Presidential couple (dad and mom) hit trail for Jeb [NEWEST POLL RESULTS: JEB WIDENS HIS LEAD]

The Orlando Sentinel ^ | Oct. 19, 2002 | Mark Silva

[summer]

ELECTION 2002 Presidential couple (dad and mom) hit trail for Jeb

By Mark Silva | Sentinel Political Editor
Posted October 19, 2002

...Although various polls have suggested that the governor's race is close, a new survey showing Bush with a 9-point lead over McBride gave cheer to the Republicans on Friday.

The poll by McLaughlin & Associates of Alexandria, Va., done for U.S. Sugar Corp., shows Bush with 49.2 percent to McBride's 40.5 percent, with the remainder undecided. The margin of error was 4 percent. Six hundred people were surveyed by phone Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Jim McLaughlin, the pollster, said Bush was running solidly ahead in all parts of the state except South Florida. The results contrast with a Zogby International poll from last week, showing a three-point lead for the governor....

[summer]

Also see -- A Letter from FL Gov Jeb Bush

[summer]

For index.

[nicmarlo]

Summer, explain to me why Jeb Bush appears to be (at least in media accounts, I know, that's not reliable), struggling. From all the articles you have posted about what a great job he is doing there, overall, in many ways, what's up with this?

[summer]

Gov Jeb Bush at a recent event with Haitian voters.

[summer]

I think it's called: It's an election year. :)

[The Other Harry]

The poll by McLaughlin & Associates of Alexandria, Va., done for U.S. Sugar Corp., shows Bush with 49.2 percent to McBride's 40.5 percent, with the remainder undecided.

What remainder?

[mystery-ak]

This sounds a lot better...I hope it's accurate....the Rats are working overtime to unseat Jeb...Matthews et al are all doing hit pieces on Jeb.

[summer]

Also - what are they going to say? "Jeb is doing a great job" -- where's the "story" in that?

I honestly believe post-Election Day there will be a slew of articles headlined: Why did anyone think McMumble could win???

Watch for Gov Bush's numbers to go up again post-debate #3, after this Tuesday.

[summer]

Gov Bush with Hispanic voters in So. FL.

[summer]

FL GOP Lt Gov Brogan visits the Black Tampa GOP Club.

[summer]

Gov Jeb Bush at the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
10th anniversary in Hollywood, FL.

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

Let's see... 49.2 + 40.5 = 89.7. That leaves 10.3 undecided. : )

[summer]

FL Lt Gov Brogan at the Hillsborough County GOP Headquarters.

[nicmarlo]

As a "woman in the streets," so to speak, what are the people saying about Jeb Bush? What are YOUR impressions about how their going to vote? And what are THEY saying about what the media's saying (about his "struggles").

[GraniteStateConservative]

poll ping!

[summer]

Jeb visits a young patient at the DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

[summer]

The voters I have talked to are basically ignoring the media and looking instead at their own lives - they ARE doing better than before Gov Bush came into office, and everytime McMumble claims everyone is "stressed out" they tune out to McMumble.

However, when Gov Bush demands answers to questions about specifics on McMumble's plans for FL, and McMumble offers no specifics, they tune in -- and this reinforces their belief Gov Bush would be a better leader in the future.

FL voters I know, including Dems, have generally been very happy with Gov Bush in office, and they have no difficulty in pointing to something in his record they are glad he did.

Maybe it's because of my own experiences and the people I listen to, which includes voters who are not GOP -- I have no doubtr Gov Bush will win it. They were curious about McMumble, but as I suspected, his nomination was a novelty that wore off. Most voters give Gov Bush an A+ for leadership issues, and they will not so easily hand over the reins of power to an inexperienced nobody, especially one without specific, well thought-out plans. McMumble has nothing like this to offer, and more and more voters know it.

[coloradomom]

This article is encouraging, and I love to see the pictures of your great governor with his constituents. I don't understand why McBride didn't just tank in the polls after the first debate. McBride had nothing specific or worthwhile to offer, and I honestly felt that he looked like a fool. How has he even been able to stay this close? I'd really appreciate reading your insights on this, summer, and those of other Florida voters.

[summer]

doubtr = doubt

[ladyinred]

You have more faith in the media than I do summer! I don't read it as just wanting the "story" that is more sensational for ratings. I firmly believe the negative press on Jeb Bush is the concerted effort of media working with and for the opposition. Even the reports that he is dropping in the polls is (imo) an effort to demoralize the governor and his supporters.