In my last diary, I examined a poll that showed that Gore would likely be our best candidate in the general election - in it he wound up handily defeating Giuliani by a 52-46% margin. Today, another very interesting poll was released that show Gore would likely catapult to the front of the primary pack, possibly even starting ahead of Hillary.
In the Independent Film Channel Poll, they ask the following question:
- If Al Gore announced his candidacy for President today, how much would this impact your decision?
For those who have followed by diaries, you'll know that this is how I've wanted to see this question asked for a long time. Previous to this one, the question was posed in this format only twice - once in New Hampshire and once in Michigan - and both times Gore came out on top. To my knowledge, this is the first time it was asked nationally, and the results are unquestionable and should further urge Gore to jump into the race:
Would vote for Al Gore: 25% (44% Democrat; 5% Republican; 33% Independent)
Would vote for another Democratic candidate: 30% (54% Democrat; 4% Republican; 29% Independent)
Would vote for a Republican candidate: 45% (3% Democrat; 91% Republican; 38% Independent)
This poll requires some analyzing, so I'm going to try and interpret these numbers as best as I can - feel free to chime in with your own interpretations and opinions. First off, it looks like Gore would get 44% of the Democratic primary vote. In a nine candidate race with four top-tier contenders, this is more than enough to easily secure the nomination. Second, Democrats earn a combined 55% of the national vote. Assuming that most of the 30% who would vote for "another Democratic candidate" would vote for Gore in a general election matchup against a Republican, that would mean Gore trounces a generic Republican 55-45%. This largely confirms the findings of yesterday's poll against Giuliani.
America is craving for a candidate who transcends politics, will bring hope and respect back to our country, and maybe after witnessing Bush these past seven years, most important of all, is freakin' smart. Will Al Gore heed America's call? All I have to say is: come on in Al, the water's fine!
Also, in non-polling news, Gore spoke today in the Windy City for the Economic Club of Chicago. Outside, the Chicago Draft Gore Group was very visible - across the street from the Hyatt Hotel (where Gore was speaking) they spelled out "AL GORE 2008" in huge letters. In addition to getting the attention of local and state news outlets (and NPR), they also continued collecting signatures to put Gore on the state's primary ballot. Passer- and driver-byers added their support with "beeping horns, waves, thumbs-up, and shouts of encouragement." They also paid for two billboard bike drives that rode around the event the whole while Gore was speaking - one read "Run Al, Run" and the other "Al Gore 08." There are even some great photos of the action outside readily available for your viewing pleasure. Great job guys! On the inside was fellow Kossack Jim in Chicago - check his comment down below for his take on the night's events.