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Why People Lie About Having Voted for Obama

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 19, 2009 2:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – A lot of people are lying about having voted for President Obama. A recent Wall Street Journal poll gives Obama a 50%-39% edge over John McCain—a big bump over his actual 7% victory. A New York Times survey shows Obama winning with a nearly 2-to-1 margin. That’s a remarkable number, but don’t get too excited; this always happens, Christopher Beam writes for Slate.

Lots of people who didn’t vote are loath to tell pollsters so, especially because they’ve usually just answered a bunch of other questions about politics. And they’re more likely to say they voted for the guy who won, especially if he’s doing well. If things go poorly? Well, let’s just say that in 2006 polls, more people said they voted for John Kerry than George Bush.

In this Nov. 4, 2008, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, cast their votes in Chicago. (AP Photo)

Lots of people lie to pollsters about their votes. (Shutterstock)

A voter makes his selection at a voting booth at Grace United Methodist Church in Dallas, Nov. 4, 2008. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 26 comments

easterner

Jul 3, 2009 2:59 AM CDT

I have no problem admitting who I voted for I couldn't make up my mind so I voted the most experienced,McCain (as I hang my head low in shame).The VP to me was just someone in the background who takes orders,so I didn't care who was the VP.I fell for the fight for America speech.I'm pretty impressed by what I see . Those who said if Obama should win they would support the President because it's the right thing to do as Americans.Throwing him under the bus in the way they are doing it is far from being American.The Republicans have proved that they are wimpy poor sports and are embarrassing themselves.

kokuaguy

Jun 20, 2009 8:12 AM CDT

Thinker, I'm appalled. Surely not-- that kind of thing only happens in places like Iran.

kokuaguy

Jun 20, 2009 8:10 AM CDT

Hate to rain on your parade, WierdSight ... those "friends" are just telling you what you want to hear so you'll stop your incessant ranting and go away.

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Why People Lie About Having Voted for Obama

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Barack Obama • John Kerry • Election 2008 • George W. Bush • poll numbers • popular vote • pollsters • President Obama

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Why People Lie About Having Voted for Obama

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • John Kerry • Election 2008 • George W. Bush • poll numbers • popular vote • pollsters • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

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Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

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'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

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At least 28 more plan to seek one

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?