The Winston Group

Today’s National Journal features an article that outlines the unwillingness of some Democratic lawmakers to align with the Occupy Wall Street movement, hesitant to take on their populist message that may alienate voters. Democrats know that although voters generally support taxing the rich, voters don’t like the idea of raising taxes, especially during a struggling economy, as The WG’s David Winston points out:

“Even if you’re talking about taxing some other group, at some point, voters think, ‘It’s going to come back to me,’” said David Winston, a Republican pollster. “It’s like opening Pandora’s box.”

To read the full article, turn to nationaljournal.com

The Republic’s Kathleen Hennessy reports on Republican lawmakers’ less than enthusiastic feelings about the GOP 2012 presidential candidates. The WG’s David Winston explains what the candidates need to focus on in order to get more support:

“The challenge for the Republican presidential field is to stay on topic, to let the No. 1 issue be the No. 1 issue,” said David Winston, an adviser to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.

To read more, go to therepublic.com

The New York Times’ Saturday edition reported on the effect that President Obama’s efforts abroad have had on his favorability numbers, and whether his wartime success will help his political future. The WG’s David Winston stated that Obama is ignoring the most important issue, which will affect his re-election possibilities:

“Foreign affairs is important, but when placed against the scale of the problem with jobs and the economy, it’s dwarfed,” said David Winston, a Republican strategist. “It’s the equivalent of a house on fire: he’s fixing the window while the rest of the house is burning down.”

To read the full article, click to nytimes.com

The Christian Science Monitor focuses on Hermain Cain’s recent rise in the polls, as Cain has managed to fall just behind Mitt Romney in the top spot. CS Monitor turned to The WG’s David Winston for a possible explanation why Cain is now doing so well:

“There’s a door open such that people are willing to look at him and his accomplishments,” says Republican pollster David Winston. “Voters want candidates who say what they’ll do and try to lay out solutions.”

To read the full article, turn to csmonitor.com

The WG’s David Winston was interviewed this weekend for a Today Show story on Chris Christie potential run for the 2012 presidential election:

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In the wake of news reporting that Al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki was killed in Yemen last Friday, New York Times’ Jackie Calmes looks at President Obama’s approach to terrorism and foreign policy. His successes haven’t been reflected in his approval approval ratings, however, and The WG’s David Winston explains why:

“While people view what’s occurred as positive, it’s not enough to offset the concern about how he’s handling the No. 1 issue — jobs and the economy. And that’s what he’s being judged on,” said David Winston, a Republican pollster.

To read more, check it out at nytimes.com

U.S. News features a piece focusing on Newt Gingrich’s campaign, particularly his “21st Century Contract with America,” an economic plan that shows Americans how he hopes to change the country’s current economic situation. The WG’s David Winston comments:

“What’s that compelling idea that says to the electorate: You should be president?” he explains. “I think that’s what [Gingrich] would like to be able to present; I think that’s what all the Republican candidates would ultimately like to present.”

To read the full article, access it at usnews.com

Today’s Wall Street Journal features a piece on the Obama administration’s decision to leave the health care overhaul to the Supreme Court. The Court’s decision could effect the 2012 elections, potentially putting the issue back into the forefront.

“Having this particular issue emerge right in the middle of the presidential campaign draws attention back to the fact that, while the economy was tanking, he was focusing on health care,” said David Winston, a Republican pollster.

To read more, check out wsj.com.

The Fiscal Times released an article this week among the speculation that New Jersey governor Chris Christie is considering running for the 2012 presidency. Christie recently spoke at an event at the Ronald Reagan library in California, talking about American exceptionalism and investment. The WG’s David Winston says even among his recent publicity, Christie’s decision is still completely up in the air:

David Winston, a GOP political strategist, told The Fiscal Times on Tuesday afternoon before the speech: “[Christie] is a major figure. But his impact on the primary race at this point is unclear.”

To read the full article, turn to thefiscaltimes.com.