Hot Air Mobile
Home The Vault Gear About
Hot Air -- get your fill


Unconfirmed exit polls: McCain 34.3, Mitt 32.6, Rudy 15.3; Update: Big conservative turnout; Update: 43% say Crist endorsement mattered

posted at 6:03 pm on January 29, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | regular view

Geraghty’s got ‘em. Absentee ballots aren’t included but I can’t think of a reason why they’d break dramatically differently, unless Rudy does a few points better from people who mailed theirs in when he was still riding reasonably high. InTrade’s already rocketing on the news but take that for the nothing it’s worth.

Ominously for Mitt, immigration seems not to have figured heavily.

We stand before the abyss, my friends, as VDH sounds the terrible cry: SECOND LOOK AT McCAIN!

Update: Fox is running demographic exit polls now. McCain wins among seniors and veterans — but only by a point(!) — and crushes Giuliani among Hispanics, 50-26. Romney wins on immigration, 45-26, but on the key issue, the economy, McCain wins by four.

Mitt crushes Huckabee among evangelicals.

Update: Looky.

Interesting. I’m now hearing that absentees made up one third of the total vote (this is from the source who believed the numbers were the first wave) and the absentees preferred Romney, 34 percent to 28 percent. Giuliani is described as “far behind.”

Why would absentees differ so much?

Update: Romney had better win because if Maverick scores a closed primary with conservative turnout unusually high, the “base hates McCain” narrative is in trouble for Super Tuesday.

Update: More exits from Fox. The Crist endorsement helped McCain, late deciders split almost evenly, 37-36 for Mitt. A plurality prefer McCain to Romney as commander in chief, 41-28. And most interesting: Rudy’s supporters say Romney was their second choice by a margin of three points over McCain.

Update: Dean Barnett e-mails to say that Geraghty’s numbers do include the absentees, which makes things grimmer for Mitt.


Blowback

Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.

Trackbacks/Pings

Trackback URL

Comments

Comment pages: 1 2 3 ... 5

Well, that’ll be disappointing if it holds up. But I already did my second look at McCain. There will be no third.

Spirit of 1776 on January 29, 2008 at 6:04 PM

Oh well.

MikeZero on January 29, 2008 at 6:05 PM

Remember 2004…remember 2004…rememb…

Oh, to heck with it. Not happy about it, but not really surprised.

Slublog on January 29, 2008 at 6:06 PM

Already know what I will do if McCain takes this one. =D

It is just annoying as any vote for him is going to be wasted in the long run as he has zero chance of getting in to the White House.

Voidseeker on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM

Ominously for Mitt, immigration seems not to have figured heavily.

Ominously for us.

Valiant on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM

I’m shocked! Mitt outspent him 15-1 in the state, conservative talk radio declared war on Mac, and Mac can’t win amongst Republicans only. Or can he?

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM

We really need Fred back!

ConservativePartyNow on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM

Well, that’ll be disappointing if it holds up. But I already did my second look at McCain. There will be no third.

Spirit of 1776 on January 29, 2008 at 6:04 PM

Ditto.

McVain has learned nothing and has absolutely zero respect for the conservative in the party. I’ll be returning the favor to him on election night should he become the nominee.

thirteen28 on January 29, 2008 at 6:09 PM

Mitt crushes Huckabee among evangelicals.

My faith in my faithful brothers is justified.

peski on January 29, 2008 at 6:09 PM

Oh noes! Does this mean we’ll have a bitter dude with a history of having temper tantrums at the helm?!?

I’m sure the MSM will say McCain is now the defacto nominee.

NTWR on January 29, 2008 at 6:09 PM

Of course we must remember that FL is allowing independants to vote. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-129electionday,0,6968764,print.story

ConservativePartyNow on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

Mitt by 3, but the dinosaur media will spin it as a win for McCain. Only democrats see losses as wins!

SouthernGent on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

I’m sure the MSM will say McCain is now the defacto nominee.

NTWR on January 29, 2008 at 6:09 PM

Ding.

peski on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

Oh how I hope this is wrong. It’s going to be a looooooong year if its right.

bj1126 on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

Eh, it’s still early. I remember the exit polls had Obama winning New Hampshire too.

This is still too close to call, especially as the polls are still open and people coming home from work are still voting–i.e. republicans.

Vanceone on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

people coming home from work are still voting–i.e. republicans.

Vanceone on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

lol

peski on January 29, 2008 at 6:11 PM

Which areas are they getting the exit polls from? Strong Mitt areas or strong McLiar areas or neither?

csdeven on January 29, 2008 at 6:11 PM

peski on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

Hard to say otherwise… would be up in delegates and has a very favorable field on Feb 5.

Vizzini on January 29, 2008 at 6:12 PM

Still to early and still too close. Mitt can still win and the polls are open so I have to wonder is the is ploy to get mitt people out to vote ?

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:12 PM

I’m shocked! Mitt outspent him 15-1 in the state, conservative talk radio declared war on Mac, and Mac can’t win amongst Republicans only. Or can he?

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM

Well, we know he wins among Hispanics. Hope it was worth what it might cost.

a capella on January 29, 2008 at 6:12 PM

unless Rudy does a few points better from people who mailed theirs in when he was still riding reasonably high.

Rudy was pushing absentee & early voting for a while.

I’m shocked! Mitt outspent him 15-1 in the state, conservative talk radio declared war on Mac, and Mac can’t win amongst Republicans only. Or can he?

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM

About one in seven voters defined themselves as Independents, according to the AP. We already know Independents were allowed to vote.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM

I thought the Cuban population was for LEGAL immigration. wtf?

Sugar Land on January 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM

Ominously for Mitt, immigration seems not to have figured heavily.
Ominously for us.

Valiant on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM

Ominous,indeed . It is incredible that no Rep. candidate was able to frame this issue to garner the votes of the 70 to 80% of Americans who repudiated McCain-Kennedy. And were so incensed that they (we) shut down the Capitol switchboard. Mitt is the last hope to NOT sign Shamnesty ‘09, if it passes Congress.

fred5678 on January 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM

Say it ain’t so!!!!

I will not vote for John McCain come November. I will would rather have the country to down the tubes under a democrat than republican. I don’t see too much difference in McCain or the top two dems. I either won’t vote or will go 3rd party. Heck I might even write in my own name.

USBB on January 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM

Fox exit polls:
Mitt TIES McCain among Military voters???

McCain leads Mitt among voters worried about the economy???

Is this a wacked up exit poll or what??

Always Right on January 29, 2008 at 6:14 PM

I thought the Cuban population was for LEGAL immigration. wtf?

Sugar Land on January 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM

One in 10 voters were Hispanic (according to the exit polls), only half of which were Cuban.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:14 PM

In November, can we have a do-over? Or a spot that says “None of the Above”?

CrimsonFisted on January 29, 2008 at 6:15 PM

And don’t forget the FL panhandle – CST.

fred5678 on January 29, 2008 at 6:15 PM

SECOND LOOK AT OBAMA!

McCain can go to Hell

Gregor on January 29, 2008 at 6:15 PM

Lowry says he’s hearing McCain 33, Romney 32.

Slublog on January 29, 2008 at 6:15 PM

I think the Cuban voters were probably swayed by the endorsement of Senator Amnesty Martinez for McCain.

Always Right on January 29, 2008 at 6:16 PM

Whoops. Messed that link up.

Here’s the real link.

Slublog on January 29, 2008 at 6:16 PM

“He said to me, ‘Are you Democrat or Republican?’ I said, ‘Neither, I am independent.’ He said, ‘Well, you have to pick one,”’ Nirenberg said.

In Florida, only those who declare a party are allowed to cast a vote in that party’s presidential primary.

Nirenberg said he tried to explain to the poll worker that he should not vote on a party ballot because of his “no party affiliation” status.

Nirenberg said a second poll worker was called over who agreed that independents should not use party ballots, but said they had received instructions to the contrary.

“He said, ‘Ya know, that is kind of funny, but it was what we were told.’ … I was shocked when they told me that.” Nirenberg said he went ahead and voted for John McCain.blockquote> (from link supplied by ConservativePartyNow on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM)

Sounds like Rush was right again!

NTWR on January 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM

Way too close to call. Mitt and McCain are only 1 point away from each other. Most polls don’t even close for 45 minutes, and anyone in line by that time will be allowed to vote after 7. Panhandle precincts don’t close until 8, and the same rule applies to them.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM

Hey AP, you 35? If those exit polls hold up, it looks like plan Z for me (write-in).

steveegg on January 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM

One in 10 voters were Hispanic (according to the exit polls), only half of which were Cuban.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:14 PM

And, most of the nonCubans probably have someone in the old home country who would like to come across unimpeded, so they can run back home, touch base, and get a reward.

a capella on January 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM

Dang, the one time I don’t preview. Sorry ’bout that.

NTWR on January 29, 2008 at 6:18 PM

We already know Independents were allowed to vote.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM

Where does this sit legally? If they allowed independents to vote, would that be overturned on a challenge?

Gregor on January 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM

AP,

You posted the wrong image for your “Up all night” caption. (And please…. Rhonda Shear, not Gilbert Gottfried)

Dave Shay on January 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM

NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

*pulls razor from bottom drawer*
*roles up sleeve*
*starts digging*…

Gartrip on January 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM

Here’s a question to start thinking about right now out of the Bitter Dregs dept:

Would John McCain be willing to smear and lie about his fellow Senate colleagues Obama or Clinton in a general election the same way he has smeared and lied about his non-senate colleague Romney in the primary??

Always Right on January 29, 2008 at 6:20 PM

Where does this sit legally? If they allowed independents to vote, would that be overturned on a challenge?

Gregor on January 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM

Could challenge each vote individually if Mitt wanted to.
Dont think he would ask for a recount being its Florida and it would take too much effort.

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:20 PM

Where does this sit legally? If they allowed independents to vote, would that be overturned on a challenge?

Gregor on January 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM

Ooooh, election-fraud-lawsuit-mania part deux! I can’t wait!

NTWR on January 29, 2008 at 6:20 PM

Where does this sit legally? If they allowed independents to vote, would that be overturned on a challenge?

Gregor on January 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM

From what I know, you must be declared to vote. However, we already know that at least one I voted, and the AP reports a significantly larger (1 in 7 voters) called themselves Is.

Can’t say as far as challenges go.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:21 PM

Of course we must remember that FL is allowing independants to vote. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-129electionday,0,6968764,print.story

ConservativePartyNow on January 29, 2008 at 6:10 PM

Someone told poll workers that Independents GET TO CHOOSE a party ballot to vote on?? It better damn well be a single case in FL, but if not there should be some hell to pay. If this was done state wide and McCain wins I will be beyond livid.

Voidseeker on January 29, 2008 at 6:21 PM

Update: Looky.

Thanks. Hope springs eternal for the anti-McCain voter! Or until Fox calls it.

Spirit of 1776 on January 29, 2008 at 6:21 PM

Don’t forget folks that the panhandle IS McCain’s strongest area. Romnee better put him away or early or it’s bye bye.

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:22 PM

It better damn well be a single case in FL, but if not there should be some hell to pay.

Voidseeker on January 29, 2008 at 6:21 PM

At least one poll worker (according to that story) says he/she was instructed to do so. The AP reports one in seven voters considered themselves Independents (via Halperin).

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:22 PM

Damn you Rush you mess up all the machines with that extra vote !

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:22 PM

independents

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:22 PM

The panhandle had me worried because there are a lot of military bases there and I’d assume McCain would run strong there, but the Fox exit poll that has Mitt virtually TIED with McCain among military voters has me totally stumped and maybe hoping the panhandle doesnt turn out so bad for mitt.

Always Right on January 29, 2008 at 6:23 PM

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:22 PM

Might want to hold off counting chickens there, bub.

Slublog on January 29, 2008 at 6:24 PM

What did I just say? Read, don’t think.

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:25 PM

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM

The panhandle should break for Mitt.

lorien1973 on January 29, 2008 at 6:26 PM

Can one say the endorsements and pandering by other pro amnesty shills didn’t effect the early and Absentees votes?

oh please oh lord allow Florida to stick a fork in McLame and let him know he is done.

Mojack420 on January 29, 2008 at 6:27 PM

did I also hear the fox exit poll say that evangelicals were breaking strongly for Mitt as opposed to Huck??

That just CANT be right can it?

Always Right on January 29, 2008 at 6:28 PM

What did I just say? Read, don’t think.
THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:25 PM

A troll says what?

Slublog on January 29, 2008 at 6:28 PM

My guess is the early in the day votes favor McCain since the senior citizens favored him and they have nothing to do in the morning but go vote. The afternoon and early evening votes will be those with jobs, which may favor Mitt. I say Mitt by 3 1/2.

bopbottle on January 29, 2008 at 6:28 PM

Unlike most other commenters here, I do like McCain’s independence. But there is independence and then there is arrogance. McCain is arrogant in his unresponsive to the strong feelings that most conservatives have about the extreme level of immigration into this country. Most of us want the illegals to go back home and not be given citizenship. And not only is he unresponsive, he lies about his unresponsiveness in ways that are easy to detect. It’s a matter of basic respect to only lie when it takes some effort to determine you are lying. McCain does not show us that level of respect. I’m voting Democratic for president in 2008, if McCain is the nominee. We have to do better than let another amnesty zealot be our nominee in 2012.

On the other hand, Romney “flip-flopped” on immigration. Perhaps, we should stop condemning flip-flopping. Instead, isn’t it good that Romney saw the light on this issue?

thuja on January 29, 2008 at 6:28 PM

Why would absentees differ so much?

If those absentee voters are anything like this absentee voter it’s because they carefully looked at all the info and realized Mitt’s the only one with the breadth of knowledge and the people skills to win! (How’s that for a shameless plug?)

NTWR on January 29, 2008 at 6:28 PM

A lot of those guys in the panhandle vote late in the day( active duty)and many have already done so by early ballot. Mitt has to win the central orlando area like 5-1. Because that’s exactly what Mac’s doing to him with the Cubans. Juan Plantation McShamnesty Habla Espanol?

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:29 PM

I already posted this at MM about the Indie who voted for McCain:

This is in southeast Florida, home to liberals. As such they never seem to get their act together.

Dr. Brenda Snipes, is the Supervisor of Elections in this county, Broward. She is a Democrat. This is the county that was home to the “hanging chads” of 2000. (Palm Beach was home to the “butterfly ballot.”). Broward has been a mess that never seems to get cleaned up.

While Dr. Snipes was not the SoE there during 2000, it is her responsibility to make sure that all poll workers are properly trained.

Please do not think that all Florida counties are like this. I have a relative who was SoE in a north Florida county for decades who ran a clean, tight, ethical ship.

INC on January 29, 2008 at 6:29 PM

On the other hand, Romney “flip-flopped” on immigration. Perhaps, we should stop condemning flip-flopping. Instead, isn’t it good that Romney saw the light on this issue?

Tancredo supports him and cites his record. Good enough for me on this issue.

Spirit of 1776 on January 29, 2008 at 6:29 PM

US by birth, troll by the grace of god.

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:30 PM

US by birth, troll by the grace of god.

Okay, that made me laugh.

Darn it.

Slublog on January 29, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Mitt will draw pretty heavy with active duty personnel; McCain with the retirees (or those who don’t care about illegal immigration). The Panhadle could break even if Huckabee totally bombs.

michaelo on January 29, 2008 at 6:30 PM

US by birth, troll by the grace of god.

Darn dont steal Huck’s slogan

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:32 PM

Hanging chads, anyone? :D

michaelo on January 29, 2008 at 6:32 PM

There are approximately 10 million registered voters in Florida. Election officials were predicting about a 40-50% turnout. Let’s assume the lower number. Then compare that to the 1 million absentee and early ballots cast. The absentee ballots will have a big impact in such a tight race.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:32 PM

As far as the panhandle being for McCain, this is from a story mid-afternoon today from Panama City:

We spoke to some exit pollers and looked at their numbers. These numbers are unofficial but it looks like Mitt Romney is ahead by a landslide in the area.

They go on to say, “All this could change,” but then we all know that.

INC on January 29, 2008 at 6:32 PM

Interesting. I’m now hearing that absentees made up one third of the total vote (this is from the source who believed the numbers were the first wave) and the absentees preferred Romney, 34 percent to 28 percent. Giuliani is described as “far behind.”

This is very interesting. I would think that this might indicate that the night might be good to Mitt.

bnelson44 on January 29, 2008 at 6:34 PM

Why would absentees differ so much?

Most Florida Romney supporters realized (once Fred got out) that he was the only conservative left and didn’t need to wait till election day to find out more about the candidates.

malan89 on January 29, 2008 at 6:34 PM

The illegal alien vote doesn’t figure in polls. Mccain’s whole strategy in Florida was to win it with the illegals. That’s why they put out that picture of the open borders creep in their campaign office. I expect McCain will win it +4.

Buddahpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:36 PM

Hmm. Allah’s latest update says stuff about a closed repub primary.

Is it closed or not? I know it’s supposed to be… but is it?

Vanceone on January 29, 2008 at 6:36 PM

Heck, my Second Look at McCain occurred 15 years ago.

The verdict then, as now and every time in between is : Thumbs down.

I have been teetering on whether to sit out the election if he or the Huckster get the nomination. Every time McCain has said something the last week or two, its like the guy on the ’sit it out’ side of the teeter-totter eats a Big Mac and the guy on the ‘hold my nose and vote for the Rep. nominee’ side is getting very anorexic.

LegendHasIt on January 29, 2008 at 6:37 PM

Nobody exit polled me or my wife. Mitt, 32.8.

And Yes on 1.

franklinstein on January 29, 2008 at 6:37 PM

Romney had better win because if Maverick wins a closed primary with conservative turnout unusually high, the “base hates McCain” narrative is in trouble for Super Tuesday.

If McCain wins by any margin tonight, then he has the nomination. If Mitt wins by a small margin, then we have a long race ahead of us. If Mitt wins by a large margin, who knows?

bnelson44 on January 29, 2008 at 6:38 PM

This is very interesting. I would think that this might indicate that the night might be good to Mitt.

bnelson44 on January 29, 2008 at 6:34 PM

You would think. I will personally eat some crow on my prediction of early ballots going toward Rudy. Maybe people saw writing on the wall and voted accordingly. I’m still thinking Mitt will pull by 1-2% = long night.

SkinnerVic on January 29, 2008 at 6:38 PM

Interesting

According to the Florida Secretary of State’s office, more than 474,000 Republicans and just over 400,000 Democrats have already voted. Early voting began January 14 and ended Sunday.

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:38 PM

I have yet to predict victory, I’m nervous as a hoar in church. If Romnee buys, I mean wins tonight. Mac is done, but could be a real hard a$$ at the convention. I doubt he would though, probably choosing to step aside with class like he has for HIS ENTIRE LIFE. Tonight, though only one of these candidates has Right on his side. I know it, you know it, and worst of all you know that I know that you know it.

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:39 PM

Pasco County (Tampa area) is the key for Mitt. If he wins (especially if he wins big) there it’ll be a good night for him. At least that’s what the article on Real Clear Politics said.

SouthernGent on January 29, 2008 at 6:40 PM

Is it closed or not? I know it’s supposed to be… but is it?

Vanceone on January 29, 2008 at 6:36 PM

Hard to tell. As has been posted here, there was at least one report of an Independent voting, and poll workers having been instructed to offer them a ballot of their choice.

Also, Halperin:

About one in seven voters in each party’s primary described themselves as independents.

I could be reading that wrong, though.

amerpundit on January 29, 2008 at 6:41 PM

Why is McCain and Democrats getting so many votes? Americans are stupid! God help our Country.

abinitioadinfinitum on January 29, 2008 at 6:41 PM

McCain and class in the same sentence? Dude, can I have some of what you are smoking? It will make me LOTS of money in San Fransisco.

Vanceone on January 29, 2008 at 6:41 PM

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:39 PM

You have HOARS at your church??? You need to seriously have them turn up the heater…

SkinnerVic on January 29, 2008 at 6:41 PM

Relax folks- it’s still too soon to be drawing any conclusions.

Of course, that’s easy to say when you don’t have a horse in the race…

Hollowpoint on January 29, 2008 at 6:42 PM

Mark my earlier words people….McCain wins by 3 points. Maybe 4.

JetBoy on January 29, 2008 at 6:42 PM

Romney had better win because if Maverick wins a closed primary with conservative turnout unusually high

Well the Paulnuts call themselves conservative so I take that with a grain of salt

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:42 PM

Relax folks- it’s still too soon to be drawing any conclusions.

Of course, that’s easy to say when you don’t have a horse in the race…

Hollowpoint on January 29, 2008 at 6:42 PM

Aw, c’mon, you at least want to screw McCain for all the times he’s screwed conservatives, dontcha?

doubleplusundead on January 29, 2008 at 6:43 PM

You would think. I will personally eat some crow on my prediction of early ballots going toward Rudy. Maybe people saw writing on the wall and voted accordingly. I’m still thinking Mitt will pull by 1-2% = long night.

SkinnerVic on January 29, 2008 at 6:38 PM

If early voting started on 1/14, Rudy was already tanking by then.

bnelson44 on January 29, 2008 at 6:43 PM

You want the Mac, “conservative” voters?

You got him.

*gets Jack Daniels ready*

Hawkins1701 on January 29, 2008 at 6:43 PM

I still have hope even if McCain wins in Florida.

We can’t give up hope.

As McCain gets cockier and cockier he’s bound to have his Howard Dean moment. He’s gonna crack, trust me. Then he’ll be toast.

Remember his “Star Wars” remarks from the last campaign?

Don’t lose heart people!

Conservaboomer on January 29, 2008 at 6:44 PM

If early voting started on 1/14, Rudy was already tanking by then.

bnelson44 on January 29, 2008 at 6:43 PM

Which may explain why Mitt is doing well in the prevote.

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:44 PM

i’m getting a sicking feeling in my stomach.

therightwinger on January 29, 2008 at 6:45 PM

There are hoars in EVERY church.

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:45 PM

There are hoars in EVERY church.

THE CHOSEN ONE on January 29, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Huckabee shouldnt be talked about like that.

William Amos on January 29, 2008 at 6:46 PM

McCain wins the crab vote.

Walks backwards, pinches viciously.

profitsbeard on January 29, 2008 at 6:46 PM

Comment pages: 1 2 3 ... 5


You must be logged in to post a comment.