Searching For Swing Voters In Blue Maryland

When faced with the challenge of locating undecided voters to elicit their thoughts on the upcoming presidential election, I just knew it would be a daunting task. You see, I live in Maryland, a politically active and overwhelmingly Democratic state. I think it's safe to say Maryland's 10 electoral votes will go to Obama. In fact, I've yet to see a McCain sign or bumper sticker in my travels throughout the state. Little did I know, Maryland has swing voters all around, even in my own family. All I needed to do was narrow my focus, ask the right questions, and listen carefully, in order to find them. Although, my mother told me to never discuss politics at work, once I discovered the typical swing voter is over thirty and white, I figured my work colleagues would be a safe bet.

I work in Family Legal Services in Towson, which is the county seat for Baltimore County. The people in this town have a high political awareness; their interest in the upcoming election is high, and they have plenty to say about it. I discovered during my interviews that many middle aged voters regardless of race remain undecided about McCain and Obama. Frankly, all the people I spoke with are suffering from election fatigue, and aren't really impressed with either candidate and want this never-ending election cycle to be over. They will definitely vote in November, however, they will be doing so reluctantly because of their overall discontent with the candidates.

Anne G, is a 64-year-old secretary who works in family mediation. She considers herself a strong Republican, however she's reluctant about voting for McCain. "McCain is too old, he lacks enthusiasm and isn't vibrant enough," she says. The only issue that has Anne leaning toward McCain is abortion. "I'm pro-life, and I want a Republican president to select the next Supreme Court appointee," she tells me. Other than McCain's stance on abortion, he has absolutely no appeal to her to be president. Many of the people I encountered who consider themselves Republican, yet undecided, are leaning toward McCain because of his conservative stance on one particular issue which they believe impacts them personally like; abortion, taxes, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I met another secretary in her 60's whose hot topic was taxes. "Taxation and waste in this county is disgusting," she tells me. Although she likes Obama's youth, enthusiasm and sincerity she will more than likely vote for McCain because she believes the Democrats, by nature, will do nothing but raise taxes and she can't afford to pay anymore. She also likes Obama's message of change but she has her doubts about whether he can actually bring about change. "You'll never change the inside the beltway mentality of entitlement, and McCain is completely entrenched in it. He doesn't want to sit down and look at my paycheck. He could never relate," she laments.

Many of the people I spoke with whether Democrat or Republican, believe McCain represents wealthy corporate interests, and Obama represents the interests of the average working American. Yes, you're reading this correctly; Obama represents the average working man.... no allegations of elitism here. Carl S., is a 55 year old social worker who admires McCain's military service record and his ability to stand by his convictions. "He's a pretty decent guy, he just has a different political view. I see Obama more aligned with my political, social and economic views for our society," he tells me. Carl considers himself a strong Democrat, and is a former Clinton supporter. Cheryl T. 57, who is also a social worker, expressed her concern over the campaign taking a nasty turn. "I lost interest in Hillary during the primary when she got "snarky" and showed her driving ambition, and McCain has an underlying nasty streak," she says. She likes Obama because he seems bright, sincere, and comfortable with himself. She also admires the fact that he hasn't gone negative with his campaign. Cheryl is white, an Independent, and plans on voting for Obama. "I think it's neat this country could have a minority president. He probably had to work twice as hard," she tells me.

After several conversations with my mother I was shocked to discover she falls into the swing constituent category. I discovered this one Sunday afternoon at home. Sandra J., also known as my mom, is a 62 year old special education teacher in Baltimore. She's a registered Independent, and remains undecided about which candidate she'll vote for. She's a former Clinton supporter. "I don't think either candidate has said enough or given enough clarification on what they'll do about the disenfranchised, middleclass, healthcare or education," she laments. She respects McCain's military service, however, she 's very concerned about his temperament to be commander in chief. "I'm not certain he's sincere, most times he seems uptight and in fight mode," she tells me. She likes Obama's youth and level head. She believes he has good intentions for the nation, and likes that he appreciates his wife and family. Mom is on the fence about voting for Obama, however, because she views him as a motivational speaker, and not as a substantive candidate. She also questions his honesty in the situation involving his former pastor. "After 20 years in a church, he surely knew his former pastor's views before there was a controversy surrounding them," she says.

I was pleasantly surprised to find such politically aware swing voters who are interested in this election. I'm so tired of hearing the American electorate is uneducated and unsophisticated. I guess the average American feels so far removed from the Federal government which is quite sad, considering it makes decisions everyday, which directly impact our lives. I was also very impressed by the fact every person I spoke to said race, was not a factor in their likely decision for president. Perhaps, it's because my interviewees are educated, politically savvy and live in a "blue" state. I take comfort in knowing the swing voters I encountered seem to be taking the time to learn about the candidates, their platforms and really weighing the issues of importance to them before heading to the polls. I sincerely "HOPE" others will do the same.

Comments

[JoyK]

It is very encouraging to read that swing voters in Maryland are taking the time to educate themselves and that race is not an issue. I just hope that enough people in other parts of the country will do the same and get out and vote.