Send Us Feedback

Find Your Candidates

Could Third-Party Hopefuls Foil McCain?

AOL
posted: 82 DAYS 22 HOURS AGO
comments: 1933
Text SizeAAA
Polls show Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama running close in the presidential election. But could third-party candidates siphon votes away from McCain, much as Ralph Nader was blamed for doing to Al Gore in 2000? The idea has been floating around for awhile, and this week's NBC News / Wall Street Journal poll underscores the possibility that such candidates could hurt McCain.

A Drain on McCain

John McCain, left, and Barack ObamaGetty Images

Democrat Barack Obama, right, leads Republican John McCain by 6 points -- 47 percent to 41 percent -- in a new presidential poll. But the gap widened when pollsters threw in third-party candidates Bob Barr and Raplph. Click through the photos to see how the four-way contest looked.

1 of 5PHOTOS

AOL News

X | Close

According to the poll results, Obama had a 6-point lead over McCain, even though most respondents thought he was a riskier pick for president. But when voters were asked to factor in two other candidates -- former GOP congressman Bob Barr, who's running for president as a Libertarian, and Nader, who's running as an independent -- Obama's lead opened up.
Here's how MSNBC summarized it: "... Obama’s lead over McCain expands to 13 points when third-party candidates Ralph Nader and Bob Barr are added into the mix — with Obama at 48 percent, McCain at 35 percent, Nader at 5 percent and Barr at 2 percent. However, it’s important to note that the pro-Obama vote (48 percent) and anti-Obama vote (adding up to 42 percent) is consistent with the result from the two-way match up."
In mid-June, stories about Republicans' concerns about Barr were all over the media. The New York Times, for example, reported that Barr "gleefully recounted" how some in the GOP had tried to talk him out of running.
"They all said, 'Look, we understand why you’re [running]. We agree with why you’re doing it. But please don’t do it,'" Barr told The Times.
What this all mean come November? It's hard to say. NationalJournal.com's Mystery Pollster column takes a look at the polling on third-party candidates and suggests that the support for them may not be what it seems.
2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
2008-07-24 09:43:30
Related Article
GOOD READ?
226 votes
(1933)
Sort by:

1 - 10

Ertent555

02:43 AMJul 30 2008

Mcflip-flopper

AVG RATING:
(0)

BMcnam1675

02:01 AMJul 29 2008

Senator McCain should stick with his agenda and not flip flop on his positions. It is a leap of faith to expect the independents to fully surplant the conservative votes for Senator McCain. Everytime Senator McCain flips his position, he helps Senator Obama and former Congressman Barr. He will need the conservative base in November to win the election.

AVG RATING:
(1)

Cccc49r

12:57 AMJul 29 2008

NO ACCOMPLISHMENTS, NO SUPPORT FOR MILITARY, NO MORALS, NO SHAME NO JESUS, NO BACKBONE, NO MILITARY SERVICE, NO EXPERIENCE NO THANKS, NOOBAMA 08,12, 16,20,24, NEVER!!!!!!!!!

AVG RATING:
(3)

Jean M Buxton

10:46 PMJul 29 2008

I have been listening to McCain during his interview with Larry King and I have come to realize that McCain hates Obama, his whole conversation is about running Obama down. He's lying ,not telling the issues the way they are. He's a horribleperson and I believe if he gets in the white house he will probably be worst than bush . I sure hope the people get wise to him and and don't vote his way. Obama is not saying anything about mcCain that should tell you who the better person is

AVG RATING:
(1)

glenbgibson

11:06 AMJul 28 2008

Mr. Obama is just what this battered, discouraged country needs: A very literate, intelligent, and great orator as its Commander in Chief. "Bushdog" has been inordinately successful in advancing the PNAC agenda of his nazi-like cohorts, while totally ignoring and failing to reflect the collective will of the American people. Barack Obama is a very decent man who will prevail with a landslide victory in November. This white guy, a life-long Republican who finally sees the light, is voting for him. Go Barack!! Go Democrats!!!!!

AVG RATING:
(1)

Rckinglets

12:04 AMJul 28 2008

I think that John McCain and Barack Obama will be equally hurt by third party candidates. This year as always the third and fourth party candidates are offering a choice of NONE OF THE ABOVE.For those who do not like the Republican Party, the Democratic Party or their candidates, the third or fourth party candidates are the best choice. The only wasted vote is the one not cast.

AVG RATING:
(0)

Gypsyrosal707

03:43 PMJul 27 2008

McCain is a mature (mentally and emotionally) leader who is a staunch American with mature experience of many years, knowledgeable, well experienced in decision making. He is not influenced by any power influences nor is he intimidated. He would make an excellent president.

AVG RATING:
(3)

Gypsyrosal707

03:38 PMJul 27 2008

McCain is not a part of Bush's cabinet. If he becomes president he will govern with a Democratic house.

AVG RATING:
(3)

BRMNGHMBLITZ

04:05 AMJul 27 2008

FASTCAT121, I'm certain that there are many Americans who still share your views concerning Obama as a presidential candidate. Fortunately for the rest of us, the significance of that number is growing weeker with each generation. As much as I am hoping for his election, Obama does not have to become our next president to ensure the continued reduction of gender bias and racial hatred across America. It seems that this trend has taken a life of its on and, respectfully, Obama had nothing to do with it. He is only enjoying the benefits of it and so are many more Americans.

AVG RATING:
(0)

Marj1710

10:50 PMJul 27 2008

Obama and McCain are puppets for the elitists who run this country. WHEN WILL PEOPLE WAKE UP? I guess you all will wake up when we are called the North American Union. Great Britain already knows what it feels like to be part of the European Union and it isn't good. Americans are totally asleep.

AVG RATING:
(0)

1 - 10 of 1933

{ JOIN the CONVERSATION }

YOU'LL BE ASKED TO REGISTER OR LOGIN BEFORE POSTING A COMMENT.