Cynthia McKinney, Green Candidate 1 Percent in the Polls

Green Party Presidential candidate, former Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, is is Polling at about 1 percent. That is about 9 percentage points below the required 10 percent necessary to be part of the Third Party / Independent Town Hall Debate to be held in New Orleans on September 18. She is in Good company as Libertarian Bob Barr is at 3 percent and Independent candidate Ralph Nader at 6 percent. The poll was performed by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN. This is the first poll reported on by Angus Reid, a poll tracking organization that included minor candidates that included McKinney.

It appears that the Presidential debate may need to alter its entrance requirements just a bit, so that national candidates will have an opportunity to get their message out to a national audience.

The poll found that 6 percent would vote for Ralph Nader (Independent/Peace and Freedom Party (in California only)), and 3 percent would vote for former Congressman Bob Barr (Libertarian Party). http://www.angus-reid.com/…for_obama_in_us_race

The poll found Senator Barack Obama (Democrat) has a 4 point lead over Senator John McCain (Republican) – 46 percent to 41 percent.

In previous elections, Nader has polled considerably higher than his vote total on election day. Whether that holds true this year, and if it holds true for McKinney and Barr, remains to be seen. McKinney’s vote total could benefit from her being the only woman on the ballot in most states.

Neither Nader nor McKinney are likely to be on the ballot in all 50 states, which is one reason their vote totals may not reach their national polling numbers. Another is that voters, fearful either Obama or McCain will win, depending on their political views, will decide against voting for a small party or independent candidate.

McKinney and Barr have less name recognition than Nader, which could lead to their poll numbers increasing, as more voters learn about them.

In 2004, Nader received .4 percent (466 thousand votes), Libertarian Party candidate Michael Badnarik received .3 percent (397 thousand votes), and Green Party candidate David Cobb received .1 percent (120 thousand votes). http://en.wikipedia.org/…dential_election,_2004

In 2000, Nader, running as the Green Party candidate received 2.7 percent, and the 2.9 million votes he received was his high water mark, while Harry Browne, the Libertarian Party Candidate, received .4 percent (384 thousand votes).http://en.wikipedia.org/…dential_election,_2000

Should Nader, McKinney, or Barr receive 5 percent of the popular vote, they (or their party’s nominee) would automatically have ballot status in all 50 states and receive matching federal funds in the 2012 presidential election.

Source: indybay.org via politisite

Poll listing of third party candidates reduces Obama’s lead

A new poll by Opinion Research Corporation, released by CNN, raises questions about the inclusion of third-party candidates in the polling question.

When respondents are given only two names, Barack Obama and John McCain, they choose Obama over McCain 51% to 44%—a 7-point spread.

When respondents are given five names—Obama, McCain, Ralph Nader, Bob Barr, and Cynthia McKinney—Obama’s lead is cut to 46%-42%—a 4-point spread.

This suggests that most of the third-party votes are coming at the expense of Barack Obama.

In the poll, Nader gets 6% support, Barr 3%, and McKinney 1%.

Source: thirdpartywatch.com via politisite