July 30, 2008
Posted: July 30th, 2008 08:34 AM ET

From
Recent polls show a tight race between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.
Recent polls show a tight race between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - With an unpopular president and a troubled national economy, large numbers of Democratic and independent voters are increasingly calling for "change" - and looking to Sen. Barack Obama as the solution.

But a surprising trend is emerging: Polls show a tight race between Obama and Sen. John McCain.

Asked whether they would rather see a Democrat or a Republican elected president, voters in a Wall Street Journal-NBC News Poll released July 23 said they prefer a Democrat, by 12 points: 48 percent to Republicans' 36 percent. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama


GARY   July 30th, 2008 11:41 am ET

start drinking the kool aid obama robots he should be 40 points ahead not four the only way he wins if hilliary is on the ticket we stupid people who stick to our guns and religion will vote mccain we do not likebeing looked down on by the messiah. god bless john mccain at least i know he is patriotic

Richard   July 30th, 2008 11:40 am ET

What is this stuff about Obama being arrogant? Isn't that old time southern Jim Crow thought about a Black Male supposed to know his place in society? What is this stuff about not ready from day 1? Isn't that playing on a racist MYTH that unqualified African Americans are taking jobs away from qualified whites? The Clintons, having no shame, played the race card for the GOP. That is why it is close. Shame on the media for not exposing it.

JDC // Ohio   July 30th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Many of you are too young to remember Jimmy Carter and what a mess he made in four years; Obama reminds me of "Peanut Jimmy." We kicked his butt after one miserable term and I predict Obama is another Carter.

Bulldog   July 30th, 2008 11:40 am ET

c

MattH   July 30th, 2008 11:40 am ET

"Emerging trend"?
Ah, no. This pattern has been quite evident for many months now.

Joe the Troll   July 30th, 2008 11:39 am ET

"People want stability not a rock star as a leader."

How much stability can you get from a candidate who has changed his mind on no less than 50 issues in the past few years? McCain stands for nothing but what the RNC tells him he stands for. If CNN had half the journalistic integrity that they claim, we'd see more of McCain's ineptitude and "memory loss," but Obama would raise Ted Turner's taxes so THAT won't happen.

Joseph L   July 30th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Obama the best used car salesman ever.You libs are going to get 1 world body govt.I hope after Obama is elected prez. One of you obama lovers gets your on company and then watch your social security you have to match per employee be uncapped.Then you have a good year after struggling for many years only to realize after all write offs you still made 250,001 and here comes Obama 40% tax baby.All because he wants you to share with some loser and we all know a few.Who doesnt want to work hard for anything and expects everything for free.So enjoy you are being sold a front row ticket to a hollywood blockbuster.I WOULD RATHER HAVE MORE OF BUSH THAN ANY SOCIALIST MARXISM I RULE THE WORLD OBAMA.

red33,cedar rapids, ia   July 30th, 2008 11:39 am ET

I have come to the conclusion that the people who vote in these polls do not know (or care) about the issues involved, if they are voting for Obama. They should realize they are voting in regard to a future president, not a rock star or Hollywood icon. Socialism is not a good thing, people; do you know what Socialism entails? Read up.

McCain is too old   July 30th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Maryann-

If you want Clinton back so badly, get your checkbook open...she needs your help! Otherwise just admit the reason Obama will not be getting your vote is because you are a closet republican!!

Linda31   July 30th, 2008 11:38 am ET

I guess that's why the media is harder on Obama. And this is according to a conservative research company.

Yes that why he was misquoted yesterday?????? If you are going to be a referendum on Obama, let it be fair.

afrahx2   July 30th, 2008 11:38 am ET

There's nothing like a confused and desperate bunch. That's exactly what McCain and his bunch are. Having confidence in one's abilities is certainly not arrogance. GO BARAK.

LIP   July 30th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Memories are short
The Democrats controlled congress for 40 years and it gave us nothing but increased taxes and low incomes. Finally, there was light at the end of the tunnel and the Republicans controlled congress with a Democrat President, Clinton, who moved right to the center and took credit for all the great programs Republicans implemented. Since then, the Republicans squandered what little they had and now we have a Democrat "do nothing" congress with the lowest approval rating ever...9% approval.
Now the American people are thinking about electing a left wing liberal President and possibly insuring we have a Democrat controlled Congress for some time to come.
We will get exactly what we deserve. We will reverse time and end up right where we were when the Democrats controlled Congress before with increased taxes and low incomes.

Carole, CA   July 30th, 2008 11:37 am ET

To v.a., while you may find McCain's "short arms" humorous, others don't. His problem with arms and shoulders comes from the years he spent being tortured. His shoulders were dislocated, bones broken, etc., resulting in his inability to raise his arms very high and the appearance of "short arms". I think your comment was cruel and hateful, even if you didn't know the reason for his arm/shoulder problems. You're an Obama supporter, aren't you? I thought so.

Rick   July 30th, 2008 11:37 am ET

The only surprising thing about this story is that barack "The Human Hotair Balloon" obama has fooled so many people up to this point. Apparently socialism doesn't die easily.

Michelle   July 30th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Obama can read a speech that someone else wrote–big deal!

And hello! If Obama can spend hours playing basketball, then surely he can find time to DEBATE.

Obama is an arrogant coward, and American voters are finally realizing that the "emperor" has no clothes.

Recommended article: "Barack Obama's Stealth Socialism"
IBD article–Google it

eric   July 30th, 2008 11:36 am ET

McCain only has the popularity he does because Obama's media frenzy overshadows all of the idiotic things McCain has said and done. If the coverage was more 50/50, it wouldn't be close. The entire country would have decided he was too old and infirm to be president. When even my 80+ year old grandparents can say he's too old, thus being ratted out by his peers, you know it's a problem.

dave g, minneapolis   July 30th, 2008 11:36 am ET

People like Obama, but that's no reason to vote for him. There are alot of likable or smarmy people out there who can woo and just influence by their presence.

Both McCain and Obama are not offering real change. Both will increase taxes. People keep saying that Obama only will increase taxes on >$200k/year. But think about who that is...the small business owner which is much of America. And guess what, if their taxes increase, and now that minimum wage is higher, they'll cut jobs.

Both have voted for bills that reduce our liberty and freedom. The government can now take your land for "public" use, like a Mall or a Corporate headquarters–a misuse of eminent domain. The government can search and seize property with very little due process. And with FISA can snoop without warrants.

Vote for real change. If you believe in freedom Vote for Barr!

Jim   July 30th, 2008 11:36 am ET

There are still racist people like in West Virginia that would rather eat out of the dumpster than elect a black president, if Obama was white he would be way up in the polls. And this is coming from a white male. Luckily most of our country doesn't judge the man by his name or color, we don't judge a book by it's cover, nor the smear tactics, we instead listen to his idea's and virtue's, and I think there's enough of us for him to win in November, if America vote's in another idiot I think everyone in the world will fall over and loose all respect for us, and I'll def. be saving to move to Canada at the least.

CNN loves McCain   July 30th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Alice Gentry wrote:

Please, Americans, don't go for this liberal tripe from Pelosi/Reid/Obama. Those people want to control your lives and "provide for everyone's needs". Well, there's just no way a freedom-loving society can endure that, because when the government controls us, we are no longer free.

****************************************************************************

We stopped being a freedom loving society after 9/11.

Alice, do you really believe the garbage you spew?

Carl Justus   July 30th, 2008 11:36 am ET

There is not a person in the USA that meet the requirements of becoming president that could do a worse job than Bush if he or she tried.
McCain has endorsed a majority of Bush's policies and will be nothing more than a BORROW AND SPEND REPUBLICAN, while telling the American people he is a conservative and will keep strong economy and good relations with the rest of the world.
McCain will be little more than Bush when visits foreign countries, they will have to keep the public some seven blocks away from him just like Bush.

THIS COUNTRY CANNOT STAND ANY MORE YEARS OF A BUSH LIGHT OR ANYTHING THAT WILL REMIND US OF BUSH.
WE NEED CHANGE AND OBAMA IS THE ONLY HOPE WE HAVE. IF YOU DO NOT THINK SO THEN THINK OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANYTHING RESEMBLING BUSH.

Pat M   July 30th, 2008 11:35 am ET

If people want Stability why would they vote for McSame? Can you truthfully state the last eight years brought Stability to America? (Smirk)
How could anyone type McCain and Stability in the same sentence without quivering? I'm sorry for laughing but what did you expect?

McCain was Bush's most loyal supporter during his Campaign. McCain holds the record for the most support on Bush's too many to count Inane Bills in the House! McCain is so derranged he thinks having Bush on his Campaign trail is a benefit! The majoirty of people around the world need a barf bag when Bush's face appears on their TV Screen!
Me included. I could say more but why waste my time on those who must be blind to the reality of the last eight years of pure, unadulterated devastation world wide under Bush's reign!

Jack   July 30th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Let's see,

If we can blame Obama for the high gas price, then we can blame McCain for the war in Iraq.

I know which one we are paying more for???????? Do you!!!!!!

Think, America!!!!!.

GoBama08

Nathan,   July 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Any white male who could walk and talk at the same time would win easily against John George Bush Mccain. The fact that Obama is Black is why this election will be close. Mccain is morphing right before our eyes into George Bush. George Bush couldn't get elected dog catcher, yet the guy who is trumpeting everything Bush does as good and right is in a close election. It seems obvious to me.

Happily Independent   July 30th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Obama should win the presidency, but if he does not and the reason is that Clinton supporters either vote for McCain or did not vote at all, then there are going to be serious payback in 2012 if Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nomination. Many of the groups that supported Obama would probably not come out and vote in 2012. Why should blacks come out and vote for Clinton in 2012 if you sabotaged the election of the first black candidate that had a real chance of winning the presidency. She would still get some black votes, but there would be a backlash and a large percentage would not even vote. As a result, Clinton would lose. Young voters did not support Clinton and usually are not excited enough to vote in large numbers. The number of young voters supporting Clinton would be low. Without young voters, Clinton still would not have enough support to win. Try sabotaging Obama if you like, but we will return the favor in 2012.

Denise   July 30th, 2008 11:33 am ET

To Terry from Lakeland, Florida: While you were so busy ranting that people should check their facts, I see you didn't dispute the truth, which is that McCain gave up information to the enemy. Sure, when you are tortured in a prison camp, maybe we all would eventually give up state secrets to end the torment....but he did so even before any of his compatriats did. He cracked first. What does that say about him? He also attempted suicide. And so many people talk about how honorable he is. What is honorable about a man who would have mulitple affairs on his recently disfigured wife?

Ted van Tol   July 30th, 2008 11:32 am ET

How in the world it 's possible that John McCain is a serius
candidate. So many mistakes, so many stupid remarks. He looks
even more desperit than G. Bush. This man don't believe his one words.
If it 's realy so that Americans elect McCain in november, I think they
do so because Barack Obama is black. A lot of white Americans would elect a gooth above a black man. And that 's just scares me.
I would love to see Barack to be the next president of the USA.
He wil be your most loved President in history. And don't say he is an empty suit because he has proven not to be.
America wil isolate herself and loose every credit from the rest of the world when they elect McCaine and, I am sure within 1 year every American look back in shame by electing an old, tired and dum President for the third time.
I follow your elections from The Netherlands every day and I red on
CNN that so many Americans knows nothing aout Barack.
I know evertything about al your candidates. So Americans,
do your home work before it is to late.

With love from the Netherlands

MZ   July 30th, 2008 11:32 am ET

No Hillary = No Barack !!!

Justmyopinion2008   July 30th, 2008 11:31 am ET

It is obvious Sen. "Flip-Flopper" "Panderer" "Surge" McCain and his team are working hard following every trend that Sen. Obama. They have complex about every move that Sen. Obama make and therefore must spinn it into something negative in other to feel better. It is a sad sad story!

Bulldog   July 30th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Experience is only as good as it's possessor

If a person is a liar, thief, scumbag and so on then what good is his experience.

Experience only matters if the person is honest and integral.

jo   July 30th, 2008 11:30 am ET

poll surprising trend is emerging: Polls show a tight race between Obama and Sen. John McCain. how come none of the people that I know and myself never get this poll calls. CNN and all pollester need a tight race because of business, if it is not tight you won't have a news.

RealityKing   July 30th, 2008 11:30 am ET

A surprising trend is emerging?

Surprised? America has been divided ideological for 20 years now.. Who is surprised?? Other than the progressive media thats in full court corruption mode for their liberal Messiah Obama??

Brad   July 30th, 2008 11:30 am ET

PUMA – Hillary 2012.
The DNC robbed Hillary of her chance. We will take the Pelosi/Dean Hillary Haters to task in 2012. A write-in for Hillary is a voice for CHANGE. Stop this jargon of whether Obama is or isn't a political insider – he is. And, if he's seriously courting a PRO-LIFE democratic VP, all hell will break loose in the party!

Didine - Maryland   July 30th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Wall Street Journal-NBC News Poll released July 23 said they prefer a Democrat, by 12 points: 48 percent to Republicans' 36 percent. That is good news for Senator Obama. He will even do better when we add Ralph Nader, and Bob Barr. I continue to believe that he will win in November. He is a gift of God. When God open a door, nobody can close it. Obama is a divine destiny and those who do not like him that is they problem. He will be our next president.

Obama '08/12

atypical   July 30th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Just a reminder to all those who are posting:
DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ!

Polls are inaccurate and volatile. They aren't good predictors. So don't let the media make puppets of you.

What IS encouraging–I think–is how the AFL-CIO is collectively organizing a plan to disseminate material to millions of union workers dispelling many of the rumors that have been created to incite fear about Obama.

THis is something they took upon themselves. They weren't approached by the Obama campaign. I think this, along with several other unprecedented events, speaks volumes to the character of the man, and the will of many, many people, despite what fear mongers would have us believe.

No more fear.

thedream   July 30th, 2008 11:29 am ET

CAN WE HAVE SOME REAL NEWS>>LIKE OIL ?GAS AND GOLD GOIN BACK UP ASAP>>
Iran will not retreat in nuclear standoff: Khamenei
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the country will not retreat in the face of demands by world powers for Tehran to halt sensitive nuclear work.

"Taking one step back against arrogant (powers) will lead to them to take one step forward," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television in a sermon.

His comments come ahead of a Saturday deadline for Iran to respond to a package of incentives aimed at persuading it to freeze uranium enrichment, a process that makes nuclear fuel but also the core of an atomic bomb.

"The idea that any retreat or backing down from righteous positions would change the policies of arrogant world powers is completely wrong and baseless," said Khamenei, who has the final say on all key policy issues.

Iran has been slapped with three sets of UN Security Council sanctions over its refusal to halt enrichment. It insists it has the right to nuclear technology as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and denies Western claims it is seeking to build atomic weapons.

"Today it is time for the Iranian nation to move ahead with awareness and add to its knowledge and capabilities," Khamenei said.

"The horizon is bright for us and we know what we are doing and where we are going... the way to reach that point is not to stand but to go."

Iran on July 19 held talks with representatives of major powers including EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and for the first time an official from Tehran's arch-foe the United States, William Burns.

Iran was given until Saturday to give its final answer.

But Iran has rejected any deadline, saying it was agreed in Geneva that it would during a two-week period examine the proposal put forward by permanent UN Security Council members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany.

Barry   July 30th, 2008 11:28 am ET

From what we've just seen with the USA Today/Gallop poll where they had Obama AND MCCain leading on the same day, I think it's time we put these pollsters out of business by not paying any attention to them. It's obvious that you can skew any poll to get the result you desire.

Steve, Madison WI   July 30th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Everything to me shows Obama leading as he always has – so what is the news. It is hilarious that people think he should be trouncing McCain and merely leading by 5-10 pts. is not enough! Stated again – everyone agrees the Repubs have so screwed this country that this should not even be close. You forget though, Repub voters blindly vote their party despite seeing the negative results of electing the likes of W! Uninformed or hard-line voters will never go away and thus elections will always be close. The fact remains though if Repubs didn't aggressively disenfranchise voters to limit the voters, Dems would ALWAYS win in the end – there are just numerically more Dem leaning voters – that's a fact.

COLOR BLIND IN NC   July 30th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Why don't you obama supporters that always have to bring up race close your eyes and then make up your mind. If you forget he is black, then you may realize he is not qualifed to be POTUS.

Kelby from Houston, TX   July 30th, 2008 11:26 am ET

I think I know why Obama is not leading in the polls. It's we are not participating in the polls. Think about it. When was the last time you participated in a poll? When was the last time you did a political survey? When I look at the political blogs I see overwhelming support for Obama. But the polls do not reflect this. What is most important is the ballot count.

OH SAY CAN WE SEE!!!   July 30th, 2008 11:26 am ET

To Debby .....People want stability not a rock star as a leader.
What we don't want is Grandpa McCain with his Walking Cane Wondering where he is !!!!

Linda   July 30th, 2008 11:26 am ET

51% of voters are giving Obama more attention and yet the race is still very close. Maybe the voters don't like the liberal European they see. I case your history is weak we once fought to be rid of European control, and now Obama seems to want to bring us back. Not all of us want to be dominated by the rest of the world.

geecee827   July 30th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Obama is not the perfect candidate. No one is "perfect". So stop saying his supporters view him as the "messiah". We don't. That would be sacreligious. He is simply a very intelligent, capable, intuitive, caring, level-headed individual who will make a wonderful President, someone who will restore this Nation to its rightful status as a world leader, someone who will do his very best to straighten out the mess the last 8 years have brought us under the Bush/Cheney administration, and someone who we can trust will use his best judgment before making a decision that will effect our lives. That's what we need, that's what Obama will bring to us. If he isn't leading in the polls by a wide margin – that is probably good. As we wouldn't want his supporters to become complacent and not vote because they think someone else will carry him over the top. That's not good. It happened in 2000 and 2004 and look what we got stuck with!! Also, lest we forget, Obama is a new name to us. McCain has been around 27 or so years and his name is more familiar to the older voters who fear change. The older generation voted for Bush for the same reason. They knew the name – his father was President before. How bad can he be? Well, we all know that answer!!!

Austin   July 30th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Who are you kidding CNN. These polls are either false, or have been set up to ensure the public will continue to watch this race every night, but everyone knows the ending!

You've set your entire network on Election '08. Bad news is Mr. Obama is like the back of the book, and everyone has seen it.

McCain has NO chance and everyone knows that. Great primary, but now we're all moving on.

RealityKing   July 30th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Funny how all those that claimed to have been misled by Bush, seem to enjoy being misled by the progressive media..

Glenn   July 30th, 2008 11:24 am ET

The referendum is about the American people themselves. The referendum is about whethere we can put race or gender aside and elect the best candidate. The referendum is about whether the American people are going to allow the Karl Rove type and Rush Limbaugh type hysterical lies influence our decision. The referendum is about experience verus judgement. The refrendum is about whether the American people will listen to the lies and the ranting of the psuedo patriots and the swift boaters and vote for what American stands for, things truth, honesty, justice, integrity. The referendum is about true Christianity and not just conservative religious right rhetoric that is judgemental and divisive and against everything that Jesus stands for. Those are things this referendum are really about.

NoMccain   July 30th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Hmmm, there is a "tight race between Obama and Mccain."

DUH!!!!

Simpletons.

Rudy NYC   July 30th, 2008 11:24 am ET

"Referendum on Obama"

Why does it have to be described that way? Let's be brutally honest with ourselves. This election is referendum on whether or not most Americans are ready for a black man as president. Americans are going to need to do some serious soul searching come Election Day. The sad truth is that many will not and never will.

The recent failures of Bush and the GOP in general are undeniable. Almost every government agency is inept. This election is a referendum on the GOP, all of the talking points that they have used for decades, and especially over the last 8 years.

Change your title to reflect the real issue behind Obama actually winning or losing the election. Is America ready for a black president? Obama just happens to be the messenger, not the manifiestation of the actual message or question.

"Referendum on RACE"

E for Obama   July 30th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Scott in Pheonix.

I too can't wait for an Obama vs McCain debate, but it will be McCain who "mumbles" his answers. Obama will wipe the floor with McCain.

BlameBarack   July 30th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Everyone knows Obama is actually 15+ points ahead of McCain. The McCain camp should stop thinking that the race is close. The people being polled are senior citizens, unemployed, or filthy rich. Obama still is ahead in those categories combined. Fortunately, he also has the support of the young ( who use cell phones which aren't polled by the way), the educated, and hardworking blacks and hispanics. Believe that Obama will win this election.

OBAMA WINS GEORGIA   July 30th, 2008 11:23 am ET

MEDIA IS GIVING TO MUCH ATTENTION TO THE POLLS

Jon in scary Oregon   July 30th, 2008 11:22 am ET

Terry in Florida, you are right on. When ever CNN post articles about Hussien they cut the comment real quick before any real people get to comment. Geezzz.......

California Gold   July 30th, 2008 11:22 am ET

The primary season proved how wrong polls, including exit polls, are in forecasting. If that were the case Mrs. Clinton would be the Democrat ticket's presumptive candidate and Mr. Guiliani would be the Republican ticket's presumptive candidate.

Lee in Illinois   July 30th, 2008 11:22 am ET

What type of experiance does this one term Senator have that qualifies him to run the country?

I am so sick of Obama saying yes we can, and yesterday when Pelosi said it as well, I felt physically sick to my stomach.

The two of them should star in a remake of Dumb and Dumber !!!

ReaganDem84   July 30th, 2008 11:22 am ET

BHO should be ahead by 20+ points!

George from Minneapolis   July 30th, 2008 11:21 am ET

If Obama was white he would be up 20-30 points or more in the polls. The fact that he is not up by more is only because of American's reluctance to have a black man as president.

Even Stevie Wonder can see that Obama is a far superior candidate than McCain. If he were white people would be wondering what are we even going to have a vote for.

Jon in scary Oregon   July 30th, 2008 11:20 am ET

What a bunch of crap. If Pelosi, Reid, Obama, could change by listening to the people(their words) by openning the outer shelf etc. These dimbulbs are just plain scary and arragent.

smile!!!!!!   July 30th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Debby, unfortunately your rock star reagan turned out to be a disgrace, period!

Dave   July 30th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Informed Voter- you're not very informed or you haven't paid close attention, but to call this a Republican administration is a laugh. the Bush-Chensy administration is republican in name only. They are neo-cons that have hijacked the GOP and have turned it into something that does not even resemble the republican party. You'd have to look to someone like Ron Paul to get a better definition of a Republican. the Bush family is a joke that goes back to their grand daddy, Prescott, that was in cahoots with the Nazi party. These people belong to Yale's Skull & Bones secret society which should be enough to have the whole country skeptical of them, but no, they get voted in every time by playing to fear and pretending to be religious. Something just not right here.

Obama   July 30th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Obama is a fraud – Obama is for "Obama".

white female   July 30th, 2008 11:18 am ET

THIS IS TO THE (AH-56YRS OLD LADY) pLEASE YOU SOUND SO DEPRESSING LADY, PLEASE DON'T SEND IN MORE COMMENTS,
YOU ARE STILL LIVING IN THE DARK AGES. THIS IS A FREE, YES I SAID FREE COUNTRY, AND YOU AND NO ONE ELSE SHOULD FEEL LIKE ONE RACE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS, ARE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE IN CHARGE OF RUNNING THIS COUNTRY. THIS MAN HAS JUST AS MUCH RIGHTS TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE AS ANYONE ELSE. I PRAY THAT HE WINS, AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU WILL HAVE TO ET CROW, YES I SAID IT EAT CROW, YOU BELONG IN THE KITCHEN FOR THE MASTER, WITH THAT ATTITUDE.
DON'T SPEAK EVIL OVER THIS MAN, THE BIBLE SAID LIFE AND DEATH IS IN THE TONGUE, AND HE ALWAYS SPEAK SUCCESS OVER HIMSELF AND US WHO WANT, AND CLAIM VICTORY FOR HIM, WE HAVE NO FEAR OF THE OTHER RACE, OR THE OTHER PARTY ANYMORE BE IT BLACK OR WHITE. SEN OBAMA IS A PART OF BOTH LADY. I AM INSULTED SINCE HIS MOTHER IS A WHITE WOMAN AND WAS A VERY SMART, LOVING AND KIND WHITE WOMAN. JUST LOOK AT WHAT HE HAS TURN OUT TO BECOME WAKE UP PEOPLE, THIS MAN CAME OUT OF THE BELLY OF A WHITE AMERICAN WOMAN WHO IS LOOKING DOWN ON US, AND JUDGING THE WAY WE'RE TREATING THIS MANHER SON, A CHILD OF GOD OVER ALL OF US.
SEN OBAMA 08

Walt, Belton,TX   July 30th, 2008 11:18 am ET

If you’re proud of America, and truly love her…..………. McCain!

Tony Z- MD   July 30th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Sometimes, I wonder if us Americans understand what is really happening.

America is not the land of our fathers. We are disliked around the world because of our policy. How long can that continue? Our military is stretched, our economy is strecthed and by in large we are worse off than ever. So, to say Obama is some socialist is far off base.

Lets be real poor folks did not create this current problem. They don't have access to money. They need help because they are feeling it more. Just remember a poor area grows much faster.

When we look at leadership- I hear the talk of McCain (who was never a military commander) and Hiliary Clinton (who did not hold a public off until she became the chosen one in NY for Senate). Lets be real. Obama is making sense of the difficult. When you look at a leader check the folks he is surrounded by. Why are some high ranking Republicans coming to his defense? They believe in him. All McCain can say is I know this foreign leader, but do they like your policy. Short answer- NO.

If Obama is not the next President of the United States. America in many ways is no different than S. Africa during the Aparthied area. America the world is watching- what are we going to do?

James Hussein, SC   July 30th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Really? July 30th, 2008 9:42 am ET
What exactly are the Republicans seizing on? It's funny . . . when Reagan was "optimistic" that was just great . . . when Obama is optimistic, it's pretentious. I just don't get it . . .

When the white guy looks to the positive side of things, they call it optimism and forward thinking.
When the black guy looks to the positive side of things, they call it arrogance and being uppity.

McArsenic   July 30th, 2008 11:16 am ET

hey Terry still awaiting moderation.

Goodman Fredrick   July 30th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Why is this election a referendum on Obama? I don't understand! May the press is trying to tell us that Obama has been the President for the past 3 1/2 years. None of what he wants to do has been implemented!!! Give me a break

Tom   July 30th, 2008 11:16 am ET

We don't need a prez who's on viagara. Let the fresh air come in.

OBAMA 08

Onlooker   July 30th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Enough of this we want Hillary fomenting! She's out of the race, she lost, get over it. It's between Obama and McCain period. If you can't make a comment without Hillary in it then leave, go to PUMA's forum to ease your pain.

bella   July 30th, 2008 11:15 am ET

My referendum on Obama
Is arrogance at this magnitude good or bad in position of president?
Is this scale of image and theater campaigning good or bad in the oval office?
Can inexperience at this height be compensated by advisors?
Is a presidency run by unknown views of advisors a wise thing?

Mike   July 30th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Duh....

The polls reflect the undercurrent of our country's
subconscious racism. My supposition is this:
If Obama were "A Smith", with the same ideas,
same background, same ability to excite the people
and put forth a bold initiative for our future; he would
be ahead of McCain by 15 or 20 points.

WAKE UP AMERICA!!! We (still) hold these truths to be
self evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by
their creator....... Get out of your head about the color of anyone's
skin, or religion or gender, or whatever
and evolve to become the being YOUR
god wants you to be.

Obama 08, please we can't afford McSame

gary   July 30th, 2008 11:14 am ET

AMERICA WILL GET THEIR CHANGES ,BUT THEY WONT GET WHAT THEY WISH FOR. AMERICAWILL GET WHAT THEY DESERVE. SWIFTBOAT THE BEST FOR A MEDIA CLOWN WITH NO EXPERIENCE ,JUST A SMOOTH SPEECH.

EMMA   July 30th, 2008 11:14 am ET

absolute thrash. pol numbers are manufactured to keep the race exciting. mccain is nowhere close to barack. cnn pls focus on other more important issues and stop wasting my precious time.

Mauri   July 30th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Me thinks somebody was a little too chummy with with world leaders. It's always nice to be well received when officials visit abroad - but hugging, kissing and waving American flags to honor a politician, is downright scary. Note that Britain officials barely acknowledged the visit, with one advising the candidate to "hit the beach." There may be too much truth to "the world has been waiting for this moment."

Larry   July 30th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Racism... end of story.

Robert   July 30th, 2008 11:14 am ET

This is in response to Cindy Hussein McCain...

Women's rights? What about the right of the baby who is being killed. Life begins at conception...like it or not that is true. The DNA is already there...that life is unique.

Where do you think the funding for all of these programs is going to come from? The wealthy have enough loopholes to keep from paying too much into the system. Why doesn't Congress talk about paying into Social Security when they get a lifelong pension after they retire...FOR FREE!

Bringing in oil from foreign countries provides more opportunities for environmetal damage from spills than it does to drill our own oil.

Both parties are equally bad and I am choosing the lesser of two evils.

Latinos for Obama   July 30th, 2008 11:13 am ET

In the November election we will witness an intelligent and informed United States if America:

Obama will be president!

Intelligence is ruling the world and ignorance is bearing the burden   July 30th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Don't fall into it. Republicans will do anything to stay in power. It's amazing that someone can say Obama is arrogant and he's an elitist. He's just confident because he knows he speaks the truth. The Republican attack machine is trying to paint him into this corner because they have nothing else to go on thanks to the arrogance of the Bush administration. The Republican Party will never recover from this one.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   July 30th, 2008 11:12 am ET

For McArsenic,
The Navy board of inquiry officially determined that an electrical fault and power surge in another plane caused that plane to launch a missile that hit McCain's plane. It knocked loose an external fuel tank which started the fire, and also knocked loose two bombs which fell into the burning fuel and exploded. McCain was transferred to the USS Oriskany at his own request, because he volunteered to stay and continue to fly missions over Vietnam when his damaged ship and it's air wing returned to the US for repairs. Had he not vonteered to stay, he would not have been shot down and made a POW. A similar, but less destructive accident occured on the USS Enterprise two yeras later. Are you going to try to blame McCain for that too? Because he was a POW at the time. Regarding the Keating 5, four of the five were Democratic Senators, including John Glenn the former astronaut. McCain was completely cleared. I guess you don't believe in 'innocent until proven guilty'. Stop spreading your lies to get that amateur, socialist idiot elected.

Nikki   July 30th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Through this election, I've learned that people feel good when they attack others; its a form of therapy. I've also learned that ideology fortunately/unfortunately shapes the decisions of many. So, no matter how the truth or lack thereof is presented, people will cling to their ideological beliefs as justification for their reasoning- even if their reasoning contributes to their own detriment.

JoeMamma   July 30th, 2008 11:12 am ET

We do want change, but Obama's comments on Israel/Iran make him sound no different than McCain.

No MORE wars for Israel please.

M. Townsend   July 30th, 2008 11:12 am ET

In an year in which Barack will refine details of his strategy of withdrawing from Iraq in about 16 months on meeting with Generals and teh media went with he is flip-flopping and McCain comes full swing from maybe 50 to 100 years to 2013 to his opponent's 16 months is a pretty good timetable and MSN at this moment says "McCain shows flexibility on Iraq" on its politics page, you know this country is being taken for a ride by the MSM Chuck Todd included.

Now McCain goes from "no new taxes" to taxes on payroll for soc is on the table to simply an unexplained "no" and the press still wont do its job. This is the issue that is most important to Americans not cutting a man's sentence in half to create a wrong impression.

JDM   July 30th, 2008 11:12 am ET

The best and worst thing that happen this year was the long Dem primary!
1. The media has shown us how they will shape a talking point that really is not a talking point!
2. To keep rating up, print or state an opinion with out facts and allow the listener to figure out what is the truth! WOW!

CNN- you guys are really strated to look and sound like FOX!
FOX isn't a news station. You guys has allow them be one!

Report the facts for a change. It shuold be the rigth thing to do!

rachel   July 30th, 2008 11:11 am ET

My democratic party is a mess. I dont like Obama and I don't like McCain. I wish people would collectively decide to vote for non of the above. You have ron paul and his supporters who get respect and their own convention, then you have the democratic bullies who tell anyone in their party that aren't thrilled with Obama to sit down shut up or get out.

APS in Hawaii   July 30th, 2008 11:11 am ET

CNN and all of the other news media outlets are bent on polls that mean nothing right now. We have the poll of polls even because we can trust polls. Why don't all of you stop this nonsense and just report about the policies of each candidate?

Obama got through the primaries without stating any specific policies. Now we head into the general election and he still has no specific plan for any issue. I admit I am still steamed about Hillary getting railroaded and treated harsher by the press. But, if someone wants to be President, they need to have a plan and be able to articulate what the plan is.

If McCain does win in November, it will be because he was able to tap into the anger and betrayal felt by many moderate Democratic voters, especially the women. Obama still has not addressed this fact and is hoping that if he ignores the issue, it will just go away. He has not reached out to the moderates and has not tried to bridge this gap. I have been a life long Democrat, but, right now I feel betrayed by my party and the news media coverage of the primaries.

I am still considering voting for McCain as a protest vote. I am a person and the Democrats this year forgot that people vote and EVERY vote does count. Obama supporters stating that "real" Democrats would never vote for McCain are trying to say that individuals do not count. It is this "elitist and arrogant" attitude that has turned off many Hillary supporters from endorsing Obama. Again, give me a reason to vote for a person, do not throw at me that I have to do something because the party says to.

blaising   July 30th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Nah. If anything, this is a referendum on McCreepy-Bush '08.

There is only one central question worth asking in this election: do you want another 4 years of what we've had for the past 8?

Steve/Houston,TX for Obama   July 30th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Scott, Phoenix July 30th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Looks like Obama's rainbow tour is not pulling in the numbers he was looking for. I can't wait to listen to Obama debate McCain, with no telepronter and fancy speeches to read, it will be fun to hear Obama mumble his answers.
======================================================
It will be even more interesting to hear McCain flip-flop as usual because he can't remember what he has said previously (i.e. affirmative action) McCain is just another Republican idiot who believes he is the chosen one because he was a POW! He "knows" how to win wars! Yeah right, you know how to be a hostage. Get real!

Sue   July 30th, 2008 11:09 am ET

The polls are close becaue the media wants them to be because then they have sensationalism to report vs. substance. The media is disgusting and shameful. McCain has flipped more times than I can count, McCain has made more gaffes than I can count, McCain has gone negative when he said he would run a clean campaign because that's what the "people deserve". And yet, what is covered...nonsense and negative things about Obama...twisted into a story. Very shameful.... McCain complains about all the media attention on Obama...he should be thanking his lucky stars...because what he has done and what is not covered 24/7 for weeks are all HIS mistakes. We already have a president that doesn't know what they are doing....we don't need another. People wake up....Media stand up for what you are supposed to be reporting....truth...not sensationalism.

Watermann   July 30th, 2008 11:09 am ET

As long as the mainstream media show a tight poll result, they keep the attention of the people. Thus a wider margin (which might be a reality) would be counter-productive to their employer.

Eric   July 30th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Maybe, despite the media's best efforts to make it seem like Obama has this wrapped up, the truth is that America isn't interested in electing a socialist president.

RyanD.   July 30th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Nobody has ever been up double digits this time of year. Not Clinton, Not Gore, Not Kerry...a 5-6% overall polling margin represents a landslide victory in the electoral college, you do know this right?

Plus we're yet to hit the ground with the biggest registration drive EVER, pollsters don't poll cells, etc.

CNN, I know its good for ratings but you don't have to try and MAKE IT close.

Obama 08'

Praetorian, Fort Myers   July 30th, 2008 11:08 am ET

I'm in the none of the above category!

Neither GOP or DEM candidate has demonstrated by their pandering and vacillating agendas–they are returning to honest, responsible, and credible government. And both have done nothing in their records nor their agenda–and during the past year in congress that shows they have any plans for reducing the size, cost, or control of the federal government in our lives.

That's why I became a Libertarian–and with God's blessing other Americans will awaken from their neo-con and liberal stupors and grasp this opportunity to bring real integrity and change back to Washington.

Independent-woman-4-Obama   July 30th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Right.......... when will the American people wake-up and FACE THE TRUTH about what the Republicans have done to our nation??????

Not only have they nearly bankrupted us, with a growing national debt of ........ $10 TRILLION......... but we hurting our own by entering into a war with a country that did nothing to us!

Since Bush/Cheney took over (with Congress under Republican control, since the Dems have been a slight majority for only 2 years) our national debt has grown and grown.

By the time Clinton/Gore were in office a mere 3 years, their administration had paid down the the national debt by $360 BILLION!
The largest payment in the history of the US!

Bush/Cheney inherited a surplus of $128 Billion, and a national debt of slightly over $5 trillion. Clinton/Gore inherited a national debt of $5.7 trillion from Bush the first!

Now our national debt has grown to close to $10 TRILLION! Doubled since the Clinton/Gore era. And SOME PEOPLE WANT MORE OF THE SAME???????????????????????????????????????????

CRAZY!

Michael   July 30th, 2008 11:08 am ET

The American people may be unhappy with the republicans and want a democrat, the question is, this Democrat. The Democratic Leadership positioned Obama as the beneficiary of this discontentment so that they could make history. We will see if it works out.

ENE M DIAZ   July 30th, 2008 11:07 am ET

COCK AND BULL STORY= OBAMA VS POLLS, USA POWERFUL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES ABROAD IS VERY CLEAR LONG TIME AGO. WE DO NOT NEED ANY PLUMBER.///

The Truth   July 30th, 2008 11:07 am ET

Please people get this and get it in truth, this man will ruin the USA as we know it now, he wants a world in one nation. Not seperated from others. All those who fought for our country to be free are rolling in the grave. This country was based on war and winning against people like *Osama Obama* he will take this nation and wrap it in a present for Iran, and all the nations who want us on our knees. SEE AND LOOK AND LISTEN PEOPLE, HE IS BAD FOR THIS NATION!!!!!.

Dave   July 30th, 2008 11:07 am ET

wow, that's pretty sad for him to be tied with McCain. all these people acting like he's a shoo-in for POTUS better wake up. and these polls are almost always skewed so we don't really have a good read on this. i don't like either of these bought and paid for cronies (I see CNN has a report of both being tied to lobbists......so much for change). Barr and Nader are looking so much better. but this country is being swindled by the two-party system that the elites and media push.

Mark VA   July 30th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Obama just turns me off with his smugness. He comes across as if he is better than most. The way he struts across the stage, the way he points his nose up in the air, and the way he discounts other's view without offering a "specific" better solution just does not endear him to me. I still see him as a light weight. He still talks in generalities and not substance. He is an uplifting speaker, but so is Anthony Robbins. But I do not see where either Obama or Robbins is qualified to be President.

Poster Cindy Hussien McCain is obviously in the 4th grade   July 30th, 2008 11:06 am ET

To the poster of that comment,

You obviously lack any sign of intellect. First off, "Obama is on the side of women's rights issues and McCain doesn't believe a woman should have the right to chose." OBVIOUSLY you don't remember McCain taking heat from the Evangelical community eight years ago for this issue when running against Bush. PLUS, Rowe v. Wade would have to be overturned by (wait for it...) the SUPREME COURT, not our "Savior Obama, who can do anything he wants because he's so great!!!!". Come on, you have no sense at all.

Respect freedom of religion.... oh I forgot. McCain wants to burn every mosque in sight. You're right.
Bring 9/11 attackers to justice... wow, Obama is the only one who wants this!?!?!?!
His tax breaks and everything else you mentioned obviously overlooks Obama's pending fiscal disaster when he makes everyone pay for a socially funded healthcare system (you get to pay the doctor's bill for someone who smokes 8 packs a day and eats bacon by the fistful), welcomes identity theft working illegal immigrants to Social Security, refuses to acknowledge that we can balance the buget if we cut spending, etc. But I know, "the world loves Obama! It's time to forget our worries and just make history!!" Come on, I'd love to see the US take this major step, but Obama is NOT the PERSON!!!

Plus, the fact that you tried to tie Obama's middle name to... Cindy McCain (I don't get your logic one bit on that. John is one thing, but why Cindy?) proves your an idiot. I'll stop typing now because you still haven't learned to read well.

GM   July 30th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Why won't John McCain release his military records?

Connie   July 30th, 2008 11:05 am ET

I really wanted to comment on the article about Obama addressing the House.When McCain made the speach in Ohio talking as though he had been president for four years and what he had accompliced , why didn't the media pounce on that ,why was he not labeled as arrogant? I for one want a confidant president, not a whinnier. OBAMA 08
Connie from Indiana

D R   July 30th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Check out McCain's voting record on Veteran's affairs. The VA gave him a (D+), while giving Obama a (B+).

Ilona Hussein Proud Canadian   July 30th, 2008 11:05 am ET

CNN

Your very own Heidi Collins, just showed a SNIPPET saying that it was taken from an article by the Washington Post, when speaking with Jamal, and a Repub. Rep. This article supposedly claimed that THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE is now considered PRESUMPTIOUS!

CNN Please post this article by the WASHINGTON POST!

WAPO: McCAIN'S TROOP ATTACK JUST WRONG!
========================================

The American voters need to get accurate reporting instead of insinuations!

KD   July 30th, 2008 11:04 am ET

It's funny that the analyst are so perplexed by the close polls. Just goes to show you that the political insiders and the media aren't as in tune with the American people as they would have us believe. This seems to be a race between the tortoise and the hare and my money is on the tortoise.

Olu Akins   July 30th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Maryann Oswego in quotes...."I am a lifelong Democrat and YES I would love to see a Democrat as our PRESIDENT…JUST NOT THE CHOSEN BARACK OBAMA…give us real leadership bring back Hillary R CLINTON…Barack will never get my vote he is a liar and will only do as he is told…(by Kennedy,Kerry,Pelosi,and Mr. Dean) these guys are all losers. Hillary has shown time and time again that she is a fighter for all Americans…P.S cnn my last 6 posts were never even in moderation ..there are over 18 MILLION Americans that still want Hillary as our DEMOCRATIC choice…why are you trying to erase us from being heard!!!!!! Barack is just like George W Bush he bought the nomination."

I'm saying this to you, in every family there's got to be a black sheep. Please do yourself a big favour and do some research.
Enuf said.

Nate- Minneapolis   July 30th, 2008 11:04 am ET

This whole election is about perceptions. The republicans have run this nation into the ground and yet people are caught up in Obama's perceived arrogance. It's more about what people expect Obama to be and the stereotypes they have when they first see and hear him. Reading the comments it's clear that most people who do not like Obama it's not because of his policies (which he has stated on many occasions) it's because of a predetermined bias. That's why you think he's arrogant or unqualified or needs a teleprompter. Regarding the arrogance- he's got every reason to be confident- he's smart, successful, handsome, and charismatic. I don't hear the the same arrogance criticism regarding McCain even though he pretends to walk around with a cape and boasts that he knows how to win wars. How arrogant is that?? For this group of people, no matter what Obama does it's wrong- If he saved a dozen orphans from a burning building he'd be a show off, if touts who he is he's arrogant, if he listens and compromises he's weak, if he is aggressive he's angry. Most people feel the republicans have betrayed us so their inclined to vote democrat. Now, you have an intelligent, charismatic person who comes from a typical American background who worked his way from the ground up. A man who's demonstrated his ability to lead, inspire and build a coalition of good people around him. This same person is trying to reverse the direction of our country not only domestically but internationally for the better and all people can say is, he's an empty suit, he's too arrogant, he's this he's that, but don't realize despite appearances, he's a far better choice than the alternative. Take a close look at what McCain represents- It's a reflection of Bush, Cheney, Rove and Rumsfeld.

DJ Drummond   July 30th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Odd, the comments seem to have little to do with the article. Then again, cherry-picking polls to say what you want them to say and ignoring the rest of the information, is just a bit disingenuous on CNN's part as well.

Obama messed up a great opportunity with his trip. He did more talking then listening, more bragging than show humility, and he managed to reinforce a steroeotype against himself by dodging troops on his trip, especially wounded soldiers in Germany. The press was totally in the tank for him, and he still managed to reinforce his weaknesses, and answer none of the key questions about his ability to really lead the nation.

McCain did not do anything to close on Obama during that time, so the Obama flop in the polls is clearly a warning signal to the Senator that image along is not nearly enough.

McCain goes with the platform flip-flops   July 30th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Can we get a heavier concentration of REAL ISSUES to talk about here? This is starting to dive into supermarkert fare & is just feeding innuendo.

Sane John   July 30th, 2008 11:03 am ET

I love how all the people who claim to be lifelong Democrats aren't.

Zell Miller left the part when the Democrats wouldn't support his racist agendas, why don't you?

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   July 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

What is wrong with John McSame? Everyone in the country knows him. Obama is not known by anybody. On name recognition alone, McCain should be up by 5 points. Running against a guy with so little experience should give him another 5 points. Running against a black man should give him another 5 points. Why isn’t he up by 15 points? What is wrong with John McSame?

Steve, Binghamton, NY   July 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

American people are getting the wool pulled over their eyes by the press. Obama is change allright, from white to black. McCain's change is from young to old. The public can't win. Obama is the worst of the 2 evils. He wants to redistrute the wealth in this country. The rich get poorer and the poor get richer. This isn't going to work the rich will leave the country, put their money overseas and the poorer will even get poorer. The poor will have no incentive to live the American dream.
Obama will have to pay the blacks big time for their support. All the
druggies and unemployed will get big handouts while the Mexicans will do all the work. The Iranians will crap all over this country just like they did to Jimmy Carter, the candy man. I hate to say it, I don't like any of the 2 candidates but McCain is better of the 2 evils.
The democrats are out of touch with the American public. They had 2 years to do something and their success sucks, and it's going to get worse because the public is brainwashed by the press to elect more democrats. Look at Reed and Pilossi, biggest loosers of all time.
Because of the dumb voters, Obama and the democrats are going to take over this country. Mark your calenders 2 years from now and you'll see this sorry country say why did we vote for all the loosers.
Don't get the wool pulled over your eyes by the press. I was once young and stupid, believed everything I read in the press. Today I know you will not agree with me, today I'm old and wiser.
At least for now all I can recommend is vote out all the incumbants, this will get the message big time to all the politicians.

Concerned with Governance, not Politics   July 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

How does this news 'snippet' earn the headline, "A Referendum on Obama" ? An irresponsible trend in the media is the constant deluge of unfair and biased reporting. Neither party has even had their convention and yet CNN behaves as though the General Election is already a "done deal" ... despite the fact that this article shows that is not the case. CNN editors (and other news media publishers as well) need to stop playing the influence game and start reporting facts rather than opinions; and stop presenting opinions as facts.

Jill American   July 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

As desperate as we are for new leadership, as desperate we are for change, as desperate we are to bring home the troops, as desperate we are .... period ... and obama only leads by 6 to 9 points.

That's trouble ... period. He should be ahead by 20 or 30 for crying out loud. Looks like the democrats have, AGAIN, pick the wrong person to get elected. Way to go Democrats!

QuoteMe   July 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Debby...sorry to say...you are just wishing..Most moderate republicans are for Obama...If that was the csae...the polls would be the other way...though this race like all races will be a tight race...as we come closer to election time...it will all fall into place...

right wing christian hypocrites for McCain
left wing liberal morons for Obama

then the middle, educated, sane people will decide which among these two have the brains to lead this country out of this dump the REPUBLICANS put us in!

Super D   July 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

I would like to address all the concerns about the Republicans attacking Obama versus talking about the issues.

See, the problem is YOU. YOU are so crazy about Obama, but you never say anything about his real stand on issues. Obama is a super Liberal Socialist who has no business being Commander and Chief. The RNC is hammering these facts home, so anybody with a brain will realize what a nut job Obama really is and not vote THE MOST LIBERAL MEMBER OF CONGRESS, as President. He's nothing but Big Taxes and Big Govenment, because that's all he knows. His ideas are old and stale, yet he somehow spins this failed dogma into his speeches and makes it sound like change. Baloney!

It's actually addressed to independents, not you robots and rainbow chasers who believe this con man!

Nancy   July 30th, 2008 10:59 am ET

If you work really hard and earn a decent living, what right does the government have to make you pay higher taxes? So we can fund all of the government programs to support the lazy, the people who have kids just to get a government check, to take care of illegal aliens and pay their medical expense??? The democratic party wants to tax everything and every penny just so they can lend a free hand to who ever asks for it. This is bull. I don't want my hard earned money wasted on the programs the democrats try to push down your throats.
I would rather donate to charity. One I personally choose myself.
If obama is elected, we will certainly be calling for a "change" at the end of 4 years. Count your pennies, after taxes, "change" is all you will have left.

maxx Atlanta GA   July 30th, 2008 10:59 am ET

It doesn't matter if he is winning by one point in the polls he is still winning. The question is since McCain is so well known why isn't he ahead??????? The republican era is over they have stolen our identity, trust, and well being........ if you choose this type of govt (repubs) again then shut up and be happy. These kind of tactics didn't work with the Clintons (who are a mighty force compared to McSame) so the stupidity is get out of the 20th century politics it doesn't work anymore that should be clear to the critical thinker.

Toni   July 30th, 2008 10:59 am ET

If McCain wins, America deserves him. After the Bush Administration and knowing that GW is THE WORST PRESIDENT IN MODERN HISTORY, why would anyone vote for McCain?

Don't get it, will never get it.

D R   July 30th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Yes Debby, a seventy year old plus man that needs a teleprompter to survive, is stability? I'd take a rock star over the direction this country has been going! Can't you see that the popularity of this man will help us get the support we need to survive in the middle east! McCain is far too feeble to be our president. A self proclaimed idiot of the economy! I'd bet your one of those "bitter" Hillary supporters! Sure smells like it!

J.C.   July 30th, 2008 10:58 am ET

One must realize that all the online blogs are a form of voluntary sampling and thus non-scientific. What you read online is way much less representative of the nation than a well designed poll. Don't be surprised by the close poll numbers.

Helene   July 30th, 2008 10:58 am ET

It is a tight race because most people in this country do not have a political conscience. After 8 years of Bush atrocities ( at home and abroad) concentrating on someone's race rather than real issues is really a sad testimony to the political future of this country.
Rather have an old, confused, bitter and sick white man than a brillant young man with news ideas and a vision.

Fred, Las Vegas, NV   July 30th, 2008 10:58 am ET

There are a new breed of voters out there who love the country and have come to understand that prejudice and bigotry have no place in modern America (interestingly they happen to be our kids). If Warren Buffet is advising this Obama guy then there must be some good in him.

Ms. D   July 30th, 2008 10:57 am ET

You really only have one choice in this election and it is Obama. The conservatives have turned our country up-side down and around!! We owe billions of dollars to Korea, China, and others. Our dollars is nothing up against the Euro!! Our dollar is only worth 40 percent of value!! The gas prices are out the roof!! The economy is jacked up,
we are in a endless war, many americans with no health insurance and education is in the worse condition as ever!! And on top of everything the conservatives have the nerves to blame the Dems for the trillion dollar deficit we have because of the stimulus package. If we would have not been in deficit, we would not nea a stimulus package. Dana Perino will say anything to undercut the dems!! And you conservatives know we are messed up but you rather ignore the statistics because of saving face!! You are pathetic!!

mikeE DANVILLE VA   July 30th, 2008 10:57 am ET

I wish someone would comment that most young voters have cell phones and text messaging. Most polls are done by land lines. So you are getting an older view of what most people think. I say the numbers are off aleast 13 points in favor of Obama.

Steve   July 30th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Polls that have a split between candidates that are almost equal to the margin of error are useless. The only thing they do is keep statisticians employed and stupid people excited.

Obama will most likely win. Without Hillary. McCain can't put his pants on without making a gaff, and it's obvious he has an understanding of the world that is equal to Bush's (very, very limited).

The days of gun-barrel Democracy ("Become a Democracy or we will make you one.") are over. We as a country need to learn how to work with other countries to find a common good. McCain just wants to shoot those that don't agree with his dinosaur-era politics. There has to be a better way.

I am pushing 60. Even I see that we need youth and new ideas in our government. The old farts like me need to retire and let the next generation take over. It's time for innovation, new ideas, and change. Obama represents that change. He won't get it done by himself; he'll hire people for his cabinet and advisors who can. He's good at it. Give him time to fix Bush's mess.

Ed, Santa Fe NM   July 30th, 2008 10:55 am ET

The answer is obvious: the polls are not accurate. CNN and other sources blather on incessantly about the "polls," which of course are not infallible. Most polls are far from impartial and not scientific. Therefore they are meaningless sources of news filler.

McBush doesn't have a chance of winning, unless the GOP gets to rig elections again.

Larisa, Chicago IL   July 30th, 2008 10:55 am ET

Even considering that I can't stand McCain, I was trying to listen to his interviews, etc. And all I hear: Obama doesn't understand, Obama has no experience, Obama, Obama, Obama... What I DON'T hear is the real plan, not just empty promise like "I will balance the budget in 4 years". Does he have any idea what it will take to balance the budget with the deficit almost 500 billions, funding 2 wars, and having financial system barely keeping above the water???
As to Barak Obama, every time he speaks, he is talking about his vision for American future, his plans, etc. Good for you! Forget McCain exist! Talk to Americans, not to McCain campaign.

Val, Atlanta, Ga   July 30th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I am a born Democrat but after this President you would be a fool not to take anything different from what we have had for the last 7 years. No more REPUBLICANS they have ruined our country in all aspects even with other people other countries I am more hated as an American as I am as a person and that is messed up. And Poor Sen Obama when he does become our President it will take him at least two terms to fix this dam mess that the republicans have left, I could kick every butt that put this maniac in office for a 2nd time, and yes its time for a change.

Obama 08

J.C.   July 30th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I think there are still a lot of undecided voters out there and I am one of them. All candidates have to work harder to convince us one way or the other. Who can convince us will win.

white woman in WI   July 30th, 2008 10:53 am ET

To those who still support Hillary.....

First, she is no longer running. Her managers ran a poor campaign focusing only on the primary states, and not on the caucus states. That was a fatal flaw, and should have been foreseen by her councellors.

Second, there are many reasons why people did not vote her and it wasn't because they were swept up in some kind of rapture for Obama. Hillary had flaws. She lied about being under fire in Bosnia. She worked as a corporate lawyer representing Walmart and others. She did not spend 35 year supporting liberal causes. Health Insurance companies were some of her bigger sources of money, which leads me to believe that she will not be able to on universal health care. She is as much of an "elitist" as Obama, but she used the term to undermine him.

She is not a politician who I could support.

As to McCain attracting moderates, I don't see it happening where I live. He has become more and more right wing to shore up the support of the Republican party. If you are an average American, you are voting aganst your own self interest if you vote for him.

As to polls, lets wait until September, or October and then start talking.

kula   July 30th, 2008 10:53 am ET

If Americans still want the likes of Bush and McCain then there is no hope in that country.

Senior female   July 30th, 2008 10:52 am ET

It is close because my party went bonkers and pushed this guy over the "winners line" to stop the Clintons from returning to power.

They are the real movers and shakers and they are the ones who can not be controlled by the DNC. So we get another left winger to once again lose. Geeeez don't we ever learn? Just because we are tired of the uber right doesn't mean we are ready for the uber left.......do you get it now Howard Dean????

Sherry, Atlanta   July 30th, 2008 10:52 am ET

The World, prefers anyone other than a Republician, to be sworn into office-come Jan. 09

Mike   July 30th, 2008 10:50 am ET

I don't really know where all these Poll Numbers come from. I have never received a call from any Pollser in 40 years. How do they poll college students who do not have land lines? How trustworthy are they? I think the election will be won or lost by those voters who do not have any phones other than cell phones and that is "STUDENTS".

WarHeroFmrPOW HijaxStr8talkXpress DrivzIn2GutR TurnzCoward XploitsTroopsAsProps UsesPatraeusAs PoliticalPawn   July 30th, 2008 10:50 am ET

So why isn't McCain breaking out of the low 40s? I thought he was supposed to be the "maverick". We already know he's getting a free ride from the media since they can't bear to say anything the least bit controversial about the "darling of the press." He gets 3 times more positive coverage and still can't break away.

Meanwhile, with 72% negative coverage, Mr. Obama's every move and word is sliced, diced and "read into for more meaning" (read: higher ratings, speculation) and he's still in the lead. If McCain's gaffes and lies were covered with any real fairness and analysis, he'd be further behind. Can't wait for the debates when he melts down.

Rob   July 30th, 2008 10:49 am ET

shows you you should have picked Hillary haha your loss. Litreally. Go Mcain.

Lim   July 30th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Obama 08: YES, WE SCAM!

Canada for Obama   July 30th, 2008 10:48 am ET

I have a hard time with the media claiming daily that the American people are still trying to figure out who Obama is.

I liked him after listening to him on Oprah in 2007 and I like him even more now. He's as genuine a person/politician as you are ever going to find. It's obvious he loves his family and his country.

Enough said about this. Time for the media to get positive and stop creating controversy out of nothing.

VON BISMARK,Vienna.   July 30th, 2008 10:47 am ET

The Obama camp should go for these mad repugs.

Mia, FL   July 30th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Terry Lakeland, FL,

By your posting it seems it doesn't take a lot to get your vote. If you want to believe the McCain legendary hype–believe it. But don't try to shove that baloney down our throats–we're not buying it. McCain will do and say anything to get elected. We get whiplash trying to keep up with his spin.

Obama is my choice for his honesty and non-fabricated legendary lore. I want a real person who knows the real problems of Americans, not some phony baloney politician who has made a science of double-talk. Also let me add McCain was a "D" student. George Bush was a "C" student. You connect the dots.

Shep   July 30th, 2008 10:47 am ET

The amazing thing is that, despite the most inept, bland, innocuous campaign ever for the GOP, he only leads by a few points in the polls. McCain is a truly awful candidate – worse than Bob Dole ever was, and at a time when Bush is tanking Obama should be dominating the race. His general election campaign has been almost flawless.

How lame does a the GOP have to get to get Obama into double digits? It speaks to the imbedded biases that are alive and well in America. It also speaks to the effectiveness of the Clinton campaign in planting the seeds of doubt against her own party's candidate. I hope she loses in her reelection to the Senate and that history will cast her with Benedict Arnold in the hall of traitors – right where she deserves to be.

Gramma Faye /Idaho   July 30th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Terry in FL. There are a lot of people that wonder why the close the postings so fast. I think because they may be getting to many ANTI Obama from people that really put their feelings out there. Ever notice some got to over 300 and some close in the teens and 20's.
Sure would like an answer from CNN.

judi in NJ   July 30th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Duh! He would say he is failing? and another duh... cell phones!

Mike in IL   July 30th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Obama is going to lose... the longer this goes on everyone is going to see that he is all talk and has no real solutions for America!!!

The problem with his numbers... Lack of Experience

All of us have lived through the last 8 years with President Bush... I remember when he got elected all he promised to do is bridge the gap between the parties and change how the government functions. He was going to be a uniter not a divider!!! Does any of that sound familiar???

I think Obama has said very similiar things during this campaign... He struggled against Clinton because she was the only one coming up with ideas and possible solutions.

I almost forgot... Obama and President Bush share one more thing both of them had very little political experience... and look where that has gotten us!!!

R.I.F.   July 30th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Not to entirely make this a racial thing but I think Obama was right a few weeks ago when he said that he was really the underdog. We have never ever elected a balack man for president. Regardless of how successful his campaign has been, the great rganization, his tremendous skills, intellegence, the fact that McCain is lying wingbag, and the country as gone though eight years of Bush; he's still black. If it were that easy for him to have a 15 -20 point lead right now then this campaign wouldn't be historic.

McArsenic   July 30th, 2008 10:45 am ET

@Terry, Lakeland Florida July 30th, 2008 9:59 am ET
_____________________________________________________
my name is Sage, Los Angeles CA....good to meet you Terry

Lobbyist:
1)Wayne Berman- chevron
2)Frank Donatelli-EXXON
3) Eric Burgeson-BP
4)Rabecca Anderson- Sunco
5) CHARLIE BLACK-OCCIDENTAL PETROLIUM
6)Nancy Pfotenhauer-KOCH
7) Randy Scheunemann-BP Amco....to name a few.
as far, llove as the USS Forrestal reports stated that the crew men and investigators found that McCain had wet started his sky hawk launching the M34 Zuni rocket...the FACT that John McCain REFUSES to release his Military record is interesting...dont ya think? and for you to say he had "nothing" do do withit is eronious at beat...
as far as Keating 5, sure he was let go, no corruption there...yet Mccain still had to pay Keating over $13,000.00 for all of those lovly flights on Keatings private jet and the vacations to Keating "summer home". Now for the affair with Vicki, "the media is my political base"- John McCain. also you might want to do a little research on Lowell Paxson,FCC, the $100,000.00 donation to John McCain. trust Terry i have done my research...all to well. but thaks for playing...kisses

Charles Hussein, Memphis   July 30th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Obama is hope, diplomacy with other nations, a positive outlook, and a force for moving forward.

McCain is war, isolation from other nations, a fearful outlook, and a continuation of eight years of failed Bush policies.

This decision is very easy!

Vic of New York   July 30th, 2008 10:44 am ET

The fact is that at this point in time in America no other candidate can galvanize both Americans and the World as Barak Obama.

The Republicans know this and will do anything to try to hang on to power. they had that power and squandered it away with the likes of George Bush. John McCain is the same. The GOP today has become a party infested with right-wing demogogary. That's not likely to change for quite a while.

The reason Obama has a challenge breaking the polls is because he's black. I was a child when John Kennedy – a Catholic – ran for President as the first non-protestant candidate. Even as a child, I sensed the tension and reluctance. He won, and we were better off for it.

If Obama wins we will be better off for it – in every way as an American people. If the Republicans win, the message we will send to the world about who we really are will be quite clear too.

Leon, Atlanta GA   July 30th, 2008 10:44 am ET

I had respect for Sen. McCain before this campaign started. Now he and his people are dragging Obama through the mud and worse. I thought he would stay above the fray. Rove and his henchmen seem to have secured a spot in his campaign.
It is sad, because I believe if he stuck to his clean guy image, he would have won a lot more people over.

Phil Newton Murphy, Oregon   July 30th, 2008 10:44 am ET

One word: Racism.

OBAMA 08

Former Republican   July 30th, 2008 10:44 am ET

I truly believe either way, this country will learn the hard way.
If McCain wins, and we stay in a slump for another 4 years, then people will start to think about their wallets and not their personal biases,
If Obama wins, people will have a very high expectation of him. an expectation that cannot be lived up to in 4 years. so in 4 years, when the economy is better, but not best, people will start complaining again.
that's the way it works.
I just prefer the latter

Shari, NY   July 30th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Some people are looking for change and others, despite the horrible state of affairs which befallen this country and the world, will opt for the status quo because of fear, bigotry, racism, anger, jealousy, etc. While Senator Obama has been focusing on important issues – which some refuse to admit – his opponent has been fixated on him. Since it is bankrupt of ideas, nitpicking and attacking seem to be the modus operandi of the McCain camp which seems to be just fine with those who choose to stand by him.

K   July 30th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Stop the whole "if you don't vote for Obama, you're a racist" ridiculous comments. It makes you come off as a whiner and makes your candidate look weaker than he already is. Race baiting is tiresome.

Open Your 3rd Eye   July 30th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Still a so called tight race huh? I can't wrap my head around WHY anyone would vote McCain? It's either the selfishness of the rich, or racism.

THERE IS NO OTHER EXCUSE-PERIOD

Freida, NYC   July 30th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Americans, please vote with your heads and not with your hearts. I strongly believe that Obama is a Socialist and a Muslim. It is crystal clear, he wants to increase taxes to almost 40% for family income over $250,000.00, he doesn't celebrate Xmas, he is loved by all the Socialist European nations (because he shares the same views and values). Americans, please wake up and say no to Obama. Trust me, I do want a real Democrat in the White House, I just don't think Obama is the right one.

arc, Lugano CH   July 30th, 2008 10:43 am ET

The most alarming aspect of this argument is that there remains many Americans who, in spite of the current economic and foreign relations disaster brought forth by the Bush Administration, will still believe any regurgitated propaganda spewed by the GOP. For Republican voters who voted for ‘Values’ in 2004, and the newly risen bitter minions of Hillary, it is actually pretty simple to win their vote. All the GOP has to do is touch upon their FEAR. You don’t have to be Karl Rove to Photoshop a picture of Senator Obama wearing a turban to cause widespread terror and hysterical panic among red state ‘Values Voters’ and Hillary’s bitter ‘I told you so’ disciples. The local grocery store would be out of milk, toilet paper, and tuna in 20 minutes.

Greg-Mpls   July 30th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Alice – I just have to respond that if you are looking for freedom you had better take a look at what the current administration has done to take it away from you. The current trend with the Republican party is to strip away and hinder the constitution in regards to personal freedom and privacy. For heaven sakes the advocate that torture is OK. Sorry but that is not my idea of freedom. Of course all republicans are not in the bucket with the current group, but there has to be clean up before the true republicans can regain control of their party.

Sensible Cape Coral Fl   July 30th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Dear Elariia,

Your comments are with mine, always awaiting moderation. I can never understand the process as so many of the comments are ridiculous and most of them are repetitive. What does CNN have against originality?

Lorna, NY   July 30th, 2008 10:40 am ET

While everyone is focusing on the Polls-of-polls, the Obama campaign is focusing on the state-to-state polls. I must say, the man is brilliant. He won the nomination by winning the small states while Hillary focused on the big ones (see where that got her). November will be a landslide for Obama. He always is 10 steps ahead of everyone. it is refreshing having someone with intelligence running for the highest office.

Clinton/McCain   July 30th, 2008 10:40 am ET

WE WANT HILLARY NOT OBAMA!

Auntie Coosa, Blairsville, Georgia, USofA   July 30th, 2008 10:40 am ET

What has Barry Obama actually done in his life? Not much. Wrote a couple books aimed at rewriting his own history and glossing over some very revealing topics. He DID attend Primary School in Jakarta, Indonesia, as Barry Soetoro, Indonesian Citizen, Islam Religion. It's been documented. But he and his website claim he's "always" been a Christian. There's questions about whether he registered for the Selective Service when he turned 18.

He says he's a "citizen of the world" and forgets that we voters are Patriotic USofA Citizens, who do not wish to elect a "world citizen leader" (aka 12th Caliph) of our "57 States" for "10 years."

The more Barry Obama says, the more transparent he becomes and people are beginning to see that he has no substance and no character to bring to the voting public. And Voters want Character, Integrity, Honesty, Courage, and true Experience. McCain provides these.

Beverly, NYC   July 30th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Dear ah @ 10:06:

It hurts my heart to see these views are still held. While there are still pockets of outright racism, (West Virginia and Kentucy I mean you) there are many others that do not hold this view. All it takes is one to start the movement ( Thanks Iowa). Hopefully madam in your 56th year you will be proved wrong.

Lola   July 30th, 2008 10:39 am ET

None of candidate in this election is perfect but we rather select the one we know who he truly is than the one is unknown to most of us.

A year ago Obama was almost unknown to Americans, yet, he was acting like Mr. President overseas despite the fact that he could not even win half of Democrat votes!!!!!!!! It’s pathetic!!!!!

RealityKing   July 30th, 2008 10:39 am ET

The telling poll number is not republican or democrat. It's the +10% of undecideds.. Who can be undecided at this point when the media has a full couort press on for their MSNBC candidate? Certainly not those looking for the Messiah..

Another huge sign of trouble for Obama in November..

Concerned Citizen of America 2008   July 30th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Obama is what this country needs at this time. I wish these very few bitter Hillary bloggers would quit marginalizing the 18 million of us who voted for Obama, our vote counts too. I want an even playing field this next go around. McCain doesn't offer that as he is running on Bush III platform. Unfettered capitalizm didn't work for majority of americans the past 7.5yrs, and it isn't going to be any different the next 4 if McCain is elected. A packed conservative Supreme court, more war, cuts in medicare, the privatization of SS and more economic policies that favor the top 5%. No thanks.

Allan   July 30th, 2008 10:39 am ET

No obama.In speech in Germany Obama staff offer free beer and music band. Come on AMERICA. NO obama. He is MUSLIM. His brother has it. IN Germany i did not see American FLAG around stage during his speech.

white female   July 30th, 2008 10:39 am ET

JOHN MCCAIN IS AN OLD FOOL, AND THE REPUBS ARE SO SORRY THAT THIS IS ALL THEY HAVE TO RUN.....YOU'LL NEED TO GET OVER IT CNN, FOXS NEWS, SEAN HANNITY, ORIELLY, RUSH, TRY RUNNING ONE OF YOU CLOWNS FOR OFFICE IF YOU THINK SEN. OBAMA IS NOT EXP. ENOUGH.
SHAME ON ALL OF YOU YOU ARE SO HATEFUL, REMEMBER GOD IS WATCHING ALL OF YOU THE WHOLE CABLE TV NETWORK IS GOING TO FALL FLAT ON IT'S FACE SOON. (just mark my words) SEE YAA IN THE WHITE HOUSE IN 09 SEN OBAMA IT IS WRITTEN SON, YOU'RE IT IT'S TIME

bob in LA   July 30th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Both are lifetime politians. both are pushing an agenda that is thiers not America's. So where's the change?

Jennifer   July 30th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Yada, yada,yada–he's going to win.

Obama 08

Matt: honestly   July 30th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Andy J,

As apposed to the guy who is like "I will give a $3 million check to the guy who comes up with a new battery."??? I don't necessarily think that the stimulus check was a great idea, but it is an idea that came from the Republicans!

Ilona Hussein Proud Canadian   July 30th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Terry Lakeland Florida!
==================
Thank you so much for posting someone else's comments. I like the original poster have read many, many articles that back him up.

I would hate to think that so many others who have had access to these articles, are being mislead, so for our benefit, please let us know where we should go in order to verify YOUR CLAIM that this is all a pack of lies! I really would appreciate your help!

Debby,
======
John McCain REALLY CREATED STABILITY FOR HIS FIRST WIFE CAROL, AND THEIR CHILDREN!

chris in oregon   July 30th, 2008 10:38 am ET

This is a referendum on President Bush and the republican leadership. For the past decade they have swollen the deficit and waged an unjustified war overseas. The nation is demanding change. They demanding it from the west and the east and the north and the south. Enough of the spin. Obama will be elected.

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   July 30th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Elariia July 30th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Fifty-one percent of voters are paying attention to Obama, while under 30 percent are paying attention to McCain. That doesn't bode well for McCain.

I think it bodes very well for McCain. What it means is that people know what to expect from McCain but are unsure about Obama.

Maggie Muggins From Selwyn   July 30th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Hey McCain just did another flip flop.

Originally McCain's theme song was bomb, bomb, bomb Iran now it has changed to dumb, dumb, deedle de dumb OH YEA!

This election in November is a barometer for the average intelligence level of the U.S. citizens and McCain will make America the laughing stock of the world.

rose   July 30th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Andy J. N.Y and Debby, I think you guys are insane and terrible in you judgement. Let us all agree that race is playing a big role in this election. I want we Americans to know this, if you vote on race, The American's are going to and would dearly pay for what they would bring upon themselves by mocking the creator. I want us to note that people did not make a choice to be black or white.
Thanks

BR   July 30th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Anyone can plagarize. Get's you kicked out of college, but libs think it makes you qualified to become President??

G   July 30th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Wow only Americans can screw up an election. This coming from the people who elected Bush twice. Whatever happens happens there is only so much you can warn people. People want change but when they have the person they rage on experience which would equal a washington insider. Make up your minds you can't have both. I can't believe Mccain is popular among the dems are they not paying attention to what this man has said and the flip flops he has had throughout. And if Obama doesn't win I wouldn't be too disappionted because seriously taking care of these problems you must really love your country to want to solve them.

ERD in NC   July 30th, 2008 10:35 am ET

I would usually not prefer a democrat over a republican, but if the republican at hand is an imbecile, I'll vote against the imbecile!

CM   July 30th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Why do people continue to dwell on Obama's popularity as a negative factor? This talk of rock star and messiah has got to stop. He's the first black presidential candidate, of course he'll get attention. He's also not a Washington insider to be corrupted by the system as it stands.

People who cannot vote for him because he's 'arrogant' or 'a rockstar' need to wake up and realize who is really feeding you guys the kool aid. If you believe a political party on how to feel about someone then you're already lost.

McCain got the nomination because it was his time, not because he won it. And for those HRC supporters who said Obama stole the nomination, count again, popular vote counts for nothing and even then the popular vote she claimed she had was due to some creative math. Besides most of the 18 million are behind Obama now.

America, you already voted for your 'down to earth' president twice. This third time will not be a charm if you vote for the same machine that got us to this point.

BTW, 6 points ahead for Obama is also creative math. Add in the other candidates into these polls then discuss his numbers.

GaryofCircleville   July 30th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Bad, bad Bush! He PROPOSES the budget and Congress APPROVES it. However, it's all Bush's fault. He's only part of the problem along with the 100 Senators, 435 Representatives and the 9 Supreme Justices. We are DOOMED, that is the "change" that is coming. Crooks, liars, cheats and thieves.

Brad   July 30th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Now confidence and a positive attitude are being called arrogance. This is such a fine line and I believe that Senator Obama knows the difference. We have raised and are still raising our six kids to be positive and with the attitude they can do/accomplish what they want with being positive, because if you are negative then you automatically set yourself up for failure.

Henry n New York   July 30th, 2008 10:34 am ET

This is not about Obama. This is about being realistic. Of all the primary contenders – republicans included – our system of government has reduced the pool to two major candidates and 2 minor ones. Of those four we have a decision to make as Americans and descendents of those that fought for our right to choose who should lead us and make the tough decisions. For many there won't be an idea candidate and what else is new from the inception of this country. There is never the perfect candidate. This is about our putting our expectations, desires and future course in one person that can make much of what we desire happen and meet many of our expectations. Obama is the one candidate that seems to be able to do that. The is a biblical verse that fits very well in this conversation.
"Ye shall know them by the fruit that they bear for a fig tree can only bear figs".

What type of fruit are the campaigns bearing. McCain attack ads, lies and misrepresentations. Obama preparation for the future, restraint for the present and accumulation of knowledge from the past.

banderson   July 30th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Where are the articles that contrastst how John McCain has received over $180,000 dollars from registered lobbyist to Obama's $6,000? Where are the articles that talk about how instead of visiting the troops John McCain is having barbecues at his ranch with his wealthy donors? Where are the articles about how Senator McCain could not even remember that Prime Minister Putin is no longer President Putin? Come on CNN, get it together.

H-ROD   July 30th, 2008 10:33 am ET

MCCAIN CAUSE A FIRE ON THE FORESTAL ,GOT SHOT DOWN RATTED ON OTHER AIRMEM ,,WHILE IN THE HANOI HILTON ,GAVE UP SECRETS, COME ON AND THIS IS WHO SHOULD BE PRESIDENT I DON'T THINK SO

nocom   July 30th, 2008 10:33 am ET

What this means is that even though a large portion of the population likes to see a Dem elected president, Obama still does not have too much advantage over McCain because a lot of people still don't like him. This is a mess created by the Dems themselves...

Tom - Cary, NC   July 30th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Gee, you think people might be realizing that Obama is too liberal, too inexperienced, and too naive? McCain is the only serious candidate.

Kim, Charlotte, NC   July 30th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Debby.....and McCain is stable? Not.

DEBBY, NJ   July 30th, 2008 10:32 am ET

CNN:
Why is it that you will not report WHY Mcshame is not leading Obama in the polls by a landslide if Obama is the unknown...I'm confused...beside the fact that BARACK OBAMA is an African American and will be the Next President of The United States because McShame is an awful candidate...racism, still alive in the great United States of America...BARACK THE VOTE !!!

SPIN   July 30th, 2008 10:31 am ET

All you hear from the Repubs is spin, spin and more spin. I like to call it misleading the truth...............an out right LIE!
Where's the honesty and to hear this again again does not sound like McCain that was once admired for his straight talk.

Is this all they do attack with spin after spin with no substance oh unless flipping on real issues that matter!!!!

We deserve an honest message after 8 years of lies why we are in the mess we are now. First big lie "the war" and continuing!

webster208   July 30th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Every time a political advertisement comes out that is critical of Obama, it is automatically labeled as negative. It seems that media pundits insist that Obama's character is not relevant in this election. Take for example the ad about gs prices, if the Democrats, including Obama continues to oppose offshore drilling, that affects speculators view about the availability of oil in the future, and their predictions will affect gas prices now. So, why shouldn't the Democrats, including Obama, take responsibility for that???

DEMOCRAT   July 30th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Smell of racists all over your blog CNN is that a referendum on CNN???????????????????

Mel   July 30th, 2008 10:30 am ET

THIS ELECTION WILL PROVE HOW SMART OR STUPID AMERICANS REALLY ARE. I'M BETTING ON STUPID. TWO PEOPLE RUNNING ONE IS A BRILLIANT THINKER AND THE OTHER IS AVERAGE AT BEST BUT SERVED HIS COUNTRY. IF WE PICK MCCAIN WE ARE TRUELY STUPID. WE IMPORT ALL THE GOOD WORKERS AND THE LEADERS ARE STUPID. AN INTELLECTUAL LIKE OBAMA ISN'T GIVEN HIS DUE. THIS IS SAD THE BRAIN POWER OF THIS COUNTRY IS IN THE BASEMENT.

OBAMA......08

bt   July 30th, 2008 10:30 am ET

The numbers are much higher than CNN shows...think CNN keeps their numbers down to keep the hype going and keep their numbers going up...Cnn play fair and show numbers as they are...this is by no means a close campaign....and u know it...stop holding Obama's feet to fire and start dealing with the senile old man who continues to make mistakes & tells plenty of lies..he doesn't have to deal with issues as he has no response under than to dog Obama...why aren't u telling more about McSames big deal with the oil compaines...this is why he is always standing around an oil field...tell the story straight or don't tell it at all...Obama '08

ML   July 30th, 2008 10:30 am ET

the more one person is forced on people, the more they will resent him.
Obama is forced on people too much. His campaign and supporters are using nasty tactics – badmouthing, insulting McCain. They did the same to Hillary. All the terrible words thrown on her and Bill Clinton. Some of supporters of O. have no scruples, no shame. I do not follow people like this, I will not lower myself on this level. Sorry.
His campaign should shut the mouths of these insulters, badmouthers.
McCain has his experience, his wisdom, and does not deserve to be insulted as such. No one does.
I do not feel comfortable with Obama stardom and glory, it is fake and artificial. It does not come from his nature, it is staged, made up.
This is why I do not feel comfortable with him. Collin Powel is great, Rice is great, Bill Clinton is great.....

karen-phoenix   July 30th, 2008 10:30 am ET

PS: note to the person who wrote about McCain. I live in AZ. All of it is true! McCain should have gone to jail with Charlies Keating of the Keating 5. John Glen was part of that "5" and dropped out of politics. McCain has nothing else. He can not get a real job! Everything in that man's report was absolutely correct and is on file. McCain and Keating were friends. Cindy's father introduced them and got McCain into politics and out of his business. Thousands of retired people lost their complete retirement because of McCain and he should have gone to jail along with Keating. Cindy should have gone to jail for stealing drugs from a foundation she volunteered with. BUT NO, Money talks! I want some NICE people in the White House again and a good image for our young people! Go Obama!

Universal Citizen   July 30th, 2008 10:30 am ET

The Grand Olde Party has lost its touch on nearly everything. That's what happens when leaders become blinded by conceit, greed and myopia.

The Grand Olde Party used to be the Party of ideas, intellectualism, steadfastness and moral consciousness. Or was it all just myth?

A misadventure in Iraq that has cost us nearly a trillion dollars, not to mention the unnecessary loss of precious American and Iraqi lives; lack of foresight in Afghanistan; a balooning deficit; an energy policy designed behind closed doors by Dick Cheney in cohort with the oil companies; a cowboy foreign policy based on arrogance and bigotry that has made countries like North Korea and Iran to cultivate nuclear ambitions; an erroneous appeasement of Pakistan that has done little to fight the terrorists who slaughtered more than 3,000 on American soil; the wholesale abandonment of crucial domestic programs - debris from the broken bridge in Minnesota has not even been cleared yet, let alone to rebuild. I can go on forever with the litany of failures that have become characteristic of eight years of GOP rule under "W."

The intellectuals in the Grand Olde Party succumbed to the whims and caprices of the so-called Neocons to the detriment of the Party and the country. Now it will take some major effort to clean the mess, but we cannot do it this year.

Let's face it, the Democrats have in Barack Obama what they lost in JFK and his brother. He is articulate, ingenious and a force to contend with, nevermind the color of his skin. He has reinvented American politics in a way nobody could have imagined. We cannot even debate him on the issues because our record of eight years is so abysmal to put us in any position to debate. So the most we have is personal attacks short of calling the freshman senator the "N" word.

I am a diehard conservative but this year I'm going to put The United States of America before The Grand Olde Party. My conscience tells me this is the right thing to do. When The Grand Olde Party restores itself to where it belongs I will return with pride and in dignity.

God Bless These United States.

The Bu   July 30th, 2008 10:29 am ET

The way the America has been perceived over the past 7+ years, we need something new and different. You all harp about experience, but I submit to you that McCain has been in the Senate for 30 some-odd years and things have only gotten worse. If he's such a "maverick" why are things in America not better?

Michelle, PA   July 30th, 2008 10:29 am ET

There are many reasons why the polls are so close.

The media are letting McCain's slips, tantrums, floip flops and proven falsehoods fly mostly under the radar, while dissecting, debating and criticizing Obama's every move.

The demographic most likely reached in polling efforts is also suspect, as many likely Obama supporters do not have land lines or work shift positions or more than one job.

Obama's race is an issue, more so with older voters (more likely to be labeled "likely voters" and included in polls). First-time and young voters are ignored in most polls.

Smear e-mails and garbage bloggers have been successful with raising "questions" about Obama as a possible Mancurian Candidate.

Obama himself needs to loosen up, get more specific about policy proposals and show the American people he is a man, not a brand.

Matt   July 30th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Maryann – You are for Hillary and against Barack. You say that Barack bought the nomination. All I have to say is this: " At least he was able to afford it."

Dan, Mpls, MN   July 30th, 2008 10:29 am ET

It's still a close race because there are still a lot of racist people in this country. It's that simple. If Obama was white with the same accomplishments, he would be much more ahead.

Racist folks don't really care if the one they elect will lead them to throwing more money in Iraq and as a result dragging the economy down to the ground. All they can see is the color of his skin.

Daniel, VA   July 30th, 2008 10:29 am ET

This is another bullet from the empty armour. BARACK is a joke and he has no accomplishments, no achievments and no record. How can you trust him for the top job in the nation. Those who support Obama are in some other world. CNN, you give so much of your time to Obama, Can you tell me what is Obama and what has he done for our country? Is it communicty service in Chicago? That is not an achievement. I also do it here in Virginia. Vote John McCain because we have to protect our country and our economy. Look at Nancy Pelosi. She is also a joke. Take it.

Sam from Philly, PA   July 30th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Of course this election is a referendum on Obama! Americans are tired of 8 years of Bush policies, and are screaming for change. However, many of them also recognize that simply branding himself as a foil to Bush isn't enough. The junior senator from Illinois isn't running against Bush, but a moderate Republican who has a well-established track record of reaching across the aisle to solve America's problems.

If Obama wants to win, he has to cease proclaiming himself the anti-Bush, and explain to the American people how his policies will help them in both the short and long term.

keesa   July 30th, 2008 10:28 am ET

THE NEWS MEDIA ALWAYS SAYS WHY OBAMA POINTS ARE NOT HIGHER. THIS IS SO STUPID BECAUSE IF MCCAIN HAS ALL THE 20YRS OF EXPERIENCE THEY SAYS HE HAVE I THINK HE SHOULD BE THE ONE UP IN THE POLLS.THE MEDIA THE MEDIA DONT HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT OBAMA, I THINK THEY SHOULD SAY HE IS DOING WELL HES THE INEXPERIENCE ONE REMEBER. ALL THE PUT DOWN AN LIES THEY TELL ON THIS MAN EVERYDAY WHILE THE LYING TOUNGE FLIP FLOP EXPRESS GETS AWAY WITH ALL THE LIES HE STRAIGHT OUT AN TELL EVERYDAY MCCAIN IS A BOLD MAN LIES AN THEN LAUGH IN YOUR FACE LIKES IT FUNNY.

Major Michael "C" Lorton, Vriginia   July 30th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Wait another 60 days when the poll trolls numbers will start to have an effect on the nation's emotions.

Matt   July 30th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Another misleading article. What this article doesn't say, is that a larger percentage of undecided voters are democrat, leaning Republican.

America isn't as dumb as Obama would like it to be.

After November, we can hear Obama and his media Jackals cry RACISM.

We all know that if Obama was white, he would be 20 points behind McCain right now!!

banderson   July 30th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Where is the article about John McCain FLIP-FLOPPING on taxes?

Jason   July 30th, 2008 10:28 am ET

How McCain has double digits is mind-boggling.

Remy   July 30th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Right or wrong, Obama will be the winner in November. If McCain supporters want "SINKING DOLLAR", "COFFINS FROM IRAQ EVERYDAY", "LOOSING HOUSES TO BANKS" and "LAYOFFS", you vote for McCain who has no rigid policy on anything except following BUSH!

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   July 30th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Obama is black and americans are still trying to know…this is NOT a referendum on Obama, but on his skin color! duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

H-ROD   July 30th, 2008 10:27 am ET

IT'S TRUE MCCAIN WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WHAT A PUTTS

csimp   July 30th, 2008 10:27 am ET

RJ,CA you are correct in saying that its not the fact that people dont know him, but that people dont like him. Its sad to say that the reason some dont like him is because of the color of his skin. Shouldnt be so hard for people to see that a great portion of people in this country still have issues with electing a black man POTUS. I personally dont care what color or gender the candidates are, but what is important is who is the best person for the job.

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   July 30th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Obama is black and americans are still trying to know...this is

Tony D   July 30th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Stupid poll question !!! We're not electing the Democratic or Republican Party to be President ?! We're electing a PERSON to be President . The real question is . Which one of these "PERSONS " who is now up for election for the President of the United States is best qualified based on character, beliefs , EXPERIENCE , and past actions ???? Let's leave the Democrats and Republicans out this decision. They can never make any correct decisions anyway. Look at Congress for past 2 years . USELESS !!

Wisconsin   July 30th, 2008 10:26 am ET

...

First CNN keeps quoting a poll done in part by The Wall Street Journal = OWNED by Merdock of Fixed (fox) news.

Why is CNN not reporting McCains daily flip on taxes? In three days he was against taxes, then for them, then against them. While keeping the Bush tax cuts.

Or

The over 1 million that big oil gave to the republican party just before McCain happened to change his mind on drilling.

Print the whole truth. Obama is doing well considering the willingness of the media to keep negative stories about Obama running, but you only hear about half of McCains negatives.

Anonymous   July 30th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Whatever could be people's problem with Obama? I'm really stumped.

Tim   July 30th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Can anyone of the Obama voters please inform me what kind of change I can expect from him? I listen to his speeches and listen and listen yet I still do not know. And can anybody what methods he will use to create this change?

I'm not crazy for voting for Mccaine....but I am leaning that way because at least he has said something with some concrete solutions. His energy policy makes sense at least....from what I hear Obama wants to place a windfall profit tax on the oil companies.....is this true?

If it is that makes no sense.....who do you think is going to pay that tax? They are going to raise prices to pay it? If he is really thinking that this is a good idea....then hi thinking is way to elementary for the real world.

Please inform me Obama supporters....my vote is still up for grabs.

Bob Stephens   July 30th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Four more years of Bush McCain? Do you really think the American Voters are that stupid?

Marilyn   July 30th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Yes, most Americans do want a Democrat for president this time - just not this Democrat. Obama's ego knows no bounds. We've just had 7 years of a giant ego in the White House. That has been enough for most of us.

As for McCain "going negative", that is what he needs to do. Everyone old enough to vote knows that nice guys finish last. If McCain just hangs around in the background and lets Obama get away with all of his nonsense he won't have a chance. I personally don't care for either one of them, but I know Obama will NOT get my vote.

Dave   July 30th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Can anyone sat anti-christ?

Peter of Oregon   July 30th, 2008 10:24 am ET

CNN this should be an obvious one.

He isn't doing as well in the polls as you might expect because #1 he's black, and there are a lot of closet racists in America, and other people that aren't "comfortable" with having a black man as their Commander and Chief. #2 his name is Barack Obama, and this name further confirms in many people's mind that this is someone that has a very different background and upbringing than them, and the politicians they generally vote for.

It's simple CNN, investigate it a little and the truth will reveal itself.

Mary   July 30th, 2008 10:23 am ET

CNN:

Since no comments I've submitted have been published in the last 6 months, I doubt if this will make it through either, but here goes anyway...

Since when is a 12 point spread 48% vs. 36% considered close? CNN, you are not simply reporting facts, you are interpreting facts – slanting them towards your favorite son, John McCain. Shame on you and your corporate owners. Leave the opinions to the editorial page.

Debra   July 30th, 2008 10:23 am ET

What a bunch of losers Obama is looking at for VP. Boring! None of the bunch bring anything positive to the ticket. I guess Obama is feeling insecure and feels he has to have a token white guy on the ticket with him. So much for change in Washington. Not a very revolutionary decision. At this rate the VP slot will be a totally wasted position. It is really scary to think that these guys could become president if something happens to Obama. None of the ones in the finals would ever be considered for that spot on their own. What happened to Clinton? Now that would have been an amazing ticket!

Ilona Hussein Proud Canadian   July 30th, 2008 10:23 am ET

"But a surprising trend is emerging"......

What is so surprising about the poll? By the way if I am not mistaken Barack was still on his overseas tour on July 23rd, the polls at that time is questionable to say the least!

One other point to note....because I think that it is VERY IMPORTANT.

Many people who WILL BE VOTING FOR BARACK IN NOVEMBER are keeping MUM ABOUT IT TODAY, I will leave you to figure out the REASON!

Matt   July 30th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I think it would be a referendum on American politics if a third-party member won. Look at all the candidates and decide who you think has the policies that best serve the interests of the U.S. and yourself as a citizen. Just because someone is popular doesn't mean you should vote for them. It shouldn't matter what party a candidate belongs to, it should matter what the candidate themself's think. That being said, as a referendum on the Republican party, and on McCain (who proves my point wrong by switching all his stances to the popular rebublican views) I will not be voting for McCain. I am going to take a long look at Obama and the third-party candidates and decide whose ideas and explanations of their ideas I believe in most strongly.

Hiram Scott   July 30th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I don't think Obama is the one he represents and ultra liberal wing of the Democratic Party, which I belong too, however he is far to the left for my taste and that is the general observation across the American mainstream. To bad I thought the Dems could take back the White House but it looks like things will stay in a static hold pattern for 4more yrs we should have picked Hillary folks at least she knows she can't walk on water........:-)

Marcus Allen   July 30th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Obama will cause change.
He'll open the flood gates on every wacky idea that comes out of Congress. I'd vote for the guy if it Congress was not so whacked out.

Donna from Colorado Springs   July 30th, 2008 10:22 am ET

If Obama is ahead by twelve points, where is the tightening of the race? Any reasonably intelligent person would vote for a democrat for president. I don't see McSame beating Obama.This country can't be dumb enough to make the same mistake three times!

just thoughts, feelings   July 30th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I do feel more secure and comfortable with McCain appearance and way he talks. It is comforting figure of a kind, nice father/grandfather.

With Obama appearance comes this feel of glory, egoistic arrogance, stardom which is unsettling. Does not make me feel secure.

I do not understand why Obama thinks so highly about himself. Why his campaign dares insult, ridicule the others. Why Obama thinks everyone wants his ways. Why he thinks he is so hot that everyone drops to their knees. He is not to many of people. It does bother me a lot this arrogant "we" and "me" Obama the "greatest". More humbleness, more real substance of a person is needed here. All his gestures, patting others on shoulders etc make me feel like I am, people are being manipulated, and I do not like being manipulated. Something is missing here to convince me of what they want me to believe in.

Still I would rather see Hillary to be president.

Do it yourself   July 30th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Wow....

12 Points higher by the Dems...

Yet the Chicago Christ only has a 3 point lead... and slipping...

Leave it to the Dems to have a sure thing and screw it up...

Two years they've run congress... where is the change... what a joke!

Bye Bye Obama... I'll be rolling on the floor if the Dems blow this.

obama 08-12   July 30th, 2008 10:21 am ET

this no news cnn.

Alan Boyer   July 30th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Why doesn't anyone ask why John McCain is NOT beating Obama. John McCain is well-known Has 30 years experience in Washington. Is a war hero. And is white. He should run away with the election.

Obama IS the unknown, underdog with little to prove. But the media and pundits have taken up Hilary's line of can't close the deal. No one is challenging John McCain. No one is demonstrating all of the McCain's flip flops, gaffes and numerous examples that demonstrate he is unfit to be president. The fact that Obama is leading in the polls is a feat in and of itself. Now, McCain is starting the negative ads so many white will begin to fear Obama and the poll numbers may just flip in McCain's favor...not on substance but on fear.

karen-phoenix   July 30th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Yes We Can!!!! Go Obama! And I'm a "recovering republican"! America will gone as we know it if McCain gets in! Go Obama! Out with the old, In with the new. Peace is patriotic!

Debby   July 30th, 2008 10:18 am ET

CNN why close the first item on the ticker so soon were you getting alot of negative responses on Obama's arrogance?

vic nashville,Tn   July 30th, 2008 10:18 am ET

2008 Democratic party’s year then why Sen. Obama can’t give a good lead in the polls
Time for Democratic party to think !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hillary please comes back
Hillary 08 or Mc Cain 08

Peter of Oregon   July 30th, 2008 10:16 am ET

The most recent fiasco with Republican Ted Stevens, one of the most experienced Senators in the United States should clarify in everyone's mind why lots of experience does not automatically equate to better judgement.

Stevens, like Bush and McCain have heavy ties to Oil companies. It's one of the reasons McCain is pushing for more US Oil Drilling in protected areas.

For all of you who voted for Bush, and are now planning on voting for McCain. Take a good hard look at him, and at yourself. If he is elected, you have only yourself to blame.

Charlotte   July 30th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Nancy Pelosi is a do nothing Speaker of the House. Impeaching Bush, she took it off the table. Obama is not even the official nominee. We will not get smaller government with Obama. We will be in the hands of morons if he wins the election. Obama should be able to relate to this do nothing congress, he is part of it. What legislation has he proposed? How many votes has he missed? What has he done other then run for one office after another? I am not impressed with his resume.

Debby   July 30th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Well you can't judge by that poll because McCain is very popular among moderate Dems. so he is attracting them more than Obama. All the hype about Obama and the constant Obama rage on this ticker I don't think he is going to win. People want stability not a rock star as a leader.

Cindy Hussein McCain   July 30th, 2008 10:14 am ET

The people should scrutinize and judge both candidates. Obama is just one man, ofcourse he is not perfect, but neither is McCain.

The truth is that Obama is on the side of woman's rights issues, McCain doesn't believe woman have the right choose.

Obama wants to raise taxes on the wealthy, McCain want to continue the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy.

Obama wants to eliminate taxes for the elderly who earn less than 50K a year, give tax credt for education, respect the religious freedom of the all, and end the war in Iraq, and being those who attacked us on 9/11 to justice. AND protect our environment by getting us off of oil (Versus just foreign oil)

McCain is only looking out for the rich and the wealthy. He doesn't even have support for the troops when they return from a war that he sent them to.

The choice is more than clear.

OBAMA!

Scott, Phoenix   July 30th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Looks like Obama's rainbow tour is not pulling in the numbers he was looking for. I can't wait to listen to Obama debate McCain, with no telepronter and fancy speeches to read, it will be fun to hear Obama mumble his answers.

Informed Voter   July 30th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Who are the fools who still want a Republican Administration ??

jane in CA   July 30th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Anyone would do better than Bush or McSame. Either Repubs or Dems, let's vote Obama and work together to help him. He's symbol for change, always smiling, a decent guy, using his judgment to override his short of experience.

Sorensen   July 30th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Mr. Axelrod -

You are not moving the needle!!!
The trip abroad was great, but no needle!!
The distance to McCain of 4-6 points is a catastrophe.
You obviously need a new team, maybe a new leader, to plan the
strategy for the next 3 months.
McCain is a disaster, and the republicans know it.
You should be ahead by 20 points.
This should have been ready for execution 4 weeks ago.
Please get going!!

Kris from AZ   July 30th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Obama needs to put more structure on what he plans to do for the economy. The white blue collar I think is more towards MCcain because they see him as an elder with knowledge compared to Obama. MCcain if you listen to him does not display knowledge on what america needs. He shows no substance but yet poeple go on looks. I wish we are not so superficial on things. Clearly Obama is the smart one. Give them more substance Obama and numbers will rise..............

Bruce, Charlotte NC   July 30th, 2008 10:12 am ET

The only reason the polls are tight right now is because they are not accounting for the third party candidates. Once you throw in Bob Barr, Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney, I believe the polls will show a comfortable margin for Obama.

John   July 30th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Barack Obama, Positive, uplifting truthful,trust worthy...
John McSame Bush clone, rove politics, poison,untrustworthy flip flopper.. What an easy choice. Obama 08'12

A CANUCK   July 30th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Polls are a waste of time and very misleading....they just keep people employed.

Tired of W, OH   July 30th, 2008 10:09 am ET

The media plays a large roll in this tight race. By picking what stories to cover, they shape voters' opinions by not providing a complete picture. The media wants this race to be a close one to increase their viewers. For example, CNN never even mentioned this story:

--------------------------–
On July 7th, McCain said this at a town hall meeting in Denver:
"Sen. Obama will raise your taxes, I won't."

On Sunday's "This Week" on ABC, McCain said this about raising taxes:
"There is nothing that's off the table. I have my positions, and I'll articulate them. But nothing's off the table," McCain said. "I don't want tax increases. But that doesn't mean that anything is off the table."

Yesterday, in Nevada, when asked if he would raise taxes, he simply said "No."
---------------------------

So which is it? Is raising taxes off the table or not, McCain? Did you "misspeak" on Sunday? The man constantly changes his position on issues and the media lets it slide!

v.a.   July 30th, 2008 10:08 am ET

polls aren't representative. most people aren't home long enough to answer a landline and others only own cell phones. internet polls are crap because not everybody has access to the internet. polls schmolls.

on a side note: mccain has tiny arms, hahaha

MARYANN Oswego IL   July 30th, 2008 10:08 am ET

I am a lifelong Democrat and YES I would love to see a Democrat as our PRESIDENT...JUST NOT THE CHOSEN BARACK OBAMA...give us real leadership bring back Hillary R CLINTON...Barack will never get my vote he is a liar and will only do as he is told...(by Kennedy,Kerry,Pelosi,and Mr. Dean) these guys are all losers. Hillary has shown time and time again that she is a fighter for all Americans...P.S cnn my last 6 posts were never even in moderation ..there are over 18 MILLION Americans that still want Hillary as our DEMOCRATIC choice...why are you trying to erase us from being heard!!!!!! Barack is just like George W Bush he bought the nomination.

Susan   July 30th, 2008 10:08 am ET

CNN, please knocl this sort of stuff off. you demean yourselves every time. Why not examine the fact that If mcCain is the best America has to offer, whay can't he get past the mid 40's? I am so sick of the MSM bias for McCain. Why don't you every report on his lies and flip flops, and Rovian his campaign has become. Answer – you are owned by McCain and the Republicans, are in the bag for McCain, and do not use your journalistic ethics at all. Bought and paid for! I know this won't be posted, but I am sick of it.

Jack   July 30th, 2008 10:07 am ET

That's what happens when you nominate a liberal preacher with no qualifications.

And the other party nominates a right leaning moderate with years of service and a proven record of working across party lines.

It's just taking some people longer to realize this.

RJ, CA   July 30th, 2008 10:06 am ET

After nearly a year of Obama overkill and the recent European extravaganza, his poll numbers should be huge by now. Can't say people don't "know" who he is. CAN say people obviously don't all that much LIKE who he is. And the undecided numbers remain large - which, if Obama is really making an impact - would likely also not be the case. So - I'm not impressed!

Bob Indianapolis, IN   July 30th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Poll away, folks! The Reptilican reign of terror will end in Novemeber...they will be beaten like a gong. The tide is turning!

mississippi north   July 30th, 2008 10:06 am ET

This is a true sign that the republicans are desperate! they twist any remarks Obama makes only to benefit the republican party – real pathetic!

ah   July 30th, 2008 10:06 am ET

From a black 56 year old woman who lived through the lynching, riots, segregation and who hates to feel this way but a person of color will never be elected president. The one thing white people do not like is an smart, uppity black person that does not know his/ her place. Sorry but true

Alice Gentry   July 30th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Please, Americans, don't go for this liberal tripe from Pelosi/Reid/Obama. Those people want to control your lives and "provide for everyone's needs". Well, there's just no way a freedom-loving society can endure that, because when the government controls us, we are no longer free.

ProudToBeDemocrat   July 30th, 2008 10:05 am ET

So what does this mean CNN? Wolf you are so confused you will report anything this is not news everybody knows this already.

Abby   July 30th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Well if it was easy to elect a black president, this wouldn’t be historic. Why is everyone pretending that this has been done before or he should be leading in the polls? We are in a whole new territory here trying to elect someone of color into the highest office in the land when we have never been even close. I think we are going to do it but it will not be easy.

Adam   July 30th, 2008 10:04 am ET

maybe it's because not everbody LIKES Obama!
Duh!

HILLARY 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andy J, NY   July 30th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Obama is not a new politician, he is spewing the same democratic party line that has been around for years. Why can't you people see that this guy isn't some messiah, he's a leftist socialist who adheres strictly to the radical left policies the Democratic party continues to pursue.

I'm not a fan of the republicans either, so this isn't a dem vs repub thing.

I have much hate for the two parties who continue to run our country into the ground. Its just that Obama is so far left, he really irks me. Obama talks about another round of stimulus checks- well where the heck are we getting that money from? Its kind of like saying "Vote for me, i'll give you a $1,000 check"... well, low income people don't pay taxes anyway, so how can they get a rebate for something they haven't even paid? You want to talk about drilling for our own resources instead of importing as being a gimmick? How about the "Vote for me, ill give you $1000" bit? Thats not a gimmick? Riiiiiiiiight.

Elariia   July 30th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Fifty-one percent of voters are paying attention to Obama, while under 30 percent are paying attention to McCain. That doesn't bode well for McCain.

I think Obama is doing well in the polls since, 1) racism will prevent voters in WV and KY from voting for him; 2) the polls don't take voters with cellphones (young people) into account; and 3) the Tindall report found that more than 70 percent of Obama's media coverage is negative.

(P.S. Why are my comments ALWAYS awaiting moderation?)

Mike   July 30th, 2008 10:01 am ET

I must be slow this morning, but I am confused about this one too...

Terry, Lakeland Florida   July 30th, 2008 9:59 am ET

I like how CNN closes comments on popular entries within minutes...probably getting flooded with questions why. Anyway here's a post from another entry I need to reply to.

--------------
McArsenic July 29th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

July 29th, 2008 10:17 am ET

today is the 41 anniversary of the tragedy aboard the USS Forrestal. a day where 134 crewmen where killed and another 161 wounded. some reports indicate that John Mccain wet started his Sky Hawk, which led to a series of explosions. the brave men of the USS Forrestal fought for some 20 hrs to contain the blaze. John Mccain was immediately transferred to another ship the USS Oriskany (the only Forrestal crewman to be immediately transferred). A few month later John McCain would get shot down and captured by the Vietcong, he had by his own admission while being a POW gave up Military information to the enemy, garnishing McCain with the nickname…SONGBIRD. in 1973 returning home McCain would soon start having an affair with Cindy Lou, his now second wife. his then current wife Carol, who was a model at one point and the mother of his first children was in a car accident which left her dis figured. Mccain left her to marry Cindy 1 month after the divorce was final…thin ink had not dried. using Cindy's vast fortune McCain got into politics. he had risen from scandals including Keating 5 to reports of an affair with a lobbyist. Now John Mccain wants us to vote for him….i think NOT. i could not in good conscience vote for a man who graduated 894 out of 899, has 59 lobbyist working on his campaign, who will do or say ANYTHING to get a vote, offers NO solution only attacks, has that kind of temper, finds the only answer to a problem is WAR. i know you don't have the guts to post this CNN, but the American people need to know the truth about this man.
------------
I like how the poster is scared to print his name....must be scared someone will call him on his lies. It's already been proven McCain had nothing to do with the fire on the Forrestal, we know it, you know it no stop posting lies. 59 lobbyist? name them...no wait you cannot because he doesn't have them...I know Obama has a lot of them though...he's been caught. Keating 5, it's well known that McCain was found to have done nothing wrong. He was only included because the Dems wanted a rep added to the list...they've even said so themselves...do a little research. reports of an affair with a lobbyist....it's also well known that the media reported that with ZERO proof and no real facts..it was just a chance to stir some debate...again do some research!!

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