“I was pretty excited to vote this morning. I voted for Obama,” said Molly Stuart, Musical Theatre Dancer, Harlem, New York. “This is the first time that I’ve felt really invested in the election, although I’ve only voted twice … I think Obama is very smart, I feel like he’s going to do most good for the most amount of people. We need that, the country needs that.”
“I voted for Barack Obama because of his stand against the war, and also because of his position regarding the economy, wanting to give more tax breaks to the poor and higher taxes for the wealthy,” said Karen E., a photographer from San Diego.
Karen said she is hopeful about an Obama presidency. “It won’t be perfect, but so much better than what we’ve had.”
Cesar Malinao, a sole proprietor in Pembroke Pines, FL said he voted for McCain. “I believe McCain is the stronger opponent of the two. He supports the utilization of our own resources i.e. oil and natural resources versus wasting our nation’s monies on purchasing them from other countries. McCain also will not hesitate to go against his own party to support bills for a good cause. I have never heard of Obama before and his accomplishments nor [am I] familiar with Biden.”
Ronald Gauthier, a Librarian originally from New Orleans who evacuated to Atlanta after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, said he voted for Obama.
“Unequivocally for Obama. [because of] Almost Everything. Rescuing the country from this financial crisis that we’re in. Hopefully bringing in fresh ideas that can move us in a more progressive direction.”
“I think that today is a great day in history that is going to be made, and a lot of things have been happening in this country that a lot of people want to see change. I think that nationwide the economy is the most important issue, and I believe that Obama will handle the economy better,” said Inem Udofia of San Francisco.
James Madden, Director of Meat Packing and Manufacturing in Mason, Ohio voted for McCain. “I think he’s the best guy for change … America can’t keep going in the direction that it’s going,” said Madden.
Natasha, a desk clerk in Dayton, Ohio said she voted for Obama. “Well, I like what he stands for, as far as for something different… He doesn’t have much experience, but he’s going to try to change things.”
“I have voted for Barack Obama for the presidential candidate,” said Angela a teacher at Silver Palms Elementary School in Florida. “I have elected him for the health policies that he endorses and also I believe that he can help us with our economy situation.”
Jim Campbell, who is self-employed in Winter Haven, FL, voted for John McCain. “I appreciate his history and I think he has the experience to do the job,” he said.
“I voted for John McCain and Sarah Palin,” said Suzanne German, a teacher in Winter Haven.
German is a strong supporter of Sarah Palin. “I like her assertiveness, I like her aggressiveness, and if we are talking about change in Washington, I think she is the only one who can give it to us. I see her as somebody who is looking out for the American people, and she’s willing to go to bat for that. I don’t think she is as partisan as some people would think she is, I think she’s out for what’s right for the good of the American people and she is willing to go for that,” she said.
One gentleman from Winter Haven, who identified himself only as a conservative Republican, felt that John McCain was badly served by his advisers. “People were not voting for Obama so much as against Bush,” he said. “All of his advisers were Bush people… McCain made himself into Bush’s boy.”
