Presidential Polling Memorandum

Presidential Polling Memorandum

We're strongest when
we stand together.

Help DFA steer
the Democratic primaries
with a contribution today.

To: Supporter Members
From: Tom Hughes, Executive Director
Re: Presidential Pulse Poll Results and Analysis

Earlier this week we conducted a Democratic presidential primary poll. We asked DFA members, "If the election was held today..."

Two candidates combined captured more than half of the vote. Barack Obama won 28% of DFA members' support and John Edwards received 25%.

I'm not surprised that Obama and Edwards were out in front. They have been the most involved with DFA. And their investments in the grassroots are paying off. That's good for them -- and it's good for the progressive movement to have candidates for president as engaged and responsive as Obama and Edwards.

Your voice is being heard and our movement is growing stronger. Now, will you increase your investment in the grassroots by supporting DFA?

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/contribute
When Democracy for America started endorsing candidates in May 2004, Barack Obama was on our very first "Dean Dozen" list. And last year when Mr. Obama asked for DFA's help raising money for progressive candidates you stepped up -- reclaiming the United States Senate in the process. Senator Obama is an inspiration who started off as a community organizer -- just like you and thousands of other DFA members who are organizing their communities.

John Edwards has also built a strong relationship with us. A week ago he responded to our petition on the Iraq War with a video addressing DFA members. And last year we co-sponsored a conference on poverty with Senator Edwards that drew attention to those Americans less fortunate than you and me. (And let me add, regardless of John's standing in any poll, our thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth Edwards as she battles cancer.)

Interestingly, "Other" had a very strong showing in this week's poll. "Other" received 12% of the votes. Within this category, Al Gore was the runaway favorite of those DFA members still looking for candidates to enter the race. You'll remember that the Vice President endorsed DFA's founder, Howard Dean, for president four years ago. So it makes sense that there is lot of excitement and speculation about Al Gore's future.

Three more candidates earned between 5% and 10% of members' support in the poll. Dennis Kucinich won 10%, Hillary Clinton won 9% and Bill Richardson won 8% of the vote. These are solid numbers for any candidate in an eight person field this early on. They each have something solid to build on within the DFA community, and more engagement on their part should go a long way.

It is still very early in the process. Democracy for America won't endorse a candidate for president until there is a strong consensus among the members. Pulse polls like this are helpful in gauging interest and enthusiasm as we build towards a possible endorsement. In the meantime, we will continue to network and train grassroots activists so that whichever candidate wins the nomination we are all in a position to reclaim the White House from the Republicans.

Will you support this mission with the resources to make a difference?
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/contribute

Thank you so much,
Tom Hughes
P.S. I've supported a lot of candidates who started out as asterisks in the polls. Senators Joseph Biden, Christopher Dodd and Mike Gravel fit that category in this poll. I'm not saying they can't do it -- only that they've got no where to go but up! Here are the complete poll results:
Barack Obama 28.1%
John Edwards 24.6%
Other 12.4%
Dennis Kucinich 10.3%
Hillary Clinton 8.7%
Bill Richardson 7.6%
Undecided 4.9%
Joseph Biden 1.9%
Christopher Dodd 0.5%
Mike Gravel 0.3%

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