McCain's Victory in New Hampshire Shakes Bush's Standing in South Carolina

Strategic Insights -

As the news of Senator John McCain's smashing victory in New Hampshire reached South Carolina, a new wave of interest in the McCain campaign emerged among Republican voters in the state. An unscientific survey of lunch patrons in the Greenville-Spartanburg area revealed a significant increase in support for McCain compared to a similar survey conducted last week. While Governor George W. Bush continues to lead in the statewide polls, his loss in New Hampshire has clearly shaken his standing in the Palmetto State.

Key Takeaways:

  • An unscientific survey of lunch patrons in the Greenville-Spartanburg area found more people expressing interest in McCain than a similar survey conducted last week in neighboring Greenville.
  • The most recent pre-New Hampshire poll showed Bush with a 21-point lead over McCain in South Carolina, but McCain's victory has shaken Bush's standing in the state.
  • Local Republican leaders, including those from the Greenville-Spartanburg area, have come out strongly for Bush and aim to maintain support.
  • Many South Carolina voters expressed a preference for McCain's character and background, with some citing his military experience as a key factor.
  • Several Republican voters stated that McCain's victory in New Hampshire had made them reconsider their support for Bush.
  • A comparison of McCain's and Bush's resumes suggests that McCain's has a more impressive military background, which is a major factor for some voters.
  • McCain's campaign appears to have attracted a significant amount of support from South Carolinians who were previously undecided or leaning towards Bush.

Statistics:

  • A 21-point lead for Bush over McCain in the most recent pre-New Hampshire poll
  • A significant increase in support for McCain among Republican voters in the Greenville-Spartanburg area
  • 4 out of 4 men who responded to a survey at the Skillet restaurant preferred Bush over McCain
  • 6 out 10 voters at the Sugar and Spice restaurant expressed renewed interest in McCain due to his victory in New Hampshire

Sources:

  • The New York Times, February [no date provided]
  • An unscientific survey of lunch patrons in the Greenville-Spartanburg area