The University of New Hampshire
Granite State Poll
ran a poll of likely Democratic primary voters from March 27 to April 2.
Among other things, they asked whether the voter has a favorable, neutral, or unfavorable opinion of the
various candidates. Often these ratings are more important and more stable than particular candidate
preferences this far in advance of the all-important New Hampshire primary. The results are below. This poll
did not survey the Republican candidates.
Some things stand out very clearly. If Al Sharpton decides to run again, he's not going to do
well in New Hampshire. On the other hand, John Edwards has an incredible +72% net favorability rating.
People really like him. That is not the same as voting for him, because people can like a candidate but
not like his positions on the issues, but it is a powerful start. Historically, people have tended to
vote for candidates they like, even if they don't agree with them on all the issues.
Also noteworthy is that Barack Obama is quite popular, with Al Gore in third place and Hillary Clinton
in fourth place. Below that, "Don't Know" wins. Of the second tier candidates, Bill Richardson may be in
the best shape because few people dislike him.
Candidate
Favorable
Unfavorable
Net
Neutral
Don't know
John Edwards
80%
8%
72%
7%
4%
Barack Obama
69%
10%
59%
11%
9%
Al Gore
69%
21%
48%
9%
2%
Hillary Clinton
64%
24%
40%
10%
1%
Bill Richardson
27%
12%
15%
14%
47%
Wesley Clark
34%
29%
5%
13%
24%
Joe Biden
30%
27%
3%
15%
28%
Chris Dodd
21%
25%
-4%
16%
37%
Dennis Kucinich
22%
30%
-8%
13%
36%
Mike Gravel
4%
14%
-10%
11%
71%
Al Sharpton
14%
62%
-48%
10%
14
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