Battleground Virginia: Insight into the Real Virginia Vote

What's going on in Virginia? The once capital of the Confederacy, a state that has not voted for a Democratic President since 1964, is now an official "swing state," leaning for Obama, but still in the cross-hairs of the McCain campaign.

But polls don't tell the story of Virgina's voters well. Nor do the candidates. Only the diverse people of Virginia can, in their own words.

NOW on PBS went into the living rooms of real Virginia voters to learn how they'll be making their decisions. Military families, retirees, and blue-collar workers of all political stripes share their concerns about faith, the war, and making ends meet in troubling economic times. Sometimes inspiring, sometimes shocking, they tell the true human story behind Virginia's 13 electoral votes.

You can watch the full report here:

Also on NOW: Former U.S. Senator from Virginia George Allen and former governor Douglas Wilder talk about which candidate would be best for Virginians. An excerpt:

Allen:

John McCain's energy plan will protect, and indeed create, jobs in Virginia, keep our electricity rates competitively low, lower the price we pay for food and fuel and stop us from being jerked around by many hostile countries.

Wilder:

Early on, I encouraged Obama to campaign in the rural areas of Virginia rather than concentrating only on the cities...This strategy is paying off, and Democrats now have a prime opportunity to carry Virginia in the November election for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Follow Joel B. Schwartzberg on Twitter: www.twitter.com/now_on_pbs

Comments

[shengirl]

Allen is a fraud, another faux cowboy, from Calif. his daddy coached the Washington Redskins. Be fair, Virginians have had 2 very popular Dem Governors, back to back- Tim Kaine [current] and Mark Warner. Warner is now running for Senate against GOP ex-Gov. Gilmore and is leading him by 30%. He was phenominally popular when he was governor [approval of around 70%], despite having to raise taxes to undo the financial damage done by Gov. Gilmore. And we also have Dem Senator Jim Webb in Washington. And Dem Doug Wilder was elected Governor of Virginia in the 1980s, the first black Governor in the country. So don't try to portray us as a bunch of ex- Confederate hayseeds.

[realvirginian]

I pray for you and your loving Grandmother, Senator Obama.

WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU! We love you, and we love her for helping to raise such an inspirational man.

Hopefully I can tell that to your face on Wednesday before you leave to see her during your rally at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia. (Gates open at 3PM for program at 5:30PM.)

Everyone here in the unreal part of Virginia --- PLEASE ATTEND!!!!