
In the face of poll after brutal poll, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's re-election campaign has maintained that Reid is doing just fine, thank you very much. Their latest defense, after a Mason-Dixon poll found Reid trailing one potential challenger by eight points, is that the poll didn't include every possible option voters will have -- including "none of the above."
Reid told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, which commissioned the survey, "I'm not a poll guy."
From the Review-Journal:
The Reid campaign also contends the Mason-Dixon poll isn't a true ballot test because it doesn't include the full general election slate of eight candidates, including the Democratic senator who faces little-known primary opposition, the GOP nominee, several nonpartisan candidates and one each from the Independent American Party and the Tea Party of Nevada, and "none of these candidates."
Reid's unfavorable rating is at 56%, according to this poll. We haven't gotten a response from the Reid camp yet, but it appears the thinking is that the poll numbers aren't valid because they don't take into account the fact that voters could choose many other candidates -- or no candidate at all -- and not just face a choice between Reid and his Republican opponent.
Reid's campaign also maintains that internal polls show the senator ahead.
NuttyProf
April 12, 2010 6:08 PM
aw nuts Harry at least go out swinging
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
hunter
April 12, 2010 7:05 PM in reply to NuttyProf
What is going on with the headlines around here? This one is totally oversold. The actual statement says the results aren't a true ballot test because they didn't include all the candidates who will be on the ballot. Yes, it also mentions the "none of these candidates" option, but that hardly seems the heart of the matter; seems much more likely (and reasonable) that the big issue they have with this poll is the absence of the Tea Party and Libertarian candidates. And frankly, that seems like a completely valid concern.
Also, looking at the GOP candidate in this race I have to agree with some folks farther down: once people start paying attention to politics this fall the reality of her craziness/emptiness will set in. Look at Palin's favorables graph from the 2008 election...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JNagarya
April 12, 2010 8:08 PM in reply to hunter
Palin's current difficulty is how to transition from "politician" to celebrity/entertainer.
The media seems to be wating for a cue from her as to when the transition has been made. Until then they don't know whether to treat her as a "serious" "candidate*" or as a celebrity.
_____
*Who put the "candid" in "candidate"?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
loudprogressive
April 13, 2010 6:30 AM in reply to NuttyProf
Good riddance. We need less corporatist hacks in D.C. Harry can go. Maybe with the corporatist stooge gone the Dems can stop trying to use seek 60 votes (which is a gimmick anyway, they're just using it as cover to auction off reforms). Schumer will hopefully be less of a disappointment as Senate leader.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Michael A
April 12, 2010 6:23 PM
Oh, some nevada dem did an excellent analysis on reid a couple of months ago. Reid is fine.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
April 12, 2010 6:26 PM in reply to Michael A
I agree. My money's on Reid. I have been through quite a few senatorial elections and Harry is "always in a fight for his life" but he always come through. He will come through again. This woman is a crackpot and she is giving him plenty of ammunition.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
twirling fartknocker
April 12, 2010 6:27 PM in reply to lousgirl84
...but TPM loves to fret about the falling sky
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
larsvanness
April 12, 2010 6:42 PM in reply to twirling fartknocker
I agree. This woman is a non starter right out of the gate. My question is how many more of these beauty paegent bimbos are we going to be subjected too?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Michael A
April 12, 2010 6:58 PM in reply to larsvanness
Lots. It's the new repuke strategy to get their base out of the nursing homes. The old angry white guys just love this stuff. It fulfills their fantasies.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Barry Ragin
April 12, 2010 6:29 PM
If Reid can't beat this clown, he doesn't deserve to be in the Senate.
http://bit.ly/9a17OW
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
loudprogressive
April 13, 2010 6:31 AM in reply to Barry Ragin
Well...after his little stunt with the public option, he doesn't deserve to be in the senate.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Viva!America!
April 12, 2010 6:33 PM
After reading that one of his opponents thinks we should barter with doctors, I'm feeling a little hopeful.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcc
April 12, 2010 6:49 PM in reply to Viva!America!
Reid hasn't actually started campaigning in earnest yet, has he?
It seems we have a lot of races where the Republican has a sizable lead but we haven't really seen yet how hard or soft that support is.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Viva!America!
April 12, 2010 8:35 PM in reply to mcc
No, right now he's just building his already loaded war chest.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
geofu54
April 12, 2010 8:03 PM in reply to Viva!America!
Same here.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mcc
April 12, 2010 6:34 PM
If you're having to explain away poll results, you're losing
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JNagarya
April 12, 2010 8:12 PM in reply to mcc
If one critically evaluates a poll's short-comings, one is intelligent.
Oops -- an "elitist".
And we all know that "elitists" are losers -- except for those who pride themselves on their elitist ability to detect elitists.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
MarciaJ720
April 12, 2010 7:47 PM
He is not as strong of a leader as Pelosi is in the House. In fact, no other House or Senate leader has favorables as high as Pelosi (her's run around 40% or higher, the rest are in the teens and twenties).
People recognize leadership and right now, sadly, Reid and the Senate he is in control of are not showing that they can get the job done.
And he is letting the Republicans get in the way with their threats to filibuster everything. A real leader would let them (and then they would quit their whining when they have to stay up all night a time or two).
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JNagarya
April 12, 2010 8:15 PM in reply to MarciaJ720
HCR was passed.
You aren't talking about leadership; you're talking about style of leadership. Reid didn't get where he is by being stupid, any more than Pelosi got where she is by being a political neophyte.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
loudprogressive
April 13, 2010 6:34 AM in reply to JNagarya
HCR passed alrite...as a corporatist welfare redistribution of taxpayer wealth package for regional monopolies.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JNagarya
April 13, 2010 10:52 PM in reply to loudprogressive
You're a regressive asshole who insults intelligence itself. That would include your intelligence if you had any.
Take the fucking thumb out of your mouth, whining jackass, and LEARN how fucking laws EVOLVE through AMENDMENT.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Viva!America!
April 12, 2010 8:37 PM in reply to MarciaJ720
I did read earlier this morning that he has been able to get over 90% of the GOP filibusters.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
midnight rambler
April 13, 2010 12:24 AM in reply to Viva!America!
Was that of cloture votes that were actually called, or potential ones? Don't forget all the bills and nominees that are held up because they wouldn't pass cloture votes (not to mention the ones that would pass but there isn't enough time to hold them).
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
April 13, 2010 9:53 AM in reply to Viva!America!
Exactly right. I'd say he's doing a pretty damn good job considering who he's working with.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
robertgnv
April 12, 2010 7:57 PM
People here want to act like they are miserable no matter what. Especially to people from not around them her parts.
When there are two candidates, clear choices, it will be fine. Yes, every other pick up truck has a dump harry, go back to searchlight harry…
It's possible that for Governership we will have a definitly un wakjob Republican hispanic canidate.
In case you are wondering if its it’s bad here a half an hour from Lake Tahoe, no state income tax, went skiing at heavenly last Thursday, great schools, affordable housing, no crime.
Yes jobs are a challenge
Clark County will have to speak for itself
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cornelius
April 12, 2010 8:22 PM
Harry is OK in my book. Yea he stumbled from time to time, made some dumb side deals, but was up against a room full of egomaniacs. And least we forget he got about 10 minutes of help/support form the President who rode in at the 11th hour.
But, it may be time for Sen Reid to go only because his run on winning may be over. Happens to everyone.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
RCE
April 12, 2010 8:38 PM
I'm okay with Reid losing. He was a feckless Majority Leader.
Sure, HCR passed, but not because of Reid's efforts. He doesn't know how to break balls and drive a hard bargain. The HCR bill that came out of the Senate was so watered down that many Democrats had to hold their nose to vote for it.
TNR's article on Reid is right on:
http://www.tnr.com/article/tough-reid
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acf_ma
April 12, 2010 11:26 PM in reply to RCE
Are you prepared to be OK with another Republican Senator in the Senate if Reid loses? I don't blame you for being annoyed with him, but unless he is replaced by a stronger Democratic candidate, having him lose to a Republican does nothing but bad things to our effort to advance a progressive agenda in this country. After 8 years of the Bush presidency, we can't afford to lose even 1 Democratic Senator, even with the excuse of sending remaining Democrats a message.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
hollywood
April 13, 2010 12:44 AM in reply to RCE
Screw loosing! Harry Reid has had the toughest run of any leader with the minority filibustering the piss out of rocks. He got healthcare over the finish line. Obama wanted a middle of the road deal and Harry and Nancy got him one. There is a reason Harry has a lock on the top job in the Senate and I doubt your armchair makes it to enough closed door meetings to know anything really about it.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
gilreathm
April 12, 2010 8:56 PM
Harry has battered Senator syndrome. How many years did he spend getting stomped on? He's come to believe he deserves to be stomped on. Although it takes some getting over, it makes it even harder, when too many of his fellow Senator's have the "please may I have some more" side effects of it. Harry can't lead if Harry can straighten the rest of those clowns out and quickly. Harry needs to take himself to the woodshed and when he's done with himself, he needs to take each of them to the woodshed too. Harry, looking like you're getting punked is just as bad as getting punked.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cornelius
April 12, 2010 9:48 PM in reply to gilreathm
You described it about right:
'Harry has battered Senator syndrome. How many years did he spend getting stomped on?'
He always looked like he was on the losing end of a fight.
All the more reason he could have used some help from the WH.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
GTFOOH
April 12, 2010 9:11 PM
Reid is fond of reminding us that he was a boxer. Of course he knows there are no youtube videos of his fights. I'm sure we would all find out he was a punching bag.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Max Thrax
April 12, 2010 10:17 PM
Harry Reid reminds me of Toby N Tucker from Oliver Stone's 'U-turn'. He goes around talking tough but only because he gets off on getting the shit beaten out of him while his girlfriend watches.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jet
April 12, 2010 10:34 PM
I hope Harry wins reelection. He deserves that...
But I hope Schumer or Durbin become Senate Majority Leader. I would prefer Sheldon Whitehouse or Sherrod Brown, but they don't have the seniority.
If it was a choice between Harry being Leader for two more years... or him loosing... Goodbye Harry. Thanks for your service.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
hollywood
April 13, 2010 12:48 AM in reply to jet
You people are tactical morons! It looks really great to have your party leader loose his reelection .... it makes the other side really respect you now!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
April 13, 2010 10:04 AM in reply to hollywood
Thank you for saying it....
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
loudprogressive
April 13, 2010 6:37 AM in reply to jet
WHY DOES HE DESERVE ANYTHING?!?! WHAT DID HE DO?? HE LET RAHM PUNK HIM INTO NOT INCLUDING THE PUBLIC OPTION. HE COMPLETELY MESSED UP THE AMENDMENTS FOR DRUG IMPORTATION AND ANTI-TRUST LAWS FOR THE INSURANCE MONOPOLIES. ALL HE DID WAS LET ANY SENATOR SEEK OUT BIDS TO SELL THEIR VOTES AND INSERT WHATEVER THEY WANTED IN THE HEALTHCARE BILL. BAUCUS THE CORPORATIST DEVIL DOG EVEN WENT ON THE SENATOR FLOOR AND THANKED THE VP OF WELLPOINT FOR ESSENTIALLY CRAFTING THE ENTIRE BILL. SO I WANT TO KNOW, WHAT DID HE DO TO DESERVE REEELECTION????
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Given Up
April 13, 2010 8:23 AM in reply to loudprogressive
CAPS LOCK MAKES YOUR ARGUMENTS MORE CONVINCING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
April 13, 2010 9:55 AM in reply to loudprogressive
Get lost you idiot and stop yelling at us.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
loudprogressive
April 13, 2010 6:37 PM in reply to lousgirl84
HARRY REID?? IS THAT YOU??
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jsdc007
April 12, 2010 11:20 PM
With Sue Lowden's healthcare plan that involves "haggling" or "bartering" with your doctor out in the open, Harry just got his first round of ammo handed to him. Let's hope he decimates that bimbo.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
hollywood
April 13, 2010 12:50 AM in reply to jsdc007
Hell yeah! She is a dumbshit just like Palin and Harry will point that out in very certain terms!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Winston Smith
April 13, 2010 6:58 AM
I'm surprised he is only behind by eight points right now. That doesn't seem insurmountable.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Junglelanddan
April 13, 2010 9:57 AM
I think there's plenty to criticize about Reid but I also think that being the majority leader in the Senate is one of the toughest jobs in DC even with a big majority, given how dysfunctional the rules of the Senate are. And when you have an opposition party which has absolutely no interest -- none -- in being responsible and helping to govern -- as well as a handful of conservative Democrats and the sole member of the Lieberman for Lieberman party to deal with, well, let's just say even with her diverse caucus, the Speaker benefits from the rule os the House which give the majority much more power. I'm just saying that, as much as he has pissed me off on occasion over the last few months, I don't think Reid deserves all the crap he's given.
Yes, the GOP Senate passed significant legislation during the first few years of the Bush years with a much smaller majority, but that wasn't because of the tactical brilliance of Bill Frist or other GOP leaders. It was because, for better or for worse, some Democrats were willing to actually work with Republicans (NCLB, the tax cuts, etc. etc.)
I really hope he wins. Because today's GOP is a joke of a party, and outside of the state of Maine, they all seem to be pretty nuts. I write this from the great state of VA, where out Governor recently minimized the rtole of slavery in the Conferederacy and where the new Attorney General is truly frightening.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
loudprogressive
April 13, 2010 6:53 PM in reply to Junglelanddan
Just admit the truth. More was done under the rethugs than the dems because both parties are corporatists, so the rethugs corporate focused domestic policy flew by. With dems there are inconvenient voting blocs they have to deal with like progressives, so they have to tow the line between pretending to support those voters while actually selling their positions to corporations and essentially letting lobbyists write the bills. Hence less is done, but there's actually more spin to it than with the rethugs (for example, how many Dems still think the insurance industry permanent-profits bill is actually "reform").
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?