Posted on 03/01/2012 8:40:57 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Conventional wisdom, and conventional hand-wringing, has this cycle’s tough primary fight eroding Republican enthusiasm for the general election against Barack Obama. Late last year, that seemed to be the case, as Republicans went from a +13 in enthusiasm in October to a +5 in December. However, the latest Gallup survey shows that enthusiasm has begun to rise among Republicans — and remains flat among Democrats:
By 53% to 45%, Republicans, including independents who lean Republican, are slightly more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners to say they are “more enthusiastic than usual about voting” this year. Republicans have consistently led Democrats in voting enthusiasm since last fall, but to varying degrees.
Not only has enthusiasm rebounded, it’s significantly higher than at this stage of the 2008 cycle:
The 53% of Republicans who feel more enthusiastic about voting today — as Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are engaged in a pitched nomination battle — is greater than the 44% found in February 2008 when John McCain and Mike Huckabee were still dueling in the primaries.
Gallup points out that this is still nowhere near Democratic voter enthusiasm in 2008, which was at an astronomical 79%. That, however, was mainly due to the prospect of ridding themselves of the hated George W. Bush and passion for the historic candidacies of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Four years later, Democratic enthusiasm can’t get above 45% in the last six months to defend Barack Obama, and gets nowhere near the 59% enthusiasm in 2004 when Kerry was sailing to the nomination in an ultimately unsuccessful candidacy.
The primary has not eroded Republican enthusiasm. Voters may not be terribly satisfied with the choices presented in this cycle, but as the general election comes closer, Republicans appear to be gaining enthusiasm for beating Obama.
After a couple of days with Romney as the nominee, those numbers would change dramatically.
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RE: After a couple of days with Romney as the nominee, those numbers would change dramatically.
He’ll have to choose someone as electrifying as Sarah Palin to be his running mate.
Not sure if Rand Paul will do the job for him. That’ll only attract the libs ( as in libertarians ), who are not that large in terms of numbers.
Marco Rubio would work as VP...
Look: you can’t maintain enthusiasm as a constant. For one thing, there needs to be a target. Wait until Aug. / Sept. Enthusiasm will be sky high on our side. Even if the unfortunate fate of Romney befalls us. He will choose a Rubio or other conservative who excites the base as running mate. Obama is toast. He will have none of those idiot indy’s who bought the bamboozlin.
Having Christie Creme would add excitement to the Milt ticket. People would tune into events just to see if that was the time his ticker finally gave out from the sad state of his health.
He’ll have to choose someone as electrifying as Sarah Palin to be his running mate.
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Not sure Sarah would do it, but, how about Marco Rubio? He would cut, greatly, into Obozo’s Hispanic vote and he would carry Florida for the GOP. Whoever wins Florida, will win the White House; for sure.
Cue the "Marco Rubio is not a N*A*T*U*R*A*L B*O*R*N C*I*T*I*Z*E*N!!" clown car in 3...2...1.....
Voters may not be terribly satisfied with the choices presented in this cycle, but as the general election comes closer, Republicans appear to be gaining enthusiasm for beating Obama.
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HALLELUJAH!!! I’ve been worried about that.
The GOP-E is not about to allow another Sarah Palin tea party type on the VP ticket, for two reasons. First, it elevates him or her, and the Tea Party, for 2020. Second, the GOP-E fears a “rogue” VP candidacy.
Most people I know are all about getting obama out. They don't care who ends up being the nominee. The dire consequences of another obama term are not worth expending one's energy on hating Romney.
Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream was on C-SPAN this morning. He didn’t sound enthusiastic about Obama....I was amused by his weak support of BO.
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It’s amazing how many Blacks are NOT enthusiastic about Obozo this time around. I talked to a young Black man at the VA Tuesday. I had said nothing about politics; he brought it up. He said he’s voting Republican this time.
Question from the Clown Car:
All-Knowing Wise Sir, can you please confirm for me that Mr. Rubio’s parents were both U.S. citizens when he was born?
in 2010, the GOP led in enthusiasm by 8 points.
in 2010, the GOP led in enthusiasm by 19 points.
(ignore my 1st post here)
I am ABO at all costs.
Democrats had a 19 point enthusiasm gap in 2008:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/109966/Republicans-Still-Face-Enthusiasm-Gap-Democrats.aspx
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