Monday, April 14, 2008

Obama and Rev. Wright

52 percent says they care very little or not at all about the relationship between Obama and Wright, and four in 10 say that relationship would have no impact on their vote; however, a look below the surface shows how much this issue is influencing the presidential race.Those disinclined to vote for the Illinois senator based on his ties to Wright (44 percent) outweigh those who would be inclined to vote for him (12 percent) by a wide margin. While the margin is somewhat closer among Democrats (36 percent disinclined; 16 inclined), the toll on Obama is still quite severe.And, despite that the bulk of independent voters (49 percent) says the issue would make no difference to their vote, the lessened likelihood to vote for Obama outpaces greater likelihood by a nearly 8-to-1 margin (39 percent to 5 percent).RelatedAfrican-American voters are closely divided on this question. A slim plurality (21 percent) says the controversy would make them more inclined to vote for Obama, while nearly as many (18 percent) say they’d be less likely.
You know, Mark Twain once said, "There are liars, damn liars, and statisticians." This is a stilted question that asks whether someone is more apt to vote for a candidate due to their worst acquaintance. Of course they won't vote for him because of Wright, but that certainly doesn't mean they won't vote for him. But you can rest asured that I won't!