Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, the Green Party's candidate for president, is currently polling at 1 percent, according to a national poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN, and reported on by Angus Reid Global Monitor, a poll tracking organization. This is the first poll time Angus Reid has included include McKinney in poll results.
The poll found that 6 percent would vote for Ralph Nader (Independent/Peace and Freedom Party, in California only), and 3 percent would vote for former Congressman Bob Barr (Libertarian Party).
The poll found Senator Barack Obama (Democrat) has a 4 point lead over Senator John McCain (Republican) - 46 percent to 41 percent.
In previous elections, Nader has polled considerably higher than his vote total on election day. Whether that holds true this year, and if it holds true for McKinney and Barr, remains to be seen. McKinney's vote total could benefit from her being the only woman on the ballot in most states.
Neither Nader nor McKinney are likely to be on the ballot in all 50 states, which is one reason their vote totals may not reach their national polling numbers. Another is that voters, fearful either Obama or McCain will win, depending on their political views, will decide against voting for a small party or independent candidate.
McKinney and Barr have less name recognition than Nader, which could lead to their poll numbers increasing, as more voters learn about them.
In 2004, Nader received .4 percent (466,000 votes), Libertarian Party candidate Michael Badnarik received .3 percent (397,000 votes), and Green Party candidate David Cobb received .1 percent (120,000 votes). click here
In 2000, Nader, running as the Green Party candidate, received 2.7 percent, and the 2.9 million votes he received was his high water mark, while Harry Browne, the Libertarian Party Candidate, received .4 percent (384,000 votes).
Should Nader, McKinney, or Barr receive 5 percent of the popular vote, they (or their party's nominee) would automatically have ballot status in all 50 states and receive matching federal funds in the 2012 presidential election.
Jonathan Nack has been a journalist and activist since 1984. He resides in Oakland, California.
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
If small party candidates could together total ten percent in polls then there should be a moral argument made that a small party candidate should be included in the debates. Obviously the Republicans and Democrats won't let this happen, they'll simply move the goal posts. None the less, we should push for this based on these polling numbers.
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Doug Rogers (16 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 152 comments) on Wednesday, Aug 6, 2008 at 2:02:23 PM
Last election, not one major news source covered my campaign. Even when I had a major heart attack. However the most votes I received came from the hometown of the Republican candidate where I received ten votes for every one he received. He still won the election by over 8000 votes. However that is a given in this district. Have voted straight Republican since the civil war. Come to think of it, had a debate which I attended pushing a walker so I could make it. The only candadate who didn't attend was the Repuublican. No tv or news other then one local paper bothered to come either. It can be lonely running as a Green.
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Robert N Smith (15 articles, 0 quicklinks, 11 diaries, 152 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Aug 6, 2008 at 9:40:42 PM
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