TBJ poll: Obama beats Clinton, but many dislike both

Barack Obama would easily trump Hillary Clinton in the North Carolina Democratic primary, based on the tally in an online poll of Triangle Business Journal readers. But both candidates are running headlong into Republican discontent.

From April 16 through April 22, visitors to TBJ's Web site were asked, "Who will you vote for: Clinton or Obama?"

Of the 1,197 people who responded to the unscientific poll, 38 percent picked Obama, the junior senator from Illinois, while 24 percent picked New York Sen. Clinton.

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The remaining 38 percent of voters - 457, or three fewer than the number who picked Obama - picked our third option in the poll: "Are you kidding me?"

What follows is a list of comments on the poll, all of which were made anonymously:

• "If I voted today it would be for Obama. Who knows what I will do on May 6. I'm not happy with the way things are going in either camp right now."
• "Certainly, I'm not alone in stating I'm not yet 100% certain of any of the candidates. However, Obama has demonstrated an innate ability to easily relate to individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. In addition to uniting people in common causes domestically, his tough and pragmatic manner could contribute to improving many of the current foreign-policy issues."
• "Although she'd do a fine job, Hillary is part of the old establishment. Two families have been running the country for decades (Clintons/Bushes) and it's time for a positive change."
• "Obama is the only candidate serious enough to president. John '100 years of war' McCain may pretend to be a maverick, but when has he actually stood up to the far right on an issue of consequence and not backed down like a frightened puppy later on?"
• "Why is Hillary still running? Unless Obama gets hit by a bus, he's the nom. I'm more interested in whether or not Obama or McCain will be the victor."
• "Experience matters. Memory matters. On intelligence, they are a draw. Many things were done right in Bill's administration and the country was one heck of a lot better off. She undoubtedly soaked a lot of things up being as close as she was to the action. She'll be running things but he certainly will be around to bounce ideas off of."
• "Men have had enough shots at the Presidency! And they had more experience than Obama."
• "Seriously ... are you expecting any business leaders to vote for either of those two?"
• "Why would I vote for either one of these two? I have zero desire to see my taxes raised."
• "Neither seem to have any concern or understanding of the pervasive negative impacts of a pro-active government. Focus on foreign policy and the rule of law, otherwise don't interfere with the lives and economic relationships of independent and free Americans."
• "Why would I slit my throat by voting for either Clinton or Obama? They HATE successful people like me! Just listen to their speeches. They play the 'class envy' game, trying to convince people who make less money than I do that I do not deserve the things my hard work and risk-taking have gotten me. They make me and people like me sound like the reason for our country's problems. Heck, they should be kissing my feet for all the taxes I pay. I will vote for John McCain."