CNN Analysis: Elections not a referendum on Obama

CNN ^ | November 4, 2009 | By Mark Preston, CNN Political Editor

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Washington (CNN) -- Victories in New Jersey and Virginia Tuesday provided a major shot in the arm for the Republican Party heading into the 2010 elections, but the Democratic losses of these two governorships should not be interpreted as a significant blow to President Obama.

While the economy and jobs were the chief concern for voters in both states, 26 percent of New Jersey residents said property taxes was also a major issue, while another 20 percent mentioned corruption, according to CNN exit polling. In a similar CNN survey taken in Virginia, health care was the most important issue for 24 percent of the voters, while 15 percent named taxes and transportation was mentioned by 7 percent.

Further proof that this election was not solely focused on Obama, 56 percent of Virginians said that the president was not a factor when it came down to their vote. In New Jersey, that number increased to 60 percent of the people who went to the polls on Tuesday.

Perhaps this was the problem for Virginia Sen. Creigh Deeds and New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine.

Neither Democratic candidate was Obama; neither was a great spokesman for "change;" and Democratic strategists and grassroots activists said each candidate failed to give independents a reason to support them.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

umm, umm, umm Barck Hussein Obama

[Paige]

The MSM is speechless and will spin this to the high heavens. This is going to be priceless and humorous as the MSM spins why this is not because of Obama and his pathetic attempt to Socialize this country.

[Man50D]

BO went to New Jersey several times but Corzine still lost. It certainly is a referendum on BO and his socialist policies.

[nhwingut]

Whistling past the graveyard.

[tobyhill]

These old fools at CNN can't even see that their false Messiah just got the ole beat-down.

[missnry]

Everyone knows that it would only be a referendum if there were a Republican President in office!

[Doogle]

hey CNN...just heard some kid say *bang bang*...it must be a shoot out, better send some reporters....idiots!
CNN is going to be saying this all week long.....protect the manchild.

[magellan]

These same clowns will say this in 2012 when Obama fails to be reelected.

[grey_whiskers]

But see this story. Someone at the DNC fax machine got their wires crossed.

Cheers!

[Skooz]

spin spin spin spin

CNN had this story written before the elections just in case things didn’t go their way.

They also had an alternate story “Big Dem Wins Referendum on Saint Obama’s Majestic Presidency” on hold in case their chosen candidates won.

[LRS]

Oh; ok. Now, tell me about the rabbits, George!

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Bush’s Fault v0.0.

[JoeVet]

I wonder what color the sky is on CNN’s planet?

:D

[Doogle]

Neither Democratic candidate was Obama; neither was a great spokesman for "change;"

..this is pure BS...CORZINE was in fact Odumbo lite...he constantly repeated the WH BS weekly.....his campaign was loaded with ODUMBO OPERATIVES.......

[stevem]

This makes a much sense as any other ‘analysis.’ On the other hand if every liberal person or position in every major and minor battle had won, CNN would have come to the exact opposite conclusion.

[C210N]

CNN is just saying that -13bama has a green light to continue on the path of socialism to marxism, at least according to them.

[tobyhill]

Obama won by 6 points in Virginia and 15 points in NJ so for that big of swing in party loyalty in one year is definitely a referendum on Obama.

[lowbridge]

bump

[This_far]

...should not be interpreted as a significant blow to President Obama.

Well then, maybe it's a little HOPE and CHANGE?

[DC Packfan]

They’ll lose big in 2010 and then O will lose in 2012 and they still won’t call it a referendum on the one.