CNN

I can assure you these elections were a referendum on President Obama. I like the way CNN keeps referring to exit polls. Don't you know by now, if the folks had said yes to the question leaving the polls, they would have been called a raceist. Believe and spin it like you want, but Washington better start listening to the people. This goes for Democrats as well as Republicans. Finally, America is waking up.

Obama worked especially hard to keep NJ in the Blue column to the point that his people took over running the election. He made 3 trips with 5 stops.

Losing NJ is a big blow to Obama and a rejection of his policies. The message in Virginia and NJ is the people want him to pay attention to the economy – not health care which was polled last in both states.

Obama has no coattails and if the Dems keep following him, they will go off the cliff in 2010.

You Lie! If you had been watching Fox News, you would have seen "Live from Richmond" a group of people, all parties, being asked why they voted the way they did. You would have found out that Obama and his gang are very much the reason why voters went the way they did. People are tired of Big Government, this push for Healthcare, all the spending.
You guys keep spinning the way you want it to be and you will always remain last in ratings. Start being on the people's side and drooling over your "Chosen Leader"

WE are the ones we've been waiting for and WE showed them last night that We are here to take back our country! Keep making it easy for us dems.

Two quick comments –

Bubba – race really doesn't mean much to me. I'm more concerned with the policies. And I don't like Obama's policies.

Paula from TX - look at a map, please. New Jersey and Virginia are NOT in New England. Nor are they small states.

And by the way, isn't the DNC chair from Virginia? Where the heck has he been?

Thank you! The only really important news of last night was that conservative attempts to hijack the election in NY-23 failed miserably. THAT should be their take-away. Deeds was a weak candidate and Corzine has been an unpopular governor. If anything, Obama's power helped Corzine do BETTER than he should have. Charlotte, NC elected an African American mayor and the first Dem mayor in 20 years; we also increased Dem control of the City Council, which now is 8-3.

I love that Christie & McDonnell distanced themselves from Palin and won their races. And, the unfortunate looking dude in NY 23 who call Beck his "mentor" lost. It means that the far right is a joke with zero power and influence and that moderation will always win the day.

The dems didn't turn out in VA like they did last fall – if nothing else, they need to be energized.

NJ might be a referendum on Goldman Sachs

governor races are based on state issues

in NY 23 a democratic congressional candidate beat a conservative in a district with a record of always being republican

Republican's lose

In NJ, Obama got a lot of people out to vote who wouldn't have voted. The big counties, with large minority and youth populations, went democrat (as expected) and it was Obama's influence that got most of these people out to vote. Without Obama's pull, the election would have been a sweep. The state Senate and Assembly remains in democrat control and the vote was narrow enough to suggest that Christie has struggles ahead of him to unify the state. Corzine had a large battle ahead of him as he cut rebates, increased taxes, shut down the state for a few days, etc. He's also had people's pay cut, cut people's working days, violated contracts because of the economy. Of course he was going to be blamed for all of that. Christie is a moderate Republican – reminiscent of Whitman – so that speaks to the constituency of the state.

If anything, the national congressional seats speak more to Obama's influence than the governorships. Both California and New York went democrat (even with the big conservatives bolstering support for Hoffman). Obviously we on the coasts and in the north prefer democrats and moderates to right-wingers.

@Bubba....when will you and the rest of the cronies understand that it is not about Obama being "BLACK" but about his policies, agenda and spending. Any intelligent human being can see the direction he is taking this country! You are not entitled just by being a citizen as you all like to believe.
@Mercedes....do you understand the consequences of "Cap and Trade" or the out of control deficit?. Funny that the dems fought cap and trade when it was lobbied for by Enron!

Of course the two new GOP governors were not a referendum on President Obama!

1. Obama's been in office, 10 months.

2. Governors do not legislate, do not affect the nation, only their state.

3. CNN had an interesting article last night about how Virginia always chooses a governor of the OPPOSITE party that's in the White House, they have done so for many years.

4. Corzine was already an unpopular governor, when Obama was elected a year ago today.

The REALLY BIG STORY is ........ NY-23 ....... CHOOSING A DEMOCRAT FOR THE ......... FIRST........TIME.......IN 100 YEARS!

THAT SAYS MORE ABOUT THE GOP, THAN THE DEMOCRATS!

Palin & Beck's meddling in the NY-23..... PROVES how LITTLE INFLUENCE THESE TWO HAVE!

(excuse the yelling)

In NJ, Obama got a lot of people out to vote who wouldn't have voted. The big counties, with large minority and youth populations, went democrat (as expected) and it was Obama's influence that got most of these people out to vote. Without Obama's pull, the election would have been a sweep. The state Senate and Assembly remains in democrat control and the vote was narrow enough to suggest that Christie has struggles ahead of him to unify the state.

Yeah...whatever. If NJ would have kept Corzine, I might agree with you. NJ should be of some concern to the white house. If not, more power to the dems in 2010.......and please, please keep sending the president to the front lines to promote liberal candidates. He should campaign for Harry Reid and Chris Dodd next!

Anyone notice how FOX News is the only major news outlet claiming these elections ARE a referendum on Obama?

What's more likely, that FOX News is right and everyone else is wrong, or that FOX News has a hard right slant?

CNN, can you ever learn to spin something that is even close to the truth? What we saw last night was exactly the same thing we saw in 1993. And then 1994 happened. I cannot wait till next November! We will finally put a stop to this President's very misguided policies.

It will be interesting if these future Republican governors can give what they promised. Where are their monies going to come from when they reduce property taxes or pay for transportation? Some other part of their states economies will suffer. Most likely jobs. These were not referendums on Pres. Obama. The voters were wishful thinking.

When it works, he takes the credit and when it fails he hides or blames others. Just like when they poll his policies versus his popularity. He is so superficial it's unbelievable. Most people are judged on their character (policies and beliefs) but this president only spins what is popular or makes him look good. NO accountability with this baby kissin politician. If his lips are moving, he is lying.

"Polls state NOBAMA was not a factor – meaning he did not help his candidate. "

No, actually, what the polls show is that it was pretty much equally split between those who felt their vote showed opposition to Obama and those who felt it showed support for him...and that the total of those two types of votes made up only a minority % of the entire voting public. Therefore, even tho some did consider it a "referendum" on Obama's policies, it was a minority who thought so and their votes were tied on the issue. The majority of people, i.e., mostly Independents, voted based on the STATE issues that mattered to them, like property taxes, state gov't corruption, etc. So even tho Independents seemed to side with the GOPers in those two races, it had nothing to do with Obama, which pretty much knocks out the theory that yesterday foreshadows 2010.

I think the most important result in yesterday's election was that of NY23. The election of another Democrat to the US Congress is more important than the other elections. We need to focus on aiding Obama and the democratic majority in congress, as they move the country back on the track.

Under the circumstances the loss of the two governorships was expected and not much of a surprise. It is their loss, and the voters of Virginia and New Jersey I predict will wish they had voted otherwise during the next few years. These two elections further have no real effect on the agenda of the federal government.

If anything the loss in these two states will just energize the democrats to work harder for 2010.

I used to think Obama was 1 and done. Now I'm not sure he'll even be relevant enough to be considered to have reached the "1".

The voters rejected the Obama Welfare State. It wasn't so much an acceptance of the Republicans as much as a rejection of the Statist policies of the luny left.

The GOP eighteen percent VA margin was the 3 AM WH call. Of course it is a referndum on the president. Spin it the other way, if the democrats had won both states. Basically stated, Americans do not want massive government in their life. I do not want to wake up every morning with the likes of Pelosi, Franks, Dodd or Reid. I now predict the health care will fail because the blue dogs are scared, more than before , having seen the VA/NJ results. Unfortunately, it is all about them, not about the public good.

I love the media spin.

IF America loved his agenda and embraced it, then the two Gov elections would have been a drop in the bucket. He showed up and said that he needs his guys in office to get his agenda pushed thru.

Mr. President, the voters said NO to your choices for Gov.

State and city races rarely reflect one way or the other on the President – and in the two Governor's races last night, voters did exactly what they have done historically. The kicker was the one national race – a Democrat won a seat in a Congressional district that has been "conservative" since the Civil War. Could it be that Americans don't want the extreme right conservative agenda?

That's exactly how Rush predicted that you would spin it.

The government-controlled media

Idealism is always good on the paper.
Let us also consider the things he was able to move forward and the kind of mess and the people that existed in the system when he took office and ask this question – if you were him, would you FIRE all these lobbyists and others who had the "pre-existing" conditions???

If yes, you would be stupid – that is very costly. Cleanup acts are ALWAYS difficult and come with a price – at this time of the economy, it is crucial not to create a whole lot of discontent and hate etc ....

I look at the economy and feel good and you should too (just consider the Cheney Shet in the last year)... It is like a MASSIVE oil spill – takes a good 3 years to clean up and he seems to be trying it and I hope he will ultimately bring it to some shape before the next election!!

Go ahead and spin it and delude yourselves but Obamas election was a one time aberration!!!

You all forgot Obama is the head of the democratic party now and has a mandate to campaign for a democrat governor even if that governors chances of winning is slim. That is his duty.
Why didn't the republican star Persona Non Grata Sarah Palin didn't go on the campaign trail and campaign for these Republican governors?
Use your brain for God sake?

And when all the "corruption" within the Obama administration surfaces, and when the increases in taxes, utility rates, healthcare costs, and unemployment rates continue under this administration's polices are felt by the American people, you can expect to see more people turning away from dems those policies.

Obama is a cool guy, but his policies and the people he surrounds himself with are what the American people reject.

From the independent side of things I can tell you that wee are tired of non action from both parties and it seems that the POTUS is the only one really trying to get things done inteligently.

Keep spinning it has nothing to do with Obama.

Why then are Republicans cool again? Last November, they were hated. Now, back in fashion.

What are you going to say in 2010 when the same thing happens?

When is this amatuer administration ever going to own anything? The economy, the war, jobs????

sure. if the dems were winning there races, cnn and the MSM would be touting the results as an endorsment of obama's "change".

nice spinning guys.

"Washington (CNN) – Victories in New Jersey and Virginia Tuesday provided a major shot in the arm for the Republican Party heading into the 2010 elections, but the Democratic losses of these two governorships should not be interpreted as a significant blow to President Obama."

"Should not be"?

Oh, I love it when a new source tells me in the first paragraph of a story – before we've laid out any facts or context – how I should not interpret something.

Keep on making excuses for Obamas big loss. If they had won, it would be smeared all over the place how great and powerful Obama is..................glad they lost. This is huge for Obama, if it wasn't he wouldn't have wasted so much time and money campaigning for his Fellow Democrats.

And yet, you still wonder why you're dead last in the ratings!

Give it up your defending Mr. Looser is getting way too old now!

I think the majority of the voters are finally realizing what a pile of Garbage they got for their vote last November.

The results were no surprise....Virginia always votes for the opposing
party to the one in the WH. Corzine had lost credibility amongst many voters, and there was no choice.
Also the older , more conservative voters came out to vote .....voter turnout was low.
Dems have to energize their base in 2010!

No No Certainly Not these Elections are not a referendum on Obama.

Creigh Deeds and Jon Corzine are themselves responsible.

However, HISTORY shows that Virginia and N.J. Voters are SADDISTS........... They are the most UNSATISFIED PEOPLE.

They always vote the opposite. These States are not Stable, that is why their Economy is Worst than Other States.

Bush and Republicans ruined America for Last 8 Years.

Now N.J. and Virginia are submitting themselves to their Misery.

Good Luck N.J. and Virginia. You Guys deserve what you choose. Get ready for further Screw Up by Republicans.

Based on the reports of someone listening to the campaign speeches in Virginia..............

The Republicans campaigning in Virginia---were making citizens aware of the jobs that would be lost if Obama's Tax and Cap were passed.

They were making citizens aware of the tax increases that will occur if Obamacare passes.

This is definitely a referendum on Obama, Pelosi, and the policies that they are attempting to pass in our country.

No, I don't believe the Repub gbernatorial wins in NJ and VA were a reflection of failed Obama influence or policies. Those wins are not national game changers–the Dems still control the House and Senate, and the White House. Plus, the Dems picked up two more reps for Congress from NY and CA, so if anything, the political clout of the Dems was padded a bit more. I think the Repub party is so divided right now that any political victory will be positioned as a reinvigorated and united party. Well, we know that is not the case–you have the lunatic fringe who don't think Repubs are conservative enough, and you have conservatives who despise moderate Repubs. The Repub party is in a deep swamp of infighing that will not let up anytime soon.

If the folks in New Jersey focused on taxes as an issue...just wait until you figure out how much further this president and Congress are going to reach into your wallet.

we all knew that these elections would be used by the republicans to twist their talking points in a negative way towards Obama.
but the reality is, he's only been in office 9 months – not quite long enough to take credit for any kind of economic state...but if the economy recover during his time, well, he worked pretty hard to make that happen, and took a lot of flack for the process.
most of us realize that the bush years contributed heavily to the experiences we are facing now – economically as well as the situations in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
pretty much, the Bush/Cheney years ignored domestic issues and focused on situations outside our country.
and, what did that really do for us?
it;s too bad that the republican party will not accept responsibility for their part in all this. but it is typical of them. the spin machine is well oiled on the conservative side.
but if you listen closely to them, you realize they have nothing new, nothing substantial to say.
which is why it's easy for them to point fingers at others, and take the attention away from their follies.

Sure it is. Obama's losing the Independent voters that helped him win the presidency.

Considering how many times the President, VP and other high-profile Democrats campaigned in NJ and VA, how can this be anything BUT a referendum on Obama?
Of course, economy was a factor. And the economy is also a reflection on the President. Remember Clinton's slogan – It's the Economy, stupid?
Doesn't matter how long you're in office. Even if things started the year before under the one before you. You sign the bills, you get the credit or the blame.

Yes, it was a referendum on President Obama. People are not pleased that the government, under his administration, has taken over the automobile industry, banking industry, and is now trying to take over the health care industry. Children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be trying to pay for what has occured during his administration.

45 percent of people did not even vote...how could this be a referendum...????you kidding....???

When the President campaigns for the Governor of New Jersey three times in one week and states that he (President Obama) needs Governor Corzine to be re-elected in order to further the administration's agenda, it is somewhat disingenous to claim that Governor Corzine's defeat was not, at least in some measure, a rejection of President Obama's agenda. President Obama linked himself and Governor Corzine. The defeat of Governor Corzine is a defeat of that linkage. This was not a national referendum on President Obama's agenda, but it was at least a statewide rejection of his support for the Democratic candidate. In a historically blue state, heavily populated by President Obama's key supporters, this is a big defeat for the President.

No more big government telling me what I have to do with my life. !!!!

We don't want it ! Wake up people !

Its not a blow to Obama but a shot across the bow. My hope is the media and all the liberals keep saying this has nothing to do with him because he will not change his behavior. If they do take the warning Independents and the GOP can get some balance back in our government in 2010 that has veered too far left of the majority of the country.

I think it's funny that CNN has to repeatedly post stories about how this is not a referendum on Obama. When we all know that if Corzine and Deeds won (well at least Corzine since they threw Deeds under the bus) all the stories on here would be how it is a referendum on Obama. Heck the guy repeatedly campaigned for Corzine, and as we see it didn't work. Apparently the golden child has lost some of his luster.

With regards to CNN and the multiple stories about this, I believe the phrase "Thou doth protesteth too much." comes into play.

That's ok libs, if you keep saying it enough times you'll eventually believe it. In the meantime, I think we ought to change Obumbles theme song to "The Thrill is Gone."

Just a little reminder to all the right wingers who feel NJ and VA were a repudiation of our President.

The Democrats took both NJ and VA in 2001 and lost seats in the Senate and House in 2002.

How'd that teabagging work for you in the NY 23rd? You Betcha

Stop trying to connect their small win. Stop trying to connect the two
elections. By the way Obama has been in office from Jan/2009, a mere 11 months. He needs more time clean up the mess left behind by bush.

I live in Va and I agree with this article 100%. Virginia for the most part
has always been Republican and I predicted nothing would change.
McDonnell ran a better race and Deeds was too honest with regard to taxes. There is just so much cutting and laying off you can do. If it wasn't for the stimulus package I would have been laid off. Obama did what experts told him to do and it is working and will get be better
as time goes on. The governor's race always has a small turnout.

The republicans got to know that there is a silent majority out there that knows Obama got his hands full with what was given to him and
with the Party of NO He is doing ok and things will be better. Watch

Really? I thought he was God, and if he appeared, everyone would vote Democrat? Losing a bit of his pull, you think?

Obama only won with a margin of only like 6% and he claimed it was a "mandate". When Democrats loose by the same margin it's not a repudiation? I'm getting dizzy from all the spin....

Boloney! It was a sound rejection of Obama's priorities and tax and spend policies.

The congressional race in NY has more to do with the national outlook on the 2 parties and where the people want this country to go than the 2 governor races. Those races are mainly about local issues. I know the GOP will try to spin this into a referendum on Obama but its still too early in his administration for people to want wholesale change. The sting of the Republicans in power for 8 years is still very real.

Pundit No. 1: "The 2009 elections are a referendum on President Obama"

Pundit No. 2: "The 2009 elections are not a referendum on President Obama"

Reality: These elections have nothing to do with the president. If there are any more local than New Jersey's I've never heard about it. I guess pundits think that all Americans are stupid and consider how good a job the president is doing when they consider who they want to be their governor.

NJ and VA were focused on local issues. Congratulations to both governors. Dems should learn from Deeds not to run away from their platforms and embrace their base appeal.

If there was any referendum, it was NY-23 where my former GOP drove out the moderate view for far right "conservative" and lost to what they purported as "liberal" (read: moderate). It was the first time a Dem has won the district since the Civil War. Congratulations, Congressman Owens.

How can this be??? Why, I was told that republicans would never, ever win another election...ever? I thought that the the republican party was going the way of the dinosaurs and would never be heard from again?? I thought that Obama was The One.......that he would lead us to eternal happiness in the promised land and watched over by beloved democrats? Are you telling me that Obama has failed.....again? Now that I think about it, has he succeeded at anything? Ever?

No, this was a referendum on the policies that Obama touts and supports. Specifically those policies that lead to spending massive amount of cash that we the people don't have.

both are republican states so who cares .. and if they think that it is a sign of the republican party come back they are dead wrong . the party is colapsing from the inside out . racist older white's are all that is left of the party core .. now the younger wanna be republicans are more liberial.and speak out . so they are acting more like moderate democrates .. and the saga continues

it sure was not a referendum on Obama.

Go Ownes....................1st Democrat in over 100 years.

The GOP is sure making folks in their own camp mad. Dede and her supporters showed them so.....by backing Ownes.

Florida race will be next.

The ? will the small GOP force this to repeat?

Sounds like the media is running defense for their chosen one.

The only thing that has changed on the political landscape in the last 365 days is the presence of the most radical leftist, statist anti-personal-freedom president to ever hold the office... how could this NOT be about Obama and his statist buddies?

Keep telling yourself this wasn't a referendum on Barry and his spend-spend-spend Democrat majority... keep deluding yourselves... it will make the 2010 incumbent bloodbath even more satisfying.

364 days until Lame Duck Status.

It's a mixed bag that neither Dems nor Repubs should use to gloat over or give its overpredictive power. Plus, as the 'Southern Strategy ' proves again, when low voter turnout occurs GOP is more likely to fill the seat than with Democrats. Loose, broad coalitions are still shaping themselves from great cultural and demographic shifts in the post-modern American electoral process – and GOP doesn't look good in the long term.

It appears that CNN received the Whitehouse talking points this morning. Why is CNN putting forth so much effort in trying to convince the public that this isn't a referendum on Obama? The election results do have a trickle down effect if more Republicans are elected next year since that will slow down the Obama/Pelosi brute force agenda. The American people are concerned with the direction the democrats are taking us and Obama IS the head of the democrat party. The people are sending a message. Are you listening, Obama?

Are you kidding? Energized convservative voters don't like the current White House and their wanting to shove liberal bills down their throats. Of course there was some of this seen in the upsets last night. AC

I'm sure the media would love that it be a referendum on Obama. They have ben salivating over this in the past few weeks forgetting that the voting blocks are smart. They know to make decisions by themselves without being force fed information on what to do.

Just the beginning of a major shift to the right. If unemployment stays high and Obama continues to push polices that put us further in debt, look for a repeat of last night in 2010.

Two states is a "major" Republican win????

I don't think most Americans are even aware this morning that apparently the Republicans are "back in power!"

The elections last night might not have been a referendum on President Obama but it should be a signal to him that his phone is ringing and the message being left on his answering machine is that he must get some starch in his back bone and start to make things happen and stop trying to please Republicans. They don't want him to please them. They want him to fail and they are willing to let our country go down the tubes for it.

While I did not have a vote in last nights election, I can assure the President that while I voted for him and still support him, and he is my President, if he does not get some back bone from somewhere quickly, I can guarantee him one less vote in 2012.

Obama made it a referendum on him when he decided to inject himself into the race. He can't have it both ways. The White House and Obama's supporters would be boasting about his clout had the Democrat won! Being that his presence probably hurt more than it helped. they want to distance themselves! Pretty pathetic!

Please...after all the stumping he did?

True, how could it be? He hasn't done anything. The only thing that could be taken as a referendum on Obumbles would have to involve a golf course.

I blame it on the press. I cannot recall anytime when it has been so willing to take up the cause of those who opposes our president or the value of debate. The press didn's say a negative word when Delay and his crooked band of lobbiest bulldozed everything through. Remember what happened when those opposed the Iraq war tries to say something. Again, the press protected the Republican's position. Republicans have offered nothing recently but complaints and whining, and the press happily reports it as legitimate criticism. Think tea-baggers, birthers, death panel provocateurs, palinistas, and the like.

Man, I wish there was a legitamate news organization out there who actually tracked how our country has done (fiscally) and by other measures under recent republican and democratic leadership. Obama has gotten us out of a big hole, and he gets no credit.

Local politics really don't have anything to do with the federal govt. And the media and the right trying to tie this to President Obama is simply propaganda. The right starts the chant, and MSM picks up on it and passes it along as fact. Nothing new to see here.

More importantly, VA now has a governor who may not think much of women in general if his college thesis is any indication. And NJ has a governor who was schooled by Karl Rove. Great. Good luck with that, y'all. And bigotry and hate won the day in Maine, along with tax exempt religious organizations – oh wait, that's the same thing. Seems like each year that goes by we take several steps back. Yeah us.

I agree, these particular wins were not a vote against the President but everyone knows the GOP will spin it that way. The problem with that is that the GOP will think it's a signal to move farther and farther to the right. All the while not seeing that moving more to the right will only hurt them more.

Our country needs a two party system but having the GOP move farther to the right will ultimately insure that we only have one party. So the question becomes; Will the GOP have the wisdom and strength to resist the urge on moving more to the right?

I am so tired of the so called political expertst with there comments that everything in this country is some how connected to President Obama. President Obama is not a scientific project that has to put under a microscope and analized and probed. Just because he is our first african american president doesn't mean that he is a "science" project....He is trying is best to play the hand that was dealt to him by the previous Bush administration!!! I have never heard or saw such attention to the other presidents that this country has had....Maybe if the political experts probed Bush's administration like they do the Obama administration...our country would be in much better shape....

It's hard enough being a black man in america...but they way it seems to me it's harder being a black president in america!!!

Gotta Love the picture you chose for this article.........Obama looking so confused!

Virginia is itsown locality as is NY and NJ

it is not a nationwide statement

But view it as good advice... don't take your eye off the economy Mr. Obama, fix this problem that Bush left you

Wow! New Jersey hasn't had a Republican governor in 16 years! This is a direct result of Obama as our president. People don't like what he is doing and is trying to do to our country and our health care. Obama spent millions of taxpayer dollars campainging in New Jersey with 6 personal appearances and he still lost! Obama should be very nervous, but not as nervous as democratic lawmakers that he has forced to walk the plank, midterm elections in 2010 are going to be a landslide, and the dems are going to be in the unemployment lines next to all of us. Obama is running our country into the ground and the people know it. Who raises taxes during a recession? Who takes money away from senior citizens health care? Who sends soldiers to their deaths with no plan or strategy? Who puts Trillions of dollars of debt on our babies and grandkids shoulders? Who takes 787 billion dollars away from taxpayers and uses it to create 30,000 jobs, and then lies to the 30 million unemployed and said it created milions of jobs when we have the highest unemployment rate in our nations history? IMPEACH!!!!!!

Right . . . only if the Democrats would have won but not when they lose.

lol yeah right this WAS all about Obama.

Balogna is balogna. Anyone who thinks this is not a referendum on nobama will probably buy the bridge I own in Brooklyn and London. He is personally popular but his job approval is below 50 percent on most polls.

wow, what a an accomplishment. to know that you can lie your way into the voter's minds. pitiful. keep it up repubs, but you won't see the white house for a long time to come.

How could it be a referendum on President Obama?

In both NJ and VA the exit polls overwhelming showed that President Obama in no way influenced their vote, either negatively or positively.
The only referendum was on the election gods that have forecast for many years that both states vote against the party in the WH during off year elections.

Then there is the NY-23 in which a Dem was elected for the first time since 1872.

The only referendum that should be taken away is on the far-right neo-con wingnuts and Saint Sarah of the Silly. As pointed out both winners in VA and NJ ran on economic issues as moderates and did not dwell or in McDonnell's case, even mention social issues, lest that thesis rear it's ugly head.

Also, both bills in Washington and Maine to reduce taxes was soundly defeated. Only proving that the "teabaggers" and "astroturfers" were Dick Armey paid racist white people angry that "their" country had been high-jacked and publicized by Fake the News and their 2 million person claim of participation. Therefore, verifying that the "anger" was more about racism directed at President Obama than taxes.

Of course, the arrogant neo-con "christians" will ignore any rational observations and continue to purge the party of all that they feel are RINO.

Lord, hear my prayer!

Of course it's not a "significant blow", but I'm sure Rush and Glenn will turn it into a "Revolution for the people" and a sign of things to come, gloating about it for months.

Puuuulease! As hard as he worked for it and then the results come back that his influence did not do anything...

How can it not be a referendum on Obama.

I am sure he will look great in the history books, but not the news papers.

It's a HUGE embarrassment for Obama. After all his trips campaigning for these guys and they still lose. Campaigner in Chief needs to realize his words are no longer magic. Obama promised us the world and we are getting his a huge debt and higher taxes..............not quite the change we voted for.

Good grief! Why bring President Obama into everything? Those elections had nothing to do with him, and why is the media making such a big deal out of it. Some people vote for the person, not the party.
Stop with the political rethoric, CNN, and stop focusing everything on President Obama. Sheesh!

CNN's poll reveals that people don't like extremes at either end of the spectrum and prefer moderates. To say that these results had nothing to do with Obama's administration and radical intentions is not only ludicrous, but just plain stupid!

Local problems and Federal problems are two different things.
That the people voted for republicans was an indication of who was running rather than party. That the majority still support our president proves our country is disgusted, irritated with the irresponsible, unpatriotic, sewer tactics of the party of Nothing.
The important race was in NY, which CNN fails to mention, Palins
book tour being more "newsworthy" to them, in which a conservative republican area said NO to the radical religious right. And the republican party.
This is a big win for the Democrats. Intelligent people will continue to let the GOP know that their party first, anything to win, totally disregarding the American people and our country, refusal to support anything that could help in our survial actions are unacceptable and not what they were elected to do.

When the full impact of the 2-year Recovery Act is felt and the Economy has recovered, a lot of people are going to be thanking Obama and the Dems for making the right choice for our economy.

And all the haters and the naysayers who only complain but offer nothing new: they will all have egg on their face.

Who will you have to hate then, people? I'm sure the lobbyists you ave been listening to will find another target to point you at.

The governors races should probably not be considered a referendum on Obama, though perhaps NJ more than VA.

However, the election of the Democratic candidate in NY23 for the first time since the Civil War definitely can be considered a referendum on the Palin/Rush/Beck cabal. So much for the loud-mouth tea bagging crowd.

Do you think that Palin will claim that her (unwanted) robo-call in Virginia put the Republican candidate over the top?

You betcha.

I have to disagree with you Mr. Preston. I am a resident of NJ. Yes, our property taxes are ridiculously high which is the main reason why I voted for Christie. The other reason is unemployment. The White House passed a $787 billion stimulus package in January saying that with this bill unemployed isn't going to go over 8%. We are just under 10%. With Obama appearing 5 times with Corzine and speaking for him, this shows that NJ wanted a change. Obama's name was atop of Corzine's on the democratic campaign billboards and it didn't help Corzine. Obama told everyone to vote for Corzine because they will together fix unemployment. That did not work. We are tired of the unemployment rate and want it to be fixed.

Of course the election results were NOT a referendum on Obama. Quite on the contrary, the Democrats lost because they failed to identify with the President until it was too late. Once again being reactive versus proactive. The majority of the country is very much in agreement with what the President has done so far to turn back the tide of our Republican-induced economic downfall. They see a President that is working hard and effectively on ALL fronts with little to no support from both sides of the House. Let's face it there was no candidate out there with a clear message, the stamina, and the charisma of our President. You reap what you sow.

The Republicans' progressive cannibalism of their once cherished Party will NOT realign them with the values and needs of the average American. Their dirty politcal tactics have sunk to an all time low, and by and large the intelligent voter is rejecting what little they seem to stand for.

Palin/Bachman 2012!!!!! So that WE may put country first with OBAMA!

Let's not forget the overall turnout was low ... In other words, when considering shear numbers, 60% of <2,000,000 is not the same as 60% of 4,000,000 (out of nearly 8,000,000 people in VA).

This mean only about 25% of the electorate voted.

How is that a referendum on anything?

Oh bull, he wishes it wasn't a referendum!! Losers!!!! He went to NJ 3 times to campaign (at taxpayers' expense, no less) for Corzine and for what good? NONE – thank goodness!

Just keep saying it...click your heels together...
Do you think it was Axelrod or Emanuel who gave CNN this talking point?

Yeah keep saying that and maybe it will be true...

I agree, everyone hated Corzine because he was a Wall Street hack. In addition, the Repub there is fairly moderate. The Dem in Va ran a bad campaign, no one could tell what he stood for. It is just too early too tell if the RNC is making a come back. Nevertheless, the NY23 race suggests that going way to the right is not a good strategy for them. That district has not voted for a Democrat in how many years and now they have a Democratic representative. That is pretty funny. Hope Palin can work her magic some more in 2010.

Wow! Way to put tinsel on a twig! Nearly half of Virginians admit that Obama was a factor in their statewide vote and the Dems lost not just the governorship but also the Attorney General's race and the LT. Governor's race. And that's when the most important issue of the day for Virginians was health care. Haven't heard Obama talk about that at all, now have we?

Then nearly 4 in 10 New Jersey voters admit that Obama was a factor in their statewide vote and the Dems lost that governorship too. This after Obama made a last minute push, personally campaigning for the Dem candidate mere days before the election.

To top it off, a candidate for a conservative third party that had never garnered more than 20% of the vote in New York's 23rd Congressional District and had only fielded a candidate twice before for that district received over 45% of the vote in spite of the Republican candidate bowing out, throwing her support to the Dems (sheep's clothing), and siphoning off the early votes for that position.

People are tired of the big spending ways in Washington and unfortunately, that's all Obama and the Dems have to offer.

So go ahead and say this didn't mean anything just like you said about the tea parties. You should know though, when an ostrich sticks his head in the sand, he ends up being a sitting duck. See you next November, oh long-necked flightless bird.

The last time the media came to a conclusion this miraculous, there was a star in the east.

Imagine – something happened and it wasn't Obama's fault.

The only reason the GOP won Virginia and NJ is because of the State issues.......high property taxes, and corruption........over all the country still gives Obama a 54 percent approval rating........2 States is not taking back this country.......until you can shake Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, Colter, Palin the Tea Baggers, the Birthers, the Preachers praying for the death of the President, House members calling the President lier, the rest of the GOP in Congress and the House from going against this President every time he tries to pass a Bill and always going the NO NO NO route......... we the people of this country see the GOP as holding American Hostage from getting out of the mess your last President Bush got us in too.......and.you will see the future of your Republican Party Die a slow death.........the Democrat Owens that took NY for the first time in 100 years speaks volumes about what this country thinks of the far right conservatives, racists, radical religious, Tea Baggers, Birthers, and Palin, Boegner, Pawlney, and all the others who threw their supported to him.........

Of course it is a referendum. Virginia is right in Obama's back yard. Northern Virginia is a suburb of D.C. Only Dems try to argue that it is not a referendum. That being said, one has to compare the qualifications of the individuals. But if they are roughly equal, all that remains is their policies and how close they match the White House's.

It is a referendum on rising joblessness, rising gas price, failing confidence in the face of the economic downturn, and weakening international resolves.

One is naive if they believe that these elections were not improtant to the White House. Obama and Biden would not have been campaigning if these races were not viewed as important. If I were part of the administration I would be running scared.

HA HA, YES IT IS!!!

Spin it however you want to, but it still IS!!

Didn't he campaign for both of them??

Spin it any way you want.

It is ABSOLUTELY a referrendum on Obama. McDonnell won almost 60% of the vote. Obama won the state by 7% – that's means 27% of the electorate flipped. Fully a quarter of the electorate.

New Jersey? When a deep blue state flips, don't say is isn't a message to Washington.

HUGE message.

Of course they are not. That would be a negative for Obama and that can never happen. Taxes were one of the major concerns of voters and we all know that Obama is against higher taxes or if you want to work for him, just don't pay your taxes.

I find it interesting how CNN and MSNBC were just so depresssed last night at the election results from NJ and VA came in with the GOP sweeping the two races...almost as though their investment just dropped 50% in value and it was a shock and awe to the system. Do you really think NJ was not a referendum on the Obama administration??? really? do you really think so? If so, then why is it that the president, admist 10% unemployment, 2 wars and a deficit that is running out of control paid 5 visits to NJ to campaign for Corzine in the last few months???? perhaps the liberal network spin is that he and Corzine are BFF. yes, perhaps that's it!!!......oh please.

Well, CNN is wrong – Obama's useless performance so far has proven that Americans are NOT HAPPY with him. Maybe if he stopped vacationing, entertaining, and pretending he is a sports contender he will GET TO HIS JOB!!!!!!

It's amazing how quickly people forget that it was the Republicans that got us into this economic mess we're in and it's the Republicans that are doing everything they can to obstruct any real effort for recovery.

People are idiots to let themselves fall prey to the typical Republican scare tactics, which is the only way they seem to know how to campaign.

I'll take a progressive Democrat over a Republican any day. At least they have ideas and are working to make this country better.

Here are some facts for the people that the MSM might want to report on:

1. NJ/VA governorships for the last 25-30 years have ALWAYS gone to the opposite party of the president. So what happened in these two states is what ALWAYS happens.

2. The Dems gained two more seats in congress: CA-10 and NY-23.

3. NY-23 had not elected a Dem since the Civil War.

4. The Teabaggers lost when the booted the moderate Rep off the ticket in NY-23 and the more moderate candidates in VA/NJ won. So if the Teabaggers want to primary next year all moderate Reps, go ahead because they will be handing the Dems an even bigger majority.

Of course you won't hear any of the above because the MSM loves them a catfight.

Change in VA and NJ we can believe in!

Yeah right CNN! Hahahaha. Trust me, if Obama was governing from a moderate position like he promised throughout his campaign, yesterday's elections would have been a lot different! Obozo's radical tax and spend policies are resonating loudly and the American people conveyed their displeasure yesterday. Plain and simple.

Weak candidates in Va & NJ give hope to GOP for 2010 but they should focus on 23rd NY for true guidance or pay the price.

I think this is sending a very clear message that people are fed up. This will become very apparent in 2010 and 2012.

If it is no big deal to the President, then why did he spend time campaigning for the Democrat candidates?

I agree it's not a referendum on Obama, but it is on the Democrats!

Dems have all the power in Washington, and they aren't doing a thing!

We voted for change-not for Dems. The voters STILL want change, and we'll keep voting for change-ANY CHANGE- until we get it.

These two tiny, backward New England states are not al all significant in a national election and do not refect on President Obama. Clearly the people there did not base their votes on what was in their best interest, but instead voted based on lies and misinformation that fed their invalid prejudices and irrational fears.

Let's see , job's , taxes , corruption......sounds like Obama to me ?

I'm sure that's not the spin that you will be hearing in the conservative talk show set.

CNN gets it wrong again. This is just the beginning of the change we need. Hopefully the Republicans will get their ducks in a row this time around and not let the victory go to their collective heads and fail by squandering the opportunity.

Spin it however you want CNN....

You've said all this time that Obama is god and the Republicans are dead. A year in to Obama's term and people are already sick of democrats. Maybe Fox isn't the only slanted network on TV? Maybe we're sick of democrats because of all the slanted over-exposure of them on CNN, MSNBC, etc.

Maybe then, it's a referendum on CNN?

Oh yes they are. Get the message and get it loud and clear. We are tired of Washington taking everything we have and just throwing it away. We need change sir, but not Your change.

Whatever you say...............it is the tax and spend policies of the Democrats that are getting very old. The Tax paying citizens are sick of the out of control spending.

The people of America are using their power, the power of the voting booth. If you don't like how things are and the people who are in charge, get rid of them, with your vote!

Why isn't there a story about a referendum for Obama by the defeat of the conservative candidate in NY's 23rd Congressional district. I thought that was supposed to be the big throw down between reactionaries and Democrats?

Washington (CNN) – Victories in New Jersey and Virginia Tuesday provided a major shot in the arm for the Republican Party heading into the 2010 elections, but the Democratic losses of these two governorships should not be interpreted as a significant blow to President Obama.

.........I believe this is what they call whistling past the graveyard. Keep whistling and playing that fiddle folks.

You can spin what you like! Rather than focusing on economics and job creation, why did he spent so much specious time to campaign for those two guys if he does not scare they might lose?

It only took Bush/Cheney eight years to nearly destroy this country so why, without the help of the obstructionist GOP, hasn't Obama been able to fix it in ten months? Forget the words "referendum and "mandate" and give the man a chance. It is far better than giving the country back to the morally bankrupt GOP.

Got to love CNN. Spinning for the left. What a useless analysis. As time passes, we the American people understand that out of control government spending is going to wreck our country. It is now 1 year since Obama has been elected, it is getting tough to blame Bush for our woes. Man up Dems, the economy, the country is now yours.

Yes it is.

President Obama came to NJ THREE TIMES to campaign for Corzine. Corzine still lost by a landslide.

A particularly biased article. You specifically failed to mention that in VA and NJ, although most voters felt Obama's campaigning made no difference to their votes,, for those to whom it DID make a difference, more were inclined to vote against the Democrat than for him. THAT is a referendum on Obama. Also this much hyped 'civil war' among Republicans is a lot to infer from one special election with unique circumstances in upsate NY. Try being more impartial CNN, you're all starting to sound like Roland Martin.

well I guess common sense and facts will tell you that this election was NOT a referendum on President Obama, BUT since when has common sense and facts stopped the far right from spinning things into what they want you and their base to hear. Dosen't matter that history has shown that these types of elections have not favored the party in the White House, you can bet that Rush, Sean, and Glenn will be yelling from the high hills that this win was all about being anti-Obama. What they won't talk about much though will be the loss in upstate NY by a candidate that was endorsed by the three of them and Sarah Palin which shows that many in more educated open minded areas of the country are not yet ready to accept the far-right machine of intolerence that they have been throwing out there the past few months.

I think it' ridiculous to spin this into a story about President Obama. Would Dems liked to have won? Yes. The candidates in NJ and VA needed to go and run their race and not expect President Obama to get them into office. Like Ben Stein said if Obama had been on the ballot he would have won. The Dems took Virginia when Bush was in the Presidency and no one said that was a referendum on Bush. Report real news...the fact that a Dem won a seat help by Republicans for more than 100 years. Don't create stories just for the sake of having a story.

Of course their not a referendum on Obama, but they sure would have been a confirmation for Obama if the Dems had won! C'mon, quit talking out of both sides of your mouth. I don't care if it were a referendum or a confirmation, but when you report for the entire week before the election that this could be a sign of what the "american people think" of Pres Obama, then when the results come in not in the way you wanted them, don't play the "should not be interpreted as a significant blow to President Obama" card.

Of course it is...............

NOBAMA stumped for VA and NJ and they lost. The left says these are not important, but yet they are quick to point out how the NY 23 race was great.

Polls state NOBAMA was not a factor – meaning he did not help his candidate. He pushed hard for Corzine as did Biden and Corzine spent 22 million and could not pull it off.

The change is coming...........

Way to spin for the President CNN. Puppets. Not a single major headline story on the site has anything to do with yesterday's election. NO, CNN leads with Palin stories, this isn't about Obama stories, Obama needs time stories. Pathetic.

Contrary to your title, New Jersey and Virginia elections were a direct reflection on and a repudiation of the competence of the Obama administration and its wrong-headed direction.

Get A grip News Media, relax!
Might the media, with really very few other elections to cover, be stuffing one hundred thousand pounds of their bull into District 23's five-pound bag?"

Local elections are decided generally on issues specific to that region. For instance, North Carolina generally votes Republican during Presidential elections, but tend to vote Democratic when it comes to Governorships. Local elections also only bring out a small sample of voters, older and whiter, so it's difficult to view a local election through national eyes. Congressional races such as NY23 do affect the balance of power in congress at times though.

Of course it isn't...unless democrats had won. then, it would have been.

CNN. where is your headline that a Democrat won an election that has been held by republicans for many years??
Why are you not mentioning that endorsements by Palin and the likes did not have the power they believed they would??
Nor did you point out that the American people are turned off by
those who hide behind a bible while inciting hate, anger, fear mongering, division of our country, ignoring that lies, distortions
hypocrasy are sins.
This was a race that counted and people are disturbed and disgusted by the unpatriotic, irresposible path the party of NOthing has taken.

I am in the 30-39 year old group and will vote for President Obama in 2012. He will proof to be a great president in history. Just watch and see it as it unfolds. GREAT President!!!!!!

Duh. Thanks for pointing out the obvious. I've been saying this from the get-go, but hey, the "news" media has to pretend there's an issue and a controversy whenever possible...it sells their advertising time/space. There will be plenty of GOPers wanting to gloat and claiming CNN has somehow revealed its not-so-secret secret role in some vast liberal conspiracy as a result of printing this idiocy, but it's largely their ignorance that fuels whatever comes out of their mouths in the first place...that's just common knowledge...so it's easily ignored. Here GOPers, have a tissue...did the big bad mean old CNN ruin your fun by printing something common sensical for once?

All of the News station are selling this as It was all local it was not local don't fool yourself !! If the Demo's keep this up they will all be out if they don't get things done. I am a Democrat and prood but not that prood that I want VOTE!!!

if this partisanship goes on, nothing will ever be done in congress unless one party gets 65 members.
This is unlikely to happen so why not close down congress and send all members of congress as well as all lobbyists home?
With the partisanship, they are useless and a waste of taxpayers money.
Not much they agree on anymore except: Lets start a war/pre-emptive strike with somebody. Seems to be only thing congress can agree on if presented with faulty information and lobbied. Halliburton, who shall we attack next or shall we ask Dick Cheney?

Yes, it is a referendum.

I love how every tea party, tug-of-war, or tit-flash is a "referendum on Obama," because he's black. Get over it, folks. He's just a president, not the advance guard of a huge race war or al-Qaeda takeover. What are you people smoking anyway?

Those who are saying that this is not a referendum on Obama are crazy.

Based on analysis by "real", unbiased political experts.........The majority of Independents in both Virginia and New Jersey-- do not support Obama, Democrats, their policies, and the direction that they are taking our country. These Independents voted for the Republicans in both elections-–and all other elections in Virginia as well.

Also, there were strong Democrat districts in Virginia and New Jersey--that for the first time in history-–overwhelmingly voted for the Republicans-–based on the economy, jobs, etc.

These elections were definitely a referendum on Obama, Pelosi, Reid, their policies--and what they are trying to do to our country.

How does this help the Republicans win back seats in Congress next year?

Nice spin CNN. I like how NONE of their headlines at the moment say anything about the elections, and go figure their ticker headline is about Palin. Good game CNN

It has to be some sort of referendum considering how much Obama campaigned for Corzine. Yet, Corzine still lost and lost bigtime. No Obama coattails.