May 20, 2008
Posted: 09:08 PM ET

From

(CNN) — In another sign Barack Obama has trouble courting blue-collar voters, less than half of Kentucky Democrats said Tuesday that Barack Obama shares their values.

According to the exit polls, only 43 percent of voters there said Obama shares their values, a statistic that could potentially hurt him in the fall should he win the party's nomination.

That compares to 73 percent of Kentucky Democrats who said Hillary Clinton shares their values – a statistic the Clinton campaign often references when it claims the New York Democrat has a better chance of winning the crucial swing states in a general election.

The numbers were very similar in West Virginia last week. There only 43 percent said Obama shared their values while 70 percent said Clinton did.

Obama clearly has a long way to go in defining himself among these voters should he be the party's nominee.

Filed under: Exit Polls


Obama, the lord is your strenght   May 21st, 2008 2:09 am ET

Republicans wants her badly, they are the ones saying those stupid things, they wont vote for her either in NOV, because they will be voting for mcbush, get it.

Rich   May 21st, 2008 2:08 am ET

I like that this country equates values with whether or not someone is capable of running a country. And I predict that those same people will not vote for Barack Obama because it's in their interest to put a man who has the same policies as the president we all agree is a failure. If you want to see the country change vote democrat. If you desire to vote for a man who will spend the next 4 years destroying what's left of our home then don't vote! I feel many of the Americans in this country are ill informed. Do your research and just look at the policies and compare Hill, Obama and McCain. You will see there is only one that will surely give you the option for a life that is filled with the same we are experiencing now and for the past 7 years. What is it that makes Americans incapable of wanting to move ahead? Has the media dumbed this country down that much? I fear it has…

Common Sense '08

Shannon Lott   May 21st, 2008 2:07 am ET

What values are these people talking about?? Living an honest, family-oriented, decent life?? How can someone say that they don't share someone else's values when they don't personally know a person? I have lost all confidence in polls altogether during this "election" season. From what I gather, the value that Barack Obama seems to not have in these two states' opinions is being "White". Correct me if I am wrong. Other than that, I have not seen any negativity that could be derived from his character other than what the media has conjured up. How can you condemn a man for the actions of someone else that he just so happened to be acquainted with just like all the other 10s of thousands of people that were pastored to by Rev. Wright. If your father is/was a racist, does that make you one too???? Food for thought.

Venus   May 21st, 2008 1:58 am ET

What values - being stupid? Not voting for some one because of their skin colors?

Who writes the questions for these stupid polls?

Nia   May 21st, 2008 1:53 am ET

….not a surprise…I'm watching After hours with Dan on MSNBC and a very honest caller from Kentucky called in and said that the basic sentament in her state (in talking with most of her coliegesneighbors etc) is that there are still alot of white people who no matter what will not vote for an African American. I think it two fold you have alot of people like the caller suggest and or folks who just don't want the change Obama has built his platform on, his name is funny, his policy aren't conservative enough. it's to much so go with the lessor of two evils. Shame there are people still like this who would rather cut off thier nose to spite thier face instead of having a better life. I think this is why his campaign left out of KY so soon. No since trying to convence folks who don't want to change.

leej   May 21st, 2008 1:36 am ET

Whisky drinking, racist, sister dating in bred morons rarley share vakues with many

goawaymongers   May 21st, 2008 1:34 am ET

Kentucky is a beautiful state to VISIT. I don't think that the "values" of most of the people there are shared by most AMERICANS….

Rafi, NY NY   May 21st, 2008 1:30 am ET

Obama's and Clinton's values are almost exactly the same.

"They don't share my values" is something people say when they can't pinpoint a real reason they don't like a candidate.

S - Austin   May 21st, 2008 1:21 am ET

So, 73% of Kentucky Democrats share Hillary's values… changing the rules mid-game to suit your needs, playing on people's fears and prejudices, spreading lies about someone on your own team, spending frivolously with money you don't have and expecting someone else to foot the bill? Those are values we as a nation can do without!

Bill   May 21st, 2008 1:19 am ET

contemporaries

Sebastian   May 21st, 2008 1:15 am ET

CNN -

Did you ask them … "Does Obama share your values"?

-or-

Did you ask them …."What are your core values & beliefs" … followed by …. Do you believe both candidates share those beliefs?

?   May 21st, 2008 12:55 am ET

Let us be honest, is the thing that really divides the vote in these states values or race? If obama's name was Dave and he were white would we see his values differently?
These are states steeped in racism and Clinton knows this, we all do.
The real question is, will there ever be a time when we can just be Americans without a racial divide?
We are a great and wonderful country but if we are honesty we as Americans are at our weakest when we are fractured, Let us hope that we are not beyond repair.

Elmo   May 21st, 2008 12:47 am ET

The exit polls also indicate that Clinton's supporters in West Virginia and Kentucky are disproportionately comprised of uneducated racists, so they're probably right that Obama doesn't share their values.

Don in Seattle   May 21st, 2008 12:45 am ET

Unfortunatey, Hillary uses the phrase, "I share your values" but then time and time again shoots holes in them if it gets her ahead in some way. I was once an avid supporter of Hillary but have to say she has turned me off big time with her manipulations, attacks, unreasonale math, stretching the truth, actually lying, etc. Yes, she really is a good manipulator and uses every tool she can muster to get herself ahead. Unfortunately, that is exactly what she is doing…building herself up at everyone's expense and misleading many, many of her supporters. She has shown through her own words that she places certain values on race, jobs, and people of different geographies. And, that changes depending on what state she is trying to win in. She is simply not the "Queen" that she thinks she is and she is not "entitled" to the throne she wants to sit on…at least not THAT throne!

Wow!   May 21st, 2008 12:44 am ET

Dia Akin….my son and I are over here SCREAMING laughing at your comment. LMAO @ Well fear not! I've also died a time or two serving my country and will continue to do so when I'm President of the United States of America!"

I agree with you; I just wonder why some of her supporters are so slow they haven't caught on.

Gayle, CA   May 21st, 2008 12:44 am ET

Wow, but of course these are the same voters who say Hillary attacked unfairly and STILL voted for her.

Hillary supporters, how does it feel to aggree with the Roves, Limbaughs, Scarboroughs and Pat Robinsons of the world? Does it ever give you pause?

American Joe   May 21st, 2008 12:40 am ET

If a guy who grow up in small town America and raise by a mom who has to live on food stamp for while, went to school on scholarship and worked as a community organizer on the streets of middle America isn't someone who share their values, then I don't know who is…My goodness, people can just lie like that…I guess the fundamental qualification that they feel is need to share their values is the color of the person's skin~~~truly sad…

BBGG   May 21st, 2008 12:36 am ET

The problem in West Virginia and Kentucky is not that Obama does not share their values. The problem is that he is a black man. Any one who listens to Obama and Hillary would know they both share the same issues for improving this country. Lets us tell the truth. This has nothing to do with values, but the color of Obama's skin. There needs to be an article written on how does a black nominee who wants to unite the country reach out to gain the votes of white racist?

Peggy   May 21st, 2008 12:32 am ET

Why does CNN insist on saying that Senator Obama can't win the "white blue-collar workers"? While Senator Clinton yells "sexcism" as the reason for her campaign woes, Mr. Obama continues to deny that "racism" has plagured his campaign. Stop whining Hillary Clinton and CNN supporters! Those rednecks in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky didn't vote for Senator Obama because he's half-White., but because he's half-Black is reason for not voting for him! And…I no longer watch CNN as your bias toward the White candidate is very obvious. So I say goodbye to Wolf, Lou and even the White Toy Boy Anderson Cooper! You all have shown the world your TRUE COLOR and it's not BLACK!

Anonymous   May 21st, 2008 12:30 am ET

the majority of the US doesn't share the values of Kentucky…

jj   May 21st, 2008 12:29 am ET

woow color of skin is their value ha? this people voted for bush and now they messing this my America again?????

Mary   May 21st, 2008 12:29 am ET

WOW! Take a good look of some of these values, main one being I will not vote for a black man. Now if Hillary wants to share those values it's all good.

Cindy,CA   May 21st, 2008 12:29 am ET

To Dia Akin,
No matter who you support, your comment was in really bad taste. Our troops are actually dying in Iraq so this is not fodder for use in an attack on anyone. I guess you are alittle upset as we all our with this long campaign season. Nerves and tempers can get alittle out of control, but please think before you vent. I know you could not have really meant what you wrote.

Take a breath and I wish you peace and happiness.

David D Kollie   May 21st, 2008 12:28 am ET

Obama share both values of white and black people. He has White Blood as well as African-American Blood in him. He is bivalues.

Edward   May 21st, 2008 12:27 am ET

Is that a bad thing? Most of America does not share their values either. These people have been voting Republican for years now. In a sense, they have more invested in the culture of the Republican party than the Democrat party. This is why Bush's bluster and latent white male machismo is so appealing to them. I have never understood why poor white people feel a kinship in the Republican party, and they say Obama is elitist. It remains to be seen now whether they will vote with their heads or their hearts in November.

By the way, "Engagement is not Appeasement" John

SC for Hillary   May 21st, 2008 12:26 am ET

BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA HATE WHITE PEOPLE, IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW, JUST ASK REV WRIGHT, OR BUY HIS BOOK WHEN IT COME OUT IN OCTOBER, YOU WILL ALSO SEE THE VIDEO THAT THE REPUBLICANS HAVE WITH BOTH MICHELLE AND BARACK IN THE PEWS CLAPPING WHEN REV WRIGHT WERE PREACHING ABOUT THE HATEFUL WHITE PEOPLE IN AMERICA, YOU WILL ALSO SEE THAT OBAMA LIED ABOUT BEING IN THOSE PEWS, HE IS A LIAR, AND WILL LOSE BY A LANDSLIDE IN NOVEMBER. OBAMA IS AN EMPTY SUIT WITH NO SUBSTANCE AND LOVE TERRIOSTS.

Jillian   May 21st, 2008 12:24 am ET

People in Kentucky get what they deserve. These fools voted for Bush big time in 2000 and 2004. I'm sure a lot of them still think he's doing a helluva job. They're uneducated, ignorant and backward. I'm allowed to say all that because I was born and raised here and I know how foolish my fellow Kentuckians can be.

Bill   May 21st, 2008 12:21 am ET

Bill Schneider,…do you and Wolf think Barack Obama should learn to lie more? Would he then share values with Hillary, and some of her supporters? Your polling, and observations are so much crap. Americans want honest politicians. Values??? What values??? You sound much like the nitwits in office now. They ran on values.
Many of you journeyman news hands at CNN have been disgracing your profession. You couldn't carry water for Walter Cronkite, and his contempories.

Holly B   May 21st, 2008 12:20 am ET

Kentucky, what are your values? Are you not mostly Christian? Well so is Obama and a church attender far more loyally than Hillary. Do you believe it is okay to lie? Is that your value, because Hillary does a heck of a lot more of it than Obama. Do you want to continue to send your sons into a war that should never have been? Hillary voted for that war? Who is the more patriotic American? Obama will tell you everything he is he owes to this great country. Hillary will almost bring down her own political party to gain power for her and her lyin' cheatn' husband! Do you really have more in common with her values than his? I hope not!! Get a better look at Obama and I think that you will find that you do share his values - including his family values!

Moe   May 21st, 2008 12:20 am ET

Well someone finally said it…the "R" word. 1 in 5 Kentucky voters said race played a part in their decision. And 90% of them voted for Clinton.

I think that is what CNN reported.

The Bu   May 21st, 2008 12:19 am ET

So, does that mean that most of the people in Kentucky tell lies and don't take responsibility for their mistakes??? If I were Obama, I would think, if telling the truth is wrong, I don't wanna be right. Which values specifically do they share with Hillary? Well, besides the lying and pandering, and love of self?

Unshrub   May 21st, 2008 12:18 am ET

They act like that is a bad thing! Marrying your cousin isn't exactly that the value I would want my president to share with anyone.

Viva Obama 08   May 21st, 2008 12:16 am ET

The math is not going to work for Clinton. Super Delegates need to be careful with that.

Crush Rush   May 21st, 2008 12:15 am ET

Its a sad day when people say they know shes a liar but vote for her anyway.

iLogos   May 21st, 2008 12:08 am ET

The sad part of that is, he probably does share most of their values. Rather than actually trying to inform themselves about a candidate a lot of voters let others define their choices for them and they are happy to not have to think for themselves. The idea that someone who looks different, sounds different, and has a different kind of name may hold a lot of the same beliefs and values would cause them to rethink the way they view the world.

Dia Akin   May 21st, 2008 12:02 am ET

Oh please…she shares EVERYBONE'S values….let HER tell it, she's done EVERYTHING that the voting state does for recreation. She's been a hunter, dodged sniper fire, LIVED in every state, etc.

I can see her addressing some troops who just returned from Iraq like "I know some of your buddies didn't make it back home. They died serving their country. Well fear not! I've also died a time or two serving my country and will continue to do so when I'm President of the United States of America!"

I used to REALLY like Clinton but after seeing who she REALLY is, I could NEVER bring myself to cast a vote for her.

Kathy, Andover   May 20th, 2008 11:56 pm ET

Something is definitely wrong with those people.

Manuel TX   May 20th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

It's clear that anyone who attends an openly racist church…probably doesn't share values with too many people.

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No.Cal. for Obama   May 20th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Let's face it what they really meant is he doesn't share their color.

Sad.

Francys   May 20th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

It is interesting discussion tonight on CNN about the fact that 1 out of 5 Clinton supporters admits being racist. Yet, she was once again crying about sexism today in the media. What a joke.

Oh well, yet another Redneck state for Hillary, that must to make her proud of herself…

Francys   May 20th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

It is interesting discussion tonight on CNN about the fact that 1 out of 5 Clinton supporters admits being racist. Yet, she was once again crying about sexism today in the media. What a joke.

Oh well, yet another Redneck state for Hillary, that must to make her proud of herself…

sheila knight   May 20th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

i'am just gonna come out and say it i voted for the clintons but you know what it's a different day that old divide and conquer tactics are over,we can look at oprah she supports obama and her mentor supports hillary and gues what oprah gave mya angelou a big birthday bash at donald trumps mara lar go estate the more educated and wealth they have people can disagree without being disagreeable so those less educated people who are in hillarys camp need to get informed and know who the real enemy is it's not obama his wife or wright their mad at themselves get empowered people

kingsley   May 20th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

schneider or whatever your name is.you always coming up with these post just to lay out how obame gonna have a hard time if he is the nominee.

common sense, what do you expect out of a state thats all rednecks like yourself and with a winning percentage that big? I dont think people who comes to this site are stupid. therefore you are in the wrong place for these spins.

you wanna say something to the super delegates talk to donna brazil. enough of your bias. who cares about those virginians and ky's negative morals and no integrity values?

Tom(Texas)   May 20th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

If that means religious conservative, gun loving, racist, anti gay, anti abortion country folk then the answer is no he doesn't share those values.

cole canada   May 20th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Obama does not have to prove anything to this people they don't want to vote a black man period i am so sick amd tired of the way all this news media spin the election yjey are the one making people hate each other because they want to make money its really sad to see america become a country so divide. I use to dream of how great america is but not anymore,women who want to vote for hillary should so but not blame Obama for her faliure because when the primary started we all thought she will win everything been a clinton then she flew to iowa in an helicopter showing off and Obama beat her there
She is the one to blame for her own failure not Obama because she thought she can live off her husbad glory but one thing she forgot and people forget is that as the world revolve so do we as people change and all the things around us.
If you people that don't want to vote Obama then shut up and don't vote and same goes for Obama people but the main enemy all you people have in common is the news media so people wake up we people from the outside see how the media is destroying you.

stop the madness   May 20th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Shout the heck up with this mess already!! The truth is he does not share your skin color!!! What the heck do any of you backwooded people think you have in common with Hillary Clinton and her millions besides the same color of skin!!!!!

That's just it most of her supporters are uneducated backwooded hicks and the only way for them to express their racism in a civil way is say some stupid mess like this and the thing of it is most of them can not even form this sentence, they can only respond with a no if the question is posed to them. They are so backwooded that they don't even know that they are, they fell to realize that the world has changed since one of them last ventured outside of their clan to report back that things have changed!!! It's a new world, and new way of thinking that exists the rest of the world has moved on to bigger and brighter ideas than don't include fear of others. It's O.K , in fact encouraged to THINK outside of the box and outside of your circle.

This is not something made up to be mean, it is the truth I live around these fools everyday!!!! THEY REALLY DO THINK SLOOOOWLY!!
Everything is done to a different tune!! It's like living in the 40s. And if you think these backwooded Hillary fans are something Baby you don't want to know what a Proud Red blooded gun touting wyite(white) power Republican is like especially the poor ones, those you almost want to put them out of their misery, except they are not miserable they are PROUD to be just what they are and in their own world. These people are a lost cause just like their leader!!!

Peter, DC transplant   May 20th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

HEY! 25% of Clinton voters also said that race played a factor in their decision. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that race is still a bigger issue than sexism. And who would have imaged that Clinton, the scapegoat of the republican party for 35 years, would be getting the mostly republican red-neck vote!! And what does it say about Clinton, the champion of civil liberties and wife of the "first black president", when she quietly embraces (and depends on) the white racist voting block?

white,50,female Republican for Obama   May 20th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

Of course they don't think he shares their "VALUES"..HAHA…it's because he is half black!
We need an educated man running the White House…and that man is Barack Obama! He is the reason I will be crossing party lines in November!!

OBAMA'08!!!!!! NO TO BILLARY AS VICE PRESIDENT!!!

arun chawla   May 20th, 2008 11:26 pm ET

specially true when values are measured by skin tone.

Jeremey   May 20th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

Wright shares Obama's values.

Terri   May 20th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

Can someone elaborate on exactly what their values are??

chula   May 20th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

Of course Obama doesn't share our values!!!

How many of us actively participate and contribute to a racist, divisive, anti-American church?

How many of us call american terrorist friends?

How many of us would use the phrase "TYPICAL WHITE PERSON"

How many of us believe americans are bitter, hatemongering, gun toting and faithless?

How many of us believe that corporate America and the Elite should run this country?

OBAMA DOES NOT SHARE THE VALUES OF AMERICA…..

Obamas WORDS and ACTIONS have proven this.

NO OBAMA

Scott C   May 20th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

My family all share mostly the same views and since people in Kentucky are all inbred and from the same gene pool, I imagine they are the same way.

Race was the #1 factor in West Virginia and Kentucky.. Don't pretend they rallied around Clinton because of her policy.

They like her skin color.

(Most of them)

Lana   May 20th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

What values does she have that they like so much?

Her ability to stay with a man that has cheated on her before and probably still is?

Or do they think she can get them jobs?

Whatever.

Go home Hillary.

Linned   May 20th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

I would really love for someone in KY to blog and tell us what their values are.

About Time   May 20th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Half of these people don't know what their values are? What the hell are their values? A family tree with no branches?

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