Obama fails miserably among older voters

[KennedyGuy]

http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/1/20/134420/416
CBS News examines the age factor in the Democratic presidential race. Older voters favor Hillary, younger voters favor Obama. African-American voters are expected to favor Obama.

Younger voters turned out in Iowa and African American voters will turn out in South Carolina. But, CBS says, that may not be true for Tsunami Tuesday and that could work against Obama.

Obama’s weak performance so far among older voters substantially increases the odds against him scoring big victories in the slew of states voting on February 5th, "Super Duper Tuesday."
By the numbers:


In Iowa, Clinton grabbed 45 percent of the 65 and up while Obama took just 18 percent. In New Hampshire, she won 48 percent to 32 percent. Among voters 60 and older in Nevada, Clinton mopped up with a stunning 60 percent to Obama’s 31 percent.

Nationally, Clinton led Obama 44 percent to 18 percent among voters over 65 in a CBS New/The New York Times poll taken January 9-12.

CBS compares the voter turnout among young and older voters:

Voters over 65 were a solid 22 percent of the Democratic primary electorate in Iowa.

But in Nevada, a dazzling 36 percent of the primary voters were over 60. Turnout for the caucuses was huge. Nearly a third of the state’s registered Democrats participated. All Democrats, even the over-65 crowd, are unusually motivated this year - not just the young voters Obama has energized.

[Evergreen Emerald]

1. well...he did kick them to the curb. What did he expect?

[otohara]

6. Got A Link

The least we could expect is an explanation to your claim.

[Evergreen Emerald]

12. oh yes, you all have such short memories:

THE time has come, Senator Barack Obama says, for the baby boomers to get over themselves.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/weekinreview/21broder.html?ref=weekinreview


Barack Obama says the baby boomers' time has passed.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/061231/8obama.htm

"I think there is no doubt that we represent the kind of change that Senator Clinton can't deliver on, and part of it is generational," Mr. Obama told Fox News yesterday about the difference between himself and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York. "I mean, Senator Clinton and others, they've been fighting some of the same fights since the '60s, and it makes it very difficult for them to bring the country together to get things done."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/11/08/obama-hits-generational-d_n_71729.html

[AngryAmish]

17. I'm sorry he was mean to the "get off my lawn" types

[awaysidetraveler]

31. I don't think Obama was ever mean to any older voters, and I want them to join us.

[1corona4u]

84. Bullshit.

Do some reseach.

[awaysidetraveler]

29. This is divisive, and you're citing opinions--not articles. How can we get you to vote Obama?

Mr Obama just wrote a magnificent speech, one that will doubtless go down in the history books
for its effortless grace and Lincolnesque parallelism.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

He wrote it to attempt--in part--to bridge the generational gap between himself and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
but he bears you no animosity.

I would like to know if there's anything we can do to get your vote.

[1corona4u]

83. Yep. He did kick us to the curb....

and now, he will have to go without our votes. And, all the evidence I needed was his lame excuse for not going to the AARP debate.

Fucker.

[DURHAM D]

91. He was afraid to meet up face to face with old folks.

He is such a chicken.

[KennedyGuy]

13. yeah..see that little blue line in my post..thats called a link..

big word..I know..
but if you click on that..magic will happen and you will be brought to the source of the story..
Kay?

[Kittycat]

2. He's won more delegates than anyone else. How is that failure?

[NMDemDist2]

5. LOL keep singing sister.

it's not true, but hey, enjoy yourself

:hi:

[Kittycat]

22. Please show me where I'm wrong? In the races to date - he's won more.

[NMDemDist2]

27. by how many? 1 or 2? which is strongly overcome by the superdelegates

already on board for each candidate. and we haven't had a single vote in any populous state yet.

these first few 'races' were all about the spin, they have very little to do with the delegate count of 2025 needed to wrap up the nomination.

no offense meant to you, but you can't even count on the supposed Nevada number yet, they won't be set in stone until the State Party meets in April.

for a list of delegate counts in real time, bookmark this site.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#val=D

[Yael]

32. Unlike the delegates awarded by the state, these are not pledged

They can vote however they please at the convention.

Why they aren't counted -- because right now, it is just all egos and excuses to see their names in print.

[awaysidetraveler]

34. Moreover, Hillary took her superdelegates before the first vote was counted.

And, they united behind the lobbying interests that she represents.

How can we get you on our side? Is there anything we can do? I want to know.

[NMDemDist2]

42. I'm still uncommitted and have until Super Tuesday to make up my mind

but this spin from both sides is really starting to piss me off.

I have deep reservations about both HRC and BHO, Edwards is a good guy but he's got a lot of weaknesses too.

I'm just trying to wade through the spin from both sides to figure out reality at this point.

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NMDemDist2]

56. i appreciate it, but I've already done plenty of research on ALL our candidates

I have the usual concerns about BHO, lack of executive experience, lack of foreign policy experience, pretty words with little substance, his condoning homophobic speech at his SC rally, his comments on Reagan.

my concerns on HRC are too close to corporate interests, hawkish sentiments, she's more conservative than I'd like, her whole flag burning amendment thing and her thinking she can get universal healthcare by working with the corporations.

Edwards is a wonderful populist, but again has no executive experience or foreign policy experience. and his wife's health is something that may need his close attention in the next 5 years.

I truly am undecided but I'm watching both the Clinton and the Obama camps closely because there is no doubt that they have to be able to fight back effectively because it's a sure thing the 'Pukes aren't going down quietly.

oh, and BTW, welcome to DU :hi:

[LostinVA]

80. HRC loves border collies

You know I'm just teasing you!

The only thing I care about is everyone voting for the Dem nom in November.

[NMDemDist2]

82. OK then, that decides it for me

shows she has excellent sense and a keen appreciation of talent

:rofl:

[LostinVA]

90. I KNEW that would work!!!

[Little Star]

36. Try Google. Look for the Dem party chair persons slap down

of Obama's claim about winning more delegates in Nevada.

[awaysidetraveler]

40. You know, that's divisive. Where's Hillary's message of reconciliation?

Here's Obama's.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

[Yael]

30. Actually, it is true. 38:36:18

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21660914/

:popcorn:

[NMDemDist2]

38. yeah, he's two ahead IF the Nevada caucus number holds

which is unlikely IMO. the State Party hasn't met yet to divy it up and will get some real grief if they award more delegates to the candidate who lost the popular vote.

we shall see, but 2 pledged delegates isn't much to crow about when the magic number is 2025.

:hi:

[Yael]

41. Yep -- been making that point on the MINE MINE MINE arguing over

1 Nevada point.

Wait until the 760 or so overlords speak.

[NMDemDist2]

44. yup. but shame on us for trying to inject reality into a really good flamewar eh? LOL n/t

[Yael]

47. LOL! Yah, there is that

:toast:

[AX10]

3. He also does poory among the working class people.

Obama is the "hip" candidate. He is the "in fad". The serious candidate(s) are the one's who are getting very broad support.

[tigereye]

26. how is he not a serious candidate?

he's done pretty well and raised quite a bit of money and garnered a lot of attention.

I think he's a pretty exciting candidate and provides a different, perhaps more youthful perspective.


I think the problem is that more younger voters need to get out to the polls.

[awaysidetraveler]

49. We have broad support. This is divisive. What can we do to get your support?

This is the substance of Barak Obama.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

[cloud75]

4. older voters vote n/t

[PSPS]

7. Everyone over 40 should see Obama for what he is

With his casual dismissal of "baby boomers" and their "values," his embracing the idea of privatizing social security, and his latest gushing over the likes of ronald reagan, this is hardly surprising.

[awaysidetraveler]

45. You know, that's a lot of opinions and spin--that's not Obama. Here's Obama, if you're ready.

We're not trying to dismiss anyone--we need everyone.

This is worth reading:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

[ellisonz]

57. "embracing the idea of privatizing social security"

That is patently untrue. His proposal is to do away with the cap to make sure that Social Security can continue to pay benefits for the foreseeable future.

[DJ13]

8. Lets be honest

Obama's message is hope and daring to change the nature of our current political atmosphere.

Older voters are set in their ways, they dont like change, in fact change frightens them, which is why the GOP has used a fear of change to their advantage the last 28 years.

Its no coincedence that an older woman candidate who represents a return to a past admistration is considered by many as the most conservative candidate among the Democratic field in this election, nor a surprise she attracts the same set in their ways older voters.

[Frances]

16. Actually, I see Obama as much more conservative

than Hillary.

The Nevada voters who described themselves as very liberal or somewhat liberal voted for Hillary over Obama.

I don't think younger voters remember the changes for the worse that Reagan brought. I also don't think they realize how privatization has brought corruption, incompetence, and higher costs.

I think older voters think that Obama will continue the privatization that REagan initiated. We are afraid that he will continue the policies of the Republicans because he criticized the Dem policies of the 60s and 70s. The Dem policies were infinitely better for the middle class than Reagan's policies.

That said, I will vote for Obama if he gets the nomination because the REpub candidate will be even worse.

[terisan]

18. ...and older voters lived thru the Reagan Hope of Morning in America. Older 'n wiser now.

[madmom]

21. this older, female voter is not set in her ways, she's not afraid of change,

my god we're the ones fighting for change,I do NOT want a return to past administrations, THAT'S why I still think Edwards is the way to go! We need more than just hope and more than just talk we need a fighter and JE has proven to be just that!

[NastyRiffraff]

23. Aren't you painting older voters with a broad brush?

Older voters are set in their ways, they don't like change, in fact change frightens them, which is why the GOP has used a fear of change to their advantage the last 28 years.

I can be considered an "older voter" and I definitely am not "set in my ways" and want, along with most of the country, "change." It depends on the kind of change you want, though, and that varies among voters of all ages, sexes, races, religious/non-religious affiliations, geographical demographics, etc. etc.

Even most Republicans want some sort of change; hence the Republican candidates' ignoring the fact that Bush even exists. Some of Romney's speeches are almost directly cribbed from John Edwards'.

All of the Democratic candidates advocate "change." How they define that varies quite a bit. (And no, I'm not going to beg for flame by trying to define each candidate's version in GD-P!)

The "older woman candidate" represents a lot more varied positions than a "return to a past administration." And Obama's "message of hope and daring to change the nature of our current political atmosphere" is also vague enough to encompass almost everything, and anybody. Both candidates' "messages" are much more varied than that, so a strict "either or" analysis of older vs younger voters is almost useless. Just as forecasting by race or gender is a futile exercise. Yes, some polls and even voting analyses do show such divisions, but it's early days (hard to believe, for those of us who have followed these candidates for two years or more). One of the byproducts of the early primaries is the "last minute voter"; that is, the voter who makes up his or her mind at the last moment, sometimes in the voting booth. As the primaries progress, I think we'll be seeing less and less of the uneducated, last-minute voter as people become more familiar with the candidates.

[comradebillyboy]

35. what exactly is Obama's message of hope and daring?

long on slogans short on substance. like the old Mondale ad for those of old enough to remember

WHERE'S THE BEEF?

hope and daring won't put gas in my car or heat my home. Not all change is change for the better. I'd like to know what the changes will be before I vote for change.

[awaysidetraveler]

51. Here's Obama's message of hope and daring.

Here's the beef. It is by far the most moving political speech written
since the sixties.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

If you like your steak, you should also try out the issues tab on the same site.

We also need you.

[avaistheone1]

89. I'm tired of the Obama prose, There still in no beef.

His health program pretty much sucks.

His energy programs stinks.

[awaysidetraveler]

46. The truth resonates within everyone: Some older folks are just slower to accept Obama.

[1corona4u]

87. And you my friend,

are horribly naive.

[noiretextatique]

66. older voters have seen what the cult of personality can bring

reagan, is a perfect example. "reagan democrats" :puke: got duped into voting for reagan because of "hope" and "change." and since obama said the country was ready for reagan's changes, i am suspicious of what kind of hope and change he's talking about.

so i went to his website. some of his ideas are interesting, but i still need to do more research. in any case, i am not the gushing type, so i am not going to catch gobama fever, even if i decide to vote for him.

[we can do it]

78. HAHAHAHAHAHA

How old are you and who do you consider "older"? I am around BO's age, I find posts like yours very naive and offensive. Lets' be honest, people are doing more and living a whole lot longer......my older female cousin rode Harley's for her 98th and 99th sky diving birthdays. She sounds pretty timid and afraid of new things wouldn't you think? And BTW, apparently obama thinks the repubs have been the party of ideas, especially ronnie raygun.


:eyes:

[still_one]

9. yeah, and my dad is tougher than your dad

and if we continue to sqwabble over which poll reflects my candidate winning verses the others, and ignore WHERE THE CANDIDATES stand on the issues, we will continue to deserve the kind of government we get

[opihimoimoi]

10. Older peeps have more elections under their belt..less inclined to go for SHINE

They want MEAT...not shine...

[Little Star]

37. Some of us want more than a revival meeting too.

[awaysidetraveler]

55. We have more meat than a Texan barbeque on the Fourth of July

Here's the most inspirational speech I've ever heard. It brought me to tears to read it.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

And if you'll click on the issues tab, you'll find all of the details of his plan.

There is no absence of meat in the Obama campaign: there is an absence of coverage.

Please join us.

[Perry Logan]

11. Then there's that dumbshit Reagan thing.

[cali]

14. you know, foolish behavior like yours will get you

nothing but scorn from any reasonable person. And you are asking for it if Obama wins next week. I won't join you in your sewer. I don't like like sliming myself.

[Evergreen Emerald]

15. you just did

[cali]

24. no, I don't think you have a clue.

Saying you won't act like a sore winner is not behaving like a sore winner. I haven't behaved like a sore loser and I won't be a sore winner should that happen. Pretty obvious stuff, dear.

[Jed Dilligan]

19. Young America and Black America can decide who is president

just by showing up at the polls.

If Obama can get the word out that they will have the opportunity to vote for a young, black president if and only if they show up for the primaries, he has a chance!

[Blue_In_AK]

20. This generational divide

has occurred in my own family, where my 30-year-old daughter is firmly in the Obama camp while I am firmly in the Edwards camp. However, we BOTH favored Mike Gravel in the "choose your candidate" test. What does this mean?

[awaysidetraveler]

25. The older voters are just slow to change, but theyr'e tired of lobbyist money corruption as well.

This is one of the primary reasons that Edwards has such staying power. I believe that these voters
will come around, given that Obama and Edwards are right.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

28. This older voter is just fine with Obama.

My first choice is Edwards, but if Obama wins I'll be pretty happy. I like the idea of change; I'm not afraid of it at all. There's a lot to like about Obama. Clinton runs a distant third on my list because she seems to me to represent more of the same. I WANT change.

Oh, by the way, get the hell off my lawn.

[awaysidetraveler]

39. That's it! You tell us!

Obama's my first choice, but I'd have been damn happy with Edwards as well.
What I've wanted most is an Obama/Edwards team, or an Edwards/Obama one.

And you can hang out on my lawn any time you want.

[saltpoint]

33. If the Obama campaign sent a copy of his 04 address in Boston to

these older voters, it's my guess that they would re-evaluate their current paucity of praise of the man.

The campaign is still quite early in many respects.

[awaysidetraveler]

52. Thank you sir.

[pampango]

43. I must be getting older. It used to excite me when a politician energized young people.

Now it bothers me that the same politician doesn't appeal to older voters.

I certainly agree that older voters vote more often than younger ones, so they carry more electoral clout, but that was true when I was younger, too. Back in those days a candidate who could reach younger voters meant more to me. ;)

[awaysidetraveler]

50. Sir, II believe I have a message that will uplift your point of view and appeal to your spirit.

Obama needs everyone, and this is his latest speech.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

[1corona4u]

88. How many fucking times do you need to post that link?

We're not interested.

[KoKo]

53. Respecting the "perspective" of our Elders is important....Not that they

should be revered as some kind of "Guru's" but that Rabid Dem Elders have been through so much in American Political History...that their perspective should have some input that's taken seriously...whether one follows it or not. :shrug:

[awaysidetraveler]

60. Obama not only respects your vote, Obama expects you to lead us there.

Here is his latest inspirational speech. It brought me to tears to read it.
I hope you will do the same.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

Pleas join us in 2008.

[Bluebear]

54. Well, Obama essentially told baby boomers to shut up & get out of the way, so be it. nt

[awaysidetraveler]

58. I don't think Obama was ever mean to any older voters--that's just spin. We've got substance.

This is our message of unity.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

Now we just need yours.

Please join us this 2008.

[noiretextatique]

67. he has been dissing boomers

and "the excesses of the 60s and 70s." it's not spin...it's HIS strategy.

[Bluebear]

70. Sorry, by his actions I don't think Obama wants gay or baby boomer support.

[KoKo]

59. He did...and he also "lifted Reagan Up" over our Dems and is Forging a "New Way"

for Political Campaigns.

[awaysidetraveler]

62. That's not quite true. You know, he's trying to get across this unifying message.

And so he nodded to Reagan, which may help unify the middle of America with the rest of America.
All he said about Reagan--in terms of substance--was that America was ready for a change of leadership
when they voted Reagan into power.

If you're tired of spin and ready for a message of substance, read a little of this speech by Obama.
It is a message of unity that all of us can learn from, and it brought me to tears to read it.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

Please join us in 2008

[KoKo]

69. But...what does a "Unifying Message" do to deal with the Bushi/Cheney Crimes and Corruption and the

Rest? :shrug:

[hayu_lol]

61. LOL! Older voters have one thing the younger groups don't have:

experience and judgement. It does tell in making decisions about politicians.

Younger voters are full of energy and enthusiasm. But they have no experience to weigh against their enthusiasm.

Experience tells.

[awaysidetraveler]

63. Obama not only respects your vote, Obama expects you to lead us there.

If you're tired of spin and ready for a message of substance, read a little of this speech by Obama.
It is a message of unity that all of us can learn from, and it brought me to tears to read it.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9

Please join us in 2008

[NMDemDist2]

65. pretty speech, no substance.

does he really think the republicans are gonna join hands with us and sing Kumbaya?

they'll hand him his head.

he's a great preacher, but if I wanted to hear a great preacher, I'd join a church.

stick around awayside, but stop spamming the board, we'll all hear sound bites galore from Obama's MLK Day message, I guarantee.

[Bluebear]

71. It brought me to tears that Obama hired an "ex-gay" bigot to MC his So. Carolina events.

[KoKo]

72. It's good he did t.hat, but are you saying he was "pandering?

:shrug: or, was it sincere?

[Bluebear]

73. Pandering in the most cynical form.

[KoKo]

64. It's always that "Tug '0 War" between us... The Young Bulls against the

Old Ones" and wouldn't it be good if it didn't come down to Challenges. But, it's like that in the "Animal World." And, so, it's what it is... I wish we could BUILD on what has GONE BEFORE...but Life Doesn't work that way... it just doesn't..

[alcibiades_mystery]

68. Fanboy pablum...attack attack attack

A review of the OP's posts tells you all you need to know.

[KoKo]

74. OMG...are we at the point we "searce dirt" on fellow DU'ers? Can we not

REFUTE stuff on our own when folks post? I know there are DU'ers who have cataloged EVERY POST I've ever made and they "CALL ME ON IT." Even when I've "changed my view," I have posters trashing me and mods going after me.....:shrug:

[alcibiades_mystery]

75. It doesn't take an extensive search

Some people make their own bad reputations. :-)

Needless to say, I don't exclude myself from such a group, as many "fans" of mine have been quick to remind me. Of course, I rarely got the benefit of such a diligent upholder of fairness like yourself to question the very notion of holding people to their consistent behavior!

:hi:

[KoKo]

76. ahh.....you are the only one

who has ever accused me of being an "upholder of fairness." You have no idea...how reviled...and the accusations...but assume most DU'ers have had that experience..at one time or other...

:hi: and know you have......:D

[alcibiades_mystery]

77. My fan club is well-populated and vocal...

A bit obsessive even.

:-)

[totodeinhere]

79. Clinton fails miserably among younger voters

[Iceburg]

92. True wrt. young male voters. She does ok with young female voters

Problem is -- most young persons that are eligible to vote don't exercise that right -- American Idol contest excepted.

Obama is a good candidate but he is making many "novice-type" mistakes and is spending far too much time and energy whining when he should be learning from those mistakes and refining his message. He running for the highest office in the country and arguably the most powerful position in the world. Did he think he was running for class president? He can't afford to be seen weak and whiny much longer or he is done. Picking a fight with a very popular non-candidate (Bill Clinton) on ABC case in point. While Obama was whimpering to the press -- guess where Hillary was ...out campaigning. I really do hope Obama can get his shit together.

[Gloria]

81. Well, since he isn't INVESTED in the 60-70s events, I'm not INVESTED in him!!

Could have punched him in his smug face when he went into this during the Las Vegas Sun interview...

[Rosa Luxemburg]

85. how is the older voter group broken down

re: ethnicity, retirees etc

[Rosa Luxemburg]

86. how is the older voter group broken down

re: ethnicity, retirees etc