Notes on the State of Politics II: A Commentary by Larry J. Sabato
This week, the Crystal Ball publishes another installment in our intermittent series of observations on the 2008 campaign and the politics of the day.
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November 29, 2007
November 28, 2007
Who Benefits From the Huckabee Surge in Iowa?: A Commentary by Douglas Schoen
The new Rasmussen Iowa numbers taken together with earlier polls taken by ABC News and the Washington Post, throw many assumptions about the likely result of the Republican Presidential primary into doubt.
November 28, 2007
What if Huckabee Wins Iowa?
Until recently, one of the few settled features in the race for the Republican nomination was Mitt Romney’s lead in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.
November 28, 2007
Iowa: Huckabee 28% Romney 25%
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the Iowa caucus finds former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee with 28% of the vote, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney with 25% support, and everyone else far behind.
November 28, 2007
Colorado: Schaffer, Udall Tie for Senate; Clinton Trails Giuliani, Leads Romney
Former Congressman Bob Schaffer (R) and Congressman Mark Udall (D)—vying for the open seat vacated by retiring Senator Wayne Allard, a Republican—are virtually tied when likely Colorado voters consider their state’s 2008 Senate election.
November 27, 2007
45% Have Started Holiday Shopping; 13% Have Finished
By the end of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 45% of American adults had started their holiday shopping. That’s up from 27% earlier in the month.
November 26, 2007
Economic Confidence of Small Business Owners Continues Downward Trend
Economic confidence among small business owners declined for the fourth straight month in November, as increased pessimism over the U.S. economy dragged down indicators of relative stability at the small business level, according to the Discover Small Business Watch.
November 26, 2007
Challenge for Democrats in Iowa: Campaigning Tactfully During Holiday Season
You have to feel a little sorry for the people of Iowa. While the waning days of any campaign produce an outpouring of annoying commercials, negativity, and in-your-face solicitations, this year those unsavory features of modern elections will take place in the midst of the holiday season.
November 26, 2007
Six Weeks to Iowa and the Republican Field Remains Muddled
There’s less than six weeks to go until the Iowa caucuses kick-off Election 2008 and the race for the Republican Presidential nomination remains as muddled as ever.
November 25, 2007
In February 5 States, Clinton and Giuliani Still on Top
In states holding Primaries or Caucuses on February 5, the races for the Republican and Democratic Presidential nominations look broadly similar to the competition on a national level.
November 24, 2007
24% Are Both Fiscal and Socially Conservatives, 9% Fiscally and Socially Liberal
Forty-one percent (41%) of American voters say they are conservative when it comes to “fiscal issues such as taxes, government spending, and business regulation.” A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 43% consider themselves fiscally moderate and 12% say liberal.
November 24, 2007
77% Say Employers Can Require English-Only on the Job
Seventy-seven percent (77%) of American voters say companies should be allowed to require employees to speak English while on the job. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that only 14% disagree while 9% are not sure.
November 24, 2007
With Many Voters Abstaining, Biden Manages Toss-ups with Giuliani, Romney
Democratic Senator Joe Biden isn't on the map of the Democratic nomination race. And almost 30% of likely voters nationwide don’t know enough to have an opinion of him.
November 23, 2007
Health Care is Top Issue for Most Democrats, National Security for Most Republicans
The latest Rasmussen Reports tracking poll of electoral issues confirms that Democrats tend to place the most emphasis on domestic issues, Republicans on national security and immigration.
November 23, 2007
Clinton Trails Giuliani, Barely Leads Thompson
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) enjoying a modest four-point lead of 46% to 42% over Senator Hillary Clinton (D).
November 22, 2007
67% Prefer Merry Christmas while 26% Opt for Happy Holidays
As the holiday season begins, 67% of American adults like stores to use the phrase “Merry Christmas” in their seasonal advertising rather than “Happy Holidays.”
November 21, 2007
86% Say They Have A Lot to be Thankful for This Thanksgiving
Most people are feeling the spirit of Thanksgiving this holiday, and 86% say they have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that only 8% disagreed and 6% were not sure.
November 21, 2007
What is Really Happening in Iowa?: A Commentary by Douglas Schoen
The race among Democrats is too close to call. Drawing any finer distinction will drive the analysts to distraction as there are so many polls being done it is impossible to divine a clear trend indicating which way the race is going.
November 21, 2007
South Carolina: Clinton 43% Obama 33%
New York Senator Hillary Clinton leads Illinois Senator Barack Obama by ten percentage points in South Carolina’s Presidential Primary.
November 21, 2007
South Carolina: Romney, Thompson Tied for Lead
Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson are tied for the lead in South Carolina's Republican Presidential Primary.
