Archive for 2008
Obama Still Toughest Democratic Opponent for McCain in Battleground States
In polling conducted in all but one of a half-dozen battleground states during the past week to ten days, Barack Obama continues not only to lead John McCain, but also perform stronger against McCain than his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton….
Read MoreWhy Clinton Is Not In Trouble In Pennsylvania
With Pennsylvania’s Democratic primary less than 2 weeks away, the media is attempting to drum up interest with reports that Barack Obama is running neck-and-neck with Clinton in the Keystone State. While it is true that Obama has gained ground…
Read MoreExtended Democratic Primary Gives McCain a Boost in Wisconsin
Last year, Wisconsin appeared ready to vote for a Democratic presidential nominee for the sixth consecutive election. Democratic candidates were defeating Republican candidates in most matchup polls and, in generic partisan matchups, Wisconsinites gave Democrats the edge by double digits…
Read MoreGovernors Doyle, Culver Getting Low Marks While Pawlenty Prevails
As economic concerns continue to fuel pessimism about the near future, Democratic Governors Jim Doyle (Wisconsin) and Chet Culver (Iowa) face the lowest ratings of their gubernatorial careers. Meanwhile, Minnesota Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has managed quite successfully to remain…
Read MoreEconomic Conerns Continue to Dominate Upper Midwest
In monthly surveys tracking what is the most important issue facing the next president, the economy has emerged as the dominant issue across the Upper Midwest. SurveyUSA asked 600 likely voters in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin closed-ended questions with eight…
Read MoreThe Ventura Legacy: Solidified and Stronger Third Parties
From the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance press release: Jesse Ventura ran in the 1998 governor’s election as a rebel intent on breaking the hold of the two party system on government. Yet, critics charged that Governor…
Read MorePoll Roundup: Clinton Dominates in Remaining Contests
In the three weeks since the last presidential primary contest in Mississippi, and the four weeks since the Texas and Ohio primaries, little has changed in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. As projected here at Smart Politics last…
Read MoreBush Approval Rating in Upper Midwest Lingers in the Basement
Despite relatively positive news coming out of Iraq and a new campaign season that has focused the lens of the news media off the sitting president to the new contenders, George W. Bush cannot shake the horrendous job approval…
Read MoreBill O’Reilly: A Voice for Independents for ’08 Election Coverage?
On multiple occasions during his weeknight telecast The O’Reilly Factor, host Bill O’Reilly has made a particular effort to tell the viewers, and his right-wing guests, that he is not endorsing a presidential candidate and has no horse in the…
Read MoreMinnesotans’ Outlook on U.S. Economy Quite Bleak
With the 2008 general election just about seven months away, Minnesotans are very wary about the state of the nation’s economy, and appear to be ready to vote for a candidate who can best protect their pocketbook. The percentage of…
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