December 12th, 2007
08:30 AM ET
11 years ago

CNN N.H. Poll: Obama, Clinton tied; Romney remains strong

Sen. Obama has made up ground against Sen. Clinton in New Hampshire, according to a CNN/WMUR poll released Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Barack Obama has chipped away at Hillary Clinton’s lead in New Hampshire, and the two Democratic presidential hopefuls are now locked in a statistical tie less than one month before the first-in-the-nation primary, a CNN/WMUR Poll released Wednesday shows.

Clinton has dropped 5 percentage points since the CNN/WMUR November survey, while Obama has gained 8 percentage points, according to the poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Clinton is now at 31 percent to Obama’s 30 percent.

In the Republican contest, the new poll also reveals that despite Mike Huckabee’s meteoric rise in some Iowa and national surveys, he has yet to catch fire in New Hampshire. Huckabee remains in single digits at 9 percent, up 4 percentage points from November. But he still trails Mitt Romney by 23 percentage points.

Romney remains in the lead with 32 percent of the vote, followed by Rudy Giuliani and John McCain who are tied with 19 percent.

Despite Romney’s double-digit edge over his nearest competitors, and the seemingly two-way battle between Clinton and Obama on the Democratic side, the Granite State contests are far from over.

“This race is not over by a long shot,” said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. “Forty-three percent of Democratic primary voters, and a whopping 55 percent of GOP voters, say they are still trying to make up their minds.”

Full story

–CNN Political Editor Mark Preston

soundoff (96 Responses)
  1. Dave, Evergreen CO

    Here is a very possible scenario. Obama wins Iowa, Clinton comes in 2nd, Edwards 3rd. Richardson, Dodd and Biden finish, in no particular order, 4th, 5th and 6th. Most have indicated that if they don’t finish in the top three they will probably drop out, I believe it’s the top two for Edwards. New Hampshire very possibly then becomes a two person race between Obama and Clinton (Kucinich and Gravel not withstanding). Who do you think the majority of the Edwards, Biden, Dodd and Richardson supporters throw their support too? Clearly Obama will be the beneficiary.

    Then comes South Carolina and the same scenario plays itself out again.

    How would Clinton recover from three straight defeats and a field narrowed down to just her and an Obama with huge momentum. The point is, Hillary’s support has hit its ceiling, probably did so a month ago. Obama’s is still on the rise.

    December 12, 2007 05:04 pm at 5:04 pm |
  2. Les WA

    The negative rating now of Hillary is down to 18. Every American know what is to know about Hillary Clinton; what do they know about Barack Hussein Obama?

    I've asked so many in my community about Barack Hussein Obama, the only thing they know about Obama he's black, young, from Chicago and wrote two books about his self. My neighbor said to me today, she thought Barack Hussein Obama is a a preacher until Oprah campaigned for him. My neighbor is voting for Hillary, she said she knows Hillary, had been thru the wringers with all kinds of republican investigations and comes out nothing against her.

    December 12, 2007 05:18 pm at 5:18 pm |
  3. pam Eugene OR

    I am dancing with delight to see Hillary's numbers shrinking. I was really frightened that she might win. Finally people are starting to see the real person she is. It even shocks me to realize how much I dislike her. I don't think I can even say exactly why. There are just too many reason. I am not normally a hateful woman but Hillary sure brings out the worst in me. I think 50% of the population agrees with me on this. She is way too negative and will never unite this country.
    ABC Anyone But Clinton
    See...I didn't even call her any names.

    December 12, 2007 05:36 pm at 5:36 pm |
  4. anonymous

    Why is Obama so popular? he hasn't done anything good in Illinois. He's even hiding his state senate records. All he boast is that he is against the war in Iraq. It's been done. What did he do as a state senate in illinois and as US senator? I read he missed 80% of US senate votes? I think one of them is the iran issue.

    No matter what these candidates say, they will not be able to pull the troops out in 6 months. You have to think of the safety of others (military and civilians) that will be left behind and also military equipments that has to be transported back. I'd like to hear candidates focus on mainly domestic issues like economy, education, healthcare, immigration.

    December 12, 2007 05:50 pm at 5:50 pm |
  5. LQ, ROCHESTER MN

    Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL, you made some really excellent points and I really agree with you – but why do you think Edwards is the answer?
    I still have not made up my mind. I used to like Clinton for many years but ever since they started talking her up for President – right about the time she won her Senate seat – or was it even before – I just started to feel that maybe the republicans WANTED her to win b/c they could beat her. Even tho' I liked her, I knew she was polarizing. And unfortunately, I really don't see this country putting a woman in the WH. And honestly, the more I am seeing of her, now the more I dislike her.
    I used to like Edwards – at least when he was running with Kerry -but I thought some of the campaigning was getting nasty and it was turning me off.
    I like Obama, I started paying more attention to Biden after the last debate – but I just don't know yet. And this is so important, I am so afraid of making the wrong choice.

    December 12, 2007 06:07 pm at 6:07 pm |
  6. Tim Portland, Oregon

    Way to go New Hampshire!

    Lets get out some funds for the New Hampshire team.

    We have got to pick up the message and carry it to the independents in New Hampshire.

    The weather always makes it take more time than usual to get things done. Lets get moving early & often in New Hampshire.

    If you can get there go there and help!

    December 12, 2007 07:19 pm at 7:19 pm |
  7. Carrol Ann Newport, Maine

    Considering that most polls only poll a few hundred or a thousand people, I hardly think that is representative of the entire state, country or whatever you claim to be measuring.

    You can take a poll to statistically prove anything you want.

    So just another "Hillary" scare tactic to attempt to put us off.

    Nothin' doin'

    December 12, 2007 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |
  8. Bea, Hoboken, NJ

    I haven't found one reason to vote for Obama. The guy decided to run for president after being in the US senate for less than 2 years, he still hasn't even completed his 3rd year in office.

    He's a smooth speaker, so what? Is that any qualification for running for the highest office in the land. We are choosing a president, not the new American Idol!!!

    Between the Oprah circus and his nearly zero experience at the national and foreign policy level, I can't understand why he has so many people beguiled.

    December 12, 2007 10:03 pm at 10:03 pm |
  9. Dorian, Byron, CA

    What a bunch of mindless lemmings! To praise and support a light-weight like Barack Obama over a seasoned, brilliant, balanced, experienced candidate such as Hillary is idiocy. I can not believe the baseless, vile hatred that is spewed on her. I, one on many, will not be able to hold my nose and vote for such a weak, unseasoned, empty suit as Obama. God, I hate to think that I'd have to vote for a Republican. But, I gotta' say, ANYONE BUT OBAMA!!

    December 12, 2007 11:01 pm at 11:01 pm |
  10. jgbloom

    I'm from Illinois - I've read these posts about Obama's "record" in Illinois. None of the negative posts are from folks from Illinois. We all - Republicans and Democrats alike here - think he is a great man, deserving of high, national office. He was my State Senator; he was a courageous assemblyman - he passed law requiring the videoing taping a police questioning of prisoners with by-partisan support when no one thought he could. The folks who claim Obama had no real opposition in Illinios forget that Hillary skated by in New York in her Senate race when Guillani dropped out early and her replacement Rep. opponent was not a significant contender. As for experienc, Obama actually spent more time in the state legislature than Hillary spent in the US Senate. And for those of you concerned about the vetting of Obama's past - the Illinois press is as vigorous - if not more - than any national guys. Remember the Chicago press is known for several phrases: "Politics ain't beanbag" and "if your mother sez she loves you, check it out." If Barry Hussein Obama had a nefarious past, we would have known about it. Out guys are that good. gangway jan

    December 13, 2007 12:03 am at 12:03 am |
  11. Christine NJ

    The agendas between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama have the different: Hillary has more real planning and concept to change America, but, Barack Obama has only follow Hillary footstep, no new idea and actual facts shows he did for American, although he told people he was drug user in his teen age, but it don't mean he is honest, he told because he knows people sooner or later should know, and to avoid it happen, the better way said by himself. the history we should know, if the animal’s habit likes to eat human, it won't change at all....

    December 13, 2007 12:03 am at 12:03 am |
  12. Tina Des Moines, IA

    Obama has my support in 2008.

    His positions on healthcare, Iraq, the economy, taxes, volunteerism, and foreign policy are the best of any candidate.

    His character as a community builder and a listener make him uniquely equipped to lead and inspire America to restored greatness.

    His experience as a multiethnic and multicultural man give him unique perspective that make him a better diplomat in chief.

    His hatred of bloodshed make him a great Commander in Chief.

    He's just better.

    December 13, 2007 12:54 am at 12:54 am |
  13. Joel

    GO OBAMA! I would vote for you if I live in the States!

    December 13, 2007 02:08 am at 2:08 am |
  14. Bea, Hoboken, NJ

    Posted By Bea, Hoboken, NJ :

    Bea for reference below are the years of elected public office held by the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates:

    Biden 34
    Dodd 33
    Richardson 25
    Kucinich 15
    Obama 11
    Clinton 7
    Edwards 6

    Sorry I don't count years as First Lady as public office experience.

    Posted By AJ, IL : December 12, 2007 1:05 pm

    I meant NATIONAL experience, who gives a darn about the state legislature???? The guy is all talk and no substance, all smoke and mirrors.

    December 13, 2007 02:09 am at 2:09 am |
  15. Cathy, Park City, UT

    I think we dems are doing a great disservice to ourselves by not seriously considering Biden. He's the only candidate who can answer a question. He has the right experience and can beat the Republicans. None of Hillary, Obama or Edwards can. Hillary is of the old guard, Obama is a puppy and Edwards is too liberal. News media should be covering all the candidates, not just picking its own and using its power to sway the people with unbalanced coverage of its chosen ones.

    December 14, 2007 01:29 pm at 1:29 pm |
  16. CHRIS pEARLAND tEXAS

    y^OU ARE THE MOST NIAIVE PEOPLE ON THIS PLANENT.oNE TIME YOU SHOWED THE POLL RESULTSFROM THEPAST WEEKS ,WHEN POLICITAL ELECTION POLLS ARE ONLY USEFUL FOR THE DAY . YOU USED A GOOD FOR NOTING POLL.

    December 15, 2007 05:37 pm at 5:37 pm |
  17. lawton lowe

    I have followed the candidates quite closely – I can't believe the people of our country would be so stupid to put a novice in office – Obama is not exdperienced and he is a dreamer – he just doesn't understand the issues before us! Hillary is tough but nice – she knows what to expect – things will not always go as one plans and we need someone who can go with the flow of things – good or bad. Hillary's stand on issues is balance and with good judgment. We need a leader – not just a woman – although wouldn't be nice to have woman who know what she's up against ? My vote is for Hillary – why don't you weigh the facts and you'll come to the same conclusion that I have come to!!! Lawton

    January 1, 2008 07:16 pm at 7:16 pm |
  18. lawton lowe

    I am for Hillary all the way! Don't put a novice into office! Hillary is experienced and balanced! This is no time to put an inexperenced person in office – it just doesn't make sense to consider Obama or Edwaards at this time in history. The oval office is not for someone to learn how to lead – we need a leader! Lawton

    January 1, 2008 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |
  19. Jeannie

    Hiliary Clinton is not the kind of change I would like to see. It is important to me to see someday a woman to be President. However, she is the last person I would vote for, it seems that she wants to be president more for herself for that accomplishment than to be their for the american people.

    January 5, 2008 10:06 pm at 10:06 pm |
  20. Donna

    I am a white, middle class ,middle aged woman. I support Obama and here's why.
    He does have experience to handle the White House on "day one " as Hillary puts it. First he has proven to be a leader. He has taken his campaign from a virtual "who is this guy" to winning in Iowa. It takes commitment ,dedication intelligence, and strength. He has proven this by running a campaign where he was an unknown and comes out of the woodwork to surpass the knowns. He has built this campaign truly from grassroots.

    The change he is trying to inspire is change from the same old politics. I do not dislike Hillary but it seems everyone else does. They will dog her from day one in the White House and once again NOTHING will get done. It will be the same old politics of bipartisnship and fighting beteween Rep and Dems. Red and Blue

    Barack has also proven to be able to work across party lines to get things done. If you listened to the Republicans on the New Hampshire debates they all like and respect him. They also I am sure fear him a little because attacking him makes them look bad because he takes the higher road.

    This country needs real change and voting for those that have been in Washington for ages is voting for the same old song and dance.

    Barack is also intelligent and will surround himself with the same. You can tell he takes this very seriously and I believe he( or anyone else running for this position) would not even attempt to run if they didn't believe they could handle it.

    What I find most interesting about this whole political process is the word or catch prase of this election CHANGE. I have been following Obama since his speech in Ill when he decided to run and no one gave him a chance in hell of winning.
    He is the one that used Change first in his inspiring speech. Now that everyone sees this is what the people really want THE REPUBLICANS and DEMOCRATS alike have all FOLLOWED HIS LEAD all claiming to be the agents of change. If that is not an indication of a leader. I don't know what else is.

    January 6, 2008 08:01 am at 8:01 am |
  21. Fabio

    But jokes aside, what is your take? Is this gender vs race thing even gonna be made an issue? Or is it one aredaly?I'd bet it will be. The Clintons aren't known for playing nice with their opponents, so my guess is that Obama's name will be dragged through the mud over the next year. If it gets down to a fight between the two of them, I wouldn't be surprised if the Democrats end up going with neither. Which is great news if you're John Edwards, I suppose

    April 27, 2012 08:17 am at 8:17 am |
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