May 13, 2008
Posted: 05:53 PM ET

From

ALT TEXT

(CNN) — The gender gap, a factor earlier on in the Democratic presidential race, seemed to disappear over the last few weeks. But the gap is certainly back in West Virginia.

In early exit polls, 55 percent of Hillary Clinton’s supporters are women, and 45 percent are men.

How about Barack Obama’s voters?

Just about the reverse: 57 percent of Obama supporters were men, and 43 percent were women.

So it looks like the gender gap, long a feature of politics between Democrats and Republicans, has established itself in the Democratic primaries.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Exit Polls • Hillary Clinton • West Virginia


JJ   May 13th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

I second Adam from NY.."sanity gap" And who are these crazy Dems who say they will vote for McCain if their candidate doesn't get the nom? Are they serious? Is that how politics works for them..??..vote for someone who's policies, believes, ideas and entire being is the complete antithesis of them just to prove a point? That is scary! McCain can not win in November…bottom line

STOP THE MADNESS   May 13th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Then this kind of discredit Hillary's auguement that she is the best candidate and the only one that can win there since it is obvisious that these women are voting not based on the best candidate, but the female candidate and the fact that there won't be a female to vote for this fall also drops that ball too because they will vote for someone else this fall, not other chose, but not vote at all.

They did not vote for her based on prinicples alone so says she!!

Observer   May 13th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

I strongly disagree.
If they are democrats, they will vote for the democrat candidate, unless they are so blinded by Race that they will vote against their own interest. In which case, they will proof Clinton right. That they are UNEDUCATED.

Marie Casey   May 13th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Ignorance creates fear! To know Barack Obama is to understand that this man is the best candidate for President this country has had in 40 years!

What's with white women wanting to see a female in the office? Shouldn't it matter what women it is? Hillary Clinton should not get the job because she thinks she should get the job! I used to like Hillary Clinton until she started this slam campaign against Barack Obama!

Half of the Democratic party can't stand her and you will never meet a Republican that likes her! Put Hillary Clinton on the ticket and Republican's will come out in recored numbers to vote for McCain!

Do your homework people!!!!! Read, listen, and learn!!!!

Cyndi   May 13th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

I think women should look at the broader picture. Men are supporting Obama because of change and women are voting for Hillary because she is a women. Now why should we have a women who will not do anything but follow in Bush footsteps,

Michelle in Michigan   May 13th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

I can't support Obama after he refused to allow a re-vote in Michigan. I thought he was about change, but he SO disappointed me. He's just politics as usual…It also bugs me a lot that when he talks about pulling together all the sectors of American, he mentions the various races, the regions, the religions–but I have NEVER heard him mention men and women. And yet women face real problems in this country.

The DNC really lost my support with the way they mucked around, effectively disenfranchising me and millions like me in MI and Florida. Call this a democracy? What a joke. Oh, I'll vote Democratic come November, but UNDER PROTEST…

Disenfranchised in Michigan

Jay   May 13th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

here come the sad Obama fans crying racism because there guy did not win. boo hoo.

Karen   May 13th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

What about education gap?
Do not we know educated whites go for Obama and uneducated for Clinton?
Do we want our country to be led by the educated, informed and future oriented or by the uneducated and poor?

Clinton supporters: it is your choice.

Tickled Republican   May 13th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

You Dems are hilarious the way you attack each other, we don't even have to do anything…

Oh and Hillary, on behalf of Republicans nationwide, I'd like to sincerely thank you for making Obama look so bad, and yourself too for that matter. Republicans couldn't have dreamed this scenerio up, you doing all our dirty work for us. But just so you know, you can't join our team, but in light of everything we'll make you an honorary member.

Thanks Hillary!

Crushing Blow   May 13th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

It seems that alot of Hillary supporters are going through "battered spouse syndrome" and are running into the arms another abuser, McCain. They can't stand up for themselves anymore and are playing the victim. first the empty promises, verbal abuse follows and eventually leads to violence! We can't help you unless you help yourselves first.

GL   May 13th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Biased quesetions to a biased electorate = A resurgence in Hillary's campaign??..

Not buying it CNN. I know you can do better. You simply choose not too.

Sue   May 13th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

I have no idea where some of you are coming from. No one is playing a race card. I honestly wish everyone would just stop talking about race. Let it go!! We do not have a nominee at this point. No matter what the press would like you to believe there is NOT A NOMINEE. So let the people vote the way they want to vote. Let every vote be counted. And the language has got to stop. If we are truly the country all candidates beleive we are then lets just get back to the issues. Stop the insults. If you do not back a candidate then that is okay. But do not judge a state by how they vote. If you do that then judge every state for each candidate.

Jessie   May 13th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Obama's surge is a sad memory of 8 years ago when Bush tried to win the majority of the conservative states through his evangelical message and won due to the appropriateness of those times. The country is repeating the same error one more time by falling for Obama's personna and the word "change". What a travesty !!!!!!

Dougy Giro   May 13th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Headlines I'd like to see instead of all the ones on "Obama's Problem With White Voters":
1) "Clinton Unable to Connect with Young Voters"
2) "Educated Vote Still Eludes Clinton"
3) "Clinton Invisible to People Under 40″
4) "Black Vote Out of Clinton's Reach"
5) "Can Hillary Win Back Democratic Party's Future Voters?"

Beth the Dem   May 13th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Can you say "Hill"-billies? This only pertains to West By-God Virginia. This is not imbedded in the Democrat & Republican Politics. What crap Schneider. Can't you think of anything truthful & intelligent to talk about? Stop trying to get your ratings up. We're not buying it. I'm Sure neither side is.

susie   May 13th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

So many men are afraid to vote for a women. We always had a man as a President and look at what state this country is in. Let a woman have a try at the Presidency, Hillary can't do any worst than the men!!!

Michael in MO   May 13th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

For those of you who still don’t get it, let me try to make this crystal clear. Its not that we don’t “like” Obama – hell, he’s probably a nice guy in some respects. But this is a job interview for the presidency, not American Idol. He has proven himself to be a racist, a hypocrite, and a pathological liar. If he were anyone else, his resume would have been in the can months ago. But - and let’s be honest here - its not who he is, but what he stands for.

Its simple folks – there is absolutely no way he will be president. Millions and millions of democrats, republicans, and independents will see to it this Nov. As painful as it is to say, McCain may be old, but he is far more qualified to lead. Though I am a democrat, this is not about party loyalty, it is about what is best for our country – our future. Mark my words, Obama will not make it to the presidency – we will see to it.

Susan Missouri   May 13th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Go Hillary!!

Hillary 08!!!!!

Obama Richardson   May 13th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

I am not just responding to this article. I'm responding to anything about Clinton, since I can't seem to get a comment in before you close access.

The polls saying that Dems won't vote for the "other" candidate are absurd. People change their mind, and seriously…what Democrat in their right mind is going to vote for John McCain or NOT vote against him? This is exactly the reason that Clinton needs to bow out of this race and help working to unify the party. It CAN and WILL be done.

I am very very very opposed to Obama bailing out Clinton with any funds that were donated to him. When we donated that money, it was to help him work on becoming the President, NOT to help her with ANYTHING. She made her bed; now let her sleep in it. The woman is poor at fiscal management among other types of management and it is not surprising she's not getting any further with her candidacy.

I am also very very very opposed to putting Clinton in as veep candidate. I don't think Clinton is capable of taking second chair to anyone, and Obama deserves better. This country deserves better! He would never be able to trust her. She's manipulative and is only concerned about herself. I think it would send the wrong message to those of us who are backing Obama because he stands for change in Washington.

LA   May 13th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

can't help but wonder if Clinton backers are just saying they wouldn't vote for Obama to try to force superdelegates to choose Clinton. Come November, I think most Democrates will back the Democrat.

Manuel   May 13th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Today, more than ever, we have a clash of politics the like we have never seen before. Obama represents the 21st Century while Clinton represents the 20th Century. The politicians of last century have left us with set of problems we may not be able to correct.

Clinton's support is from the old guard. In pictures, you see the decay of politics represented by politicians who failed to solve the problems of the last century, sorrounded by those who enforced the policies of failure. Failed energy policy! Failed educational policy! Failed economic policy; did not recognize the rise of Asia!

Obama represents the new hope. We believe that the new problems we face now are best solved by the new generations of leaders, and Obama es the best representative of such leaders.

Manuel

John Smith   May 13th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

For this 50 year old male, these issues come as no surprise.

1. The Clintons destroy just about anything they touch. These types of issue have never been faced by the democarts

2. The democrats should be concerned about the hunger to return an "impeached president" back to that White House.

3. Fair-minded democrats should STOP begging Hillary supporters; let them go ahead and vote for McCain. They might as well join the Republican party, although they might be rejected because their conscience will not allow them to be honest and honorable. These people do not belong to the democratic party; maybe they can go elsewhere!!

Hey Obama supporters   May 13th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Its ALL ABOUT HILLARY - Obama cannot get anywhere without her. So either she is the President or McCain is. II I would you guys, I would start to believe the exit polls. She is the one the nation wants. Racisim my foot - its a fair election. If he really had what it takes he would have been there by now - he certainly has had enough "machine" pull and money.

Dayahka   May 13th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Divide and conquer is Hillary's strategy–and yours, it appears, but we need a win-win, find strength in unity strategy. Men and women, black abd white, poor and rich, liberal and conservative, short and tall, left handed and right handed, from the south or north, east or west–everyone needs to decide between these two strategies: divide or unite.

jane in CA   May 13th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Democrats who won't vote for Obama will continue the experiences of Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld. Many of republicans will vote for Obama. The offsets will be way far for Obama. Please do the math.

David D Kollie   May 13th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Let all of the differences be put aside and let the voters of the party unite behind one candidate. "United States". Not divided states.

Ellie   May 13th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

I'm so sick of all these so called "polls"…they are stupid and are not fact-based. I can poll a few people on the street and call it a POLL too. So what?

These polls are nothing but rubbish. Bottom line, it's the YOUNG voters who will change HISTORY here. They don't want the same "OLD AND TIRED" Washington Politics. These are young, very intelligent and business savvy voters who are NOT easily fooled by Sen. Clinton and her baseless panderings and false promises.

These are YOUNG voters who WANT CHANGE and are ALL ABOUT THEIR FUTURE. They are voting to make sure they have a brighter future!!

All these polls MEAN absolutely NOTHING during a primary. People say a LOT of things out of anger and bitterness and BRUISED egos. Bottom line. Some even make "threats" out of selfish vindictiveness.

The MEDIA NETWORKS are "spinning" the whole WVA story out of control. It's the media that keep twisting the truths. Nothing surprising here.

Bubba   May 13th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

and I sincerely hope that you don't blow out an artery with that rant.

silence do good   May 13th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

There is no gender gap - Saint Obama has decreed it so. It doesn't help him. Ignore the numbers.

There is only white racism - Saint Obama has decreed it so. That helps him and thats how it is.

W V voters - how does it feel to be reduced to a personal power agenda sound bite? This is the "change". Happy? His followers told you to start smiling.

Bubba   May 13th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

EC,
That post was a lot of hot air for nuthin'.

shannonL   May 13th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

I want to see the race vote…I wonder if Obama pulled +95% of the black vote?

Tracy   May 13th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Women who are Clinton supporters should come together. We have been treated like idiots by the media. The DNC totally went crazy which gave the media more control. If Fl. (of all state) and Michigan had voted in Feb. I think there is no doubt that Clinton would be the next president. I don't see any difference on health care between Obama and McCain. Who at the age of 22 or 25 thought health care was important? My gosh it takes a good 5 to 10 years after school to find out you are invincible. I have heard time and again that it is the uninsured who drive up health cost and Obama thinks the only reason for not being insured is cost (bull). I am tired of hearing about the black vote, the hispanic vote, the downscaled white vote and the affluent vote. I think women who are Clinton supporters should make a stand and quit being taken advantage of; My god does the white men of the DNC really think all those new voters will turn out in November? What happens if they are hung over the morning of the election? I think we should all make it known we will not turn out for a candiate just because they are a democrate. It will take more than the news people and the DNC to earn my vote. I think we all know that Obama is too fluffy (no substance). He could be the Chicago version of Jimmy Carter. Carter is great but he was an awful President. All of us shold make it known we will not vote in the general. Heck does anyone think McCain or Nadar could be a worse President than Bush.
After the worst possible we can survive 4 years. Then Clinton or another woman has a good chance. We all know women are better planners, organizers, and usually stay out of peeing contest.

Al   May 13th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

I also heard that women between the ages of 45-55 years of age tend to watch Oprah more often than men, and that men often enjoy the NHL playoffs moreso than women! Could it be that, as a woman, Hillary appeals to women, and that as a man, Obama appeals to men? Why does this stuff make the news?

shirley   May 13th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

It is a very small gap and it will close during the general election.

semp   May 13th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

I don't get a gender vibe from Hillary … balls or not she makes me cringe!

B. S   May 13th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

It is very very silly!

Sean Dunn   May 13th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

So we know what the Clinton clan must do to save their reputations… go convince those "hard working white people" that they can either have four more years of horror via McCain or they can vote to improve their lives. She can don a hard hat, throw back a boilermaker, shoot a duck, and talk about the good ole days when her and Bill where king and queen.

Or she can destroy his chances and her future. Remember, African Americans will never take back the Clinton clan so she can never win the White House. That dream is over.

Ted G   May 13th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

BILL GET OFF THE SAUCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are not supposed to be drinking while at work…You appear to be salivating in your own universe..Gender gap, Gas Tax holiday, Who Democrats will vote for in Nov. Someone cut him off. These gimmic lines will not work.

These are political commercials for CNN to run for ratings.

Mark Anthony   May 13th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Yes please add the rest of the country to these "gas tax polls" bet those numbers would be a high disapproval for Clinton and McCain.

Why are we taking so call facts from W. Virgina? When 200 economist said this will not work. Huh, who should I believe when the Clinton camp is call her supportes uneducated, rual living and blue collar.

200 ECONOMIST ANY DAY!!!!!

infogiant   May 13th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Doesn't seem like that much of a gap to me…but then, where's the shock value in THAT headline.

CNN & Time Warner….screwing you just like they do with the cable bill.

Reality   May 13th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

The wacky old feminists would vote for Barbara Bush or Barbara Walters just to get a woman in as President, which is why they are supporting a former Wal-Mart director who apparently can't tell the truth if her life counted on it.

But voting for a woman will not get healthcare anymore than in 1992, and voting for a woman will not stop the war is she voted for it, still believes in it, and now wants to nuke Iraq too. A woman will be President someday, but she will be a lot better than Clinton or Ferraro.

kareno   May 13th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Let's see–the Obama people say all the Clinton people are racists because white people vote for her. The Clinton people say the Obama people are racists because he gets 92 percent of the black vote. Good grief–do you know what this means??? WE'RE ALL RACISTS. AND we're also gender-biased.

Who's for peaceful anarchy? I'm sick of Barack, sick of McCain and about to give up that HIllary will win unless she runs independent.

And by the way, I think the Obama supporters might want to remember a little something about being a 'graciious winner'.
It's sort of like shooting the wounded after a well-fought battle.
Only a person of no moral worth would do that.

Chris from NY   May 13th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

What drove African American voters like me to vote for Obama was not race but the comment former President Clinton made about Obama in Soutn Carolina. But many women are so emotional about this race they can see clearly. I can't vote for any candidate because of his/her race or gender. Yet many women choose to vote gender in this election than the real thing. Mrs. Clinton doesn't have the experience as she claimed. She flip flops on issues and doesn't have the intergrity to become the President of this great nation. Just as I can't vote blindly for an African American so also I mustn't vote for a woman because I am a woman.

ItsMeD   May 13th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

This is not an answer to your current question.
I want to ask a question.
Why is it okay for the media / talking heads to call HRC West Virginia supporters uneducated? I understand that they are not college educated but does that make them uneducated? If I were a W V Blue Collar worker I think I would vote for Barack just so I could be included with the smart people of the country. Why it is a good thing that the uneducated people of W V are supporting HRC. Shouldn’t she want the vote of educated people? If we keep running the country based on uneducated (media word not mine) people’s choices, how are we ever going to create change? However I think that's why HRC supporters say they will not vote for Barack in November. "They are uneducated. Whereas Barack supporters are educated and we understand that no matter what we want a Democrat in the White House. We would have sacrificed our own personal feelings for her if we had to and vote for her. "Thank God it’s not going to come to that.

DEBBI   May 13th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

I will not vote unless Hillary Clinton is on the DEMOCRAT TICKET ..And most of my friends feel the same way .. And guess what, we are not POOR nor UNEDUCATED .. We are women and men in our 40s 50s and 60s ..
The only way the DEMOCRATS will win the WHITE HOUSE is a JOINT TICKET .. CLINTON AND OBAMA

Candi California   May 13th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

The only real numbers that count is the vote. W. Va. women are giving Hillary a going away present.

geriatric   May 13th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

TO TAMMY
NO DEMOCRAT HAS EVER WON THE WHITE HOUSE WITHOUT WINNING WEST VIRGINIA SINCE 1916… SO WHAT? WE SHOULD JUST HAND THE NOMINATION TO HILLARY? BY THAT LOGIC,… NO WOMAN HAS EVER WON THE WHITE HOUSE PERIOD.
YOU HILLARY SUPPORTERS ARE JUST AS DELUSIONAL AS YOUR QUEEN.

Ludovic   May 13th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Bill clinton won the presidency with 80% of black voters and only 35% of white voters
no one ever asked him why he won only 35% of white voters

Tea Party   May 13th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Hey Bill, there's another gap growing in this country… the handful of us who pay all the taxes ("thank you sir, may I have another?') and the majority of the country that enjoys the fruits of my labor.

Elect either of the Robin Hood candidates and watch investors sock their money off shore to avoid the illegal confiscation and redistribution of their wealth. And THIS little event will cause the market and the greater economy as a whole to PLUMMET. Mark my words.

Debbie   May 13th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

The gap Hillary should be concerned with is the debt her campaign has. She has till August to raise money. I am not an expert on the laws of fundraising during a campaign and I wish CNN or someone would cover this and perhaps educate the public. Does she just lose that money, can she write it off some how??? Hillary can run till the end but I liken it tp some with a credit card, going on a spending spree knowing they can't pay the bill when it comes in the mail.

Chad, Durham, NC   May 13th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Glenn:
Hillary's not from NY. No one knows where she's from.

Huh?   May 13th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Uhhh, Mr. Schneider? Hopefully you can earn your salary a better way than to state the obvious. In every election there is a difference between the way men and women vote. The genders think differently, and they find different things important to them. The fact that the genders do things differently is physiology and pschology 101. Of course there is a gender gap! There is nothing wrong with that fact. Try to use your self-proclaimed amazing analytical abilities to come up with something real.

republican   May 13th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

And you wonder why obama is not getting the "blue collar" (code for white women) when all the soccer moms are voting for her

Ardnuas   May 13th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

This shows Hillary will NOT try to UNITE the Democratic Party…. Wise up folks, she WANTS MCCain to win, so she can run in 2012.
Obama/Hagel ( I want Chuck Hagel to be VP)

David, Silver Spring, MD   May 13th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

For "HILLARY CAN WIN IN NOVEMBER" You are absolutely wrong. The question is not why can't Obama win WV and some other states "easily." The question is Why has Clinton lost so many more states than Obama?

If she is so right for the country, how did she lose this thing when she started out with such a huge advantage? If she couldn't win Iowa, South Carolina, Missouri, Virginia, North Dakota, Colorado, Louisiana, and on and on… If she couldn't win them now, what makes you think she could win them in November?

That old saw cuts both ways.

MK LA   May 13th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Hillary Independent 08

America Needs you more than we need a democratic party

David, Santa Rosa, CA   May 13th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

What??? Hillary won the angry old woman vote? I'm SHOCKED!

These women, for the most part, are still lodged in last century's politics. I'm NOT saying things are perfect for women (nor equal yet) but the feminist of the 21st century is not what she looked like in the 1960's & 70's. She is much more sophisticated in my experience.

very smart lady   May 13th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

When the Kenya Obamaites come to the White House for the inaugration to please tell them to wear shoes, and leave the goats at home.

bigben   May 13th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Think I will go with the ladies. Hanging with to many dudes isn't cool

Ernest   May 13th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

What is new!

If not Hillary....then McCain   May 13th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

To EC. I would not vote for McCain because of my ego…if Hillary does not win nomination. The reason I would vote for McCain is simple. Obama is WAY TOO FAR LEFT for me. Hillary is just right, and McCain is a little too conservative. I would rather go with what I know than with someone who has so many question marks surrounding him, Sorry, has nothing to do with ego, but rather with patriotism…I care about our country.

Venus   May 13th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Happy that Hillary will win WV!

Watch - tomorrow Obama's camp will send out about 10 Superdelegates!

Helene   May 13th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Deliverance is coming !!!

Jeanne   May 13th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

That's really not that big of a gap, when you consider the margin of error. Of course there are people that would like to see something different such as a woman or minority but then there's the group that wants to maintain the status quo. There's always going to be differences, that's what makes life interesting.

Pepou   May 13th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Just read Clinton's blogs on her website. Who has consistently played the race card and the gender card ? Because she has nothing else to offer !

Media Blackout May 15th   May 13th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

If Hillary can levitate I'll give her my support!

Hillary Clinton, The Gimmick candidate
Bill and Hillary, The Gimmick Family
Do and Say Anything ‘08

Girl Power Backing Obama !

Kirsten   May 13th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

The men are smart.

Obama 08

tell the truth   May 13th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

One state. I hate to said this but most of the people are not education. I said most. This is a fact. People without a college degree can be mislead.

IF, Lisbon   May 13th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

i think you're creating gaps by just looking at raw statistics. You said the gender gap was gone and then came back. You might say the same for age gap, race gap and whatever gap you may decide on. Numbers don't lie, but they sure bend to the mind behind the eye.

Julie texas   May 13th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

I'd rather see experience in the presidents seat even with a few mistakes. I think it would be better as a Clinton/Obama ticket. Mr Obama tends to studder and stammer off and on like Mr Bush……Seems to be a slower thinker. Go Clinton/Obama

Thanks

Venus   May 13th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

I'll vote for the right woman for president!

Hillary is not that woman!

Math Wiz   May 13th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Well, anyone who reads these comments can attest to the gender gap.

People think that I'm not voting for Hillary because she's a woman. I'm not voting for her, not because she is a woman, but because Barack Obama is a man.

I know that sounds horrible, (it really isn't the case, I think the Clintons are despicable human beings,) but it shouldn't be accepted when that sentiment is flipped. Settle down, women, there will be a female president, and she won't be as repulsive an individual as Clinton.

Erika   May 13th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Does CNN really think the West Virginia primaries are indicative of the democratic party's voting habits as a whole? With only three states left to vote in the primaries, I don't think you can make a case that ANY trend is "back" or "new". We're on the home stretch CNN, stop making predictions about the American people based on what's coming up… you have plenty of data on what's already taken place to make statements about our voting habits… Or, better yet, not make them at all.

Mike   May 13th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

It's time for the democratic party to come together. I have been a Clinton supporter, but I will support whichever candidate becomes the nominee. I hope that the so called dream team comes fruition, with Clinton and Obama becoming the team, no matter who is the Presidential nomonee. We can not afford 4 mores years of a Bush type administration with John McCain as our President.!!!

AZM   May 13th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

I don't think this is a shocker…
Actually surprised how small the gap is…

Peter T   May 13th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

A higher appeal among men should be an advantage to Obama in the general election (as the higher appeal among whites and among rural voters should be an advantage for Clinton), because, this way, he can cut more into the Republican base.

Ramona   May 13th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Hello!!!! We are talking West Virginia! There is bound to be gender gaps, race gaps and age gaps going on here. Don't get me wrong! I love WV, and respect who and what they are, and what they believe in. But at the same time, we are talking about people who are historically different from people in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Oregon, Illinois, New York, California….. We all have different histories, and we all see our future from our own perspectives. But I hope and pray that we can now get over the biases of our past generations and simply look to our future as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! United by hope and belief that tomorrow brings a better day in the lives of everyone across this globe! Signed, an Optimist…..

thai   May 13th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Stupid

Damion K. Miles   May 13th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

All of these different polls are ridiculous. The thing about polls are, they will show exactly what the poll takers want them to say. If someone wanted to point out the fact that everybody between 23 and 37 who where born between May and October with only one parent and only attended church on the 3rd Sunday and Easter but not Christmas and only during even number years are Obama supporters, what the hell does that mean? The fact is this, there are some white people who will not vote for a Black person! That is obviously clear. Especially, less educated lower income white people. These numbers don't show that Obama can't get votes from this demographic. These numbers show that there is still a large population of people that have not yet accepted Black people as equals.

Adam from NY   May 13th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Any updates on the "Sanity Gap?"

Media Blackout May 15th   May 13th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Hillary pandered to those women in W.V. like she's the only woman running for a political office in America.

Her behavior was despicable and pathetic. She shames the women gender across the world. Her conduct only gives fire to MEN who feels we are not qualified for anything.

Hillary's new Political Party = the Racist Party

Ilona Proud Canadian   May 13th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

CNN,

How many more Bill Schneider articles are you going to post? This ticker is so one sided!!!!!!!!!

Chuck, Oregonians for Obama   May 13th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

All these polls are meaningless. And I mean meaningless. Come November, the democratic nominee who ever it will be will win those votes that they are loosing at this moment. It's called two democratic candidates stumping for the nomination. That is all that this means.

Ron, TX   May 13th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

These exit polls are pretty silly when you actually analyze them… they mean absolutely nothing. They are a snapshot of past voting in a state. How on earth can that be used to predict future voting? And why does the media never discuss the margin of error of these exit polls? They are not results set in stone. They are polls, not hard vote counts.

Latina por Obama   May 13th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

CNN please stop your biased and again misleading careful chosen titles, this is what i can not undrstand why are they putting us all in boxes…………. it is incredible, this continues to enable the division some politicians have started to use and continue,….

WE are in this all together. our votes will decide who wins. We ought to each other as Americans to be respectul and not hateful.
The clintons to many of our disapointment, have shown an ugly side, and wheter you like them or not, there are things that have been done and said that are unacceptable no matter which party or nominee you support.

This is a great country where we can agree to disagree where we can talk without being persecuted, and where posibilities are greater than any other country on this earth.

Let Hillary run, after all is her right. however, to use the race and gender card pursposedly and as she and bill continue to do so, it is very destructive and it shakes the very fundatmentals of this country. we dont have to like each other however, we ought each other tolerance and respect, and the clintons have shown they have none of that.

in the universe there is that law which is not man made but just universal, " what goes around comes around," and justice even if slow it will always show itself at the end……….

thank you to every AMerican who has voted, regardless of whom they voted for, thank you to every soldier who went to war, even so they never asked for to go or like war, thank you to the superdelegates who are in a dificult position because of the status quo and because of some people feelings and sense of entitlement, but we must think of our country.

think twice, this is our country, our future our children's future. We do not deserve liars, and people who encourage racism, and enable all the possible isms..

the world has had enough of those dictators………

EC   May 13th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Oh my GOD, this is a PRIMARY FOLKS, what is all this HOGWASH about who is going to vote for WHO here?

Jesus, when the Democratic Party UNITES all these speculations will be a MUTE issue come November.

It's AMAZING how the media and everyone else continues to spin this whole WVA primary out of control. GET A GRIP!!!

I mean how many times can we spin the WVA voters? I mean the whole nation KNOWS the demographics already, it's NOT a big secret. I mean why is every body acting like this whole WVA "older WHITE voters" is such a shocker!!!

YOU know WHAT? If this was a WHITE MAN beating Sen. Clinton, WVA would NOT even be a discussion right NOW!!! Bottom line.

Everyone in the media are nothing but hypocrites trying to "spin" the story so that it boots their ratings.

Everyone is making THREATS about they'll vote for McCain and vice versa. SO WHAT? Last November these very same people voted TWICE for BUSHMAN…. what does THAT tell YOU of their idiotic judgement?

However, there are many devoted Democrats that KNOW their vote is BIGGER than both Hillary and Obama, it's NOT about the candidate its ALL ABOUT PUTTING A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT IN OFFICE!!

END OF STORY!!

ALL THESE STUPID PEOPLE CLAIMING THEY'LL VOTE FOR McCAIN SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. THAT MEANS THEY ARE NOTHING BUT SELFISH AND SELF-CENTERED BECAUSE THEIR CANDIDATE LOST AND THEIR EGOS ARE BRUISED.

IF THEY WANT TO VOTE FOR McCAIN, THEN GO AHEAD, GO VOTE FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF BUSH POLICIES, BUT DON'T COME CRYING WHEN YOU GET EXACTLY WHAT "YOU ASKED FOR".

THE ELDERS ALWAYS USE TO SAY:

"BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR, YOU MAY JUST GET IT AND MORE THAN YOU EVER WANTED" !!

Ilona Proud Canadian   May 13th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

CNN,

What in the name of all that we hold holy, is wrong with this Bill Schneider, Bill Schneider, Bill Schneider. How many more articles are you going to post for Bill Schneider?

Chuck, Oregonians for Obama   May 13th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

I understand everyone wants help with their cost of living. With that said, I do not understand what it is that makes everyone that supports that gas tax suspension think that this is good for them as well as American. Again I have looked at that expense and have discovered that in reality it does nothing for me in the long run. I use 20 gallons every two weeks, which saves me $3.68; that does not buy me a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk unless it is on sale. Over a period of 3.5 months that saves me $25.76. Want to know what I have done to really save? I parked my vehicle in March, and started riding my bicycle or took the bus to and from work. That is saving me $150 a month; now that is cutting back.

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   May 13th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Well, Bill, some of us senior, white, HS educated women still have minds of our own and aren't into following a herd mentality. My vote has gone to Obama. I would love to see a woman in the white house — but not at the expense of voting for her simply because she is female. The country still comes first, to me. I was a Hillary fan for years, waited for her to run, then once she started campaigning she slowly but surely turned me away from her. It's her own fault — I like to deal in truths, not fantasies, and Hillary is simply not the ethical leader I thought she was. I accepted that truth and moved on.

libby   May 13th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Racism = Anti-American
West Virginia = Anti- American
West Virginia votes don't count Not only because they didn't vote for Senator Obama it's because why they didn't vote for him
Majority of people in West Virginia vote with racism and their Governor knows it. Just ask Obama's campaigning group who endangered themselves campaigning for him. Shame on WV for their racism. But then again, those are Hilary's supporters.

HILLARY CAN WIN IN NOVEMBER!!   May 13th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

ANYWAY YOU SPIN IT HILLARY IS GOING TO WIN THIS STATE BIG!!!!

SO THE QUESTION FOR THE PEOPLE AND SUPER DELEGATES SHOULD BE………….

WHY CAN'T OBAMA WIN THIS AND OTHER STATES EASILY?

THIS RACE IS NOT OVER! IF OBAMA CANNOT WIN THEM NOW WHY DO PEOPLE THINK HE COULD WIN THEM LATER?

HILLARY ON THE OTHER HAND HAS WON THE STATES NEEDED TO WIN IN THE GENERAL ELECTION!!!!!!

HILLARY HAS PROVEN HERSELF TO BE A TOUGH AND SMART OPPONENT!!!

SHE WILL GET MY SUPPORT!!!!!!!!

Sherri   May 13th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Not in my case. I'm 47 years old, a woman, white, professionally employed, well educated, a believer in the feminist cause…and about the strongest Barack Obama supporter you will ever meet. I am deeply ashamed of Hillary Clinton for her lies, her race baiting, her pandering to desperate people, and the way she has conducted this campaign through fear and nonsense.

Senator Obama is intelligent, wise and brings this country together like no one has before.

Do you know that Senator Obama re-introduced the Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act to remove some of the government penalties on married families, crack down on men avoiding child support payments, ensure that support payments go to families instead of state bureaucracies, fund support services for fathers and their families, and support domestic violence prevention efforts? If elected president, he will sign this bill into law and continue to implement innovative measures to strengthen families.

J.Onofre -CA   May 13th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

This certainly looks like it has to do with how many of them have college degrees.

I can't wait for Clinton to come out and twist this whole thing around like West Virginia could be her comeback.

mya, Obama   May 13th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Yay Gender!!! I'm kidding. Fellow Obama supporters, please join me in offering congratulations to Sen. Clinton for her win in WV. 5 more contests to go, Obama 2008.

JJ   May 13th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Ahh thanks for the extra slice and dice there CNN. We allready know the story though… Women, old people, blue collar for Hillary, Young people, Men, blacks, White collar for Obama yada yada yada. Thanks!

Tammy   May 13th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

It is a fact that no Democratic president has ever won the White House since 1916 without winning West Virginia. That's how important the voters of West Virginia are. Come on West Virginians, let's make history together and give Hillary the big win she truely deserves! HILLARY '08

Berat (Pronounced buh-RAHT), Park Ridge, IL   May 13th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

>>In early exit polls, 55 percent of Hillary Clinton’s supporters are women, and 45 percent are men.<<

Yeah, Bill, and in 2004, early exit polls said that John Kerry was going to be the next president.

OOPS!

And stop using your headlines to create sensationalist yellow journalistic crap. You're proving yourself to be a hack, and you're insulting what formerly was the pinnacle of cable news reporting.

Glenn   May 13th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Bill Schneider is in Hillary's pocket! What an idiot! Nothing new for Clinton News Network.

Tick Tock Tick Tock! The clock is winding down for Hillary. Obama only needs 151 delegates. The fat lady is singing the "party's over" to the fat lady in pants suits from New York.

Jake   May 13th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

This has been true for the whole election. It has nothing to do with race. Except, of course the 92% black vote for their candidate.

NY for Hillary!   May 13th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

She has already been VP why would she want to be #2 again?

spencer   May 13th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Record the Obama speech today and show it in sound bites, like you do Hillary's speeches..Give everyone fair play……Nothing to do with the article, just and observation……………

Robin   May 13th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Mr. Schneider, my comment does not concern the gas tax suspension, although when you are hurting financially any amount of relief that can be provided to the American people will be appreciated.

On another topic regarding tonight's primary contest between Clinton and Obama, now I hear you are getting ready to broadcast a live speech from Obama from Missouri??? This is WVA tonight, isn't it? And, don't the candidates give their speeches AFTER

Ratgurl   May 13th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

One day we'll all vote for the best candidate, and not the one with whom we identify. Unfortunately, that day is not yet here.

Vahe   May 13th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

POST MY COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Schneider is out of mind.
He is not a political analyst at all.
SNN, that's a shame to have him as a Senior Political Analyst !!!

Franky   May 13th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Who cares about the gap!!! Some of these people are the same people who won't vote for another if either one of the candidates wins the nomination. If they ain't satisfied to how this process is ending up, then they ain't got nobody but to blame themselves……..who cares!!

Vahe   May 13th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Schneider is out of mind.
He is not a political analyst at all.
SNN, that's a shame to have him as a Senior Political Analyst !!!

Ludovic   May 13th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

57 percent of Obama supporters were men
This does not mean that obama won 57 % of the men voters !!!

R.I.F.   May 13th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Hey CNN,

Why don't you post the letter that the obama campaign wrote in response to the Clinton letter? Pretty much crushed the letter that they wrote. Opps…I just answered my own question. Forgot this is the Clinton News Network,

Travelchick in Los Angeles   May 13th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Where are you getting your information from…….the average person in california could care less about a 29.00 tax suspension. Tell me this when you are at about 100.00…..and why you are at it. Add us to some of these polls

Chut Pata   May 13th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

So that is how Billary is winning WV. Playing not only the race card, but also the gender card!

After further review,Texas   May 13th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Sounds like to many gaps.

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