Some other interesting items from the CNN/WMUR New Hampshire
poll.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is how fluid
the race still is: only 13 percent have "definitely decided" who
they plan to vote for, with another 21 percent "leaning toward
someone" and 66 percent--or about two-thirds of voters--"still
trying to decide." So again, with more than three months to go,
everything written now should be viewed with a grain of salt.
With that said, at this point in time, Giuliani has the highest
favorability ratings, is seen as the most likeable, and viewed as
having the best chance to win in the general election; McCain is
believed to have the "right experience" by more voters than any
other candidate; and more voters think Romney will "bring needed
change."
As for Thompson skipping the debate? It seems like it was a
bigger deal in DC than New Hampshire: two-thirds of voters said it
makes no difference to them whether Fred missed it.
Also, following up on my earlier post on
Gingrich, Newt polls at 7 percent in New Hampshire, and he pulls 2
points from Romney and Giuliani, and one point each from Huckabee,
McCain and Thompson. Also interesting: Newt's favorability rating
went from a net negative of 35-49 in March/April, to a slightly
positive 43-39. That still gives him the highest negatives in the
field, but it shows that even if a candidate has near universal
name recognition, voters' perceptions can change.