The bitterness factor

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: May 6, 2008

CNN’s exit poll returned interesting numbers on what pundits are calling “the bitterness factor.“

While 70 percent of Obama votes would support Clinton if she was the nominee, only 48 percent of Clinton voters said they would support Obama if he was the nominee.

More than three out of 10 Clinton voters say they would be more likely to support McCain in November than Obama.

CNN’s best pundit, Gloria Borger, noted how early in the process, Democratic voters indicated general satisfaction with all of their choices. These numbers indicate a “hardening in these camps” that “does not portend well for the general election.“ To keep the nomination contest from blowing a wide hole in Democrats’ chances to beat McCain in November, the nomination has to be resolved in a way that preserves a sense of fairness among the losers; otherwise, supporters of the losing candidate will likely feel alienated at best and angry at worst. They could stay home for the general or vote for McCain out of spite.

Jeffrey Toobin discounts the poll, noting that a similar feeling was reflected in 2000 between George W. Bush and John McCain. “She’s behind,“ Toobin said. “So it’s no surprise that (her supporters) are irritated and grouchy.“

One other interesting note from the exit poll: Clinton’s take of the African-American vote is down to 8 percent in Indiana, and 6 percent in North Carolina. This is stunning for a woman who is married to the man who was once called “the first black president of the United States.“

Still awaiting results from South Bend.