The race against John McCain - PDF Free Download

April 21, 2008 The race against John McCain Democracy Corps April 15-17, 2008 1000 likely voters nationwide

Change election Page 2

Nearly three quarters think country headed in wrong direction Generally speaking, do you think things in the country are going in the right direction, or do you feel things have gotten pretty seriously off on the wrong track? 52 51 5655 56 Katrina 58 62 2006 55 60 67 64 61 62 Iraq surge Election 66 63 62 58 Right direction 71 66 66 69 69 Petraeus Report 63 70 Wrong direction 72 68 66 68 73 72 42 41 34 37 37 34 37 35 31 30 31 28 25 28 34 25 27 23 25 28 23 22 25 23 22 25 24 20 23 21 Jan-05 Jun-05 Nov-05 Apr-06 Sep-06 Feb-07 Jul-07 Dec-07 May-08 Net -9-11 -22-18 -19-24 -31-18 -25-42 -36-31 -31-45 -24-41-35-43-41-48-47-44 -35-47 -50-41-45-44 -52-52 Difference *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last couple years. Page 3

The Presidential Election Page 4

The presidential generic vote: stable landslide I know it is a long way off, but thinking about the election in 2008, if the election for president were held today, for whom would you vote the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate? New Congress Republican New Hampshire Primary Democrat 50 53 51 51 51 51 51 52 53 53 53 51 51 52 49 37 39 37 40 39 37 43 41 40 44 4241 42 42 41 Nov-06 Feb-07 May-07 Aug-07 Nov-07 Feb-08 May-08 Net +13 Difference +12 +16 +11 +12 +14 +10 +9 +13 +9 +12 +5 +9 +12 +10 *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last year and a half. Page 5

Named presidential vote is even match Now let me ask you again about your vote for president but with candidate names. I know it is a long way off, but if the election for president were held today and the candidates were Democrat Barack Obama/Hillary Clinton and Republican John McCain, for whom would you vote? Democrat Republican Lean Democrat Lean Republican -2 +1 47 49 48 47 45 48 47 46 Clinton McCain Obama McCain Page 6

McCain/Clinton match-ups by party Now let me ask you again about your vote for president but with candidate names. I know it is a long way off, but if the election for president were held today and the candidates were Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican John McCain, for whom would you vote? Clinton McCain +72-21 -87 84 93 57 36 12 6 Clinton McCain Clinton McCain Clinton McCain Democrats Independents Republicans Page 7

McCain/Obama match-ups by party Now let me ask you again about your vote for president but with candidate names. I know it is a long way off, but if the election for president were held today and the candidates were Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, for whom would you vote? Obama McCain +65-2 -80 79 89 47 49 14 9 Obama McCain Obama McCain Obama McCain Democrats Independents Republicans Page 8

Presidential Candidate Thermometers Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. Cool Warm Net Hillary Clinton 48 39-9 Barack Obama 42 44 +2 John McCain 37 43 +6 Bill Clinton 45 42-3 Michelle Obama 36 30-6 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80 Page 9

Candidate Favorability Among Independents Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. Cool Warm Net John McCain 30 46 +16 Barack Obama 42 42 0 Hillary Clinton 51 32-19 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80 Page 10

Barack Obama thermometer cools Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. 34 38 39 38 38 36 37 36 Cool 41 42 36 33 New Hampshire Primary 43 37 Warm 47 35 46 39 44 42 21 25 28 17 Dec-06 Apr-07 Aug-07 Dec-07 Apr-08 Net +17 +17 +14 +10 +2 +1 +8 +6 +6 +12 +7 +2 Difference Page 11

John McCain favorability steady Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. 42 44 42 42 43 39 40 36 27 24 24 31 27 Cool New Hampshire Primary 34 Warm 34 36 43 37 Dec-06 Apr-07 Aug-07 Dec-07 Apr-08 Net +18 +15+20 +5 +12 Difference +6 +8 +7 +6 *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last several months. Page 12

Democrats maintain lead in congressional race Page 13

Named Congressional Vote Thinking about the election for Congress in 2008, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for (Democratic incumbent/candidate) or (Republican incumbent/candidate)? Democratic candidate Republican candidate Lean Democratic Lean Republican +12 65 +36-6 53 50 41 38 62 29 44 40 50 48 27 Democratic candidate Total Republican candidate Democratic Candidate Republican candidate Democratic-held *Note: For each district, the incumbent s name was inserted, and a generic candidate ( the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate ) was inserted for the opposition. Democratic candidate Republican candidate Republican-held Page 14

Democrats hold steady lead in named congressional vote Thinking about the election for Congress in 2008, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate*? New Congress Democratic candidate Republican candidate Hampshire 54 52 53 Primary 52 53 53 52 51 51 51 51 50 51 50 51 53 New 43 43 43 42 43 42 42 42 42 41 41 41 40 40 40 39 Jan-07 May-07 Sep-07 Jan-08 May-08 Net +10+12 Difference +8 +14 +8 +8 +11 +12 +9 +10 +9 +7 +11 +10 +13 +12 *Note: Actual names of incumbents inserted, and a generic candidate was inserted for the opposing party Page 15

Democrats at 65 percent in Democratic-held districts Thinking about the election for Congress in 2008, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate*? New Congress Democratic candidate Republican candidate New Hampshire Primary 69 65 65 66 65 66 65 61 62 62 63 64 66 63 63 61 28 26 30 31 30 31 29 30 30 28 29 30 29 26 24 29 Jan-07 May-07 Sep-07 Jan-08 May-08 Net +37 +39 Difference +31 +42 +31 +32 +34 For each district, the incumbent s name was inserted, and a generic candidate ( the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate ) was inserted for the opposition. +33 +33 +37 +37+31 +36 +34 +43 +36 Page 16

Republican incumbents only at 50 percent of the vote Thinking about the election for Congress in 2008, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate*? New Congress Democratic candidate Republican candidate New Hampshire Primary 55 54 56 53 54 55 54 53 53 54 54 50 54 52 53 50 43 39 40 40 39 40 41 39 40 39 38 40 43 40 38 44 Jan-07 May-07 Sep-07 Jan-08 May-08 Net -16-15 Difference -13-14 -16-10 -10-12 -14-15 -18-14 -11-12 -15 For each district, the incumbent s name was inserted, and a generic candidate ( the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate ) was inserted for the opposition. Page 17-6

Democratic House members (named) viewed favorably Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with 100 meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and 50 meaning not particularly warm or cold. Cool Warm New Congress 48 45 40 44 43 44 39 42 New Hampshire Primary 39 37 34 35 40 37 21 17 17 22 18 20 24 20 24 24 25 21 19 22 Jan-07 May-07 Sep-07 Jan-08 May-08 Net +24 +31 +23 +22 +25 +24 +15 +22 +13 +10 +14 +14 +21 +15 Difference *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last several years. Page 18

Republican House member (named) favorability sees slight uptick April 21, 2008 Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with 100 meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and 50 meaning not particularly warm or cold. Cool Warm New Congress 42 43 38 42 39 39 36 33 38 New Hampshire Primary 37 37 35 33 34 24 19 20 21 20 22 23 24 25 23 26 25 22 20 Jan-07 May-07 Sep-07 Jan-08 May-08 Net +18 +24 +18 +21 +19 +17 +13 +9 +15+12 +11 +10 +11 +14 Difference *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last several years. Page 19

Image for Democratic Congress not great Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with 100 meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and 50 meaning not particularly warm or cold. New Congress 40 45 39 40 34 39 38 41 38 41 38 43 36 41 35 42 42 42 38 33 34 Cool New Hampshire Primary 42 36 Warm 38 36 38 36 41 35 30 28 30 Jan-07 May-07 Sep-07 Jan-08 May-08 Net +10 +17 +9 +6 +1 +3 +3-7 -6-3 -9-8 -6-2 -2 Difference -6 *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last several years. Page 20

Barack Obama Page 21

Obama positive attributes Now, I am going to read you a list of words and phrases people use to describe political figures. For each word or phrase, please tell me whether it describes Barack Obama very well, well, not too well, or not well at all. Not Well Well Net Patriotic 36 61 +25 Honest and trustworthy 36 60 +24 Cares about people like you 36 60 +24 Strong leader 38 60 +22 Can unite the country 40 57 +17 Makes me feel hopeful about the future 45 53 +8 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80

Obama positive attributes Now, I am going to read you a list of words and phrases people use to describe political figures. For each word or phrase, please tell me whether it describes Barack Obama very well, well, not too well, or not well at all. Not Well Well Net Will keep American strong 45 51 +6 Will bring right kind of change 45 51 +6 On your side 46 51 +5 Has what it takes to be president 47 51 +4 Will keep America safe 46 50 +4 Has the right experience to be president 54 43-11 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80

Obama negative attributes Now, I am going to read you a list of words and phrases people use to describe political figures. For each word or phrase, please tell me whether it describes Barack Obama very well, well, not too well, or not well at all. Not Well Well Net Too reluctant to use military force 42 52 +10 Thinks he is smarter than everyone else 44 53 +9 Just too many question to take a chance on him as president 47 50 +3 Too liberal 51 46-5 Will raise me taxes 54 39-15 Too willing to withdraw from Iraq 65 32-33 100 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80 100

John McCain Page 25

John McCain positive attributes Now, I am going to read you a list of words and phrases people use to describe political figures. For each word or phrase, please tell me whether it describes John McCain very well, well, not too well, or not well at all. Not Well Well Net Strong leader 26 72 +46 Will keep America safe 28 69 +41 Honest and trustworthy 29 68 +39 Independent 34 64 +30 Will keep America strong 35 63 +28 Cares about people like you 45 52 +7 On your side 48 48 0 Will bring right kind of change 57 40-17 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80

John McCain negative attributes Now, I am going to read you a list of words and phrases people use to describe political figures. For each word or phrase, please tell me whether it describes John McCain very well, well, not too well, or not well at all. Not Well Well Net His age concerns me 40 58 +18 Too hotheaded 40 54 +14 Flip-flops on important issues 40 54 +14 Out of touch with ave. Americans 45 54 +9 Too cozy with lobbyists 43 45 +2 Too eager to go to war 50 47-3 Part of mess in Washington 50 46-4 Supports big corp. interests not public interest 51 42-9 Will stay in Iraq too long 55 39-16 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80

Obama versus McCain on issues and values Page 28

Obama v. McCain who would do better with? Now I am going to ask you something different. I am going to read a list of issues and I want you to tell me whether, overall, you think Barack Obama or John McCain would do a better job with this issue: John McCain Barack Obama Net Making sure gov't works for middle class 38 51 +13 Breaking gridlock in Washington 34 47 +13 Bringing right kind of change 38 50 +12 Standing up to pwrfl spcl intrsts in Washington 37 48 +11 Making me hopeful about the future 39 49 +10 Making gov't more accountable 40 48 +8 Getting country moving again 40 48 +8 Cleaning up mess in gov't 38 45 +7 The economy 41 47 +6 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80

Obama v. McCain Better Job? Now I am going to ask you something different. I am going to read a list of issues and I want you to tell me whether, overall, you think Barack Obama or John McCain would do a better job with this issue: John McCain Barack Obama Net Working with both parties to get things done 43 46 +3 Being on your side 43 45 +2 Sharing your values 45 45 0 The federal budget and spending 44 41-3 Taxes 46 41-5 The situation in Iraq 50 43-7 Foreign policy 52 37-15 National security 61 30-31 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80 Page 30

Iraq opportunity Page 31

Iraq War thermometer back to low point 42 43 Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. 44 43 43 4950 Election 50 48 46 52 52 56 58 52 55 58 55 Election 61 60 56 Surge 56 Cool 60 Warm Petraeus Report 62 61 54 Petraeus Report #2 61 60 58 60 51 41 40 4142 40 3737 37 39 38 36 32 3230 35 29 31 30 30 30 25 25 27 31 24 23 34 24 27 27 24 Oct-03 Mar-04 Aug-04 Jan-05 Jun-05 Nov-05 Apr-06 Sep-06 Feb-07 Jul-07 Dec-07 May-08 Net -1-3 +2-2 +3-12-13-13 -7-10 -20-16 -24-28 -17-26 -27-25 -36-26 -35-26 -33-38 -23-38 -37-17-31-33-36 Difference Page 32 *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last several years.

Republicans too slow to leave Iraq the bigger concern Now I m going to read you some pairs of statements. As I read each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right: Statement 1: I'm more concerned that the Republicans will wait too long to withdraw our troops from Iraq. 53 42 +11 Statement 2: I'm more concerned that the Democrats will leave Iraq too quickly. First statement not so strongly First statement strongly Second statement not so strongly Second statement strongly 42 34 I'm more concerned that the Republicans will wait too long to withdraw our troops from Iraq. I'm more concerned that the Democrats will leave Iraq too quickly. Page 33

Large majority say start reducing troops, don t stay until stable Now I m going to read you some pairs of statements. As I read each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right: Statement 1: We need to start reducing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq. Statement 2: We must stay the course to achieve stability and finish the job in Iraq. 57 +18 First statement not so strongly First statement strongly Second statement not so strongly Second statement strongly 51 39 33 We need to start reducing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq. We must stay the course to achieve stability and finish the job in Iraq. Page 34

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq priorities debate (positive) April 21, 2008 Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: Bush's failed policies in Iraq cost us trillions of dollars and thousands of lives. I will bring our troops home from Iraq during 2009, direct more of that spending to our needs at home, and reduce our dependence on oil from dangerous regimes. OR John McCain says: I was the leading supporter of the surge, which has caused a dramatic reduction in violence in Iraq. We are no longer looking at defeat, but now see the genuine prospect of a stable, democratic state that poses no threat to its neighbors and contributes to the defeat of terrorists. Page 35

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq priorities debate (positive) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +5 50 45 42 31 Obama statement McCain statement Page 36

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq security debate (positive) April 21, 2008 Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: Bush's policies in Iraq have left us less secure. I will strengthen America's security by bringing home our troops during 2009, doing what we need to win in Afghanistan, rebuilding our alliances and restoring our moral leadership in the world. OR John McCain says: I was the leading supporter of the surge, which has caused a dramatic reduction in violence in Iraq. We are no longer looking at defeat, but now see the genuine prospect of a stable, democratic state that poses no threat to its neighbors and contributes to the defeat of terrorists. Page 37

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq security debate (positive) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +6 50 44 41 32 Obama statement McCain statement Page 38

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq priorities debate (negative) April 21, 2008 Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: We need a change of priorities in our policies abroad. John McCain has given Bush a blank check for Iraq, where we are spending over 2 billion dollars a week. McCain's commitment to stay in Iraq would cost a trillion dollars over his term in office. OR John McCain says: Having served this country, I know how important our security is. Senator Obama's promise to withdraw from Iraq, regardless of the consequences to our most vital interests and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility. It is a failure of leadership. Page 39

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq priorities (negative) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +5 49 40 44 33 Obama statement McCain statement Page 40

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq extreme debate (negative) April 21, 2008 Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: We cannot afford more of Bush's reckless policies, but Senator McCain was Bush's biggest supporter on the war and says he wants to send even more troops to Iraq. He rejects diplomacy and says there will be, quote, "more wars" with countries like Iran. OR John McCain says: Having served this country, I know how important our security is. Senator Obama's promise to withdraw from Iraq, regardless of the consequences to our most vital interests and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility. It is a failure of leadership. Page 41

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Iraq extreme (negative) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +1 48 47 37 35 Obama statement McCain statement Page 42

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Experience vs. Judgment Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: The most important thing is not how many years you've spent in Washington, but what kind of judgment you've shown on important issues. On the most important issue of our generation, Senator McCain supported George Bush's war in Iraq and still thinks it was the right decision. I did not. OR John McCain says: I have been involved in every national security issue over the past 20 years, and I was one of the first to criticize our failed policy in Iraq. Because of my experience I know how to keep our country safe. Senator Obama has demonstrated he is too naïve to protect our country. Page 43

Changing Washington Page 45

Current leaders seen as the problem in Washington Now I m going to read you some pairs of statements. As I read each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right: Statement 1: The government in Washington is making a mess of things because of what our current leaders have been doing. 61 +27 Statement 2: The government in Washington is making a mess of things because government always makes a mess of things. First statement not so strongly First statement strongly Second statement not so strongly Second statement strongly 49 34 24 The government in Washington is making a mess of things because of what our current leaders have been doing. The government in Washington is making a mess of things because government always makes a mess of things. Page 46

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Special interests (positive) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: I am the only candidate who doesn't take money from lobbyists and as president I will end their stranglehold by closing the revolving door between government and K-Street and requiring Congress to make all of their earmarks and corporate tax breaks public. OR John McCain says: The taxpayers' money should not be squandered on wasteful pet projects. As president, I will reform Washington by ending earmarks and pork barrel spending so we can end the practice of deficit spending that robs the American people of their right to responsible government. Page 47

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Special interests debate (negative) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: Washington is a place where good ideas go to die because of the corrupting influence of lobbyists. Senator McCain can't change the system because he's taken millions from lobbyists and special interests and 11 of his top aides are corporate lobbyists. OR John McCain says: Senator Obama can't be trusted to clean up Washington because his long-time backer Tony Rezko is on trial for corruption. Prosecutors argue that Rezko directed part of an illegal "finder's fee" to Obama's campaign. Yet, Obama refuses to answer questions about his ties to Rezko. Page 49

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Special interests (negative) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +9 48 39 31 24 Obama statement McCain statement Page 50

Economy Page 51

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Economy message (positive) April 21, 2008 Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: As president, I will cut taxes on the middle class, end tax breaks for companies that outsource and give them to businesses that create jobs at home, develop new energy sources, and invest in education to develop the jobs of tomorrow. OR John McCain says: As president, I will reduce the size of government, get spending under control, end pork-barrel spending, and enact a pro-growth tax policy that reduces taxes for the middle class and entrepreneurs who are the engine of our economy. Page 52

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Economy message (positive) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +2 49 47 34 35 Obama statement McCain statement Page 53

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Economy message (negative) April 21, 2008 Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: Senator McCain insists that the fundamentals of our economy remain strong. His plan would expand the Bush tax cuts for corporations, companies that outsource jobs and the wealthy, but do virtually nothing for the middle class OR John McCain says: Senator Obama supports a trillion dollar tax plan that has been called, quote, "the mother of all tax increases" and wants to spend 1.4 trillion dollars on his socialized healthcare plan and other social programs. His plan would slow economic growth and job creation. Page 54

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Economy message (negative) Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +7 48 41 31 30 Obama statement McCain statement Page 55

Health care debate Page 56

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Healthcare debate Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Barack Obama says: I will fundamentally reform our system by guaranteeing that every American has affordable health insurance and can never be denied coverage. Under Senator McCain's plan 20 million Americans who get their health care through work would lose their coverage and be forced to buy insurance directly from the insurance companies. OR John McCain says: I will enhance quality and control costs in our health care system by promoting competition and providing families a five thousand dollar credit so they can lower their costs in the private market. Senator Obama's government-run plan will mean higher taxes for American families, a "one-sizefits all" approach, and waiting lists like they have in France Page 57

Barack Obama vs. John McCain: Healthcare Now I'm going to read you a pair of statements from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. As I read them, please tell me which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. Obama statement strongly McCain statement strongly Obama statement somewhat McCain statement somewhat +1 46 45 30 29 Obama statement McCain statement Page 58

Attacks on Obama Page 59

Top Obama Doubts Let me read you a series of statements about Democrat Barack Obama. For each statement, please tell me whether this description, if accurate, raises very serious doubts, serious doubts, minor doubts or no real doubts in your own mind about Democrat Barack Obama At a recent public event, Obama didn't cover his heart during the national anthem. Obama's wife says she has never been proud of America and Obama refuses to disassociate himself with his pastor and mentor who says that blacks should sing, quote "God Damn America," instead of God Bless America. Obama supports a trillion dollar tax plan that has been called "the mother of all tax increases" and will be the largest tax increase in American history. He wants to repeal the Bush tax cuts and raise the Social Security tax by another trillion dollars. Obama's tax increases will damage the economy and hurt the pocketbooks of average Americans at the worst possible time. Obama says Jeremiah Wright, his long-time pastor, is his biggest mentor. But Wright is a hateful and unpatriotic anti-semite. He once gave an award for, quote, "greatness" to Louis Farrakhan. He says that America is to blame for the AIDS virus, that we are a, quote, "white supremacist" country and even that we brought the nine-eleven attacks upon ourselves. Very Serious Page 60 Total Serious 32 59 27 58 28 57

Obama Doubt Second Tier Let me read you a series of statements about Democrat Barack Obama. For each statement, please tell me whether this description, if accurate, raises very serious doubts, serious doubts, minor doubts or no real doubts in your own mind about Democrat Barack Obama Obama's father was a Muslim and he grew up in the world's most populous Islamic country. At a recent public event he didn't cover his heart during the national anthem. Obama's wife says she has never been proud of America and his pastor and mentor even says that blacks should sing, quote "God Damn America," instead of God Bless America. Obama says that people in small towns are bitter and, quote "cling to guns or religion as a way to explain their frustrations." But hard-working Americans aren't bitter. They love their country, their faith, their traditions and their culture. Obama is a liberal elitist who looks down on regular Americans who didn't get the Ivy League education he did. Very Serious Total Serious 32 52 20 43 Page 61

Attacks on McCain Page 62

Top McCain Doubts Let me read you a series of statements about Republican John McCain. For each statement, please tell me whether this description, if accurate, raises very serious doubts, serious doubts, minor doubts or no real doubts in your own mind about Republican John McCain. Incomes have not risen for most Americans in seven years while prices have skyrocketed and the economy is losing jobs. Yet McCain says we are better off than we were eight years ago. He insists we are not facing a recession and that the fundamentals of our economy remain strong. He even says the problems Americans are facing are, quote, "psychological." The war in Iraq costs taxpayers 12 billion dollars a month - more than a trillion dollars so far. With our economy in recession, jobs headed overseas and gas prices skyrocketing, we could be using that money to rebuild our schools and roads, invest in alternative energy and create jobs. But McCain's commitment to a blank check in Iraq would cost another trillion dollars over his term in office. McCain's health care plan would undermine our entire employer-based system. Under his plan 20 million Americans who get their health care through work would lose their coverage and be forced to buy insurance directly from the insurance companies. But McCain would also give insurance companies more power to deny coverage or boost premiums if your needs threaten their profits. Very Serious Total Serious 28 64 31 61 29 61

McCain Doubts Second Tier Let me read you a series of statements about Republican John McCain. For each statement, please tell me whether this description, if accurate, raises very serious doubts, serious doubts, minor doubts or no real doubts in your own mind about Republican John McCain. McCain won't protect Social Security. His top economic adviser says that, quote "you can't keep promises made to retirees." McCain supports raising the retirement age and cutting Social Security benefits and says he is, quote, "totally in favor" of George Bush's plan to privatize Social Security by taking money out of the Social Security Trust Fund and putting it in private stock market accounts. With our economy in recession, the war in Iraq is only making our economic problems worse. The war adds 12 billion dollars to our national debt every month, it prevents us from investing in our economy and creating jobs, and it's caused the price of oil and gas to increase. Economists say that McCain's blank-check commitment to Iraq will cause, quote, "substantial" long-term harm to our economy. McCain admits that he will bring a continuation of George Bush's policies. He proudly declares that, quote, "no one has supported President Bush on Iraq more than I have" and that he is, quote, "totally in favor" of Bush's plan to privatize Social Security. McCain wants to continue Bush's tax cuts for corporations and the rich and even supported Bush's veto of health care for children. Very Serious Total Serious 28 60 25 57 26 55

After the Debate and Attacks Page 65

Post-Debate Presidential Match-ups Now let me ask you again about your vote for president but with candidate names. I know it is a long way off, but if the election for president were held today and the candidates were Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, for whom would you vote? Obama McCain Lean Obama Lean McCain +1 0 48 47 47 47 47 46 46 46 Obama McCain Obama McCain Initial Final Page 66

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