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- One of the big stories out of last night's New Hampshire primary is the youth vote, whose influence was overtaken by gender solidarity. Obama won 60 percent of voters age 24 and younger, lost narrowly among 25-29 year olds, and won among people in their thirties. I can't explain that 25-29 aberration at all. Thoughts? Clinton won among voters over 40.
- Those who called the economy the nation's number one challenge preferred Clinton, while those more concerned about Iraq chose Obama. But let's look more closely at voters' ideas about Iraq. Clinton edged out Obama, 41 to 34 percent, among those who want the troops out "immediately." And Obama beat Clinton, 51 percent to 24 percent, among voters who want to keep troops in Iraq! But wait, you protest, Obama opposed the war from the beginning! No matter. Like I said, the electorate is irrational.
- Obama is supposed to be the cosmopolitan candidate, but in what passes as "urban" areas in New Hampshire, Clinton beat Obama 43 to 35 percent.
- People who believe their family is "getting ahead" were more likely to support Obama, while those who feel they are "falling behind" favored Clinton.
- And lastly, the 8 percent of New Hampshire Democrats who believe Dennis Kucinich is the most trustworthy candidate were more likely to vote for Obama (33 percent) than Kucinich himself (19 percent). Sigh. That's pragmatism for ya.
