Hillary Clinton and her people proved the pollsters wrong with her victory in New Hampshire but not as much as one may think. According to CNN, these were the projected results for the top three candidates: Clinton – 30%, Obama – 37% and Edwards – 19%. So, how did the votes actually turn out? Clinton – 39%, Obama – 37% and Edwards – 17%.
So, the Obama prediction, right on point, Edwards slightly lower and Hillary a whopping 9% difference. How did the pollsters get Hillary's numbers so wrong? There was no modification of their projections for the ultimate women's backlash and sympathy votes for Hillary. I guess there will be more whining and Hallmark moments on the campaign trail for Hillary.
Now that the Obama Magic Carpet Ride has subsided somewhat; it's time for a reality check for his supporters, especially blacks. Obama wins because of the youth vote and Independents. Older whites are going with Clinton and the black vote is divided between Clinton loyalists and Obama supporters. Edwards, well, some have counted him out but I'm still not sure about that. Ultimately, lack of campaign financing may be his downfall.
The remainder of this presidential campaign will definitely be interesting, especially for the Democrats. The pollsters' predictions will not be given credence as in previous elections, so let's just see how this plays out.
Up next, Michigan on January 15th.
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