by Mark Silva
In the continuing series of reasons why Hillary Clinton may have more durability within her own party’s contest for the 2008 presidential nomination than Rudy Giuliani has within his party, the Pew Research Center has run a large survey that looks closely at voter attitudes.
Clinton, the Democratic senator from New York, draws higher praise among her own party’s voters than Giuliani, the Republican former mayor of New York, draws among his party’s voters.
While 88 percent of the Democrats surveyed who offer a rating of the candidates hold a favorable view of Clinton, 38 percent say they hold a “very favorable’’ view of her.
And while 84 percent of the Republicans offering an opinion hold a favorable view of Giuliani, just 21 percent hold a very favorable view.
Not so much waiting in the wings as waiting to pounce is former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee, viewed favorably among nine in 10 Republicans who have an opinion of him -- and viewed very favorably among 31 percent.
Among the leading Democratic rivals, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois holds a 64 percent favorable rating among all voters, 83 percent among Democrats. Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina: 61 percent favorable among all surveyed, and 83 percent among Democrats. Obama's very-favorable rating among Democrats is higher than Edwards -- 30 versus 23.
Among all the people surveyed in this study of 3,002 voters, Giuliani’s favorable rating remains higher than Clinton’s – though his unfavorable rating rivals hers. Giuliani draws a 65 favorable and 35 unfavorable, Clinton a 55 favorable and 45 unfavorable.
The numbers suggest that Republican rivals to Giuliani may have more room to move than Democratic rivals have in a race with Clinton.
But, if these two should survive their nominating contests, the former mayor’s fundamental support among the two parties and independents is stronger.
The view from across the party aisle is harsher in Clinton’s case, with 81 percent of the Republicans surveyed holding a dim view of Clinton and 53 percent of the Democrats surveyed a negative view of Giuliani.
The independents surveyed also tilt toward Giuliani, with independents viewing Giuliani favorably by a 64-36 margin and Clinton favorably by 53-47.
For much more on the survey conducted Aug 1-18, see the Pew report.
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Comments
This is all a lot of idle spin. Party loyalties do not get galvanized this early in the game. If recent history is any test, there will likely be numerous candidates entering and leaving the race before all the shouting and hand wringing is over. Or have we already forgotten the debacle with Perot (as in "Ross”) appearing, disappearing, and then reappearing to play the spoiler in Bill Clinton's win over daddy Bush? A lot of people have those possibilities lurking in the back of their mind, which is why no one is going to feel really strong about a candidate until some point closing in on the respective conventions. A lot of aspirations will have fallen by the wayside by then, thereby focusing attention on the remaining candidates.
Posted by: John W. | August 24, 2007 7:02 AM
John W.,
You're sure it's not "Ralph?"
Posted by: Spring Whitefield | August 24, 2007 8:03 AM
I wondered how the Swamp would spin these Pew Poll numbers that are so favorable to Rudy Giuliani vs. Clinton in a general election.
The Swamp spin turned out to be: put the Giuliani numbers at the bottom, while putting up a headline and opening paragraphs focusig on primary--and specifically, Dem primary--numbers.
As the report says:
"Rudy Giuliani is seen favorably by 65-percent of adults, whether they identify themselves as Democrat, Republican or independent.
That includes a favorable view from 47-percent from Democrats, 64-percent of independents and 84-percent of Republicans. Still, only 21 percent of Republicans polled said they rate him very favorably.
On the other end of the spectrum, Hillary Rodham Clinton gets a favorable rating from 55-percent of those polled."
Posted by: Bruce | August 24, 2007 9:18 AM
Is it too early in the morning to read another typical "But in a poll that Mark James refuses to mention ..." posts by Bruce?
I'll bet one will be here shortly.
Posted by: BC | August 24, 2007 10:42 AM
hillary is a con artist. She has people convinced she cares. She does...about herself. I have said before the worst outcome of the election would be hillary winning. Any noise she makes about caring will fade, and the true hillary will rise out of the quagmire.
Posted by: Rob S | August 24, 2007 11:17 AM
Bruce- You should volunteer your time and go work for Giuliani if your such a steadfast supporter of the crook. He just opened campaign office on Main Street in Lisle.
News for your Mr. RNC- He won't even get the nomination.
Posted by: Doug R. | August 24, 2007 1:08 PM
hillary is a con artist. She has people convinced she cares. She does...about herself. I have said before the worst outcome of the election would be hillary winning. Any noise she makes about caring will fade, and the true hillary will rise out of the quagmire.
Posted by: Rob S | August 24, 2007 11:17 AM
Robby,
That's exactly what us Dems think about Rudy Gigoloiani and Mitty Romney.....and pro-abortion lobbyist Freddy Thompson.
Posted by: John E | August 24, 2007 1:13 PM
*****
You're sure it's not "Ralph?"
Posted by: Spring Whitefield | August 24, 2007 8:03 AM
You know, I gave that question a lot of thought before I decided against Ralph in my last post. I mean, I know where you are coming from. Even knowing the facts to be to the contrary, I suppose one could make a good argument that any short, geeky person with a short, red-neck haircut and big, flapping ears should always be called "Ralph" even if it isn't his or her real name. But, in this case, I opted to go with the results of my intensive research.
That research, which consisted of daily perusing the DailyKos and watching one episode of Sesame Street, tells me his name is "Ross." I mean, if DailyKos says so, it has to be true, right? Just ask John E. And, “I’m Ralph and you’re the boss” doesn’t rhyme, does it? So if his name was really Ralph, the Sesame Street parody with Ross Parrot (who taught the alphabet) wouldn’t work, would it? So, I’m gonna stand by “Ross” for the time being.
Posted by: John W. | August 24, 2007 1:40 PM
John W.,
If it's possible to die of laughing, you deserve the credit - right, wrong or otherwise!
Thanks pal!
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 24, 2007 2:04 PM
You're welcome, Doug.
Posted by: John W. | August 24, 2007 2:57 PM
Republicans fear John Edwards the most - as they admittedly did in 2004 primaries.
That's why Fox News has smeared Edwards 24/7 from the gitgo.
The game plan for Murdoch's girl to win - is to hype a 2 yr. senator as a rockstar while smearing Edwards. And viola! According to British docs released this summer, Murdoch also bought Tony Blair in 1997 - assuring him positive media coverage in exchange for enlarging his media empire.
Posted by: annefrank | August 24, 2007 3:20 PM
Robby,
That's exactly what us Dems think about Rudy Gigoloiani and Mitty Romney.....and pro-abortion lobbyist Freddy Thompson.
I do not care what lobbyists thinks about anything. If I am asked about MY opinions of them, I will give them. Once again you show your leeming colors by using your afore mentioned humor (Zook), and "us Dem's" to make this into a party issue, and not an individual issue.
I am not impressed by ANY of the candidates. As of now, I would be inclined to use a write in vote and vote for my wife. But as I have made perfectly clear, the opinions of lobbyists, contributers or any other cog in the rusty wheel of politics does not influence my opinion.
Zook knows that I am a Social Worker. For the last 22 years, it has been my job to observe behaviors, make assessments and design programs to meet these assessments. I use the same process in my political decisions. It does not matter if they are Dem/Rep, liked/disliked. popular/unpopular, favored/long shot, black, white, hispanic, green or purple.
So, I agree with Zook that your humor is quite amusing, yet pointless. My assessment and opinion of hillary is based on her 8 years as first lady, her term as Senator, and the behaviors she e xhibits as she runs.
So, I am glad to know that you "Dem's" feel the same about the Rep's you mentioned. And (hold onto your hat) I AGREE. They are no better. It is just that based on what I have seen of her for the last 17 years, I feel hillary has an agenda that will be very detrimental (spelling?) to our country.
Lastly, if you insist on calling me Robby, you could at least offer to buy me a drink or something before you get that cozy.
Posted by: Rob S | August 24, 2007 4:55 PM
Are you happy with the current choices available for the 2008 Presidential election? Whether you are or are not check out Elect'd (http://www.electd.com). You can nominate a new candidate to run and vote/comment on existing candidates in the race.
Posted by: Chris Matthieu | August 24, 2007 11:52 PM