A passer-by in dowtown Orlando, at the heart of a swing-voting region that will help determine the outcome of elections today and in November. Photo by Mark Silva
by Mark Silva
ORLANDO – On a crisp, sunny day, at a polling place shaded by old oaks, a woman who offers her name only as Joan still is making up her mind as she heads into the brick back hall of the First Unitarian Church to vote.
“I will vote for someone who I truly believe can beat Hillary Clinton,’’ this registered Republican says. “I want someone I like, obviously. And I like Romney, but I do not want to see the Clintons back in the White House. I think, probably, McCain is the one to beat Clinton.’’
Yet this is a decision in the making, this middle-aged voter says on her way in to the polling place for Precinct 306, a precinct that skews urban young and retired old and runs somewhat gay as well, in a peaceful and shady part of Orlando only a mile from downtown where some streets still are cobblestone and $25,000 bungalows of old are fetching big money.
Her daughter-in-law got caught up in the early voting that has been going on here since Jan. 14, at a time when Republican Rudy Giuliani was a bigger contender than he is today, an early vote which the Giuliani campaign courted hard – “At that point in time, they thought Giuliani would do well,’’ she says of their vote. “They wish they had waited.’’
After a quick vote, she stops again in the breezy lot behind the church to talk about that decision made on the way in.
“I went with McCain for that reason – not just that reason,’’ she says of the electability factor. “I think he is a good man. I was torn.’’
This same calculus is playing out today across the Sunshine State, where opinion polls have portrayed a dead-heat between McCain and Mitt Romney among Republican voters and Giuliani’s fortunes have apparently faded. Florida’s voters are weighing Romney, with his promise of righting the economy, against McCain, with his promise of winning in November.
Florida Democrats also are turning out en masse today for a contest said to favor Clinton – and many of them are angry about the fact that the delegates they send to the party’s summer convention may not be counted as punishment for Florida holding a January primary. The state party chairman, Karen Thurman, stops by this polling place on a statewide tour today, however, and she believes the party ultimately will let Florida in.
More on that later. Back to the voters:
“I definitely want someone who is going to help the economy,’’ says Delpha Romero, an older woman. “And I’d definitely like to see our troops come home… Being a senior citizen, naturally I’m thinking about things for seniors. And health care is important. I don’t have a problem with that, but I have people in my family who need health care.’’
Her vote?
“I am leaning toward (Barack) Obama,’’ Romero says.
A young man arrives here voicing irritation “that our delegates got pulled.’’ He is a Democrat, of course. His name is James Wyndham.
“We’ve got Republicans running this state and our delegates get pulled when they move up the election,’’ he says with a sigh.
He is joined at this polling place today by Jonathan Gray.
“We’re concerned about the economy,’’ says Gray, and he has voted for a constitutional amendment on Florida’s ballot today limiting property taxes. “It’ll probably result in higher property taxes,’’ he suggests.
They have both cast their votes for Clinton today.
“She carries a lot of experience,’’ Gray says. “When her husband was in office, our economy did very well.’’
Obama, he suggests, “lacks experience.’’
Carol Morrow, an older woman, turned out to vote for Clinton as well.
“My biggest concern is the economy. It’s been bad for two years,’’ Morrow says. “I think we’re up the creek. The world hates us.
Why Clinton?
“You know why – a woman can balance a budget,’’ Morrow says. “Other than her taste in men, which I think is lousy, I want a woman who can balance the budget.’’
Kristen Johannesen, a young woman arriving to vote, cannot take part in either party’s primary today because she is an independent and these are closed party primaries. She turned out to vote against the tax amendment.
“I’d be voting for Obama today,’’ she says, if she had the chance.
Finally, a business-suited man here on his lunch break, a registered Republican who says he would have voted for Clinton today if he could have voted in the Democratic primary.. “The party has left me the last few years,’’ says Brian Smith. “Especially when you have a president who is willing to put forward amendments to change the Constitution.’’
He has cast his ballot today for McCain.
“I just think he’s the one who’s got the most experience,’’ Smith says.
So, what happens then in November, should the general election pose a contest between McCain and Clinton?
“Tough one,’’ Smith says.
Tough one indeed.
This is a swing-voting state.
And if the Republican presidential primary is playing out on a suspenseful note this sunny day in Florida, the 2008 presidential election in the state where the presidential vote of 2000 turned on 537 disputed ballots promises to be a lollapalooza.
Thurman, a former congresswoman from Dunnellon who chairs the state Democratic Party, promises that it will be competitive here.
“I think the issues will’’ make it competitive, Thurman says. “The other thing I see happening here is, look, this is about change. Some would say that McCain is Bush Lite. He stayed with Bush on the war. But I do understand there are those who look at him and say he is independent.
“If your concern is economic,’’ Thurman says,” and if your concern is about the war, I think our candidates amplify that concern.’’
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Comments
Naturally Mark Silva quotes more Democrats (6) than Republicans (2) in the above article (this IS the DNC Swamp, after all), but in a break with precedent he actually talks to 2 Republican voters.
And by coincidence, the 2 Republicans quoted just happen to be supporting John McCain, the candidate the Tribune endorsed and the favorite Republican of media Liberals.
Posted by: Bruce | January 29, 2008 1:51 PM
McCain is not electable. He is an old and angry man. He knows nothing of the economy. Romney appeals to Americans who are concerned with immigration and the economy. Romney will be great for this country nationally and internationally.
Posted by: James Dobbs | January 29, 2008 1:59 PM
"...but I do not want to see the Clintons back in the White House."
Why? I'd love to know that from all of these hateful, spiteful Republicans. Why do you hate them do much?
During Clinton's presidency abortions went down, welfare rolls went down, the poverty level went down, crime went down, the debt went down. Why is that so bad? Because millionaires had to pay a little more in taxes to support their country? Because the man cheated on his wife? Those are no reasons for the hatred. Everyone had it pretty darn good during his presidency, there is no excuse for the hatred.
Posted by: Paul | January 29, 2008 2:07 PM
I see Romney winning in November. In fact, I have no doubt he will beat Hillary, while McCain will struggle.
Can you imagine Romney in a debate with a Democrat? He has won virtually every Republican debate, and he would slaughter a Democrat.
Civilly, of course.
Posted by: Jed Merrill, ConservativeRepublicans.com | January 29, 2008 2:08 PM
McCain wants to bomb Iran and stay in Iraq for 100 years and promised for more wars. McCain says he wants interest rates to be ZERO out of complete ignorance for how interest rates affect the economy. I'd like to see him say that to retirees on a fixed income. McCain want 10 million illegal immigrants to stay permanently and legal immigrants who can vote do not support it. How could this country be secure if he is in power??? If McCain is nominee, as a republican I would rather vote Clinton than McCain. As least we know Clinton has some intelligence and lead the booming economic. McCain will lead this country to a total ruin with his lack of intelligence and no executive experience. Mitt Romney is an expert in economics and finance and is the man we need as president.
Mitt Romney's successful business experience, successful Olympic experience, and successful state governing success
set him above all other candidates. His vision of using economic strength to combat terrorist and his Apollo plan for energy independence are also set him above all other candidates.
He is a real leader who can lead American to build a strong economic and therefore a strong nation!
Hope American people will elect Mitt Romney, the only competent candidate, to be our president.
Posted by: Linda | January 29, 2008 2:11 PM
Even Ann Cooter doesn't like McCain. Why are all the Reich Radio pundicks putting a hit out on McCain? If he wins the nomination will they rally round him? Do we care?
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=24635
Posted by: dt | January 29, 2008 2:27 PM
Bruce is right...2 democrats actually talked to 3 republicans that had 2 democrats for dinner that was cooked by 5 republicans and 1 independent. By the way...5 troops were killed yesterday since your into counting Bruce.
How lame!
Posted by: bill r. | January 29, 2008 2:31 PM
Mark is wrong just like all the drivebys on McCain. He can't get it the New York Times is set to make a Dem victory.
In order to do this they need John McCain a liberal Democrat who calls himself a maverick. Who else campaigns with Dem Joe Loeserman.
Mc Cain is not going to beat Mitt Romney. Conservatives are tired of McCain partnering with every socialist in Congress to beat tax cuts, turn the country over to illegals, deny free speech to non-incumbents,tax every taxpayer some $1,000 to fight global warming for Algore's religion.
He compromise with any Dem just to hurt our American dream. McCain is an old fraud. He's done put a fork in him. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | January 29, 2008 2:38 PM
"MCCAIN SPEAKS"
YOU GOTTA GET ME NOW, BECAUSE AFTER FLORIDA IS A WHOLE LOT OF PLAYER HATERS OUT THERE, AND I MIGHT NOT MAKE IT.
I WON'T FLIP FLOP. I WON'T LET YOU DOWN. I PROMISE I WILL BIOMETRIC MY MAMA IF SHE ATTEMPTS TO LEAVE THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT MY PERMISSION.
I WON'T LET THE MEXICANS GET ACROSS "STALIN CHERTOF WALL" BEFORE WE GET AN "ATTESTATION" AND $5,000. I WILL LET THEM KNOW WHO THE REAL "COYOTE" IS. I PROMISE.
IS KATHERINE HARRIS AROUND, CAN WE GET HER ON THE PHONE, I NEED TO WIN FLORIDA OR I'M DONE.
HECK I'M UNDER RECALL IN ARIZONA AS THE ABSENTEE SENATOR.
HELP I NEED SOME BODY. HELP!
Posted by: Roger Morris | January 29, 2008 3:01 PM
Senators have the luxury of picking their causes and have the time to mull all facets of a problem. When trying events occur at inconvenient times or all at once (yes, just like your real life) executive experience and knowlege are required. To be re-elected, especially after McCain-Finegold, all you have to do is stay out of jail to spend other peoples money. Government programs live forever because they can fail every time without penalty.
Posted by: whatnow | January 29, 2008 3:13 PM
Remember this people, if you are voting for dumb old man McCain you're actually voting for who ever his vice-President pick would be because McCain is so damn old he'll be lucky to even live through one term.
He''ll lose all of his Independent support in a General election because of his insane pro-war stance and lack of knowledge on the economy.
National polls are meaningless right now, Rudy was leading them big time a few months ago. I don't care what the national polls say about McCain against Democrats, he will get destroyed in a general election, mark my words.
Posted by: stop | January 29, 2008 3:36 PM
whatnow,
yes whatnow, the federal interstate highway system and rural electrification failed miserably didn't they? Just to name two off the top of my head.
Posted by: john | January 29, 2008 4:36 PM
McCain was terrible in the debates! This man would be an embarrassment to America. The international community would laugh. He is old, angry, bitter, and a liar. Look at the situation with his wife. He isn't going to win family of the year when she stole drugs continually from a charity and he remarried and chose her because of her money.
Posted by: Josh | January 29, 2008 4:53 PM
I see Romney winning in November.
Man, you should go to Vegas...you could win big being able to see into the future like that!
Posted by: lochnessmonster | January 29, 2008 4:54 PM
Bruce quit your ENDLESS CRYING!!!
This woman who offered her name only as Joan is clearly an idiot. Her brand of thinking is what got us two terms of the worst president ever, George Bush. Bill Clinton was a genius by comparison.
“I definitely want someone who is going to help the economy,’’ says Delpha Romero, an older woman. “And I’d definitely like to see our troops come home… Being a senior citizen, naturally I’m thinking about things for seniors. And health care is important. I don’t have a problem with that, but I have people in my family who need health care.’’
Her vote?
“I am leaning toward (Barack) Obama,’’ Romero says.
Delpha Romero has the right idea. Maybe the voter named Joan should realize that her party the GOP has sold her a bill of goods. Thats a nice way of saying she was lied to and used. Joan you can still do the right thing and vote for Mr Obama in the general election. We'll even forgive you for subjecting us to Bush!!!
Posted by: Barack & Roll | January 29, 2008 5:15 PM
Rudy Giuliani's political career is over. You cannot successfully run for the Republican nomination as a conservative when you are clearly not a conservative. See "Rudy Giuliani's Conservative Remake" at YouTube.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18FJZZk1i0Q
Posted by: B Active | January 29, 2008 5:36 PM
"McCain is not electable. He is an old and angry man. He knows nothing of the economy. Romney appeals to Americans who are concerned with immigration and the economy. Romney will be great for this country nationally and internationally."
Oh really?
http://www.surveyusa.com/electionpolls.aspx
Posted by: George Chell | January 29, 2008 6:03 PM
Rudy Giuliani's political career is over. You cannot successfully run for the Republican nomination as a conservative when you are clearly not a conservative. See "Rudy Giuliani's Conservative Remake" at YouTube.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18FJZZk1i0Q
Posted by: B Active | January 29, 2008 6:05 PM
McCain is a dumb old man.
Romney is a mannequin.
The GOP is the party of desperation and no ideas.
The republican party is rotten to the core.
Posted by: Abby Hoffman | January 29, 2008 6:13 PM
"Naturally Mark Silva quotes more Democrats (6) than Republicans (2) in the above article (this IS the DNC Swamp, after all), but in a break with precedent he actually talks to 2 Republican voters."
Brucie,
I'm sure Mark Silva did try to meet your standards for balance, but of the four other GOPs to be quoted, one said "huh?" another said "duh" and two others asked for cash payments in unmarked envelopes.
Happy now?
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | January 29, 2008 6:46 PM
Naturally Mark Silva quotes more....
Mark is wrong just like all the drivebys...
_____________________________
Wah. Boohoo. People are writing things I don't want to read. It's not fair! People have to write things I want them to write. Blah blah blah. If you don't like what they say, ignore them. It's what I do with regards to boy george and all the lame losers running for the republitard nomination.
Posted by: rncbs | January 29, 2008 7:02 PM
All you need to know about McCain is that the liberal scratch-pad NY Times endorsed him. An old ploy of the Times. Support the Republican least likely to win in November. McCain is just the new Bob Dole. Both decorated and wounded war veterans who deserve our respect. But chances of winning the presidency? Both about the same. Having said that, Dole may well have beat Clinton. He lost by 8 percent, exactly the same percentage that dip third party candidate Ross Perot took, likely all defecting Republicans.
Posted by: Woodrow | January 29, 2008 7:34 PM
While I agree with John McCain on immigration and several other issues, I'm not sure he would be the best candidate for the presidency. Mitt Romney would most likely be able to manage economic issues, but at what cost? Jobs?
I'm leaning toward Barack.
Posted by: Anne Damico | January 29, 2008 7:53 PM
As a lifelong republican and Floridian I will not be voting for McCain ever.
In fact if the GOP nominates McCain I will leave the republican party and register as an independent and vote for Clinton/Obama winner as much as I dislike both candidates (especially Clinton), in protest.
McCain's support of amnesty for illegal immigrants and him seriously considering running as Kerry's VP should make any real republican weary of him.
Posted by: John Morrison | January 30, 2008 5:48 AM