy decision….and I will vote for him again, whatever office he seeks….He is truly a great leader,and manager of the economy.

Dan Forster   February 6th, 2008 2:08 am ET

Clinton, Obama, and especially McCain are wards of the state! They've never held a real job, much less CREATE one! What a bunch of power-hungry SOCIALISTS! The remaining states representing the wise people of this nation will clean this McCain mess up for Romney, the only conservative and the only Republican who has a chance of beating EITHER liberal democrat. Then, in the White House, Romney can clean up the COMPLETE MESS that LIBERAL moron G.W. Bush left! -Dan Wrather

Think about it.   February 6th, 2008 2:05 am ET

Huckabee won't run with McCain. McCain is bound to lose either in the primary or the general.

Jeff T   February 6th, 2008 1:56 am ET

I continue to be surprised by how many Republicans are falling for the Ultra-Conservative propaganda machine's depiction of John McCain. This guy has a lifetime 83 score from the American Conservative Union, the only guy who can beat the Democrats in November, he doesn't change his positions on a weekly basis like Romney, and he appeals across the demographic block unlike Huckabee. Is it so horrible that he doesn't want to deport 12 million Hispanics? Is it so horrible that he worked to clean up the mess of soft money in politics? Is it so horrible that he has gone against his own party when they were bent on destroying themselves?

If we voted McCain in 2000, the Republicans would still be in control of Congress and the war in Iraq either wouldn't have been fought, or would be in a totally different state right now. Wake up you guys! Take a serious look at McCain and compare him to Obama and to Billary and ask yourself which you would rather have be President.

He's more consistently pro-life, pro-marraige, pro-constructionist judges, and anti-new taxes than either Huckabee or Romney. The primary system has worked and we're nominating the best man for the job. Let's come together and work to win in November!

Amanda   February 6th, 2008 1:55 am ET

If John McCain is the nominee, I am voting Democrat, but that would practically be the same thing. What McCain did with Mike Huckabee is disgusting. Talk about dividing the party. How can you expect someone to bring the U.S. together when there is so much divisiveness. The only reason Mitt is not more ahead is because he is Mormon. Those evangelical bigots don't have their heads on straight. The best candidate was cheated by his own party members behind based on religion. Hard to believe this thing happens in our country. I just everyone would vote on principles and experience, not religion.

Tom Wittmann   February 6th, 2008 1:50 am ET

It seems already evident that McCain will have enough delegates to be nominated

It would be a necessity for McCain, to win the elections, to offer Huckabee
the Vice-Presidency, as he is seen in the US amd in the world a likable and capable and even more important, a honest person, the drawback of his eventual religious conflicy of interests, important for a President, is not material for a VP.

And of course, such a VP, being much younger, would help in the election as
a mitigation of McCain's age issue and inject freshness in the ticket, by a person
who has, contrary to McCain, a very positive experience in Government executive
positions.

The nutually praising btween McCain and Hickabee, as well the W.Virginia
happening, show that both McCain and Huckabee are going in above direction,
so it makes no sense at all taht Romney continues in the race, spending his own money, as now nobody will be willing to give him any !

Therefore, if Romney wants to act rationally, he should wait until Friday and
leave saying he does so in order not to damage the Party, a very credible argument.

And hopefully Ron Paul does the same, to avoid the continuing stubborn posting in the blogs by his supporters!

Then, if the "radio guided" right wing extremist continue to rant, McCain should simply ignore it, catering to them would repeal sevarl times more independent voters.

TOM

Paul in Iraq   February 6th, 2008 1:49 am ET

Bob in Delaware. When have you been to Iraq to make a quaified statment on how the war is going? Are you just trusting what our media decides to report? Well, I am in Iraq and things are going good. The Iraqi's are stepping up and taking responsibility. Insurgents are having a difficult time and desperate for America and it parterns to leave. American troops are doing an excellent job with a smile on their face. If we up and leave Iraq now it would be a slap in the face of every family in America that has suffered at the hands of Al-Quaida.

Barton Harrison   February 6th, 2008 1:37 am ET

Dam I don't think John McCain's heath will hold out for 4 years my friend. My friend he doesn't put his pants on backwards yet my friend. But he is starting to drool on his chin.
Hope Barack Obama stops all the shuck and jive after a will it is irritating.
Note how he dropped in the polls and the timing with the TV spots. Most of us know he is just having fun. But I like the feel good to be a American speeches
more
Bart.

MOREWAR?   February 6th, 2008 1:35 am ET

mccain = 100 years in middle east = higher deficit = weaker dollar

BOOOOOOOO

Are   February 6th, 2008 1:33 am ET

Even if they disagree with him on some issues, moderates support McCain because he is a man of conviction and integrity, and you always know where he stands.

Arthur, Immokalee, Florida   February 6th, 2008 1:30 am ET

As he campaign was severely suffering McCain still felt confident to say that it's ok to lose an election but not a war. Regardless, how controversial his political record may be that statement spoke volume.

He was ready to sacrifice his political career, he lost strong political allies, he has been tested, vetted, and even let down by core leaders of his own party but he faced those adversities with charisma, strength, undeniable experience, and most importantly with a smile. McCain is the new definition of a LEADER.

john   February 6th, 2008 1:29 am ET

John Mc Cain I will be the nominee but he will get desroyed by the dems in the general election because of his stubborn and arrogant stance on iraq.

I am a veteran and I will NEVER vote for him!

J   February 6th, 2008 1:27 am ET

Note that Obama got more votes (1.2 million) in Illinois than Clinton got (1 million) in the large state of New York

jstbnme   February 6th, 2008 1:27 am ET

PLease Please, will someone tell Romney to quit spending his money and get out of the race….MSNBC has it right, it is a two man race ( they said it, not just Huckabee) and they were ahead of CNN all night. There is know way In hell Mcain beats any of the democrats, I don't think he could beat the Ralfanader….If the Media would do it's job and just report the facts and not campaign for there candidate, things might be different……Just think by some miracle Mcain wins, takes Huckabee as a running mate, and again by some chance they win(not). Mcain will Kill over, and guess who the commander and chief would be…so just cut to the chase and put Huckabee in!….But seriously, The media does need to change, I don't think I have been so dissapointed in anything this election than I have been with the media. For the most Part CNN. Is this part of the job description, you must support who I say?!!!!!!!!!just kills me people will not take a little time and do some homework…..I think we would be supprised at the different leaders we would have….this will be my last post at CNN, and the last day to catch your radio program Bill, sorry, but you dissapoint me…

Angela   February 6th, 2008 1:23 am ET

Why does everyone like this evil man? Do they really want another Bush in the white house? I mean if you're going to vote republican at least vote Paul, or even Huckabee…but not this loon. I voted Hillary Clinton because I actually want to get out of Iraq in the near future.

Billy C   February 6th, 2008 1:22 am ET

This is a huge dissapointment. Somehow I thought Republicans where better then McCain. Congrats Senator on your lost to the Democrates this fall. You have succesfully destroied Reagan's Party. You'll go go down in the history books for that so that may be a plus for you. Thanks agian for all you've done best wishes and I hope your health dosen't fail o wait yes I do.

Steve   February 6th, 2008 1:22 am ET

Bill

Can you tell the talking heads on your network to look at the Republican delegates. It is absolutely hilarious to listen to people try and make it sound like the deal isn't closed, much more to go. Please present me one scenario where McCain doesn't get the delegates necessary, he basically outpaced Romney 9-1 tonight, and nobody thinks for a second Huckabee can win. I know everyone wants a race, but looking at the delegates, its laughable to interject all this manufactured drama into the race. McCain did what he had too. Period.

Indie in Alberta   February 6th, 2008 1:20 am ET

looks like its time for Romney to drop out of the race…

james   February 6th, 2008 1:15 am ET

McCain could only further polarize the international community, he is certain to be protested against just as Bush was every time he steps out of this count. How is he going to lead this country to the future? Anger and hostile policies will not win respect, only Obama or Huckabee could really settle things down enough to clean up this mess. McCain = disaster!

Scott   February 6th, 2008 1:13 am ET

Missouri went to McCain….where are all Mitten's Kittens?

gideon   February 6th, 2008 1:11 am ET

I thought you said that Obama will lead or really come close to HRC in California? how come not?

Are you favoring Obama?

may be so!

If Obama won California, I knew it then, your entire screen on the web will only read three words, which are OBAMA WON CALIFORNIA.

Now that HRC won it, what say you?, It's expected, CA has a lot of Latinos.

and also in MA, I really believe that the Kennedys and Kerry should all go to hell.
It's pathetic that MA residents rebuked their own representatives. ha ha ha ha.

and If CNN can not put up a fair depiction of candidates, please burn yourselves alive.

thank you so much.

Bob, Delaware, OH   February 6th, 2008 1:11 am ET

the question is do you believe Iraq is winnable? After all this time has gone by?
Its been long. Its actually been extremely expensive, especially in lives. Time lost by our soldiers fighting a very determined enemy. McCain cannot win Iraq any more than Bush. Most observers in 2003 would NEVER have predicted Al-Quaida in Iraq to do to us what they did. So McCains strategy of a victory in Iraq as part of his "game plan" will be a failure, cause we are NOT winning

jeffrey   February 6th, 2008 1:11 am ET

If the race is between McCain and Obama it will be the first time I vote Democrat and it will be the first time my parents vote for a democrat. McCain plays dirty. I want someone honest in the white house.

Waly   February 6th, 2008 1:00 am ET

why cnn doesn't give a prediction for missouri?

Fadel Kane   February 6th, 2008 12:59 am ET

what about missouri?

Anonymous   February 6th, 2008 12:57 am ET

John McCain is just a good guy.

Independant   February 6th, 2008 12:56 am ET

There will be a Mc Cain , Huckabee tick .

Then all they need is a Obama ticket , an the republicans , will be back in the white house.

Yet we have to see how the media plays out. So far , they have played a big roll for BARRACK OBAMA and tribe ( Kennedy's, Farrakahan, Mr. Wright , an Ophra. )

John   February 6th, 2008 12:55 am ET

Support from moderates is just what this country needs. Go McCain!

Duop Wuol, Colorado Springs, Colorado   February 6th, 2008 12:55 am ET

The reason Sen. McCain won is because he has put public interest at first–he is a friend to many Democrates.

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