---
title: "Palin Puzzle"
description: "Of those citing Palin as a factor in their vote, a majority backed McCain."
date: "2008-11-07"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2008/11/07/palin-puzzle/"
---

# Palin Puzzle

Of the six-in-ten voters who cited Sarah Palin as a factor in their vote, 56% favored John McCain compared with 43% who chose Barack Obama. However, the exit polls are mixed on Palin’s impact, since 60% of Americans casting ballots said that Palin is not qualified to be president should it become necessary. Of those voters, 81% backed Obama. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1023/exit-poll-analysis-2008)