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A new poll indicates Obama does better against McCain than Clinton. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
(CNN) - It's a question both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have raised since John McCain's initial surge in the polls: Which Democrat can best take on the Arizona senator in a general election match-up?
A new Time magazine polls seems to suggest the answer is Obama.
The poll, conducted over the three days leading up to Super Tuesday, shows Obama beating McCain by 7 points, 48 percent to 41 percent. Clinton ties McCain at 46 percent.
The difference between the two candidates, according to Time, is where the Independent vote goes: The poll indicates a larger share of those voters will chose to support McCain over Clinton than McCain over Obama.
Exit polls taken from the early primary contests have indicated that both McCain and Obama have strongly benefited from the support of Independents. In combined surveys of the 22 states that voted on Super Tuesday, Obama beat Clinton among Independents by roughly 20 points. McCain, meanwhile, beat rival Mitt Romney among Independents by nearly 15 points on Super Tuesday.
Responding to the poll's findings, Clinton Communications Director Howard Wolfson touted the New York senator's vast differences with McCain on a host of issues, and pointed to a recent CNN poll that showed Clinton beating McCain by 3 points. Though that same poll found Obama beating McCain by eight points.
CNN's Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider says the biggest difference between Obama and Clinton is their support from male voters. In the CNN poll, Obama and McCain were nearly tied among male voters, but the polls shows men breaking for McCain over Clinton by nearly 20 points.
"Obama argues that he can reach across party lines," Schneider said. "And he does do a little better than Clinton with Independents and Republicans. But the big difference is that Clinton doesn't draw very well with men. Obama does."
Click here to read CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider's analysis.
– CNN Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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If Hillary gets the nomination over Obama, I will be just disillusioned enough to never vote again.
That goes for me and 10,000,000 other 18-30 year olds. This is likely your last chance to be relevant Democrats.
you think so well this middle age woman will not vote for him and I hope others won't we need an adult in office not a newbie
Dear Media,
You just like drama. Well you have succeeded. The best story will be how all your spins & high profile endorsements brought down the democrats in November.
OBAMA JUST GAVE ANOTHER CHRIS ROCK RALLY FOR THE KIDS
I HOPE THE ADULTS IN THIS COUNTRY VOTE
GOD HELP US IF THIS ENTERTAINER GETS ELECTED
The Peoples' Choice-
The Peoples’ Choice –
Do they want to elect a media hype ‘movement’ supported by naïve ‘ideal’ worshipers?
OR
A well-credentialed, knowledgeable leader with a proven humanitarian service record both in the United States and around the world to take the helm of America and help bring her back to her pristine place in our global society.
This should end all the whining from the Hillary Camp...If they are REALLY interested in a Dem president next year...they should get behind Obama's campaign.
I find this very interesting since most of the Independent voting men I know won't vote for Obama.
Whatever. We all know these polls are meaningless and have no validity when it comes to actual voting. None of the polls we have been bombarded with have reflected accurately what has happened on voting days. So I won't be swayed by this latest poll, the reporting of which just serves to further contribute to the media's construction of Obama as the "savior" and Clinton as the unelectable female candidate. Wake up America. Emerge from the Obama spell and check out reality again! When the glitz and glamor subside, there is only one candidate who has the courage, experience, skill, knoweldge and grip on reality that the Presidential role requires and that's Hillary Clinton. Save this country and vote for Hillary Clinton. And I am a MALE.
END SEXISM. VOTE FOR HILLARY!
POLLS again.. They have been so right so far....Its funny how I was just at real clear politics and there are several polls that show Clinton beating McCain.
Is it me, or does a story like this come out a day before each election.. Almost like those terrorist threats we used to get from the republicans.
This means nothing.
Will the democrats never learn? In a year where they should be the overwhelming favorites they are going to blow it. Take a page out of the Republican playbook and pick the candidate who polls better against their man, and do it quickly. Time and money are so important. The Republicans are now raising money and campaigning against democrats. They will have plenty of time to heal any wounds they now have. The better candidate would obviously be Obama. Hillary will never get cross over voters to vote for her and Obama's new voters will never vote for Hillary. All of Hillary's people would vote for Obama. It is really very simple but Mrs. Clinton and her stubborn supporters will never acknowledge this and McCain will become the next President otherwise. If Obama is endorsed and put forth as the candidate it would usher in a new and dominant era for the Democratic Party. He will succeed. It's obvious that the man does not settle for anything less.
CLINTON 08 means a UNITED REPUBLICAN PARTY
That means nothing gets done in Washington and we get the same-o-same-o
That's why Barack Obama is the best candidate....CHANGE
Barack Obama 08!!!
So, in other words she won't win because she's a woman.
So sad...
did not need a scientific poll to determine this... although making the argument is easier when science has your back...
obama08
As an Obama supporter, I can see how the poll results reflect sexism among men. But, before you Hillary supporters attack, ask yourelf this question: In the matchup with Hillary and McCain, does Hillary do badly because of sexism or because a lot of men just don't like Hillary? Think hard before you answer the question.
Also, the poll sums it up. If you WANT A DEMOCRAT to be in the White House next year, vote for Barack Obama!!! He is our party's best chance for victory!!!!
Those republicans unhappy with McCain will also jump ship and support Obama. Ever heard of the "Obamacans." They are all over the internet. So Hillary supporters, for the good of the democratic party, tell Hillary to step aside. I definitely DO NOT want another Republican in the white house. Maybe she'll be a good V.P. I do not want to take a chance on Hillary and we lose to McCain!
Obama is a leader and Hillary is administrative help.
Polls don't really matter these days, now do they?
the gap btwn 48 and 46 percent is 2 points, not 6. if that is in fact the gap, please correct it. this news network is shameful in the amount of trivial yet glaringly obvious errors it makes. are you really a professional network or what?
This is a no brainer..............Clinton is UN-ELECTABLE ( period ).
I thought you knew...
Well personally I am supporting Hillary Clinton. She has far more experience and qualifications that Obama. I will not vote for Obama if he is the nonomiee. I have listened to the debates and I do not like for what Obama satnds for. I do not think he should give the illigal imigrants drivers licenses. That is just like giving them to terrortist. I hate to support Mc Cain, but I will and many others I have talked to feel the exact same way. If Hillary can not be the democratic party nonomiee I will cast my vote for McCain. Personally I do not like anything ath McCain stands for and I might just not vote at all if this come to be.
Hillary for President 2008
i know that if Obama gets the nomination, I will be voting for McCain.
Hillary is my first choice however.
If the DNC wants a democrat in office then they need to take information like this into consideration when making the cut. I am an Independent and if Hillary is the candidate I will vote for McCain.
In 14 of the past 17 general election surveys between McCain and Clinton, McCain won. Clinton lost 14 out of 17 times!
In 12 of the past 17 general election surveys between McCain and Obama, Obama won. -McCain- lost -12- times!
Wake up democrats! We're going to be completely ambushed if we elect Hillary!
Methinks Mr. Mooney messes up his math. 48-46 = 2 (isn't this within margin of error). I suggest you shutdown this article - it's a flawed hack job at best.
Hey, if women can vote for Hillary just because she's a woman, then shouldn't men be able to do the same with McCain? I don't think people would like it if the same logic was used on both sides.
Clinton supporters need to pay attention to this. Her support would be within the sampling error of the poll. That's too close.
Do what's right for the nation and support the candidate who can stop the Republicans and right America.
Obama 2008. Now.
This reaffirms the fact that Obama is more electable. I've heard so many times that "our country is still too racist to elect a black president". I disagree. There appear to be more people out there (particularly Republicans) who hate Hillary Clinton than there are those who hate black people.
Of course the Clintons WOULD AGAIN ensure that the Democrats skillfully snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
The Clintons debased the Oval Office, undermine the US Presidency and selfishly destroyed their own White House legacy, deny Al Gore, and enabled Bush to empty the National Treasury and waste thousands of good American lives and limbs in an UNPROVOKED war..
And if the Democrats becomes spineless and enable a CLINTON THIRD TERM, THEN THE DEMOCRATS WILL AGAIN snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!
it is WAY too early for this kind of polling. Kerry was up on Bush by 14 points this time around four years ago.
It says it all right there. 1 more recent poll out shows Obama winning again, but this time Clinton loses to McCain (realclearpolitics.com). I'm voting for a winner!!!
Have mercy on us, Lord, if either ever sets foot in the White House. And let's pray McCain stays in for only four years. That's about all the liberalism this nation can withstand.
The truth of this statement is reflected in the results from the contests we've had so far. In critical swing states that Democrats need to carry in November, Obama has beaten Hillary Clinton among Independent voters by crushing margins. In Missouri, he won them by 37 points (67-30). In New Mexico, he's winning them by 39 points (63-24). In Arizona and New Hampshire, he won them by 10 points (47-37, 41-31).
THIS IS WHAT REPUBLICANS WANT VOTERS TO THINK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like even CNN realizes now, you just say NO to BUSHCLINTONISM.
On Super Tuesday, in six red states that had primaries or caucuses for both Republicans and Democrats, Obama won and got more votes than the top two Republicans combined. These states – Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota and South Carolina – account for a total of 53 Electoral College votes. In Idaho and Kansas, where there was no Republican primary, Obama won at least a three-to-one victory over Clinton. Obama has shown such a strong appeal with Independents that even John McCain's Texas media consultant Mark McKinnon recently confirmed that he would not work against Obama if he is the nominee.
Just shows that the best will win. Bill and Hillary as team evoke memories of impeachments and blatant lies to all of us on TELIVISION NO LESS!!! Would you want him living with the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES!!!! John does not offer change......................Go Obama
The gap is the difference between Obama and Mccain.
More polls can be found at Real Clear Politics, Clinton hardly ever winds a poll against Mccain, while Obama nearly always wins
This Hillary vs. Obama thing reminds me of the story in the Bible, where two women each claimed a baby, and Solomon had to decide which was the true mother. So he ordered the baby cut in half. One of the women surrendered her claim rather than see the baby hurt, and so Solomon knew she was the true mother.
Neither Hillary nor Obama has the party's, or the nation's, best interest at heart. Both of them just want to win.
You can believe that if you want, but it's not true. Obama will not carry any Southern states. He will not carry Florida. He will not carry Ohio. He will not win.
Republicans want Obama because he will be easier to beat.
Obama will not carry any southern states? Hillary, baby, are you sure? He did win a bunch of Southern states by huge margins both before and ON super tuesday, right?
Just vote for him guys, let's end this we know Clinton is a dangerous pick for the democratic nomination. Obama can win.
Oh come on. The country is so fed up with the Bush lies and manipulations that I think ANY Democrat can and will beat McCain, who spouts even more war rhetoric than Bush. That is, if we are even allowed to vote....Bush does have that Executive Order out there to declare martial law and suspend the election, and don't think he won't.
Please support Robert Wexler's attempt to impeach these liars before it's too late.
Hillary already reduced to a tie and they haven't even started in on her yet.. But it's coming....
Dear Howard Dean:
This year, there is going to be a toss-up between the 2 remaining Democratic candidates, and it is partially your job (as well as the other superdelegates) to choose the victor. You need to base it on data and strategy, not on anything else. The data supports an Obama strategy in 2008 because he beats McCain better than the alternative. He attracts the independent vote, yet is supported by the Democratic establishment as much as Clinton is. He has the ability to raise money without resorting to large, personal loans. He can carry forward the best of the Democratic platform, and leave the perceived negatives of the Clinton decade behind.
That makes Obama the best choice should this election come down to a superdelegate decision.
And one more thing: YRRREEEEAAAAHHH!!!
Sincerely,
Kevin
Sorry folks, didnt realize these comments were going to the same place.
In his 1995 autobiography, Obama confessed to experimenting with marijuana and cocaine as a teenager.
Obama is McCain's and the Republicans worst night mare ias far as the general election race.
Why? Because conservatives and Independants actually like him. He has diverse support. Hillary is an easy target if she is the nominee– she has a huge bullseye on her back and the die hard Republican Party can not wait for her to be the nominee. Nothing will reunite the worst part of the Republican party faster.
Another meaningless poll – this is not a news story.
Why still awating moderation??
==========
Bob, DC February 8, 2008 7:12 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
This does not suprise me at all. In fact, I suspect Barack's advatage will only grow as more people get to know him and understand his message.
Bob, DC February 8, 2008 7:24 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Another aspect of this is that Hillary will have negative coat-tails for Democrats up for election/relection in Nov 08, especially in the "red" states. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) mentioned recently saying that a Hilary nomination would "hurt" Democrats. This issue is will critical to many of the "super delegates" when deciding who to support.
I'll tell you what its. cool ten years we didnt care as much as nation. now stand up youth of america and united. iam 40n years old and enough is enough. lead our country. the way. it should be for the people by the people. get out and vote
Sue, Michigan: You can't be serious! Your comment is silly and demonstrates the lack of objectivity on the part of Bush bashers. Your tone is exactly what is wrong in America today. Obama offers a freshness that the country yearns....enought of the idiotic rantings from both sides of the aisle.
Polls are meaningless and predict NOTHING! The only thing they do is promote the candidate that the news station supports. Voters need to vote for the candidate they feel can lead this country, not to vote for who the station says will beat McCain.
Hillary said it best when she said it took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it will take a Clinton to clean up after this one, too.
I don't mind Obama in office, as long as he is Hillary's VP. Let him do some time on Capitol Hill BEFORE we throw him into the most difficult and demanding job in America! I'd vote for him in a future campaign, not this one, though. I don't vote on HYPE and Charisma (Hell, I voted Kerry last time and there is no one more boring than him.) Bottom line, I look at a candidate's experience (resume) before I vote or (hire) that person to lead my country.
Hilary Clinton as the Democratic nominee is the only factor that could unify the fractured Republican Party. Too much baggage is the price for her "experience".
Can we afford to have another Scalia/Alito/Thomas-like Supreme Court Justice appointed by a victorious McCain who'll draw back in the morality-riders who remember the Clinton era as a time of ethical bankruptcy?
Let's try inspiration. The traditional pols' program is not getting it done at home or abroad.
Obama=no experience. Will let down our guard and the terrorists will invade the country. He's scary.
"i know that if Obama gets the nomination, I will be voting for McCain.
Hillary is my first choice however."
So, you are a republican I take it. That being the case, I can understand why you would vote for Hillary. She has been Bush's best friend in the Senate with her votes to go war and manufacture a state of war with Iran. I'm sure Bush and McCain would both like to see Hillary mandate profits for the insurance industry by shoving health care down our throats. Very pro big business.
Tell you what, do us a favor. Vote for McCain. Barak will take care of him in the fall.
OBAMA AND THE WORLD
INCIDENT 1: On 1 August 2007, Senator Obama expressed in his speech at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars his willingness to bomb Pakistani territory in an attempt to eliminate possible al-Qaeda training bases.
RESULT: American flags were burned in protest in Islamabad, Miranshah, and Karachi. On that occasion, Pakistan's foreign minister, Khursheed Kasuri, told AP, "It's a very irresponsible statement, that's all I can say.”
LESSON: Even if you don’t completely trust a vital ally (President Musharraf), you don’t publically state that you’re willing to bomb his country.
INCIDENT 2: During the campaign for the Iowa caucus, Senator Obama stated that he would "stop the import of all toys from China."
RESULT: An angry response by Qin Gang, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, describing the statement as "unobjective, unreasonable and unfair."
LESSON: You don’t directly attack the economic interests of a country that’s holding 1 trillion dollars in US treasuries.
These episodes derive from a total inexperience on foreign policy. But, rest easy America - as Obama claims - his four years living as a child in Indonesia gave him a solid understanding of the world.
Barack Obama is the best candidate
What's so dangerous about Clinton, Mohammad ,Baby? Strong woman, strong leader. That intimidates insecure men. Men's issue, not hers.
What's so dangerous about Clinton, Mohammad ,Baby? Strong woman, strong leader. That intimidates insecure men. Men's issue, not hers.
This is so wrong. I've heard too many people, staunch Democrats, tell me that if it's a contest between Obama and McCain, it will be the first time they've ever voted for a Republican President – they'll be voting for McCain.
There you go again,hyping Obama!!!!Hillary is going to win ,because there is enough of us smart old women to put her over the top.Obama has nothing to offer this messed up Govt.It will take Hillary to fix it.She has the brains and know-how.Hillary is a lady,in spite of all the negative remarks by her opponents,she will come through.I have confidence in her.We do not know Obama at all.I see nothing about him that impresses me. June Hall
If Obama and Hillary virtually present the same plan. Why switch to vote for Republican? Give a reason for the switch. There are examples of Presidents that entered office with fewer years of experience. He has more experience as an elected official than HRC. Could it be his age? Education? Intelligence? His race?
I think McCain will definitely win if Obama is the Democratic nominee, because the main reason Hillary supporters won't vote for Obama is because they don't believe he has enough experience, and you can't change that FACT between now and November.
If Hillary wins the nomination, Obama supporters simply need to get over it emotionally, and go back to church and God for hope and inspiration (many studies support this relationship – more so than an overt figure).
The fact that over 50% of the country WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR HILLARY is well documented. And the fact that this is still unclear to 50% of voting Democrats is kind of scary. The Democrats needs to not blow this and actually WIN in 2008. You only get there with Obama. Simple math.
obama is a great guy.
Honestly, people, do you really think that if Hillary is against McCain she will win? Boy that is wishful thinking. This country is more prepared for another man, even if he is black, then a woman!. If it comes down to Hillary vs McCain, McCain will win, and I will move to Canada (or maybe back to France).
Question from an Independent:
If HIllary Clinton has "35 years" of experience in the community or providing "solutions for america." How does she afford a 5 million dollar loan? Where is she getting that money from? According to Bill, "He will not donate money to her campaign." So as a Senator and a public servant, how does she have that kind of money? We know Mitt Romney was a venture capitalist. But she has "35 years of experience" helping the public.
This should be looked into. Her tax forms should be released at least.
From VA
Deciding to vote Feb 12 for Hillary or Obama....
It is clear to everyone now that Obama is the choice. Hillary should throw in the towel in an honourable manner like what Edwards and Rommey did.
God bless Obama!!!!
Anyone who says they will vote for McCain, remember one thing. When you get your "save the economy check" in May that will be the last time you will ever get anything good from the government once McCain gets in office. When he keeps this war going for 100 YEARS(he wont even live that long) your children, nephews, neices etc... will suffer because of your stupidity. Here we have this idiot for a President destroying our country, and you want to let this guy wiz by with the presidency. Look how hard Clinton and Obama are working for your votes. McCain is just winning on the Republican side because he dosent really have any competition( That dosent say much for the Republican party now does it). So you would rather support a loser in McCain than support either Dem who is not your favorite. All the donations you sent in, all the volunteers who want their country back, all the people who are really taking this serious, while you guys sit on the internet all day and argue like some kids in a popularity contest.
SO you say giving your vote to Obama would be a waste well guess what. Your Vote for McCain will be a waste to because in each Primary election we have had so far the Democratic voters have turned out 5x over the Republican voters.
THAT MEANS NO ONE IS VOTING FOR A REPUBLICAN THIS TIME AROUND IDOIT.
well except for you that is if Obama wins the nominee. How sad is that going to be losing to Obama even though you tried to vote against him. with that being said my choice is this:
1. Obama(100% supprt)
2. Clinton(Even though I question her ethics, and her greed for power)
3. NOBODY(I wont be part of McCain's obsession with war so he can get revenge on the rest of the world because he was a POW).
AWAITING MODERATION CNN
Democrat or Republican I have always voted for the best candidate not the party. I must admit over the 44 years I have voted it has been mostly Democrat.
However if Obama is the Democrat runner I will vote for someone else to try to keep him from getting into the white house. Obama is not qualified in any way to run this country.
I pray the young people can see beyond the wild Music and Hype that the media has surrounded him with and vote for the best qualified person, be it a Democrat or Republican or Independent.
Why do people think Hillary has more experience because she was a President's wife? If Bush's wife ran would you make that argument? Both Hillary and Obama are Senators, and Obama has ~more~ experience dealing with foreign people, which gives him the advantage in a world that, quite frankly, ~hates~ the USA.
McCain will lose in the worst landslide in U.S. History against either Clinton or Obama. He is losing support rapidly, but will never give up now so, the Republicans will battle all the way to the convention. Pundits will put the blame on Huckabee but it should rest squarely with McCain. He is too old for the very difficult job he is running for and he should have known it.
Hillary Clinton – the ONLY "CHANGE" I want! One that's proven and states what she means – not just a lot of Obama-Drama!
Experience was not a factor for the Clintons to win Arkansas governorship so it should be so with Obama. The Clintons are too divisive to be in the White House again. Character counts.
Please think about it and vote for Obama. Hillary has too much baggage and if she has a lot then her husband will bring some to. People think that if you vote for her then you wont get him... They are MARRIED PEOPLE! I want somebody who owes nobody nothing. Thats OBAMA! People keep sayn he should try back in 8 yrs or 16 yrs... My question is WHY? Whats the diffrence between now and later? We need HELP last year. He is the person for the change right now... They are already talkn about if she wins the nomination and moves back into the white house. The REPUBLICANS are already talkn about gettin the house and the senate back in two years. That means she will jus be sittin there in the white house for the next two doin NOTHING... REPUBLICANS dnt like her and they will stand in the way of anything she tries to do. SHE WILL NOT UNITE NOTHING... SHE WILL NOT BE PRODUCTIVE... REMEBER THEY ARE ALREADY PLANNIN TO BLOCK EVERYTHING SHE PUTS BEFORE THEM. I want a winner and somebody who is already bringin the country together and thats OBAMA!
It is so sad that even after Super Tuesday – and Hillary coming out with more delgates – that the women of our country havent woken up yet. It is all very well to vote for change – but I will be voting for an experienced woman to make the right changes! Obama has only ever said vote for CHANGE – but please what is he going to change ! I get the impression that he will decide what to do if he gets elected and then sorry for us – we will have to put up with an amateur! Go Hillary – you get my vote cos I am a young woman and proud to support another woman!
A leader is made by their gravitas and ability to accomplish great things with diverse supporters. Great leaders unify those who would otherwise be enemies. The founding fathers unified and created this nation by bringing together a heterogeneous group of land owners, and working out compromises that many of us today would not stomach. We work in a time of black and white rarely mixing to build eloquent bridges of gray between partisan arguments. The name of the game is enmity, not Barack's message of unity. Young does not mean incapable. Barack Obama is 46 years old. Under the logic that Barack is a kid and therefore unqualified, Strom Thurmond would have been the strongest presidential candidate of the two and a half decades before his death.