Oklahomans may not be excited about this year's presidential campaign, but most of them know who they're going to vote for.
And it's not Barack Obama.
The latest Oklahoma Poll, a statewide survey of 750 likely voters conducted July 19-23, found little support — and some outright hostility — for the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
Republican John McCain, meanwhile, attracted broad, if sometimes tepid, support to lead Obama by 32 percentage points, 56 percent to 24 percent.
Seventy-one percent said they are firm in their decisions.
"Oklahomans have their minds made up and they aren't going to change come hell or high water, no matter what," said poll consultant Al Soltow, vice president for research at the University of Tulsa.
A trend, noted in national polls, of a substantial core of dedicated supporters for Obama is not evident in the Oklahoma Poll.
"The enthusiasm that Obama has generated in other parts of the country is certainly not evident here," Soltow said.
In fact, enthusiasm for the campaign in general seems to be quite low.
Overall, 38 percent of those surveyed said they were more enthusiastic than usual about this year's elections. About 32 percent said this year's elections will make an important difference in the lives of themselves and their families.
Only those describing themselves as liberals indicated much excitement about this year's elections.
"That goes a long way to explaining the low turnout in the primary," Soltow said, referring to elections last week in which fewer than 20 percent of Oklahoma's registered voters participated.
"I would rather have had somebody different than John McCain on the Republican side, but I can't even believe who the Democrats picked," said poll respondent Billy Garrison, a registered Democrat who often votes Republican.
"I know our country will be in bad shape if Barack Obama is elected president," said Garrison of Tulsa.
Another erstwhile Democrat, Charles Ogdon of Muldrow, said he believes Obama will be the next president, in part because Ogdon believes an Obama presidency would fit biblical prophesies concerning Armageddon and the Second Coming.
"I know the news media give John McCain fits and are for Barack Obama, but tell me, what has Barack Obama done?" he said.
When asked what they most disliked about McCain, the No. 1 answer (at 20 percent) was "nothing."
Lack of experience was the most frequently listed shortcoming for Obama.
McCain's greatest liability, in fact, may be President Bush. Many of those supporting Obama said they were ready for a change of direction.
"Honestly, it amazed me when the Republicans began talking about putting George Bush on the ticket back in 1999," said Fred Weinecke, a former Republican who recently changed his registration to Democrat. "Most likely he's done more damage to the Republican Party than anybody ever. He's probably going to be the one who elects Barack Obama."
Harry Jackson said the 71-year-old McCain's age has "caught up with him."
"I think we need a younger man with some ideas to change things up a little," he said.
"I have confidence in (Obama's) judgment, in his ability to make good decisions," said Jackie Pizarro of Tulsa. "We've needed that for a long time."
1 comment:
Pure fear of a black President.
"What do you like about Obama? 26% Nothing"
JC Watts would have received the same number. Tulsans hate anyone who is ain't lily-white.
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