Sanders lags in delegates but leads in likability

[webfact]

Sanders lags in delegates but leads in likability
By CATHERINE LUCEY and EMILY SWANSON

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bernie Sanders is still behind when it comes to delegates and votes, but he has one clear advantage over his Democratic and Republican presidential rivals — a lot of people actually like him.

By 48 percent to 39 percent, more Americans have a favorable than an unfavorable opinion of Sanders, giving him the best net-positive rating in the field, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll. Unlike the other candidates, Sanders also is doing better as more Americans get to know him: His favorable rating is up from an earlier AP-GfK poll.

The numbers speak to Sanders' rapid rise from a relatively unknown Vermont senator to a celebrated voice proclaiming political revolution. They also reflect just how unpopular the rest of the field is.

But the growing popularity may be coming too late for Sanders, who lags Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, with time running out in the primary campaign.

After winning the Democratic caucuses in Wyoming on Saturday, Sanders has now won seven of the past eight state contests. Still, to win the Democratic nomination, he must take 68 percent of the remaining delegates and uncommitted superdelegates, which would require a sudden burst of blow-out victories.

"I just like everything that he talks about and that he wants to do," said Brian Cane, 54, of Spokane, Washington. "I think Hillary, she's too mainstream government. Bernie Sanders is fresh and new and the Republicans are freaking idiots."

Still, Cane echoed the sentiments of many Democrats, saying that if Clinton wins the primary, "Yeah, I'll vote for her."

The poll was conducted March 31-April 4, before Sanders and Clinton sparred publicly over who was best qualified to be president.

Sanders' popularity stands in contrast to the rest of the remaining candidates. Clinton gets unfavorable ratings from 55 percent of Americans, while just 40 percent have a favorable opinion. A whopping 69 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of Republican leader Donald Trump, and just 26 percent have a favorable opinion.

Among Democrats, 72 percent have a favorable opinion of Sanders and 20 percent have an unfavorable opinion. That's similar to Democrats' rating of Clinton. It's also improved from 61 percent who had a favorable view of Sanders in February, while his unfavorable rating remained stable.

"I've grown to like him more. The exposure that he's getting, there's a bit of a snowball effect with his campaign," said Les Blackmore, 60, of Washington, D.C., who is leaning toward Sanders.

Twenty-three percent of Republicans and 38 percent of independents have a favorable view of Sanders, while 67 percent of Republicans and 32 percent of independents give him negative ratings. Just 7 percent of Republicans and 21 percent of independents rate Clinton positively.

About 61 percent of registered voters say they'd at least consider voting for Sanders in a general election, while 38 percent said they would definitely not. The percentage saying they would not vote for him is the lowest in the entire field. Fifty-one percent say they wouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton, though she still does better than any of the Republican candidates on that measure. Sixty-three percent say they wouldn't vote for Trump.

Sanders is the only candidate remaining in the field on either side who's viewed as at least somewhat honest, compassionate, civil and likable by a majority of Americans.

Fifty-eight percent say he's at least somewhat civil, compared with 48 percent for Clinton and just 15 percent for Trump. Likewise, 58 percent call him at least somewhat compassionate, compared with 42 percent for Clinton and 17 percent for Trump.

"I do like both of them," said Tami Cinquemani, 55, of Apopka, Florida, who voted for Clinton. "I feel like Hillary is more qualified. ... I like Bernie. Honestly I wouldn't be disappointed either way."

Though Sanders is more popular, Clinton remains the candidate viewed by the most Americans as able to win a general election, with 82 percent saying she could capture the White House. Just 6 in 10 say that of Sanders or Trump.

The AP-GfK Poll of 1,076 adults was conducted online March 31-April 4, using a sample drawn from GfK's probability-based KnowledgePanel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

Respondents were first selected randomly using telephone or mail survey methods and later interviewed online. People selected for KnowledgePanel who didn't otherwise have access to the Internet were provided access at no cost to them.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-04-12

[mrwebb8825]

Not once have I seen them do the math on what would happen if the superdelegates swung their support over the Bernie. If MY calculator works correctly, it would put him ahead in the overall delegate count.

Feel The Bern.

[Steely Dan]

Popular guy, if he doesn't make the nomination he'd be good for kids birthday parties.

[Jingthing]

Popular guy, if he doesn't make the nomination he'd be good for kids birthday parties.

Who doesn't have a sweet spot for their charmingly grumpy socialist Grandpa?

[HerbalEd]

Given Bernie's ever-repeating message about the corruption and illegal/immoral misdeeds of the banks, Wall Street and super rich, the Panama Papers are very well timed indeed. Hopefully it'll convince many that his message isn't just the imaginings of a senile old fart.

[DeaconJohn]

Popular guy, if he doesn't make the nomination he'd be good for kids birthday parties.

Who doesn't have a sweet spot for their charmingly grumpy socialist Grandpa?

Good point.

The old Marxist knuckleheads are harmless enough when they fade away on New England farms.

It's when they mutate into neocon war hawks that the real trouble begins.

Sanders doesn't seem to fit into any of those categories.

Maybe that's one of the reasons for his popularity.

[Jingthing]

People may feel fond of him personally, I know I am, but it's not translating into him coming even close to beating Hillary Clinton for the democratic nomination. It may LOOK differently based on his recent string of state victories but as far as total delegate counts, it just isn't happening.

The democratic nomination is basically settled. It's going to be HILLARY CLINTON.

I'm not sure what Bernie is going to ultimately get politically from his run but some of his ideas are definitely worthwhile.

Likability is a political factor but it's not everything. Kasich is by far the most likable last republican standing, but he's in distant third place in delegates.

It also works the other way. Cruz is correctly perceived by most people are personally CREEPY (he more or less admits that himself) and I can't imagine the majority of people ever consenting to looking at his CREEPY face on their t.v. for four years.

Edited April 12, 2016 by Jingthing

[ttthailand]

Here is my two cents worth.... Cruz is liar as Trump says and for sure doesn't have any friends to support him. Trump is a bully, is rude, and has no idea about the world. Clinton can't be trusted and will say and do anything to get elected. That really just leaves Sanders, he's not a liar, he's not a bully, he is trust worthy, is liked by both parties, not on the side of the rich, and wants to rebuild the middle class again. No one is perfect but I for sure don't want to vote for a liar, a bully or someone I can't trust. I guess Sanders got my support

[Jingthing]

Well, too bad, because he won't be on the ballot in November.

Might as well accept the inevitable.

It will be a HOLD YOUR NOISE election for many.

For Sander's supporters if you actually care about his issues, Clinton is going to be easier to stomach than any republican.

Edited April 12, 2016 by Jingthing

[ttthailand]

People may feel fond of him personally, I know I am, but it's not translating into him coming even close to beating Hillary Clinton for the democratic nomination. It may LOOK differently based on his recent string of state victories but as far as total delegate counts, it just isn't happening.

The democratic nomination is basically settled. It's going to be HILLARY CLINTON.

I'm not sure what Bernie is going to ultimately get politically from his run but some of his ideas are definitely worthwhile.

Likability is a political factor but it's not everything. Kasich is by far the most likable last republican standing, but he's in distant third place in delegates.

It also works the other way. Cruz is correctly perceived by most people are personally CREEPY (he more or less admits that himself) and I can't imagine the majority of people ever consenting to looking at his CREEPY face on their t.v. for four years.

I agree with many things you say but please remember that the super delegates can change their votes when ever they like. Obama saw that happen when he started to win the regular delegates in numbers. A huge percent changed to Obama to give him the win. If they did not change Hillary would have won. I think history is about to repeat its self.

[Jingthing]

I'll take that bet but if makes you feel better to think there is still hope for Sanders, enjoy it while it lasts.

[ttthailand]

If Sanders could win California with 70% of the 546 delegates he would gain over 200 delegates. This in itself would almost close the gap. Will that happen, maybe maybe not. There is NY and PA that vote soon and also have big numbers. If he can tie NY and just slightly win PA he could be on his way.

Just think if the 2016 primary had started with the last 8 states, Bernie would be way way way ahead of Hillary ....

It is now Bernie's time to shine and shine he will

[Jingthing]

Not only do I don't think Sanders will be nominated, I don't want him to be nominated.

Because I'm sure if he is, he will lose the presidency.

Younger Americans may not stigmatize socialists, but middle age and older do, and the older people vote at a higher rate.

I want the strongest candidate that will actually WIN the presidency against the horrible republicans. That is Hillary Clinton.

Electability matters to me. A LOT.

Edited April 12, 2016 by Jingthing

[ttthailand]

Not only do I don't think Sanders will be nominated, I don't want him to be nominated.

Because I'm sure if he is, he will lose the presidency.

Younger Americans may not stigmatize socialists, but middle age and older do, and the older people vote at a higher rate.

I want the strongest candidate that will actually WIN the presidency against the horrible republicans. That is Hillary Clinton.

Electability matters to me. A LOT.

Bernie may have some socialists ideas but isn't most of the America based on this anyway. At least he is honest and I think he is looking out for everyone except the super rich. Most of us would gain with him in office and I believe make the middle class stronger . As far as winning the general election I believe the poles show him the best shot against the Right (Rep).

[Jingthing]

The polls are wrong because the republicans haven't bothered to focus on him. Imagine the endless red baiting ads they would run nonstop if he was nominated. He would be creamed. Hillary's negatives are already well baked in. She will be very strong in the general probably unstoppable unless it's against Kasich.

[ttthailand]

The polls are wrong because the republicans haven't bothered to focus on him. Imagine the endless red baiting ads they would run nonstop if he was nominated. He would be creamed. Hillary's negatives are already well baked in. She will be very strong in the general probably unstoppable unless it's against Kasich.

I disagree but I respect your opinion, it's possible. I think Sanders has most everything out in the open and you can only say socialist so many times without people dismissing it. Sanders has a huge following, Huge ! And if trump would win the primary I think 30% of the Republicans would vote for Sanders.

[Jingthing]

A clue is the republicans would strongly prefer to run against Sanders. Also he's weak on foreign policy.

[ttthailand]

It's going to be an interesting election process. My guess is still Sanders but with a possible Clinton.

[Publicus]

Nice guys finish last.

----Leo Durocher, Field Manager Brooklyn Dodgers Professional Baseball Club, quoted in 1946 (presently Los Angeles Dodgers).

Take a look at that Number Four there. A nicer guy never drew breath than that man there.” I called off his players’ names as they came marching up the dougout steps behind him, “Walker, Cooper, Mize, Marshall, Kerr, Gordon, Thomson. Take a look at them. All nice guys. They’ll finish last. Nice guys finish last.”

http://mentalfloss.com/article/62774/where-does-phrase-nice-guys-finish-last-come

Leo Durocher was ticking off the names of the New York Giants of 1946, the team that went on to finish in last place in the league with 61 wins, 93 losses and a won-lost percentage of 360/1000.

So it's past time for a reality check.

Bernie has earned my respect in a number of ways, none of which recommend him for the office of Potus. He's a Johnny One Note who knows as much about the world or foreign policy as GW Bush. Bernie' great redeeming feature is that Bush is an idiot while Bernie Sanders has brains. Bernie love him is a tough old buzzard in respect of what he knows, what he cares about, what he would try to accomplish, but that is limited to his new role in the Senate come January which is as its leading light of domestic political-economic justice.

Nice gals finish last too.

From the OP: Clinton remains the candidate viewed by the most Americans as able to win a general election, with 82 percent saying she could capture the White House. Just 6 in 10 say that of Sanders or Trump.

It's also the old saying in Washington that if you want a friend get a dog. That is what Republicans and other extremists think we are so it's good to see the good guyz are giving it back to 'em.

Edited April 12, 2016 by Publicus

[Scott]

Off-topic post and reply were removed.

[sgtsabai]

Sanders out polls Clinton in every match up against the right wing Republican wingnuts. Clinton might actually loose as nobody likes her or trusts, nor should they. A Clinton nomination will cost not only seats in the House but a very good chance to kick the wingnuts out of the Senate. Dems just won't vote.

[William C F Pierce]

If HC get the democrat nomination, then Bernie boy should get the vice president nomination and influence HC for the better. With that combination the Republicans will cease to have any chance of the US Presidency.

[Jingthing]

If HC get the democrat nomination, then Bernie boy should get the vice president nomination and influence HC for the better. With that combination the Republicans will cease to have any chance of the US Presidency.

No way. Not gonna happen. Hillary wouldn't want him and he wouldn't want that job either. It's a HORRIBLE idea. She needs some balance. She's old. He's old. She is New York. He is Vermont. She needs a younger ethnic minority (Jews don't count, they always vote democratic anyway) from a swing state far from the Northeast.

Or of course Warren. That would be bold and risky and I don't see why she would take a risk like that.

Just found this after I wrote above, but you know it's so OBVIOUSLY a really bad idea to anyone with the slightest feel for U.S. politics. Again, will NEVER HAPPEN:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/3/29/1507549/-Why-We-Won-t-See-a-Clinton-Sanders-Ticket-And-It-s-Not-a-Good-Idea-Anyways

Why We Won't See a Clinton/Sanders Ticket (And It's Not a Good Idea Anyways)

...

So that's why I don't think Clinton needs Sanders if she gets the nomination. To put it plainly, we don't need (and can't have) two old white people on the Democratic ticket in 2016.

Next ..

Edited April 20, 2016 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Yeah, Sanders is the most likeable.

That and five bucks gets you a small latte at Starbucks (or does it)?

[NovaBlue05]

"........The democratic nomination is basically settled. It's going to be HILLARY CLINTON. ..........."

It was settled around the time of the 2008 Convention and they never looked back.....or elsewhere for that matter