Poll: Obama Leads In NC, McCrory Maintains His Lead

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Posted: 8:22 PM Oct 9, 2008
Last Updated: 7:25 AM Oct 10, 2008
Reporter: Dave Jordan

62 comments

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A new poll by the Civitas Institute says Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has opened up a 5 point lead in North Carolina.

According to the live telephone survey of 600 likely General Election voters, Obama leads McCain 46-39 among those who initially voiced support for a candidate. However, when undecided voters are asked which way they lean, Obama's lead shrinks to 48-43. Libertarian candidate Bob Barr receives two percent of the vote. Seven percent of voters remained undecided.

"The amount of money Obama is spending on television in North Carolina is finally paying dividends," said Francis De Luca, Executive Director of the Civitas Institute. "Obama's ability to capitalize on the financial crisis and to outspend McCain in North Carolina gives him a strong advantage."

"One of the theories we've advanced is that for Obama to win North Carolina he needed to obtain 37% of the white voters. In this poll he is now receiving that amount," added De Luca. "McCain has a lot of ground to make up and not much time to do so."

The same poll also shows Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory has maintained his lead in the race for governor over Democratic rival Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue.

Perdue leads McCrory 41-38 among those who initially voiced support for a candidate. However, when undecided voters are asked which way they lean, McCrory's lead becomes 43-41. Libertarian candidate Michael Munger receives two percent of the vote. 14 percent of voters remained undecided.

"There is still a significant portion of undecided voters out there," added De Luca. "With both candidates' polling in the low 40s and the election less than a month away, this race is still wide open."

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Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Oct 11, 2008 at 04:12 PM
???; I wouldn't worry about it too much. If they are brave enough to show up on your door step, they are brave enough to take what they will have coming to them.

Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Oct 11, 2008 at 03:23 PM
To John"White"? The reason I dont post my name is because there may be some looney Demobrat out there,possibly you that would show up at my door and want to start something. Then I might be forced to defend my castle and it would pain me terribly(NOT)to have to deny you of kissing up to Obama for the next 4 years, or maybe less, Who knows? So therefore I will remain anonymous because you never know whos on here.

Posted by: Lonnie Location: Greenville on Oct 11, 2008 at 06:59 AM
I'm well aware that ALL Presidents were for NAFTA,Cafta, GATT ECT......... But Obama I think will want FAIR trade instead of FREE trade.A CHANGE IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.

Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Oct 11, 2008 at 06:12 AM
Check out Louis Farakhans remarks about OBAMA. "The youth see him as a Messiah".

Posted by: Munger08.com Location: Raleigh on Oct 11, 2008 at 01:15 AM
Poll by the Civitas Institute reported on as though it were news or for that mater factual. Civitas is owned and operated by John Pope a prominent Wake County Republican. These polls are about as valid as used toilet paper. They are propaganda used to manipulate the vote by discouraging people from voting for the candidate of their choice. Don't follow the herd educate yourselves about all the candidates. Why should you care what some hand picked people say in a manipulated poll. BTW PPP polling is owned by Democrats so they are just as bias. Neither want Munger to manage to get over the 2% mark to maintain ballot access and actually present an alternative to the duopoly of of Dims and Rubs. So they continue to maintain the fallacies of a close race and the wasted vote.

Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston. on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:37 PM
We shall see, Blog Refuter, WE shall see. My only worry is that the National Football League's total player roster will show up on the North Carolina democratic voting rolls and be counted for Obama.

Posted by: John White Location: Bayview,NC on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:56 PM
To:??? I am still waiting to see proof of Obama's etc. You can't even put your legitimate name up here while posting. Why do you suggest someone ought to conform to your wants? You need to get a life and identify yourself when you place a comment up here. For the record, Obama must be a legal resident of the U.S. Trust me, many others are able to find that information out easily. You're the only one making non-sense of this issue against Obama. That hand trick has already being played. Next? Get ready because a Democratic change is on the way!! Yeah, boy

Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I am still waiting to see proof of Obama's American citizenship.This has also been swept under the rug. Why cant he produce a birth certificate? He should be given 24 hours to produce it or immeadiately be disqualified from the running.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil co Location: Near You on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Just wanted to let Lonnie know who sent jobs overseas, it was called NAFTA. Bill Clinton (D) voted it as law during his rein. Heard of Wall Street? Well, people are pulling their money out, people are laying off workers and moving them overseas why; they "think" that if Obama gets elected, he will go after capital gains (401K) and small business. Voting Obama is economy suicide. Why, because when you look at who trades on Wall Street and who runs companies, you are looking at those that know how to make business grow. Its like cutting your own throat if you work for industry. We want change we need, but that isn't the change, $.97 cents you will be left with. Do more homework. Obama is a snake trying to get in office. He will lie and do whatever he has to do to get elected. He is the Mr Haney of politics.

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Obama for President, Bev Perdue for governor, and Kay Hagan for U.S. Senate.

Posted by: Lonnie Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:25 PM
McCain keep supporting our jobs to go overseas,and for "OLD LADY DOLE" you days are almost over. People are sick and tired of selling this country out.I have turned 28 members of my family into Independents and they will vote for Obama.We no what we,ve had and it's time for a change.

Posted by: Joe Location: Kinston on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Funny how Dr.martin luther King once said he would love to live where a man was judged by the content of his heart not the color of there skin,now fast forward to 2008 and the black people of America are going to vote for Obama because of the color of his skin.sure bet he would turn over in his grave if he could.

Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:08 PM
To Obama and Snake oil co...I've beem to 39 States and 18 foreign countries and the people you are trying to enlighten are dead set in their opinions. The way people respond to facts, basically tells you who they associate with, and the depth of their thought process. They won't appreciate what they have until they lose it. Everything that I see today, both socially and financially,is opposite to my upbringing, values and core beliefs. Isn't DEMOCRACY GREAT????

Posted by: Lavon Location: Kinston on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:03 PM
So Obama Snake Oil are you stunned too that Obama is beating your man Lol!!!

Posted by: James Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Obama supporters it's Like Fred Gwynne(herman munster) said in the movie pet cemetary be careful what you wish for cause you might just get it.

Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Forbid that obama should win, he would however make President Bush look mighty good.

Posted by: Kim on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:35 PM
To Wolfgang, Couldn't have said it better myself.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Liberals don't watch Fox because they do not want to know the truth on either canidates. It takes all the "feel good" away. Witn is snydicated and broadcasts NBC as we know. NBC has shown not only support of Obama but nonsupport of McCain. So, most of us watch CNN, Fox and sometimes, ABC. Bill O Mouthy is the best political moderator in the country yet you won't watch. He presented Obama better than any debate would and gave his free time to express his platform. Yet you won't watch. Yes, I know moveon.org won't allow you to do that as you might find Devil Dog and several others who post here correct, however, it is your freedom to stay within the limits of you "party lines". I choose to be free to make my own decisions, its called being an American. Try it sometime, its better than Koolaid.

Posted by: lavon Location: Kinston on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Fox News??? Are you kidding me, you actually watch that right wing nutcase of a network. Look fox news has no credibility whatsoever when it comes to delivering information. I mean any news network that has radical extreemist like Sean Hannity and Bill O Mouthy!!, com on nobody will ever take that network serious. Fox News is nothing but a mouthpiece for the white house and nothing more. But if listening to fox noise will convince you that Mccain will win then have at it!!

Posted by: Bob Location: Winterville on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Devil Dog: I accept your points. Further, as my wife and I have driven around the country the past 15 years we were struck by how many mini-mansions: 3-4k sq.ft. houses were going up everywhere! Now, I make good money, but we could not figure out how SO many people could afford SO much house. I am conservative with my money. Also, many of the Mcmansions had 2 $35k vehicles in the driveway. Worse yet, much of this was bought by those in their 20's/30's in their first job! They never saved or paid their "dues", just maxed debt. I won't even mention all the other "toys" they buy. Now,in part, due to their greed, we all have to pay for these spoiled brats. You and I may disagree on presidential candidates, but with you at least I see a reasoned approach. Far too many on here, on both sides, represent the fringe of their side, and fail to see the gray. Most folks are not straight ticket voters (I'm not). But, that said, there are far too many that typecast the "other side" as evil and crazy.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Does the truth mater? I think it does. Devil Dog, I caught a segment on Fox news talking about Obama as a community organizer. So, what did he do? His group harrased banks to make loans to people with questionable credit in Chicago? They also got people in ACORN get people to register democrat? I caught witn news that Obama said McCain is dividing the country with associating Obama with Ayers. Well, yes he did, they both worked together and Obama had his political launch in Ayers livingroom. Obama said that Ayers had rehabilitated? Ayers? Folks, the truth maters. For some of you, this is your canidate, questionable associations, lies and deceipt. This is why most of us democrats will not vote for him. Some claim the race card, I claim the man's background and history, you know, the "facts". Yall be nice now!

Posted by: m Location: nc on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I've seen posts regarding whether or not Obama reads the Qur'an. I personally would have a serious problem with that because of the messages in the book. For those of you who do not know this, there are at least 2 verions of the Qur'an in the world. It depends upon what part of the world you are in. I do not mean translations like the Bible- KJV, NIV, etc. I mean there are at least 2 distinctly different verions of this book - where one message is said in one and not the other.

Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Polls are inaccurate and overrated. We will see come election day. obama camp has been celebrating arrogantly. I don't see NC going obama. North Carolinians are too smart. McCain/Palin 08.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Its all rigged! The man they want to win will win!

Posted by: cheryl Location: engelhard nc on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:44 AM
one man cant change all the problems we face what experience or qualities do either of these canidates have to get us out of the crisis were end we should all be praying for a miracle maybe if the media wouldnot of road hillary so bad we would of had hope that someone could get us out of the econmic mess were in at least the clintons balanced the budget. nc people should not underestimate mccain and sara we need more than a good speach giver to help our country..........

Posted by: Greg Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:36 AM
McCrory will sell us out so other states who can't manage their own waste can dump it in Eastern NC. They need to learn how to burn their trash for energy and keep it in their own territory. What is McCrory thinking??

Posted by: GJ Location: Winterville on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:34 AM
For the governor race, I don't trust any of them, especially McCrory.

Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:30 AM
To Obama Snake Oil Co...I have to laugh seeing all these educated stock market analysts panicking. This "financial plan", passed by our inept CONGRESS, said it would take 3 weeks for everyone to feel the impact of the plan. After 1 week they are sayng when will the "rebound" start. Just another example of the "I want it NOW" generation wobbling like a top. Many pressures are causing this crisis and people need to get educated real quick on financial and political issues and how free markets work. The plans, OBAMA is spewing, are the exact same plans that caused the "GREAT DEPRESSION". When you continually harp on business owners, and big corporations,telling them they will PAY more (redistribution of wealth), they will not INVEST in the stock market, and will lay people off causing high unemployment. I have yet in my lifetime seen 1 poor person create a job. The reason people are poor is because THEY choose to be. People need to be part of a "SOLUTION" and not part of the "PROBLEM".

Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Ex-president Carter Slams Bush On Market Crisis "Profligate spending," massive borrowing and dramatic tax cuts since President George W. Bush took office in 2001 were behind the market turmoil and economic crisis." Actually the economy was picking up quite a bit after recovering from 911( aside from gass prices caused by greater demand from other countries like China) before the buble broke. It was Democrats that were behind and protected the foolish practices of Fannie and Freddie and the same policies that forced banks and mortgage companies into the bad business practices that caused the mortgage crisis in the first place. Had you not created the foundation for this mess with the Community Reinvestment Act this could never have happened. If not for Democrats and their something for nothing schemes, this economy would be rocking. Carter/OBAMA = American Armageddon

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Seems some of you are counting chickens before the hatch. Its still too early for polls to dictate who will win NC. Go back to history. Even Kerry led here for a time in NC but he didn't win the state. NC has been a red state for 30 years. Maybe you don't know that but you can research it and find the facts, again. Acorn is not being mentioned much in the news except for Fox News. It is the registering up of multiple times, the same voter. I guess it is the only real chance Obama can win here. Just like all of his dirty past, comes with a dirty election. Yes, Obama gave 800K to Acorn. They even have had an Acorn member who had the same guy register 12 times. Acorn is desperate to get their liberal in office. Like many of the silent, we should all research the facts and expose them if our news will not. Just seems to be a big news story that is avoided until Fox comes up exposes it. That is why the liberals, that post here, will not go there, too many facts on a dirty Obama.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Bravo Steve.

Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:27 AM
To Bob....From 1991 to 2008 people have put GREED over FEAR. Now it's FEAR over GREED. Maybe the under 40 years old crowd will realize, the saying "EAST COME and EASY GO" and HARD WORK really has truth to it. The stock market is reacting to 8 years of BUSH bashing, greed at all levels, individual irreponsibility, and a CONGRESS fighting over SOCIALISM or CAPITALISM. Neither OBAMA nor McCAIN have the answers.Now they both have figure out how to get blood out of a turnip.INDIVIDUALS should have known, when 50 MILLION households have an average credit card debt of $17,000, NO personal savings, and too many people depending on GOVERNMENT support, the country can't maintain the good times. This generation of "free wheeling, anything goes, ME first attitudes may have come to a halt. Standby for heavy rolls!!!

Posted by: lavon Location: kinston on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Go Obama/Biden08... I told you folks not to underestimate Obama a long time ago. Thats why Hillary didn't beat him because she underestimated him. Thats why John Mccain is going to lose because he underestimated him. Obama will win NC I guarantee you that. Oh yeah and say goodbye to Elizabeth Dole also because she's OUTTA HERE!!!!

Posted by: Joe Willie Location: NC on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Obama/Biden08 you are right reading the Qur'an does not make you bad, it makes you lost with no hope. The US was founded on the Bible and done well until we quit following it. I'm sorry if you don't like it but the facts speak for them self. When God returns which book would you rather be reading.

Posted by: Obama/Biden08 on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:13 AM
That's right John. This is Eastern NC where they think if you read the Qur'an you must be a terrorist. First of all Obama doesn't, but people around here are scared now and have to push that thought. Give it up people. It might do you some good to be a little opened minded and know that because someone doesn't read "your Bible" doesn't make them bad.

Posted by: me Location: here on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:30 AM
It sounds as if Obama supporters are just listening to Obama and not "reading" the facts about him. Taxes on everything!!?? Democrats are rich, thanks to our taxes NOW giving them everything. Obama will help them get even more.

Posted by: BBQ Lover Location: Greenville on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:06 AM
Yeah, the Republicans are getting a little quieter on the posts lately. Last time I checked MCcain was behind 5 points behind Obama! Go Obama/Biden!!

Posted by: Boots on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:45 AM
To Lee, I agree with you 100%

Posted by: Lee Location: New Bern on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Regarding the comment about Black Felons: When an offender has served his or her time in prison or was given probation and has been released from the criminal justice system - he or she has fulfilled their debt to society and should now be free to vote as all citizens do. These people have done the time and have been punished - it is time to stop continuing to punish them.

Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Swearing on a "Quaran?" Jeez, yet another assumption about Obama. Get your facts straight folks. Oh, and "Quaran" is spelled "Qur'an," just in case you were wondering. Also, check your texts. Nowhere in that book does it promote violence, completely the opposite. But, I guess around if its not the King James version . . .

Posted by: Anonymous Location: NC on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:37 PM
I heard McCrory wants to make eastern NC a huge garbage dump & accept garbage from NY & Jersey.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:35 PM
God, Who should I vote for? Should I vote for the patriot who has faithfully served his country all of his life. A man that has chosen a God fearing woman from one of the more remote regions of our country as his running mate. A woman who has executive experience, OR should I vote for a slick talking lawyer, with many questionable attributes? We really need to get this right. God help us to close our eyes , open our minds, & make the right decision.

Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Contrary to the crowing of the liberal henhouse on this blog, we of the conservative nature ARE enjoying the show. Nothing like reading disabled teachers and welfare recipients waxing eloquent (actually infantile chatter) about their "give away" politicians to lighten my day. I just must say that you should not cash your chips in just yet. No squirming here,BOB, old boy. Neither your loony choices or our only other choice will faithfully represent our interests. We have always had to pick between the lesser of two evils. We all will talk after November 4, I am sure. One more thing you leftists need to know--Limbaugh, Savage or your pick Will do not sway our choices. We are quite able to see through the smoke and mirrors of our "public servants". You are the ones being led around with the ring in your who will give you the most freebies.

Posted by: Gary Location: Williamston on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:13 PM
The last thing we need in the White House is an anti-Christan, gun hate'n, quaran huge'n bigot. I hope that everyone is not so blind that they can't see this. Obama goes to a church of hate and anger. And I don't know about you, but I belive that Obama is a student of his teacher.

Posted by: Boots on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Dianne, I think so but maybe they died from disbelief

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Were assuming the ACORN group isnt padding the balots here. I hope an investigation and accurate count is achieved.

Posted by: Bob Location: Winterville on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Cheer up neo-cons. Look on the bright side: you still have 3 more months to enjoy the glorious, prosperous legacy that G.W. Bush has given us. You may still buy into your delusion that "history will treat him kind", but the majority see him for the bumbling fool he is. Too bad he did not listen to his own Daddy on Iraq. Remember his quote about bin Laden- "dead or alive"? How'd that work out? "My fellow prisoners" errr, Americans, Jonh McCain sold his soul to the looney base of his party (although y'all "represent" well here!) and the man (W.) that stabbed him in 2000. McCain had my vote in 2000, but the past 8 years have been most unkind to him. How many ways can Sen. McCain twist and flip-flop? Mortgage bail-out, LOL! And you call Obama a socialist? Look in the mirror. Y'all look REALLY desperate. For your sanity- do NOT read what a REAL conservative- George Will wrote today about McCain. You'll squirm like Palin about a question pertaining to Alaskan secession from our great nation.

Posted by: Dianne Location: Greenville on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Boots, do you think they are finally facing reality? It's so quiet in here!

Posted by: Boots on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Looks like Democrats have added more than 290-thousand new registrants this year alone. About 128-thousand new voters have signed up with the Republicans. :)

Posted by: Boots on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:43 PM
To Dianne, They are quieter because they are losers.............go Obama\Biden

Posted by: Little Woman on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:39 PM
To Obama 08 4 Prez!, AMEN girl now you are talking.

Posted by: Dianne Location: Greenville on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Looks like you got busted Mr. Bob!

Posted by: voter Location: nc on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:19 PM
like the man said, " mccain supporters were at work"

Posted by: Annie on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Thats only because all of the black felons are supporting Obama. They are coming out of the wood works.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Who is surprised? The republicans need to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Posted by: Mr. Bob on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Civitas is a branch of Acorn. Editor's Note: Here is how Civitas describes itself. "The mission of the Civitas Institute is to facilitate the implementation of conservative policy solutions to improve the lives of all North Carolinians."

Posted by: BUBBA Location: DIXIE COUNTY FL on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Who did they call the Boy's N The Hood. They did not call Stockbrokers in Charlotte. Then survey says McCain - 100, Obama - 0 Editor's Note. Here is a description of the methodology Civitas says was used in the poll: "The Civitas poll is the only recurring, live interviewer, poll on issues and politics in North Carolina. The study of 600 registered voters was conducted October 6-8 by Tel Opinion Research of Alexandria, Virginia. All respondents were part of a fully representative sample of registered voters in North Carolina. For purposes of this study, voters we interviewed had to have voted in either the 2002, 2004 or 2006 general election or were newly registered voters since 2006. The voters were interviewed using live callers. The confidence interval associated with a sample of this size is such that: 95% of the time, results from 600 interviews (registered voters) will be within +-4.2% of the “True Values.” “True Values” refer to the results obtained if were possible to interview every person in North Carolina who had voted in either the 2002, 2004 or 2006 general elections or were newly registered voters since 2006."

Posted by: Lucile Location: Swan Quarter on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Come on McCain. Don't let Osama Obama whip you. It don't matter. I am not swearing on a Quaran !!!

Posted by: Dianne Location: Greenville on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:47 PM
I'm with you Boots. Does it seem like the right wingers are getting a little quieter on these posts? I wonder why.

Posted by: mamma for obama on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Way to go all you Obama Biden supporters...we need to get Purdue in the lead of slick willie McCrory,,,he will destroy our state...we need to keep it Blue!!!

Posted by: Ordnanceman Location: Greenville on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:39 PM
How do they get this info? Editor's Note: As the story notes, it was from a telephone survey of 600 likely voters.

Posted by: Boots on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Way to go Obama ................Obama|Biden 08

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