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PPP Poll: Boxer Leads Fiorina -- And Has Better Hair
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Senate candidate Carly Fiorina (R-CA)
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The new Public Policy Polling (D) survey of the California Senate race gives Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer a lead over her Republican opponent, former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina. Though Boxer's own ratings remain only modest, Fiorina's are, nevertheless, even lower at the moment.
The worse news for Fiorina, though, is that slightly more voters prefer Boxer's hairdo.
The horserace numbers: Boxer 49%, Fiorina 40%. The survey of registered voters has a ±3.95% margin of error. In the previous poll from late May, two weeks before the Republican primary, Boxer was only edging Fiorina by 45%-42%. The TPM Poll Average gives Boxer a lead of 46.7%-42.7%.
Amusingly, the pollster also asked a question relating to Hairgate, Fiorina's open-mic moment from early June during which she made fun of Boxer's hair. Respondents were asked, "Do you have a higher opinion of Barbara Boxer's hair or Carly Fiorina's hair?" The result was Boxer 19%, Fiorina 14%, and 67% not sure. (The truly correct answer would have been for respondents to volunteer, "Who cares," but PPP is a robopoll.)
From the pollster's analysis:
California voters have mixed opinions about Boxer's job performance; 46% of voters disapprove of Boxer's work in Washington and 44% approve of the Senator, including 72% of Democrats and 40% of independents. Since launching her campaign, Boxer's approval ratings have jumped. Boxer has been able to reinstate faith in her staunch Democratic supporters and gain the support of doubtful independents.
Fiorina isn't seen favorably in the eyes of most Californians; 40% of voters have an unfavorable opinion of the Republican, 28% give her high marks and 32% have yet to form an opinion. Only 56% of Republicans support Fiorina and 25% are still unsure about their nominee.
Late Update: We asked PPP communications director Tom Jensen what the reasoning was behind the hair question.
"Well, because Carly Fiorina had insulted Barbara Boxer's hair. It was asked because of that. It's not something we would normally ask, but Carly Fiorina made Barbara Boxer's hair into a bit of an issue and it was something that got a week's worth of media coverage"
Why was the question phrased in the particular manner that it was, we asked? "I think the whole story was silly, so we asked a silly question. I mean we weren't trying to turn it into a really serious thing."
Jensen also pointed out that in January 2008 they asked South Carolina voters who was the sexiest presidential candidate, and also asked New Jersey voters last October whether then-Gov. Jon Corzine (D) was making an issue of his (eventually victorious) Republican opponent Chris Christie's weight, and whether Christie's weight was a legitimate issue.
"So what we have done is when we ask these appearance questions, most voters don't have much of an opinion," said Jensen, also adding: "Every now and then it's interesting to just throw it in there and see what response you get."
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Roma Victors
July 27, 2010 2:33 PM
My guess is that once the debates start, Fiorina will sink quickly. She is not an easy person to warm to, and the cameras seem to pick that up. To me, she appears catty and above us little people. I'm not sure that will work in Cally-fornya.
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TJF
July 27, 2010 10:22 PM in reply to Roma Victors
Back in early 2001 I attended an in-person talk by and (softball) interview of Carly. This was before she acquired Compaq and while she was still riding high as a relatively new HP CEO (though it was well known that there was grumbling inside HP) and before the real problems started for her. I felt that she came across as TOO polished, to the point of phoniness. I've listened to a number of other CEOs in similar venues (including a couple of other female CEOs) and most do well and are surprisingly down-to-earth, but she was the one I'd least like to work for and whom I would trust the least as a leader.
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leftyloosey
July 27, 2010 2:42 PM
So much better hair. Plus what's under it. You go, Barbara.
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FreemanW
July 27, 2010 7:38 PM in reply to leftyloosey
Carly, here's some free advice.
Anyone that always looks as though they just lost a back-alley brawl with a weed whacker? That person should NEVER criticize someone else's hair.
I cannot wait for their debates.
Boxer should just rabbit punch Fiorina over and over on her outsourcing thousands of HP jobs.
She just needs to keep hammering Fiorina on outsourcing until every dumb-ass, dim-witted moron that doesn't have to nickels to their name (but votes for the Reprobates anyway) can wake-up in the middle of the night and know Republicans are not their friends.
That would be a start. Then highlight Fiorina's fascist positions, Palin's endorsement, and her endorsement of the Tea Party.
This really ought to be entertaining, and not even close.
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CT Voter
July 27, 2010 2:42 PM
PPP has managed to grab the spotlight again. First the "Is Obama a socialist" poll, and now this.
But thanks, PPP, for the ammunition--I'll be sure to ask how voters feel about the hair of politicians every time you publish a poll. Good job.
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Pete Bilderback
July 27, 2010 2:51 PM
"Only 56% of Republicans support Fiorina..."
With such anemic support from her own party how is it possible for her to still get 40% support overall?
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El Puerco
July 27, 2010 3:50 PM in reply to Pete Bilderback
I don't know where that comes from.
The PPP website states "Fiorina is up 77-13 with Republicans."
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mcc
July 27, 2010 2:53 PM
Um
Isn't the reason Fiorina's hair is like that because of the chemotherapy?
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Viva!America!
July 27, 2010 3:10 PM in reply to mcc
that would justify length, not style.
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FreeRider
July 27, 2010 3:15 PM in reply to mcc
Chemo didn't make her do those 1980 bangs and Silvio wings.
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It's Pat
July 27, 2010 3:24 PM in reply to mcc
Which is why her hair dig on Boxer was especially perplexing. You know, the whole "throwing stones if you live in glass house" thing.
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Sniffit
July 27, 2010 6:35 PM in reply to It's Pat
Aaaaactually, one might argue she lives in a steel house on that count. Turn-about suddenly becomes off limits for Boxer in the universe of hair jokes and insults, doesn't it? Yes, it does...so much so that I almost entertained wondering if Fiorina was trying to goad Boxer into attacking her hair so she could respond with proper moral outrage while playing her cancer card. Of course, hair shmair...she's ugly in the face and a slimy conniving unethical c-bomb, so I'm not suprised Boxer, dumb as she is, didn't feel the need to take the bait.
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FreemanW
July 27, 2010 7:44 PM in reply to mcc
So what was her excuse prior to the late spring and summer of 2009 when she endured chemotherapy.
On a good hair day, she has always looked like she just lost an alley brawl with a weed whacker.
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Bennett Cerf
July 27, 2010 2:54 PM
PPP also includes the question "Who did you vote for President last year?"
I don't remember there being a presidential election in 2009.
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mcc
July 27, 2010 2:59 PM in reply to Bennett Cerf
Within margin of error, but a little interesting thing, Feinstein has better approval numbers than Boxer.
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pengo
July 27, 2010 2:55 PM
Fiorina's candidacy is "so yesterday."
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It's Pat
July 27, 2010 3:28 PM in reply to pengo
LOL! Nicely done.
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davcbr
July 27, 2010 2:58 PM
Might the question be...
Did Fiorina make that comment about Boxer's hair in an attempt to bait her since Fiorina's lousy looking hair at the time was due to cancer treatment?
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TJF
July 27, 2010 6:06 PM in reply to davcbr
A Republican ginning up a fake controversy so they can proclaim fake outrage and play the victim? Why, I can't imagine that!!
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sconset
July 27, 2010 3:01 PM
When the voters of California find out what Fiorina did to Hewlett Packard and the ads go up adressing her "management style" she will be the Darryl Issa of this election cycle. The woman has no business running for anything because she couldn't run her household if she had to.
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CT Voter
July 27, 2010 3:49 PM in reply to sconset
But Darryl Issa was elected...
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July 27, 2010 6:33 PM in reply to CT Voter
Issa was elected at the congressional district level. Not statewide.
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spamonwry
July 29, 2010 3:14 PM in reply to sconset
nightslide - I've been saying for 10 years that Czarfly Failurina couldn't lead a vampire to a blood bank. She completely lacks any traits that make her liked - except maybe by her husband. Her mein is imperial and beyond arrogant. She, like 1/2-term Guv Palin, is seriously unqualified to to hold high office. Czarfly does not understand the meaning of "consensus," but only commands that things are done her way. Not a good attribute for a US Senator.
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dumdedumdum
July 27, 2010 3:06 PM
Maybe Boxer could take up a play on an old Joan Jett song -- "I don't give a dame about my hair's reputation" -- great campaign song.
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dumdedumdum
July 27, 2010 3:07 PM
I meant "damn" not "dame" -- a miss-leading miss-spelling to be sure!
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exregis
July 27, 2010 3:12 PM
Jerry Brown has the trendiest hairdo.
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barnacle
July 27, 2010 3:53 PM in reply to exregis
If you can't comb 'em, cut 'em.
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CT Voter
July 27, 2010 4:00 PM in reply to barnacle
That brings up the image of Rudy's combover. Thanks. Not.
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mezcalero
July 27, 2010 4:09 PM
It helps that Barbara Boxer looks like a cute grandma with a nice smile. Fiorina looks like she's gonna lay me off :(
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Signalman
July 27, 2010 5:17 PM in reply to mezcalero
FTW
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traitorjoe
July 27, 2010 4:42 PM
A lot of "pro-business" conservatives took a haircut in the stock market when HP tanked under Fiorina's helm, although these morons believe CEOs deserve $45M exit packages.
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stillidealistic
July 27, 2010 4:50 PM
Looks and hairdos aside, Fiorina made a mess of HP (including a substantial reduction in the workforce - GOOD jobs) and got paid a butt load of money when she left, anyway. Now she is trying to use some of that windfall to buy herself a senate seat. Anyone who thinks she will have the best interests of the everyday people of CA in mind should she get to Washington is dreaming.
Has Boxer done all she could do? Maybe not, but here we are again. Do we keep someone who at least pretends to value the same things we value, or let someone like Fiorina take over? It's a no brainer for me. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll stick with Boxer.
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Ron Jeremy
July 27, 2010 5:04 PM
Boxer's approval rating among independents is 40%. That's the key number, as long as she holds at least a third of them she's a winner. It will also help that pot legalization is on the ballot, which should boost the turnout of her base.
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Whosits
July 27, 2010 5:05 PM
Wait, Barbara Boxer is running against Albin from La Cage aux Folles?
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cindyperry2009
July 27, 2010 5:15 PM
so glad to hear that.
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bodie1
July 27, 2010 7:14 PM
Her Fabulousness Fiorina is a fraud. The only jobs she created for HP were for China, when she shipped tens of thousands of them over there.
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tpmoldfuzz
July 27, 2010 7:47 PM
Boxer is what a California girl with brains becomes. Schwarzenegger could give her a good run for it, Reagan especially,but Fiorina needs a magic wand which only works in the Magic Kingdom.
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macsurf
July 27, 2010 9:01 PM
You know, I come home to the States for about four months a year to wait tables in a high end resort town on Cape Cod.
The rest of the year, I teach English and live on an Indian reservation in Costa Rica.
I started doing this 11 years ago after more than twenty years working in social work and being politically active in the US.
I left because i saw the BS, bipartisan BS I might add, that all but guaranteed nothing would ever really change.
11 years have past since I became a much of the year liberal ex-pat and, if anything,the US has grown more f*cked up in that time than it was when I first left.
Nothing proves my assertion more than the fact that, with all that is confronting the US today, posters on a supposedly intelligent web site like TPM are SERIOUSLY discussing the implications of the different hairstyles of Barbara and Carly.
Sorry folks, the US is F*CKED. I head home October 4 and as soon as I arrive in Costa Rica, I am beginning the process to gain my full time residency.
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July 27, 2010 9:36 PM
Boxer looks like a kind, warm, nice woman. Fiorina looks like Cruella DeVille.
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sconset
July 27, 2010 11:09 PM
Macsurf: I too, live in Massachusetts and if I could, I would live full time in Scotland....I am seriously considering dual citizenship. I have worked in the trenches for years and spent 10 years on Capitol Hill when it was a relatively civilized place. Mr. O'Neill was Speaker then and it was a whole different world........today, there is no civility and the batshit crazy element of the republican party is the problem.
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macsurf
July 28, 2010 7:55 AM in reply to sconset
I agree about the "batshit" element in the GOP, and its racist bedfellows in the Tea Party movement.
I think the US is toast. I know how pessimistic that sounds, but I believe it's reality.
If the Repubs retake either the House or Senate, or God forbid both, the smoldering embers of the neo-fascism that underlies today's GOP and Tea Party movement will explode into a a raging wildfire.
People whho dare to dissent will, literally, be taking their lives in their hands.
Yet even many of my fellow liberal friends here in MA, blithely shrug their soldiers, and, in my opinion, pretend that the similarities between the US today and Germany in the waning days of the failed Weimar Republic are just the figments of some people's over-active imaginations and tell themselves it will all be OK in the end.
I used to believe the US always had the strength and resiliency to right itself when any of the extremes in the country took us too close to the edge, but I've lost that confidence today.
I hope to God I'm wrong but, to borrow a line from Creedence Clearwater Revival, there's a big "bad moon risin'" in the US today and far too few people are taking that reality seriously enough.
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TJF
July 28, 2010 1:54 AM
Carlyfail du jour:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/07/host-of-fiorina-event-endorses.html
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billstewart
July 28, 2010 3:20 AM
You can't criticize Fiorina's hair because she's recovering from cancer chemotherapy. But you can criticize her personality for insulting Boxer's boring but perfectly ok hair.
I'm really more interested in what's inside their heads than in how they decorate the outside, and from what I've seen over the years, Boxer's sincere and dedicated and wrong a lot (hey, she's a Democrat, what do you expect), which Fiorina's aggressive, obnoxious, and not trustworthy.
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davcbr
July 28, 2010 8:00 AM in reply to billstewart
"You can't criticize Fiorina's hair because she's recovering from cancer chemotherapy"
It hasn't occurred to you that this was behind this whole thing started by Fiorina? Trying to bait Boxer into making just as snide a remark and then playing on this?
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nightslider
July 28, 2010 5:18 AM
this fruit fly gone wild has seen better days, the problem is you'd have to able to go back in time to figure out when that was. She definitly looks as though she did a frontal grab with her teeth on the head of weed wacker, and by all accounts she lost something along the way.
Not sure of what it was but I m sure it'll come to me once I stop laughing.
She looks as though she could goad a teste fly into petri dish with hair.
Boxer just fluff your hair and don't you wish you could look to her.
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