NPR: NBC-WSJ Poll: Voters Think They Are Worse Off

NBC-WSJ Poll: Voters Think They Are Worse Off

A Wall Street Journal-NBC poll shows that 43 percent of American voters believe they are worse off now than they were four years ago, while 34 percent say their status is better (21 percent said their situation is the same). Experts say this is a good sign for the Democrats.

Democratic pollster Peter D. Hart, who conducted this survey with GOP pollster Bill McInturff, said that "The compass points due north for the party of change."

The poll surveyed 1,012 registered voters from March 7-10.

But the ongoing battle between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama has many Democrats worried about their changes in the fall presidential race against Republican Sen. John McCain -- 38 percent say that an extended nominating battle would be bad for the Democratic Party, while 25 percent said it will be good.

Clinton currently leads Obama nationally by four percentage points 47-43 percent, but this is the closest margin the WSJ-NBC poll has shown between the two candidates. In January, Clinton lead Obama 53 percent to 37 percent.

Obama has made up ground because he is now winning "among men and, by a considerable margin, African Americans. In December, Clinton was leading among both groups."

The poll also points to a close contest in the fall. When asked if they would rather have a Democrat or a Republican in the White House, those surveyed say they would prefer a Democrat 50-37 percent. But when names are put on the ballot, it's much tighter. Obama leads McCain 47-44 percent, while Clinton leads him 47-45 percent.

12:20 PM ET | 03-13-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Sadly the Clinton campaign may finish us off

Sent by Margaret | 12:59 PM ET | 03-13-2008

Better off than I was five years ago? Not.

Sent by George de Man, Rome GA | 2:22 PM ET | 03-13-2008

It's all about Nader and Ron Paul. If we could some kind of Paul/Nader ticket, we'd be good.

I mean it's great that Obama talks about change, and that he has so little experience. But we don't really know where his alignment lies.

The media doesn't like real agents of change though. Peace and justice just doesn't make the exorbitant profits the shadowy overlords are accustomed to.

Wake up people.

Sent by Jody Sol | 2:35 PM ET | 03-13-2008

Are we talking economics here?

Because the President has very little influence over economics. If you think voting Democrat is going to put more resources in your pocket, you're deluded. If you think electing a republican is going to save you (the old tax cuts scam) you're deluded as well.

Sent by Jody Sol | 2:55 PM ET | 03-13-2008

Obama is done is my book. If it came to choose between him and McCain I am jumping party lines. His choice of a putting his faith and money in a bad minister for 20 years shows he is not president material. I am descendent of the Romans therefor, in his eyes I am evil. I am also a Jew, which hallelulliah makes me a heathen. I am worried that Hillary may not make it (whose husband was the first "black" president, so Barrack is too late to claim that title). So, if he wants to be the president of the USof KKK, as his minister believes, where are all the sinners going? Someone help us please.

Sent by Maria | 3:47 PM ET | 03-13-2008

Sent by Maria: So, if he wants to be the president of the US of KKK, as his minister believes, where are all the sinners going? Someone help us please.

Good point, Maria. Because a lot of people are getting weary of the line that if you don't vote for Barack, you are going to eternal damnation.

Take my word for it, there is no connection between voting Obama or burning in Hades. That old guilt trip maybe worked in nineteenth century America. It don't work now.

So, lots of people are telling us we are not ready for Obama for president.

Good, fellows. Quit hitting us in the head with your purses. We got that message long ago. We're not voting Obama. We're not going to confession to absolve our sins. We're not double fasting on the Sabbath for redemption. There will be no locust and the taking of our first born.

The very sad part about Barack Obama and his supporters is that they have to stoop to prying on people's guilt.

That's a dangerous formula for any politician to play with.

Particularly an inexperienced politician.

But Obama is showing a lot of people just how inexperienced and immature he is....and before it got too late, thank goodness.

Wanted: Politician who is a part time gate keeper to Hades. No experience needed.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra cll | 4:39 PM ET | 03-13-2008

Barack Obama is winning. He has won the most states. He has won the popular vote so far. He is leading in delegates.

Barack Obama, if you take time to know who he is, has been a man who's talked about uniting the country to deal with the challenges we face from the beginning. This is his character and deepest belief. This is the only candidate who is talking about healing the nation.

Senator Obama raised $55 million in February, most donations being $100 or less from ordinary citizens all over the United States. I find this an amazing feat and a defining feature between the two campaigns, in which the Clintons not only donated $5 million of their own money but who's average donor gives the full amount of $2300.

I am supporting a candidate who is running a HOPEFUL campaign, a candidate who has been able to mobilize a grassroots movement, bringing together a group of citizens to volunteer their time and efforts - people ready to STAND FOR CHANGE. Inspiring people to participate in the democratic process, to organize and come together is quite powerful. This is an amazing quality in a leader. Regardless of who you choose to vote for. Let's acknowledge and praise these fantastic qualities and change in the direction of our country.

YES WE CAN!

Sent by Rebecca | 2:38 AM ET | 03-14-2008

A Wall Street Journal-NBC poll shows that 43 percent of American voters believe they are worse off now than they were four years ago,......

........But, apparently ninety-eight percent of the illegal immigrants sneaking across America's borders think they are worse off than the 43 percent of disenfranchised American malcontents.

So, what makes people living in the most affluent country in the world unhappy?

Why, the federal government isn't doing enough to provide welfare so that people don't have to solve their own personal problems while they are getting polled.

Meanwhile, pollsters continue to seek out homeless people pushing shopping carts to poll them if they are more or less satisfied than they were four years ago.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 12:55 PM ET | 03-14-2008

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