USA: McCain hoping to capitalise on drawn out Democratic fight for the presidential nomination

Record ID: 347685

  • Title: USA: McCain hoping to capitalise on drawn out Democratic fight for the presidential nomination
  • Date: 3rd April 2008
  • Summary: (W5) WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (APRIL 2, 2008) (REUTERS) CARROLL DOHERTY OF THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER OF THE PEOPLE WORKING AT COMPUTER (SOUNDBITE) (English) CARROLL DOHERTY OF THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER OF THE PEOPLE SAYING: "He's doing pretty well among swing voters. He's probably doing better among swing voters at this point than any other Republican potential nominee
  • Embargoed: 18th April 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA28L707OGAU2I4D0ZAZY04N01S
  • Story Text: Despite fears over divisiveness, Democrats still lead McCain in head to head polls.
    Senator John McCain has been the last man standing in the Republican race for several weeks. While Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton continue to fight for their party's nomination without a clear end date, McCain is hoping to sure up his Republican base and attract independents. Carroll Doherty of the Pew Research Center of the People is making some traction in gathering swing voters but he's still needs more if he hopes to win the presidency.

    "He's doing pretty well among swing voters. He's probably doing better among swing voters at this point than any other Republican potential nominees would have. But, he's yet to close the deal though," said Carroll.
    According to the latest poll release by the Pew Research Center, Obama and Clinton both lead McCain by at least five percentage points in a head to head match up with the Republican. Despite concerns by some in the Democratic party, the longer fight for the nomination between Clinton and Obama has yet to have a statistical impact on the race.
    By comparing herself to the Sylvester Stallone film character "Rocky" at a campaign event on Tuesday, Hillary Clinton showed once again that she would stay in the race despite the chorus of voices urging her to step aside. "Let me tell you something," she said. "When it comes to finishing the fight, Rocky and I have a lot in common. I never quit.
    I never give up."
    Carroll Doherty says Pew's research has shown no indication that either the Democratic party, or the party's chances of success in November, are being damaged by the ongoing struggle between Clinton and Obama.

    "There's no real evidence that it has taken a big toll as yet. I think what they are looking towards is a long time of divisiveness and bitterness to a head. As of now, it hasn't really taken that much of a toll," said Doherty.
    In Pennsylvania, Clinton tops McCain 48 to 40 percent and Obama leads the Arizona senator 43 percent to 39 percent. The Pennsylvania primary is set for April 22.
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