The Hiller Instinct: Primary Exit Polls

Today 7News is taking part in a polling project that includes NBC and all the other major news networks. As New Hampshire voters leave polling places around the state, many are being asked not only whom they voted for, but why. So the exit polls tell us, for example, which candidate qualities matter most to voters today.

John Kerry's voters are citing his experience and his electability, the belief he can beat President Bush.

While Howard Dean's supporters say he stands up for what he believes and would shake up Washington.

And John Edwards is winning votes for his positive message, which may help prove voters like a positive campaign.

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"David Paleologos has been polling for us here every day for a week. David, is this what you expected so far?"

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"Yes it is we have actually noticed a real exchange. Voters are listening to the candidates and the candidates are listening to the voters. In fact we have seen that John Kerry for the first time in 14 polls is now pulling ahead of George Bush among likely democratic voters."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"On the electibility issue?"

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"On the electibility issue."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"Now let's talk about the undecideds, which we've been talking about plenty. According to the exit polls, 33 percent, one of every three voters, decided whom they'd vote for in the last three days. What do you think about that?"

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"It validates everything that we’ve been talking about all week. Last night alone we had 20 percent undecided. We knew that women and other demographic categories were driving the undecideds and they were going to wait until the last possible minute and they did."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"Thanks David, get ready for a long night."

Throughout the rest of this day and night we'll be giving you more information from the exit polls, which will be updated several times so you can be up to date too.