Do Endorsements Matter? (vote, Obama, fence, Americans)

[LauraC]

How important do you think it is for a candidate to receive an endorsement from another politician? A celebrity? A newspaper?

On Election Day, what impact you think a politician/celebrity/newspaper endorsement has on the voting public in general?

Have you ever not voted for a candidate because you didn't like a person or a newspaper that endorsed them?

[censusdata]

Obama's endorsement of a mosque at Ground Zero is a big deal to many Americans

[North Beach Person]

Back to the original question. It depends, endorsements by a well-liked/respected figure can help marginally and reinforces those who have already made up their minds. Endorsements by groups are the same way. It can also work in reverse-an endorsement by a person or group that is not liked can push the fence sitters off.
Endorsements by newspapers tend to follow their editorial beliefs. An example is the Washington Post will endorse any pro gun control candidate whether that candidate is qualified or not.

I know teachers who will not for vote for any NEA endorsed candidate.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by LauraC

How important do you think it is for a candidate to receive an endorsement from another politician? A celebrity? A newspaper?

On Election Day, what impact you think a politician/celebrity/newspaper endorsement has on the voting public in general?

Have you ever not voted for a candidate because you didn't like a person or a newspaper that endorsed them?

I think it is fair to say, candidates would rather have good endorsements than not get them, but I also think the endorsement means very little.

No, I have never voted for or against someone because of an endorsement alone. I may have been swayed if I couldn't make up my mind.

Nita

[Loveshiscountry]

Yes endorsements matter, there are plenty of sheep out there.