Presidential Candidates Play Too Nice

Many pundits ruled out Obama victory early

(NEWSER) - With the election over, what's more fun than calling out all those whose predictions were off—way off. Der Spiegel lists some highlights:

• "He cannot win, Bill. He cannot win." Hillary Clinton, on Barack Obama
• "We'll win Florida." Rudy Giuliani
• "Virginians are really getting fired up for this ticket of McCain and Palin." George Allen
• "Romney for the Republicans, Hillary for the Democrats." Ann Coulter, on the nominees

GOP field still wide open, Rudy's numbers slipping

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is still in first place among Democratic presidential hopefuls nationwide, despite a substantial 12% leap in support for Barack Obama since early December, finds the latest Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll. Clinton leads Obama 42% to 33%, with John Edwards trailing at 11%. Asked to pick between Clinton and Obama, a slender majority of Edwards voters went for Clinton. The GOP figures were less clear-cut. More»

Early spending saps all coffers ... except Romney's

(NEWSER) - Despite record fund-raising, top presidential hopefuls in both parties have blown almost all of their cash, the New York Times reports. Efforts to knock out opponents early have cost candidates at least $320 million, or 80% of what they have raised. With Super Tuesday fast approaching, “there is definitely some belt-tightening,” said one Barack Obama spokesman. Unless, of course, if you have Mitt Romney’s vast personal fortune. More»

Clinton clings to slim lead, but poll finds 'lots of potential for change'

(NEWSER) - With just four days left before Iowans gather to caucus, a Reuters/C-Span/Zogby poll released today found Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama 31% to 27%, while GOP heavyweights Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are in a dead heat. Third-place Democratic contender John Edwards was running a strong 24%. Republican John McCain, who is focusing on New Hampshire, was the only other candidate in double digits with 11%. More»

Clinton's popularity plummets among women

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton’s lead in New Hampshire has evaporated, a CNN poll finds. Clinton's approval rating is at 31%, off 5% since November, leaving her in a statistical tie with Barack Obama, who's at 30%. Clinton’s support among female Democrats has fallen from 43% to 33%. Mike Huckabee hasn't replicated his Iowa surge—his 9% rating pales against GOP leader Mitt Romney's 32%. More»