In a press conference today, former President George H.W. Bush officially offered his endorsement of Sen. John McCain in the 2008 presidential race.

Bush's primary reason for endorsing the Arizona senator in the election is the Iraq war. Much of his comments today were seemingly directed at the Democratic opponents who McCain may face in November.

Democratic Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton favor some form of troop withdrawal in the near future, whereas McCain believes an extended military presence is necessary.

"The United States of America cannot be permitted to falter," Bush said. "Part of our Republican creed is a prevailing sense of duty, and in the coming election we do not have the luxury of taking a pass on our unique role and responsibilities in the world."

With Sen. McCain's endorsement from the former president, his lengthy list of support within the Republican party can only be described as staggering.

But, does it really matter? Are endorsements overblown by the media, or do they have a legitimate effect when it comes time to cast a vote?

To help answer the question, a poll was conducted today throughout the UT campus. 40 participants were selected randomly and asked the following question: "Do endorsements of presidential candidates from newspapers, national politicians or local politicians have any effect on your choice when casting a vote in primary elections?"

"Endorsements are more political jockeying than anything. The media, especially CNN and Fox News, try to make more from it than there really is to push the candidate they favor."

--Sam W.

"The only 'endorsements' that have any effect on me are from family members and friends. Most media can't be trusted so I try to listen to people that I know are honest."

--Anna P.

"The only time I would follow an endorsement is if I didn't know anything about the candidates in the race. Even then, I wouldn't take anyone's endorsement at face value."

--Sarah M.

"I voted for George H.W. Bush twice and would again, so his endorsement is one of very few that I take seriously."

--Tyler L.

"It seems like for every endorsement one candidate gets, their opponent has one to balance it out. I don't take those seriously, and don't think anyone who follows politics does."

--Chelsea M.

"After Fred Thompson dropped out, I wasn't sure who to support...I don't usually look at endorsements but in this year's primary, I voted McCain because my local congressman was backing him."

--Charles T. 

"The only time [they] have an effect is when the person offering the endorsement has nothing to gain. I take endorsements from the News-Sentinel and some magazines into serious consideration."

--Tyrone B. 

Overall Results

- 34 of 40 replied that endorsements have a Minimal effect or No effect.

- 21 identified themselves as Liberal, 16 as Conservative and 3 as Moderate.

- 31 of 40 indicated that they voted in Tennessee's primary election.

- 38 of 40 said they are likely to vote in November's presidential election. 

- 26 of 40 were female, 14 of 40 were male. 

* The results of the poll are not scientific, nor are they intended to provide an exact measurement. The  purpose of the poll is to give a broad look at voting behavior in the Knoxville area.