First it was Zogby noting a John Edwards surge in SC. Edwards was actually leading Hillary Clinton in the most recent day of polling.
Then it was the Clemson Palmetto poll showing Obama, Clinton and Edwards all bunched within 10 percentage points of one another.
Now Survey USA weighs in with more evidence that native son John Edwards is indeed rising in South Carolina!
(That sound you hear is of our better angels rising to their feet with applause.)
Some of the yippee-i-yay/ say-Amen /nitty-gritty details after the jump.
According to Survey USA:
48 HRS TO SC DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY -- Obama Flat, Clinton Down, Edwards Up: Two days till the South Carolina Democratic Primary, SurveyUSA finds Barack Obama at 45%, unchanged from a week ago; Hillary Clinton at 29%, down 7 from a week ago, and John Edwards at 22%, up 7 from a week ago..."
Among white voters today, Clinton and Edwards are effectively tied, 37% Clinton (down 13 points from last week) to 34% Edwards (up 8 points from last week). Upstate, all 3 candidates are within 8 points of each other....
In the Low County, Obama and Clinton are down, Edwards is up, but Obama still leads by 15 points.
Sounds great, does it not?
I think Edwards' rise in the SC polls has a lot to do with his dynamic debate performance on Monday night. This was the highlight for me -- because it spoke to African-Americans (JRE was the only candidate to symbolically launch his campaign in the heart of Katrina-devasted New Orleans) and to our better angels:
I have a comprehensive set of ideas about how we end poverty in this country. I think it is a huge moral issue facing the United States of America, and it is an enormous issue facing the African American community.
If you're black, you're much more likely to be poor, you're much less likely to have health care coverage. That community is hurt worse by poverty than any community in America. And it's our responsibility, not just for the African American community, but for America, as a nation, to take on this moral challenge, to try as best we can to walk in the shadow of Dr. King and try to make certain that we take this cause on, and I intend to do it.
It will be central to the work that I do as president of the United States, ending poverty in America.
Today, Edwards took a step forward for America taking the lead in calling on Senate Democrats to filibuster revisions to the FISA. Here's a copy of an email I received today from the Edwards campaign:
When it comes to protecting the rule of law, words are not enough. We need action.
It's wrong for your government to spy on you. That's why I'm asking you to join me today in calling on Senate Democrats to filibuster revisions to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that would give "retroactive immunity" to the giant telecom companies for their role in aiding George W. Bush's illegal eavesdropping on American citizens.
The Senate is debating this issue right now -- which is why we must act right now. You can call your Senators here:
John Warner, (R): (202) 224-2023
Jim Webb, (D): (202) 224-4024
Granting retroactive immunity is wrong. It will let corporate law-breakers off the hook. It will hamstring efforts to learn the truth about Bush's illegal spying program. And it will flip on its head a core principle that has guided our nation since our founding: the belief that no one, no matter how well connected or what office they hold, is above the law.
But in Washington today, the telecom lobbyists have launched a full-court press for retroactive immunity. George Bush and Dick Cheney are doing everything in their power to ensure it passes. And too many Senate Democrats are ready to give the lobbyists and the Bush administration exactly what they want.
Please join me in calling on every Senate Democrat to do everything in their power -- including joining Senator Dodd's efforts to filibuster this legislation -- to stop retroactive immunity and stand up for the rule of law. The Constitution should not be for sale at any price.
Thank you for taking action.
John Edwards
January 24, 2008
Diarist RClouse previews a wonderful 90-second ad that the Edwards campaign is seeking to paste across all of the important SC airwaves. Check it out! And consider contributing to get this brilliant spot and John's message through the media filter, on to the teevee, and in to peoples' homes!
I'd say a good 4-5 days for John Edwards and America. What do you say?
UPDATE: as NDHAPPLE notes below:
MSNBC/McClatchy have just released a new poll of South Carolina showing...
Obama- 38 (-3)
Clinton- 30 (-1)
Edwards- 19 (+6)
Digging into the internals... Obama continues to lead amongst both women and men. However Edwards has tied Clinton in support amongst men (24/25). Also, confirmation of the Zogby poll result showing Edwards beating both Clinton and Obama amongst white voters.
Breaking down the reasons why supporters are backing their candidates... Edwards beats Clinton when voters are voting on the issues and are looking for someone who is honest. Obama wins the change vote hands down and Clinton wins the experience vote.
Top issues for South Carolina Democrats...
43- Economy and Jobs (could explain Edwards traction)
29- Healthcare
9%- War in Iraq
8&- Race relations and racial progress
The margin of error is 5 percent. The Keith (undecided) number is 13 percent.
by ndhapple