Thanks, conservatives: Akin jumps ahead of McCaskill in new poll
Yael T. AbouhalkahA new poll out Wednesday morning contains some bad news for Claire McCaskill supporters: Ultraconservative Missouri voters aren’t going away.
Apparently they are going to support Republican Todd Akin in his U.S. Senate battle with McCaskill no matter what dumb things Akin says, especially on abortion.
The new poll - conducted Monday and Tuesday by a Republican-leaning group - shows Akin up 45-42.
And with conservatives, Akin is way ahead: 81-5.
More bad news for McCaskill, from the pollster:
“Despite the firestorm of news in the Senate race over the past few weeks, most voters have already made up their mind in the race, the survey shows. The fact that 80 percent said they were firm in their choice certainly indicates that this is a race that will be decided more by ideology and turnout efforts by the campaigns and less by breaking news that flashes across the news pages and cable news channels.”
Now I know McCaskill and others in her camp supposedly are hoping for results just like this one, encouraging enough to keep Akin in the race so he won’t drop out for a “stronger” candidate.
Theory is, McCaskill will eventually edge Akin when Missouri voters come to their senses.
But I would look at things another way: If a terribly wounded Akin is doing this to McCaskill in polls today, what kind of larger margin could a “stronger” Republican compile against the Democrat?
Yes, the new poll by Wenzel Strategies is far different from another one taken last week for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch/News 4. It showed McCaskill with a nine-point lead over Akin.
But it also shows that - just because the GOP establishment has called on Akin to get out of the race - the voters aren’t necessarily listening.
At least, the conservative voters Akin cares the most about aren’t listening.
That’s his strategy: Keep up the effort to make it appear they will support him through thick or thin, so he won’t have to drop out of the race.
It’s working. So far.
William R. Nelson
8 months, 4 weeks ago$16 TRILLION nat’l debt and climbing. 8.4% unemployment and climbing. $800 BILLION shovel ready stimulus - that wasn’t quite shovel ready (chuckle, chuckle) U.S. credit rating DOWNGRADED. 3 1/2 years since the democrat controlled senate passed a budget. $90 BILLION flushed down the bankrupt green energy toilet to benefit cronies. Exec. privilege shields U.S. Attorney General held in contempt of Congress during Fast n Furious investigation. CBO warns of fiscal cliff - yet sitting POTUS does nothing. Obamacare to saddle individuals and business with 20 (count ‘em: TWENTY) new taxes…
It’s a curious phenomenon: When liberals / democrats won’t compromise or ‘moderate’ their views, these liberals / democrats are often characterized as ‘progressive’ or ‘pragmatic’ - champions of the little guy; worthy of voters for their cause, despite their flaws (see Joe Biden).
When conservatives / republicans won’t compromise or ‘moderate’ their views (or even when they apologize for ‘em), these conservatives / republicans are still characterized as ‘partisan’ or ‘bigots’ - lap dogs for eebil rich people; unworthy of redemption or education, undeserving because of their flaws (see Todd Akin).
Yet, nothing Todd Akin said will overturn Roe V Wade, or prevent one woman from obtaining an abortion, or initiate one new piece of legislation.
The damage from Claire Bear’s votes in Congress will do far more harm to all citizens than any stoopid remark from an otherwise decent man.
Fire! Ready. Aim.
George Hunsucker
Northland
8 months, 4 weeks ago0’care=YES porkulus bill=YES debt ceiling expansion=YES Senate passed budget=NO
Vote for Air Claire=NO
Brian Berry
8 months, 4 weeks agoWell Yael, your welcome!
Richard L Wagner
8 months, 4 weeks agoGo Akin, Go.
And then in November, he’ll guarantee McCaskill’s re-election.
Go Akin, Go!