Comments on: New CNN Poll: Obama, McCain in a statistical dead heat

By: JLRDel

JLRDel — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:19:32 +0000

"1% or 10% a win is a win"...
It is only if they additionally carry the electorial college. Bush won by 3% 4 years ago, but a 100k shift in Ohio could have elected Kerry. If the race is within a couple percentage points it could go either way.

By: ben2

ben2 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:17:33 +0000

not that anyone reads past the first few comments, but if the margin of error is 3.5 points, how would a 5-point lead be considered a "dead heat"?

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:16:43 +0000

I know that others have said this, but it needs to be repeated- this is not a statistical dead heat. Obama's lead is outside the margin of error, which means that the difference is statistically significant.

By: jimmy velman

jimmy velman — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:13:58 +0000

I WROTE MY COMMENTS ABOUT AMERICAN CORPORATIONS HIRING, RECRUITING, OUTSOURCING AMERICAN JOBS TO FOREIGNERS INSTEAD OF TRAINING AMERICANS FOR THESE
HUNDREDS OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE JOBS, WHITE COLLAR VACANCIES AMERICAN CORPORATIONS NOW HAVE.
I CANT UNDERSTABD WHY CNN ALWAYS PUTS MY COMMENTS
WITH THE HEADING" YOUR COMMENTS ARE AWAITING MODERATION" ?

By: steve

steve — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:12:51 +0000

hey retards at CNN – when one candidate (Obama) leads the other (McCain ) BEYOND the margin or error, it is no longer a "statistical dead heat"... stop carrying McSame's water

By: Ron

Ron — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:11:09 +0000

The same pollsters must be polling in Zimbabwe

Mugabe, Tsvangirai in stastical dead heat.

By: Ron. Toronto Canada

Ron. Toronto Canada — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:05:05 +0000

I am not saying John Mccaine is unpatriotic. Senator Mccaine flew combat missions against communism in Viet Nam. Served five years as a P.O.W. God Bless him. How could he support an administration that sold out the U.S.A. to communisChina. This I would call UNPATRIOTIC...

By: Inez

Inez — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:04:03 +0000

McCain will lose the a bunch of Hillary's supporters are still whining about her loss some more of them will come around especially when they find out he knows nothing about our economy or how to fix it. He is too old to be president. Just because he was a war hero does not mean he is entitled to being president. I have yet to see where he is different from president Bush. If Obama would take Hillary as his vp he would win by a landslide. If Obama loses because of Hillary's supporters it will ruin the Clintons and they could hang up ever getting any support from an Obama supporter. We need a dem for president not some senile old man.

By: lars

lars — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:03:47 +0000

USA : 0
Rest of the world : 193

YOu get the govt you deserve, frat boys.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:56:54 +0000

If Obama does turn out not to be all he says he is, is there a chance Hillary can be slipped in at the last second? Does the fact that she just 'suspended' her campaign mean we still might be able to get this right?

By: Annie

Annie — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:56:06 +0000

Yeah, well I guess it is time for Obama to select Clinton as his running mate if he expects to win this election. Otherwise, several Clinton supports, myself included, will vote for McCain.

Obama/Clinton '08

By: jason

jason — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:51:12 +0000

mccain will loose and obama will take over we need obama people pay attention to gas prices and economy. mccain has no plans for us do the right thing vote for obama. obama 08!!!!!!!

By: harschwarz

harschwarz — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:48:53 +0000

The popular vote is not the best indicator for projecting a winner. It's the electoral college. And in that instance Obama is not only winning states that Kerry won in 2004(252),but he's ahead in the western states like NM & CO, as well as red states like Virginia, Ohio and Indiana in the east.

By: Phil

Phil — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:40:42 +0000

Now that is spin. One candidate consistently polls 5% better than the other and we are in a statistical dead heat.

Prof Steve, I am not a statistician, but I stayed at one of them express hotels last night. I understand margin of error in polls. However, when multiple polls show the exact same result, and are on the highest edge of that margin of error, the odds of that statistical margin of error actually coming into play go down, don't they? When you combine the results of those various polls, increasing the sample size, the margin of error also reduces, doesn't it?

Obama/Biden 08!

By: Herman in LA

Herman in LA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:40:31 +0000

hog wash...

By: Ilona Hussein, Proud Canadian!

Ilona Hussein, Proud Canadian! — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:39:45 +0000

How long has McCain been campaigning for the General Election?
I think it is now about four months.

How long has Barack been campaigning for the General Election?
Roughly three weeks?

CNN, don't you think the positions should be reversed? Let's just wait and see what the POLLS say closer to November.

By: Uncle Fester

Uncle Fester — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:27:59 +0000

still waiting ...tick tick tick tick

America doesn't need or want a tax and spend big government liberal like Obama.

DUDE… DID YOU REALLY JUST PULL OUT THE OLDEST, MOST TIRED DOGMA OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AFTER "THIS" PRESIDENCY????

YOUR PARTY HAS SPENT THE COUNTRY INTO THE POOR HOUSE!

BILL CLINTON LEFT WITH THE FIRST SURPLUS IN 40 YEARS!

Please address what I have just said… or you will be written off as a parrot of the party line.

By: MINX

MINX — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:23:16 +0000

If McCain led the poll by 5 points, would CNN report the result as a statistical tie? They never have in the past.
There is 3.5 point margin of error in this small poll.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:16:09 +0000

This is all we get with our rock star? A statistical dead heat? All those Republicans voted and gave money to Obama so that the weakest person will be the Democratic nominee and now they are withdrawing their money and telling pollsters who they really support, McCain. African Americans and liberals once again fell for Republican dirty tricks!

Hillary 2012

By: Hispanic For McCain

Hispanic For McCain — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:15:46 +0000

HAHAHAHA for all you LIBERAL Morons the polls last week that OBAMA is up 65 to 29 among the Hispanic is NOT True!!!!! Hispanic will vote for John McCain!!!!! Just ask the Hillary Hispanic Connection they already said they will NOT support OBAMA. They are going with McCain. In Reality because the Media, the Pundit that control the news does not want you to know the TRUTH!!! The Raza people will support John McCain, the Puertorican Nation, the Mexican Natuion, The Colombian Nation and all of the Hispanic Nation will support McCain and not OBAMA!!!!! Obama is the loser here!!!!

By: Vivienne

Vivienne — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:13:07 +0000

I believe that people do not have a right to question your patriotism. This is one of the main reasons we are in the stupid war with IRAQ. The American people didn't do their duty and demand that the government be accountable to them. Instead American's stayed in their homes acting afraid and 4,000 plus Americans have lost their lives for what? 20,000 more Americans have lost their limbs and/or sustained grotesque injuries to their bodies; why? They lost their lives and their limbs in a misguided crusade of bringing liberty and freedom to another people in another land while the people of the USA hunkered down in their homes afraid to say this is wrong. Why? Because they didn't want their patriotism questioned... and they were afraid.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:08:52 +0000

Now I know why he is flip-floping more recently.. Hillary, please, come back...

By: sarah

sarah — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:08:02 +0000

neat how the zealots dedicated to the hot air vendor say this is a sham and obama is way ahead. then they say that no one with a brain votes for mccain. then they say it does not matter cause their golden boy will win anyway. wrong....................mccain will wipe the floor with this 2-bit wannabe.

By: Geneva Hill

Geneva Hill — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:07:48 +0000

GO OBAMA GO 5% NOW 10% LATER, 15% AND FINALLY 270 FOR THE PRESIDENCY!

By: Jan Illinois

Jan Illinois — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:07:30 +0000

Want to WIN, Bring HER in.

By: Barack Hussein Obama

Barack Hussein Obama — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:04:10 +0000

There are way too many idiots posting comments here.

By: Agnes

Agnes — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:02:35 +0000

In this year with all the dissatisfaction in the current president and administration, shouldn't there be a landslide lead? It isn't because the democratic presumptive is such an unknown quantity. How can the voter make an informed decision on the issues when Sen. Obama's record is so lacking in history? We have only inference and empty words to go on. We have a great obligation to democracy and our nation to pick the best candidate for the job; Hillary is by far the better choice, but since the DNC foisted the lesser on us, the polls are now showing what the rest of America is musing. And, as more time goes by and Sen. Obama shows his weakness in experience the more musing will occur.
Patriotism, separation of church and state, economic uncertainty, 20 years member of a hate mongering – ridiculing church, immoral election practices, numerous "disappointing" relationships, a senatorial voting record of present, flip – flops.... These are facts that linger. The polls reflect the weakness in the candidate.
Nobama!

By: Annette, Washington, DC

Annette, Washington, DC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:56:00 +0000

The pressure is on McCain camp. Gen. Clark comments have now become the media frenzy...

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:50:32 +0000

Michelle,

So did you vote for Gore and Kerry or are you a Bush apologist who now wants to spin the reason and use it to vote for McCain? (The candidate who has basically said he will continue the failed policies of this administration.)

By: Clinton, no, wait, McCain Supporter

Clinton, no, wait, McCain Supporter — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:48:56 +0000

Obama is about as patriotic as a Madison Avenue advertising salesman. He could tattoo an American flag on his forehead and I wouldn't believe him!

By: Tina Hussein Wyatt, NC

Tina Hussein Wyatt, NC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:38:06 +0000

Brian,
I'm really tired of people like you saying that Obama is the Messiah. I am a Christian and this is very offensive. Obviously you know nothing of the Christian faith or you would know that we already have a Messiah. His name is Jesus.
You are free to take all the shots you want but to refer to Obama as the Messiah is beyond low.
You, and people like you, should be ashamed.

By: John Johnson

John Johnson — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:37:44 +0000

It is truly appalling your shameless pandering to McCain, an absolute abdication of these supposed conerstones of your profession – fairness, balance and truth. On each of the, you have failed miserably. Every headline, analysis and reporting is so skewed that it seems to go beyond a mere professional incompetence. It is looking like a well orchestrated campaign to ensure that by whatever means necessary that Obama's campaign is derailed. You continuously apply a higher standard to him while the old man can make the most ridiculous claim without as much as a comment. A good example is McCain extolling the virtues of the GI Bill that he firmly oppossed, yet you have deliberately failed to highlight the downright lies and hypocrisy. I am certain if Obama shows such reckless abandonment of the truth, ( especially as his mantra is straight talking) he would have been ripped apart as a liar. And the way you and the other friendly journalists pander to McCain at Press conferences is reminiscent of the press in zimbabwe. Are you all that insecure that him being friendly and a stand-up guy is enough for you all to forsake any semblance of professional integrity or is there a more sinister motive?

By: Obvious

Obvious — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:36:57 +0000

Ah, senselessly questioning Obama's patriotism...the GOP has nothing on him!

By: SOPHIE

SOPHIE — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:35:26 +0000

WOW, every other poll has Obama ahead. I doubt your poll's validity.

By: Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:33:11 +0000

Jesse from San Antone, All you need to do is vote for him and then have faith that the rest of us will do our jobs and vote for him as well. Dave, next time you post, why don't you share four or five 'values" you share that McCain has an Obama doesn't. Hopefully you'll start with marriage, something McCain didn't hold onto by his own accord. That's a nice value if there ever was one, especially if you look at the 10 commandments (#7 or 8 is where you should start reading).

By: WoMeN4McCain

WoMeN4McCain — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:32:53 +0000

My boy McCain will prevail with help from the PUMA tards. Go PUMA tards.

By: JERRY

JERRY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:32:20 +0000

Why is the MSM still driving this narraitve of his patriotism???? Lets call a spade a sapde here. it's the media that is questioning it.

By: no mccain

no mccain — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:31:05 +0000

you can do or say anything,at the end victory will be on obama side.
obama08-16

By: mel

mel — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:30:16 +0000

bayou joe - if that's the case – mccain said in his own words – he did not love his country til he was a prisoner – so by age 5 he did not love his country – i guess he still doesn't – according to you –

By: TED

TED — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:28:09 +0000

NONPARTISAN view: Reagan rebuit what J. Carter destroyed, and as for G. W. Bush, while his Iraq War could remain questionable, he has been unlucky in terms of economy as the high gas price problem arises during his term. The high gas price is NOT his fault. It is the global phenomena based on "supplies-demands" caused mainly by China's and India's strong economic expansions. In Europian countries gas prices are MUCH MUCH higher than what we pay for here. What I disrespect of the Democratic Party candidate's campaign is HE makes voters believe that the high gas price caused by Bush and as if the gas price drops immediately after his inauguration. Some people tend to believe his words blindly and emotionally based on the current situation they face. While such reaction is understandable, emotional reaction will never lead you to the truce. I just want a honest person (regardless of Party) becomes our president, not the person who sells EMPTY PROMISES.

By: Making Sense

Making Sense — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:27:25 +0000

Anyone who is citing the Real Clear Politics average needs to know they included those wacky Newsweek and LA Times polls that have now been proven to be overly loaded with democrats which resulted in faulty polling. So of course Obama's averages are up there with those unrealistic 12 and 15 point bumps averaged in.

Obama polls the highest nationally with Clinton on the ticket. It will be historical and unbeatable.

Obama/Clinton 08

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:27:09 +0000

Boy, there sure are a lot of stupid people on here.

By: Gina

Gina — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:24:22 +0000

I'm voting for McCain ... the candidate with experience, judgement, character and patriotism.

By: AdamT

AdamT — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:22:17 +0000

Jesse what are our options as U.S. citezens? Take a look around you there bud. Gas, dead soldiers, dollar bill losing its value america is currently slipping off into the abyss......AND THE WINNER IS????? America can ill afford another Republican in the white house, there is no need to be upset, it can only get better from here )

By: Marie in California

Marie in California — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:19:45 +0000

Was for Hillary, now for McCain! Go McCain!

P.U.M.A.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:19:03 +0000

You know Hillary can still win this!!! What, a whole 2 weeks for the "change" candidate to move to the center on a whole list of issues. I never doubted it for a minute. This guy isn't any different than any other politician. But, now we get a Democratic nominee with no experience to top it off. Way to go super delegates.

By: the cynic

the cynic — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:16:54 +0000

Who cares about a national poll? Anybody with half a brain knows the popular vote doesn't decide the election, electoral votes do. Anybody that knows history knows this to be the case (see 2000 election)

By: Tari

Tari — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:15:50 +0000

I'm so sick of this patriotism crap every presidential election cycle. Both men are Americans and they love America. No one can doubt their commitment to this country and what it stands for. This CNN poll would of been actually relevant if it asked the following: Which candidate do you trust to repair the economy?

By: California Gold

California Gold — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:14:44 +0000

These are the same pollsters who 18 months ago projected Hillary Clinton would be the Democrat Presidential Candidate and boy were they wrong!

By: Tony, Miami

Tony, Miami — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:12:59 +0000

I will start taking the polls seriously by late September and October