Deseret News | Utahns shift their support to McCain in a new poll

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Utahns shift their support to McCain in a new poll

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xscribe | 9:52 a.m. May 21, 2008

Anyone who votes republican in this election, after what this country has become in the last 8 years, is just plain out of touch. By the way, it's obvious T-Bone is a conservative; they just seem to make a response without sarcastically putting others down. Hope I spelled everything correctly!!

don't lose any sleep | 9:57 a.m. May 21, 2008

I certainly hope our hardcore Republican Utahns don't experience too many sleepless nights over this.
The way the voters booted Republicans out of the House and Senate recently plus the record-number of people registering as Democrats - it would appear that the American people have already spoken - no matter what red state Utah does.

Joe Moe | 9:58 a.m. May 21, 2008

@T-Rex 8:20

Go libby lemmings! I just KNOW you'll vote for the Democratic candidate because you ALWAYS do because you're such mindless LEMMINGS! I know it can't be because of a rational thought or sincere policy views, because you're so obviously just WRONG and BRAINWASHED! I know that because ANYONE who disagrees with me and mine, and keeps on agreeing with others are just SHEEP!

*Sigh*

Comments continue below

Lewt | 10:03 a.m. May 21, 2008

I don't get it. Colorado assumes everyone is LDS, thinks all of "us" should unite behind Ron Paul, THEN advises us to "think for yourselves". Looks like everyone HAS been thinking and reached the identical conclusion that McCain's OK after all. I'm still thinking about that Genghis Kahn guy.

no surprise... | 10:05 a.m. May 21, 2008

Ahhh the sheeple of Utah never disappoint.

greenskeeper | 10:08 a.m. May 21, 2008

Colorado,
I could not agree with you more. Ron Paul is the only choice if you really want a strong U.S.A. The fact that Utahns have now sided with McCain is beyond belief. Think for yourselves people. You are a bunch of sheep towing the (Republican)party line. Take a stance of your own and think. It's amazing how liberating it is.
p.s. Just because you read it in the papers, see it on television, or read it on the internet doesn't make it true.

Awesome | 10:12 a.m. May 21, 2008

I always wonder why if people here think Utah is so stupid that they don't just leave.

Robert | 10:31 a.m. May 21, 2008

to Brian Maxwell:

Thank you for your comment. It helps to real personal experiences. However, I do not agree with you when you say that Jones polls are "deadly accurate". I do not have dates or other specific information, but I recall several polls that were not at all accurate. You may remember them. A few years back, Jones reported a poll before a primary election in SL County. The poll results differed so much from actual votes that Jones felt obligated to make a written statement, published in the DNews, explaining -- or attempting to explain -- the discrepancy. Another poll published just before the legislature's vote on funding for education reported a result so favorable to the UEA that, with Jones's connections with the UEA, many readers couldn't help but conclude that the poll was bogus.

My point is that the DNews owes its readers more than just poll results. It owes them an explanation of its efforts to ensure accuracy. Are you aware of any audit conducted by the paper to verify that polls are, in fact, actually conducted, and to verify actual results?

Wake Up Utah | 10:34 a.m. May 21, 2008

I do not understand how Mormon's and all other's who say they love the freedom's we have, continue to support people who constantly and blatantly break their oath's of office. They pledge to support the constitution and then throw it on the ground and walk all over it. Both parties stink and their leadership need to be voted out including the three clowns running for office. They break constitutional law every time they open their mouths. I am a registered republican and there is no way I could vote for McCain, nor can I vote for either Obama or Clinton. Wake up Utah, you are voting your constitutional freedoms right down the drain and if you do not wake up now they will be lost forever more.

Joe Moe | 10:42 a.m. May 21, 2008

I am a Democrat and even I can't believe how much people are buying into the line by Democratic party elders and pundits that a vote for McCain is a vote for four more years of Bush. Can no one remember the past ten years and how the two have butted heads? They play nice now to make a show for solidarity, but they are totally different. Agreeing on a couple of issues does not make them equivalent. I for one wish McCain had been president instead of Bush these past eight years. Oh, I wish.

By the way, I'm not really a Democrat, but I just "love" how people throw that kind of unverifiable line in as if it impacted on the content. It's frequently used as a "Trojan horse" of sorts. Like the guy that says, "I'm LDS but President Monson is a fake" or "I'm Republican and I hate everything they've done the last 30 years." Whatever.

Of course, I did like UtahRepublican, who obviously wasn't Republican, but he was so sarcastic everyone knew it. And he was just plain funny in his jabs at the local GOP. Where'd he go?

Colorado | 10:44 a.m. May 21, 2008

Lewt. You just don't get it do you? The fact that I've done my own research, is the reason Ron Paul is obviously our only choice. It's not that I think everyone's LDS. It's the fact that it's everyone's Constitution. That's the core of our society and form of government. Do you get it Lewt? Think beyond your petty prejudices.

CB | 11:04 a.m. May 21, 2008

It appears that there will be no Republican on the presidential ballot this year, just a conservative Democrat calling himself a Republican and a Radical. Obama will have to be given the nomination, else we'll have the inner cities put to the torch. But a lot can happen before November. Even Teddy Kennedy doesn't have enough clout to change the course of the future.

Patriot1787 | 11:15 a.m. May 21, 2008

OUT OF TOUCH: 7:56 am

I would suggest that you study the constitution and do so thoroughly and then tell this forum which candidate is most in line with the Constitution. Ron Paul may seem out of touch because so few people actually know what the constitution says and the principles upon which it was written. However, a thorough study of the Constitution (not just a casual reading) and Ron Paul's record for the past 25 years will show you you he is not out of touch but it is the others that are out of touch.

I'm confident in the American people that if we all took the time necessary to understand the Constitution and then compare the 3 main candidates with the Founding Fathers - the vast majority would agree that none of the 3, nor Mitt, nor Huckabee would be a wise choice and that ONLY RON PAUL or CHUC BALDWIN would be the only choice to lead our country today.

Some Utah Mormon | 11:21 a.m. May 21, 2008

Mainstream Republicans, say Mormons are pro-choice, unchristian, and a cult. Yet year after year Utahns vote Republican for their "values" hah!

We need to wake up and do our own research instead of listening to Rebublican (fear and propoganda) tactics.

Send a message to the rest of the country that we won't blindly follow our fear amd vote, Obama 08!

Mark | 11:28 a.m. May 21, 2008

I bet the conservatives will play the "fear" card plenty before November... Fear of terrorism, fear that Democrats will take away their guns, fear that some poor girl will chose to have an abortion...

And fear works best in paranoid Utah.

To Mahershalalhashbaz | 11:39 a.m. May 21, 2008

Be careful when you criticize someone else's spelling and grammar, because Skitt's Law will always jump up and bite you.

can"t
can"t
can"t
can"t
can"t
can"t

THIS JUST IN.... | 11:54 a.m. May 21, 2008

Salt water found in Great Salt Lake.

Why is this even considered news?

Anonymous | 11:53 a.m. May 21, 2008

Joe Moe certainly is amusing.

Ron Paul? | 12:14 p.m. May 21, 2008

Ha Ha HaHa
Ha HaHa

That's a good one.

Anonymous | 12:14 p.m. May 21, 2008

It is about time that Utahns got wise and threw their support behind McCain. We are at a critical juncture in U.S. history, and we need to be careful not to allow Democratic socialism to take over the White House for no other reason than because people want to see history made by electing either the first woman or the first African-American. Making trivial annotations in the history books is the last thing we need to be concerned about.

my word on the subject | 12:23 p.m. May 21, 2008

I will admit that I am a Bush Supporter...so go ahead and bash that, I am ready! But as for this election and the issues-I agree that we should have gone to Iraq and I think we can't just pull out all the sudden. We created the mess and we need to clean it up and help their gov't. I will be voting for McCain this year becuase I am Republican. I do not agree with everything he stands for but I do believe he is the best one for the job. I do not want to ever see another President Clinton!! I do have to say though that if a Dem does become President it's okay by me becuase in 4 years Republicans will be back in office becuase we will have to clean up the mess they have left! Then I can have the bumper sticker "Don't hate me I voted Republican".
And as for Utahns being concerned about abortion, gay marriage, and burning of the flag....I guess that is why people want to move here from other states and countries becuase of our MORALS!

MIke | 12:33 p.m. May 21, 2008

Before Utahns blindly support John McCain, maybe they ought to do a little more research on his personal life. To see if this is really the kind of person they want as president. And, if you love war you gotta love McCain.

Anonymous | 12:32 p.m. May 21, 2008

Anonymous 12:14 -
The post is very telling.
This poor soul is obviously paranoid about a black man or a woman becoming president.

They don't call 'em conservatives for nothing.

What they want to conserve is a white, male America.

Crazy!

Anonymous | 12:52 p.m. May 21, 2008

We can thank the Democrats and the extremists in the party for many of our current problems. We can't go where the oil is because of the environment. We can't drill off our own coasts, but Cuba can. Nuclear energy is absolutely forbidden.

Yes we've paid a price in Iraq. We've lost many precious lives. But, we've also lost millions of innocents who have been slaughtered for personal convenience by those who feel abortion is a moral choice. The Democrats support that with heart and soul, even through the third trimester.

Maybe it is hard to vote for a Republican like McCain, but I certainly cannot vote for a Democrat who will appoint those judges that continue to make it a choice to deny life to the unborn. To do so, is to support and enable it.

WOW | 12:58 p.m. May 21, 2008

The Sheep in Utah will be up for Slaughter in this Presidential election. Go ahead give McCain all the money and support you want, He will need it for retirement.

Anonymous | 1:00 p.m. May 21, 2008

McCain seems to be a soft-spoken man on the campaign trail but I understand he has an extremely short fuse. I know of no Vietnam vet that has not not been emotionally scarred from the experience.
I can only wonder what happens to one's psyche as a Vietnames prisoner of war.

His temper tantrums are already legendary rendering him a too-loose-of-a-cannon for a job that by now should be obvious to EVERYONE requires diplomacy - not more and more force.

Colorado | 1:13 p.m. May 21, 2008

Anonymous - What makes you think there's really one ounce of difference between the two political parties? They play a game that we all buy into - and in the end, they all answer to the same heads. Ever heard of J.P.Morgan, David Rockefeller, Rothchild, the Bilderburg meetings, the Council on Foreign Relations (of which, the three candidates are members)?

What banks do you think backup the Federal Reserve? To call it a "Federal" reserve is a joke. The afore-mentioned individuals and the world banks are in total control. Even the outcome of our federal elections is decided in advance and is brought about by these people. If you think your vote really counts, you'd better think again!

Take a look at who owns the major media outlets - Fox included. They ALL play the game, lead us along and tells only what they want us to hear, and ultimately do the bidding of these same people.

do what we tell you | 1:13 p.m. May 21, 2008

Re: my word on the subject 12:23 -

Ah yes. The usual moralizing speech from the modern American conservative movement.

Patriot1787 | 1:16 p.m. May 21, 2008

to my word on the subject:

If you don't agree with anything he stands for, why in the world would you vote for him? Who is your first choice for President? Why don't you follow your conscience and vote for that person. My guess is that not many people really agree with any of the 3 candidates but that is all we have to choose from.

I hope that's not the case because there are plenty of choices and if people got out of the mindset that we have to vote for the Democrat or Republican nominee then something might actually get done in this country.

Vote for what you want even if that means voting 3rd party or simply writing in a candidate, not because someone is the lesser of two evils or simply because I don't want another Clinton in there.

I don't believe that kind of voting is what will change this country. It voting for candidates who will uphold the Constitution and follow the principles upon which this country was founded. Those principles are not found in Clinton, Obama, or McCain.

Sheesh | 1:22 p.m. May 21, 2008

Three prez choices, really, and soon to be two prez choices. And if a Utahan (or someone else) supports McCain why are they are viewed as "out-of-touch" or ï¿½sheep.ï¿½ Why all the cynicism? This lumping that Utahn's vote Republican, are sheep and are out of touch is making sweeping generalizations. Dumb really. Louisiana, for example, is a lib dem State and they generally vote lib dem. So what and so be it. Big deal. States have cultures and unique demographics. Does it matter if a state is blue or red, generally? So many people have all the "right" answers. Others could say, sheep follow Clinton or Obama. Come on nay sayers, itï¿½s OK for people to vote for who they want; that is this nationï¿½s honor to its people -ï¿½ free elections. Just because a voter votes different than you, does not make the different voter dumb, wrong or sheep; it is just that, different. Finger pointers are morons. If we simply follow "you," the nay sayer and finger pointer, then we are the "sheep?" I vote how I want, and I do not care what others think. Period.

WasatchMan | 1:25 p.m. May 21, 2008

What happens if McCain selects known anti-Mormon Mike Huckabee as his V.P.? What then?

Prodigal Son | 1:27 p.m. May 21, 2008

To say that Utah "supports" McCain is probably a stronger descriptor than the reality. "Resigned" to voting for McCain is probably more accurate. We realize that we're going to have to vomit immediately after the act of voting no matter which of the three current candidates we vote for, and at this point, it's really difficult to distinguish between the "lesser of three evils" because they are all sooooooo bad!

Return of the draft | 1:29 p.m. May 21, 2008

Get your kids and grandkids ready for the draft when McCain gets elected. You won't be able to hide them away on missions anymore. Now you can show how you support America's war efforts by sacrificing your own kids.

Vote for McCain | 1:31 p.m. May 21, 2008

Utahans will vote republican no matter whoï¿½s on the ticket. There is little incentive to pick Mitt. Utahans are the Stepford voting block of the GOP. They walk in a silent but well drilled cadence to the polls and predictably vote for republicans.

Iï¿½m not complaining, just observing from a safe distance on the Left Coast. Voting in Bush has been a blessing for us democrats. When, congress polls at all time lows, democrats have gotten elected to congressional seats in the last three elections. Rush didnï¿½t point out these fact to you?

I hope McCain wins. This will be the death blow to the GOP. There will be no democratic president to shift blame to, like Carter got stuck with the past results of republican leadership. Did Rush remind you of the 12% interest rate that was climbing under Ford or the Win buttons and the gas shortages? There was eight percent unemployment under Ford.

Letï¿½s say there is a run away win for democrats. What will this do for Utahï¿½s interests? Whatï¿½s in it for democrats to do anything for Utah? You had better hope Reidï¿½s commitment to his church means something.

Jon B. Holbrook | 1:56 p.m. May 21, 2008

I will not vote for John McCain for the following reasons: (1)He follows the Big Government liberal policies of the Democrats. (2)He is part of the Neo-Con wing of the Republican Party, which believes that Big Government should support Big Business and vice-versa. The first two positions hurt the middle-class and the working poor. These two philosophies also undermine the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law and holds the Judeo-Christian culture of the United States in contempt. Also, I understand that Gov. Mike Huckabee is Sen. John McCain's top choice to be his vice-president. If Mike Huckabee is on the ticket, there is no way that I would vote for John McCain. I am first a citizen of the United States and a Latter-day Saint. John McCain is just another politician in a corrupt political party. Thank-You

RR | 2:12 p.m. May 21, 2008

Way to go sheesh! Well said.

Let me also add that voting for, or supporting Bush, is not popular. People like to do and follow what is popular. Hating Bush is popular mostly because he made a war. Has anyone ever heard what soldiers say about this "war?" Listen to any soldier tell what's going on.

I've given my reasons why I support Bush so many times on these blogs, but I'm done now. No president does anything perfect, could you? I'm not a sheep because I take the time to understand what is really happening.

Those of you who call Utahns sheep are sheep yourselves, because sheep do what others do, and it's easier, instead of standing for something you believe in, and you have no courage to say why you do or do not agree with a candidate, but can only degrade others, who have been doing that for so long.

big j | 2:18 p.m. May 21, 2008

As a republican, will not vote for liberal McCain. Cant vote for obama or hillary. I guess I will have ot vote for Barr from georgia. Half the people in McCain's homestate of Az cannot stand him and many will not vote for him. Our country is in real trouble folks!!

Re:Return of the draft | 2:26 p.m. May 21, 2008

I agree. The best way that loyal Utah Republicans can show their support for the Republican party and John McCain is for them to require that their sons and daughters enlist now, and volunteer to serve in the righteous war in Iraq. To do otherwise is just paying lip service, and we all know that Utah Republicans are better than that. In fact, I think we should pass an amendment that states anyone who supports a war, should be willing to serve in it. So come on all of you brave Utah people.....enlist now!

Don't know what to do | 2:59 p.m. May 21, 2008

I will vote for John McCain unless he puts Mike Huckabee on the ticket for VP. Then I will be voting for Barak Obama.

Joe Moe | 3:06 p.m. May 21, 2008

I 'love' how ALL the Democrats are saying that McCain is just more of Bush (they must be mindless sheep, since they all say the same thing, ha ha), while many Republicans say he's a liberal Democrat in disguise. If I couldn't think for myself, or if my memory were only a few news cycles long, I'd really be confused.

@Anonymous 1:00. It sounds like you're suggesting that no Vietnam War vet could be a good president, particularly if they were a POW. If the temper concerns you, read some presidential biographies. He's not the first. I wouldn't want to hang with him myself, but you can't deny his effectiveness as a political leader (whether you agree with his views or not).

Come to think of it, if I had to hang out with any politician, it would probably be Obama. He's slick and engaging. But his liberal agenda stinks.

Congratulations | 3:09 p.m. May 21, 2008

Well this is no shocker, imagine UTAH going totally Republican AGAIN, what a joke, McCain is an idiot, war mongoer and of course UTAHAN'S think he is he best thing sense Swiss Cheese. Just once in my life time (over 60 years) I would like my vote to count for something other than weight at the local recycle center. The winner take all attitude is totally out of date, it is not even worth my time to go to the poles. Funny think is, not one of you Republican Jerks will stand up and take responsibility for Electing the Bush Wacker, not only once but twice. Everyone I talk to says they did not vote for him, and if that is the case then how in the hell does the Republican Clowns continually take UTAH. As it stands now there is no need to for a primary let alone a general election in UTAH, just roll us all over, stick it to us and vote REPUBLICAN. After all look at all the really neat and great things this administration has brought to UTAH - but then again ask anyone and they will tell you he is not their candiate?

Anonymous | 3:15 p.m. May 21, 2008

No big j -
Our country is on the rebound!
Have you no idea why 72,000 people were at a campaign rally for a 46-year old black guy with the name, Barak Obama?

No surprises here | 3:19 p.m. May 21, 2008

This is, after all, Utah. If you are a Republican, you're in. Even Chris Buttars gets support to keep representing the worst that is in us. Wake up people and vote for a person, not a party.

wooot | 3:20 p.m. May 21, 2008

gas prices are going up too

Mark B | 3:25 p.m. May 21, 2008

Am I the only one to pick up on CB 11:04's obvious attempt at a racial scare "putting inner cities to the torch"? That kind of trash has no place in any rational discussion, and is about as far as you can get from the REAL Obama campaign, which CB clearly knows nothing about.

Re: T-Rex | 3:46 p.m. May 21, 2008

When I agree with you I am thinking for myself and when I disagree with you I am a sheep. And we wonder about the definition of Utah-dumb. Wouldn't it be nice to have an African American for president? He has no record. He wants change, but has never done anything for change except talk. He has no foreign policy experience. He is the most left wing member of congress. If you disagree with him you are a racist. He admires racists (black) and terrorists. And you call others sheep!

Brian Maxwell | 3:48 p.m. May 21, 2008

Robert-

It's been 4 years since I worked for Dan, but I can tell you that calls are monitored on a nightly basis by quality assurance to insure two things:

1. The interview is being conducted.

2. The interviewer is not deviating from the script in the slightest way.

When I managed the data collection center, Dr. Jones called down every night we were doing a survey for KSL or other political clients. He was always wanted to know how the interviewers were doing, and made sure I knew how important quality control was. I've never felt more pressure to do my job correctly, not only from Dr. Jones, but from my sense that I was a part of the process, and it was my duty to make sure we got it right. In other words, he instilled in me a certain sense of duty not just to him, but to the public. Obviously, I can't say enough good about Dan Jones.

As for those polls you mentioned, standard disclaimers apply. Primary elections are much more difficult to poll, because late advertising or late "surprises" (attacks) can have such a massive impact. Often, when incumbents aren't involved, public opinion can

Brian Maxwell | 3:48 p.m. May 21, 2008

so fluid, it's remarkable.

As for the UEA Poll, I can't speak to it, because I was not there. I can tell you, though, that I've never seen a "push poll" or anything of the sort from Dan Jones. I would have quit, and been shocked to death if I had.

Capt. Smash | 3:52 p.m. May 21, 2008

I have four important questions for Bush, McCain and the GOP!

1. Is Iran stronger or weaker since Bushï¿½s invasions of Iraq?

2. Has Osama bin Laden been killed or captured since Bushï¿½s invasion of Iraq?

3. Are we paying less for gas now or before Bushï¿½s invasion of Iraq?

4. Is our economy better of now or before Bushï¿½s invasion of Iraq?

If you answer these questions truthfully, is there any way you want to continue down the same foreign policy blunders of the last seven years?

I started to think that Utah was comming of age.

Well McCain it is and 12.00 dollar a gallon gas!

Anonymous | 3:53 p.m. May 21, 2008

To Mark B -
That's the same fear-mongering BS the neocons have been pulling for the last 8 years.
The way people have been registering Democratic (record-breaking numbers) America is speaking.
And what they are saying we aren't falling for any more bogus ideology the Republicans are trying to scare us into .................... again!

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