Voters grade Barack Obama and John McCain

The folks at the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press released a poll Thursday tracking the "passion gap" between Barack Obama and John McCain, which we already told you about.

But there's an interesting tidbit buried deep within the poll results that should have some bells going off inside McCain headquarters. Or maybe they were already going off, and that's part of the reason Rick Davis ceded some campaign turf to Steve Schmidt.

The finding has to do with measuring how the candidates are making the sale. Obama -- doing all right. McCain -- well, let's let the Pew folks tell it:

A solid majority (56%) give the Obama campaign letter grades of A or B for the job he is doing to convince the American public to vote for him, while only 32% say the same of the McCain campaign. More than a third (35%) offer a grade of C to McCain's campaign so far, and nearly as many (30%) say the campaign has earned a D or F.

The grades voters give to the Obama campaign for the job it is doing convincing them to vote for him are the highest measured for any candidate over the past four election cycles. In June 2004, for example, just 39% gave Bush's efforts an A or B; even fewer gave high grades to Kerry's campaign (31%). In contrast, McCain's middling grades are slightly lower than those awarded to Bush in both 2000 and 2004. McCain's campaign does garner higher grades than the 1996 Dole campaign, which only 22% graded highly.

In this regard, the 2008 campaign has the largest disparity in high grades for the Democratic and Republican candidates over the past four election cycles (24 points). The gap between the grades for Obama and McCain is even larger than for Bill Clinton and Bob Dole in July 1996; at that time, 37% gave Clinton an A or B, while just 22% gave top grades to Dole.

The differences in the ratings of the two presidential campaigns are reflected in the opinions of their partisans. Nearly eight-in-ten Democratic voters (79%) give the Obama campaign letter grades of A or B for the job he is doing to convince the American public to vote for him, and a smaller majority of Republican voters (54%) give high marks to the McCain campaign. More independents give A or B grades to the Obama campaign than to the McCain campaign (49% v. 31%). In addition, while more than a third of Republicans (35%) give high grades to Obama, just 16% of Democrats give high grades to McCain.

McCain was asked about the poll Thursday -- specifically the bit about voters being more excited about Obama at this stage than they are about him. His response goes a long way toward explaining another finding from that poll: "Relatively few voters" think the candidates have been too negative. But at the same time, McCain's comment indicates that his focus is on the war in Iraq and national security when polls show most of the country is more concerned with the economy -- whining or not.

Said McCain: "I admire and respect the campaign that Sen. Obama has run. He has done a fine job in motivating many, many people. I am confident that as we go through this campaign that I will convince the majority of voters in this country that I am the person to lead this nation through very difficult times. ... Sen. Obama didn’t support the surge, wanted us to pull out, said that it would fail. I supported it when it was the toughest thing to do. I believe that my record on national security and keeping this country safe is there, and the American people will examine our records, and I believe that I will win."

-- Scott Martelle

Top photo: Democrat Barack Obama. Credit: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

Bottom photo: Republican John McCain. Credit: Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press 

Comments

[Christian]

Does the bet-we-can-hypnotize-you media always take pictures of (No)Obama by shooting into the rafter lights, so that he looks like he has an aura/halo/better idea??

It seems that most pictures of him have this annoying light behind him.

If the easy-to-hypnotize-by-video-input young Americans don't wake up to the nonsense that Obama is the "messiah", they'll be real sorry the quality of leader that he ends up being. Hope and change... Smoke and Mirrors.

[captbilly]

I am a bit tired of the way the media and many voters look at the presidential campaign as though it were a marketing campaign. I am not interesting in which candidate "seems" more presidential, I want the candidate who is likely to do the best job while president. Years ago when McCain was younger and less beaten down, he seemed like an intelegent and fairly independently minded politician. After the beating he took from Rove in the 2000 election he seems more like a beaten dog, resentfully doing it's master's bidding.

You can't market the notion that America can win a war in Iraq, it's simply not realistic. The insurgent war in Iraq will continue just as long as America wants to stay there. Add in the fact that the US and Iran are going to be locking horns over Iran's nuclear program for years, there is no way that Iran is going to rest as long as there are US soldiers in Iraq. Trying to convince Americans that we can solve our economic problems by continuing to reward the richest people in the world with low taxes isn't a marketing issue, it's a reality check issue. Convincing Americans that we can solve our health care problems (and they are huge) by helping to pay for more private medical insurance, isn't a marketing issue, it's just another way to help the medical industry make more money.

Americans have by definition an average IQ of 100. People who run washington are much smarter than that and so sometime they are able to convince some portion of those less gifted Americians, to vote for politicians who are not going to do what is in the best interest of America. But I think most Americans have had their fill and are looking for some straight talk that passes the simple reality check of common sense. We can't win the kind for war that we have going in Iraq. We couldn't win in Vietnam and that was in some ways an easier conflict. We can win any military conflict, but an insurgency is not a military conflict, it is a war meant to drain the resources and will of a much more powerful adversary (America), and it is working perfectly in Iraq. Helping the economy by lowering taxes has never actually worked. It does sometimes help in the very short term to spur investment, but in the end the deficit grows which devalues the dollar. In addition, tax cuts to the very rich simply help the very rich become ever richer. We need a healthy middle class to keep America strong, not a few billionares.

Obama is doing better than McCain because his ideas make more sense than do McCain's. In addition, Obama is clearly a more intelligent man and is much better at explaining what is on his mind. I suppose if you are the suspicious type you may believe that Obama is lying about everything and will actually behave completely differently once elected, but I highly doubt it. In some ways I would like to believe that McCain is actually the one who is lying, and that if elected he would actually do the right thing, instead of what he says he is going to do.

[John]

I'm amazed by the phrase, "Corporate media pro-Republican propaganda," and the statement, "Obama's opponent is the Media." You have to be pretty far to the left when the media isn't liberal enough for you! And if you think the media is for McCain over Obama, you're obviously not paying any attention.

[MsSwin]

And now he has to arrouse our passions???

McCain has been far too busy lately to have to take time to incite us with passion, what with still trying to get past his bomb, bomb, bomb Iran foreign policy position, his running around distancing himself from his top financial who called Americans whiners for complaining about our economy, his disgraceful comments on our Social Security program, his even more disgraceful joke about killing Iranian citizens with foreign cigarettes, to distancing himself from any talk of viagra and even had his 100 year war platform pulled out from under him by Iraq and still had to work hard to find time to deny vets their benefits. He had to try to locate missing non-existent economic supporters and rack his brain for any memory of saying what he said in the first place about his own economic skills. And this was just Monday. Now the poor man has to remember who is what re: Steelers, Sunni, Packers, Shia. Give the man a break. The man is incredible as he still finds time to issue challenges 24/7 for Obama to appear before him.

BTW, I have a challenge for Mr. McCain.

John Sidney McCain is hereby challenged to meet with the little old librarian who was denied access to his public forum on public property, issued a tresspassing ticket and threatened with arrest for simply carrying a sign that said McCain = Bush - to answer a few of HER questions

P.S. My suggestion, as requested by the RNC: Vote Obama.

[Anna S.]

Again, Barack Obama lectures us americans, and tells us how this country should be run. He insults me when he said, don't worry about english being the main language of this country,or hispanics learning english. He also said our children should be forced to learn spanish. Why spanish when there are many other different language speaking people living here ? Obama has few clues about america's values , and I think he doesn't care. You can't lead a country when you are darting all over the map on every issue. I'm an american, I should have the option of not learning a foreign language, or choosing the one I want to learn. Back off Obama, you are not the president yet. And, if people wake up and see you for what you are, they won't vote for you.

[Kat]

Anna S. -- Just how does someone run for president without telling people how he thinks the country should be run? If you don't agree with him, don't vote for him, but you can't criticize him for it. Also, he did NOT say our children should be "forced" to speak Spanish. He said, "You need to make sure your child can speak Spanish," and then he went on simply talking about the benefits of our children being bilingual and learning any second language. He's often talked about schools offering other languages and emphasizing other languages, but I've never heard him say the word "require." So don't worry! I'm sure remaining ignorant will always remain an option for all Americans no matter who wins the election.

[Oregon4Obama]

Poor McCain

He's not fun, not energetic, not in touch with common American People, not funny, not a good speaker, not aware of his own voting record, not organized, not computer or technologically savvy, not compelling, not insightful, not visionary, not intelligent, not compassionate, not interesting........

He IS a War Hero...........and we thank him for that, but its not what we are looking for in a president this time around

"There has never been a good war or a bad peace"
-Benjamin Franklin

[a.davis]

If you Vote for Omaba,Spanish will become our Offical Language.He has alway vote not to make English the Offical Lanuage.

[Jeraldine Zimmerman]

A comment was made for a reason to vote for either one:

VOTE MCCAIN

He's experienced, loyal, patriotic, has been in the Senate for years and years, has knowledge of foreign affairs, would be better leader if (or when) the terrorist bomb us again, does not lie like Obama and has not changed his positions on issues like Obama does almost daily (gun control, partial birth abortions, wiretapping, Iraq, capital punishment, campaign financing, supporting faith based groups, is now wearing a flag pin, first defends Wright and says he's never heard his hate even tho he's been a member of Wright's church for 20 yrs., uses his children in interview & TV to show he's a family man then says he's made a mistake (he does not think this was a mistake, it was a vote-getter moment), says what he thinks will get him elected, has his own 'presidential seal', has said how he'll redecorate the Lincoln bedroom, said he will visit Alaska WHEN he is president (has someone told him there needs to be an election first?), will use a hugh football field for his nomination speech, wants to speak at Brandurnburg Gate in Germany BEFORE Nov. creating controversary in German (this is a US election, Obama).

McCain is a patriot; he has worked with Democrats successfully; he knows how the government operates, he will select a good cabinet, he is correct about Iraq..we cannot cut & run; if we had gone into Afganistan after the Russsians were defeated (with weapon help to the victors by U.S.) and built schools for the young people age 10-18 as Congress talked about but rejected we would not have had the radical clergy takeover and consequently creat the terrorist. If we abandon Iraq now, Iran will take over you can bet the farm on that one.

Obama is not to be trusted. He will say anything to get elected. It seems he does not want the America people to really know him, he keeps the reporters away so much and confuses us with his silver tongued speeches. He has people spell bound, fooled. Wisom comes with age and experience. I too was naive when I first voted but thank God I have gained knowledge and some wisdom.

[Jim Martinson]

I would like to quote from a talk Obama gave to a liberal Christian group "Call to Renewal" in June 2006:

"Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" is a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful that our Defense Department would survive its application."

Now he's attempting to act like a conservation Christian. Does the above quote sound like it would be coming from one? He's phoney.

[Ron M]

Obama understands how the Republicans have won their elections only to pursue policies that have not benefited the majority of its citizens. His plan is to present who he is and what he stands for before his reputation is made on the basis of Republican slurs. The Republicans have won in the past as not being those liberal Democrats. That is not possible because Republicans are held in low esteem. If Obama can convince the people he is not liberal, then McCain has lost because unlike Obama he does not stand for anything and Obama does.

[JW]

Oregon,
Ben Franklin was wrong. When peace is purchased at the price of appeasement it is a bad peace. And war while abhorrent can result in good. Take a look at WWII.
While I do not agree with everything McCain stands for I could never bring myself to vote for Obama.
JW

[Gator-ron]

Obama has a health care plan, to get it passed health people will need to elect congressman that will work constructively on health care. It is our responsibility to insist on it.

[Sean]

This is to Belle Chandler, you make yourself what you are. Obama is not there to help you in any way because you are Black, Purple, or any other color. Get off the poor me attitude. He should do for all people not just blacks. You throw yourself under the bus.

[Anna S.]

Hello Kat,
Snap out of your idol worshiping Obama dream. He is not perfect, but you seem to think so. I may not have stated it word for word, but what I did state was what Obama projected. He sounds like he think he alone has all the answers and knows more about foreign affairs too, than anyone else. There's many more negative things I can say about Obama, but people like you always show your ignorance by running to his defense,and attacking people for what they think. Try to remember, I know Obama has the freedom to think and speak, and I too have the freedom to think for myself and speak. It's called freedom of speech. You should learn how to accept a different point of view without anger.

[BigT]

Obama is going to win. He's the better candidate. McCain promises to uphold the Republican approach (even though he used to be different).

When Bush started office, I was a Republican (though I was a McCain supporter), but now cannot imagine ever voting for a Republican in the near future. Too much at stake. I can't watch America fall any further. I was wrong and am sorry that I voted for Republicans.

[CJ Learner]

Jeraldine - thanks for your opinions about McCain's qualifications. I greatly appreciate the input, at least the positive input re McCain. Pointing out Obama's bad points is not a reason to vote for McCain.

As I mentioned in my 1st post - I'm well aware of both candidates' negatives. That's what has me so depressed. I'm looking for reasons to support one or the other. Not reasons to hate the other guy.

I asked (begged) for posters' reasons to support a candidate, as all the news articles available speak only of campaign slogans and promises by a candidate wanting votes, or negatives of the opponent.

I thought I might think more highly of commenters (hopefully an average cross-section of relatively educated people - at least they read items from the LA Times) than news journalists or the campaign propaganda.

So far, in more than 4 hours, only one person has bothered to give their honest, well-thought out opinion about the candidate of their choice. Jeraldine - thanks again.

Is there anyone else out there who cares to discuss their honest opinion of a particular candidate's qualifications for President?

Again, please - no idol worship; no campaign slogans; and no ragging on the other guy's negatives - just honest, specific examples of why one or the other would be the president this country needs today.

Is there anyone else who just wants to talk about who is qualified to be the next president?

Is there anyone else out there who wants to talk specifics?

Is there anyone else out there who can put away their own egos, their need to "campaign speak", their need to attack others' opinions - for just 5 minutes and talk about reality?

Who is worthy of being this country's President? Who has the necessary experience? Why would a particular candidate's views and goals be good as a leader of Americans for the next 4 years?

Anybody? Please, people -- a little adult discussion of the problem at hand --- picking a president that will help this country before it is too late -

[BigT]

It is amazing how susceptible people are to doubt and innuendo.

In the absence of real criticism, so many people just retreat to "Obama might not be what he seems!"

That could be true of anyone. And if you follow McCain's senate record, you'd know that he has voting record differs sharply with his stated positions.

He opposed tax cuts, now he is for them. He was against harsh interrogation methods, now he is for them. He said we weren't in a recession, now he says we probably are (though his spokesman just thinks we are "whiners"). He was for amnesty, now he is against it. He sidled up to anti-Catholic bigots, and stood by them, until they were accused of anti-semitism. When he tells his POW story, he give an anecdote about the Packers (when in Wisconsin), but then changes his memory and gives the same anectdote about the Steelers (when in Pennsylvania).

But having said all that... he's one heck of a politician. You don't last for decades in the senate without talking out of both sides of your mouth. And, I think if you want a slick politician for president, one who can stiff you and make you feel good about it, McCain is a seasoned professional.

[dave]

is it the people who picked the candidates, or are they merely presented to them as their prime choices? who are the other candidates, maybe not in the media limelight? what are their respective credentials, how consistent or inconsistent are their voting records, their message and actions over the years? are you capable of investigating these things and to make up your mind on who might be worthiest and most qualified, without waiting for anyone to tell you what to think, and which, or whose, positions are 'acceptable' or 'loony' to the self-appointed social 'leaders' of all colors? all the info is out there, it's in your neighborhood, your family, community, or even available at some simple mouseclicks.

[Michael Huppman (Folsom, PA)]

John McCain abandons his injured first wife do to some more womanizing.....no integrity. John McCain flip-flopping like a fish on Immigration, domestic oil drilling, public finance...no integrity. The reason he could not obtain the nomination in past elections? Not conservative enough, so he changes his positions to maintain the Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck base. Look at his campaign filled with lobbyists and special interests.

[Black Political Analysis]

John McCain increasingly reminds me of Bob Dole. Yet, that is no reason to assume Obama runs away with victory in November. Kerry and Gore had no reason to lose to Bush in '04 and '00 respectively, but they managed to bungle the election with inept campaigning (Republican shenanigans in Ohio and Florida aside). My point is that Democrats, like many football teams, don't know how to hold a lead in the 2nd half. If you're an Obama supporter, don't get cocky, if you're a McCain supporter, don't give up.

[peter]

Obama, potical science professor. Democratic Partie:lame.
McCain, ordinary people. Repubican Partie: of the people.

[frank paslay]

how can obama be elected-he is not even a AMERICAN citizen-by statues of the UNITED STATES

[Marross]

Obama's handlers know how to run a slick campaign - there's no doubt about that. However, Obama himself is an arrogant, shallow opportunist with no experience or credentials to be President. He is not even hardworking or diligent in his efforts to make change - he just talks about it. Look at his record. He manages to attach his name to the efforts of others in order to get undeserved credit. He lies at every turn and then uses reverse psychology to paint himself as the injured party. And the media eats it up! You would think they don't have a brain in their heads. Same goes for his supporters. I guess P.T. Barnum was right about a sucker being born every minute...

[Undecided in La.]

If you believe Obama can provide all the programs he has promised in these economic times. They haven't done an
A or B job...it's A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I'm a life-long Democrat, but we can not afford them and
keep Social Security and Medicare alive.