Change is in the Air: Obama Mania Wanes

During this year’s primary campaign season, was John McCain your first choice? Second choice? Maybe he wasn’t even your third choice.  That is probably the case for a lot of Idahoans. 

And how about Barack Obama? Did friends and neighbors seem to be jumping on the “change” bandwagon?  Sure. Change sounds good, right?

But what kind of change is Obama suggesting?

During the primary, it didn’t seem to matter. Obama mania was almost palpable. The dedication of some was so blind that they came to be known in some circles as “Obama zombies” — marching forward, arms extended forward, chanting “change, change. . .”

Now that, too, seems to be changing. It seems the more voters learn what kind of change is being proposed by Obama, the quicker they are changing their minds and taking a fresh look at what John McCain has to offer as President.

Momentum has changed. And the polls are changing, too, along with the outlook for November.Already, more voters (57%) view McCain favorably than Obama (55%), with 44% viewing Obama unfavorably as compared to 40% for McCain.Last week’s Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows that McCain has some clear strengths over Obama with voters:*

By 34 points, voters say McCain is more knowledgeable and better experienced;* By 11 points, McCain scores higher on showing strong leadership;* By 11 points, McCain is seen as sharing the values of voters;* By 8 points, more voters say McCain stands up for his beliefs;* By 4 points, McCain is seen as being more honest and straightforward;* And by a whopping 28 points, McCain is seen as being a good Commander-in-Chief.Perhaps most telling — and a clear sign that his “change” message has not gained the confidence of the American people — Obama is viewed as a “risky choice” by 55% of the electorate.In critical battleground states, McCain has pulled ahead of Obama in Colorado and there is now a statistical dead heat in Michigan.

McCain’s lead in Ohio has bulged to 10 points.  The big change since primary season? Voters have started taking a closer look at what Obama’s “change” message really means. His candidacy has peaked and is now coming back to earth.  Voters see him as a risky and untested candidate.  In Idaho, we know that his classic, liberal views — seeking to raise taxes, socialize healthcare, and turn the United States into a permanent welfare state — are not good for our economy, our families, or our future.This is not the kind of  ”change” that voters want; and that is not likely to change between now and November.