McCain Country Swing Voters Looking For Change

I live in Prescott which is a very Republican town, and everyone here seems to want John McCain, except for small pockets of Democrats. I live in a condo, and the Condo Association does not want to have signs up supporting the various candidates. One wouldn't know that an election was coming up, as there are no signs of any kind for either candidate. After discussion with the Condo Association, the members realized that they could not disallow signs, so now we are entitled to have small window signs. About a five minute walk, one comes upon Montana Ave., the main street between the houses and the condos, there are many signs visible to passer by's. A predominant number of Democratic signs can be seen on the main street. Four years later, even though it is allowed, no one posts signs in their windows anywhere in the condos.

To further emphasize the Republican leaning of my neighborhood, in 2004, a man had big signs and inflammatory statements about the Democrats on his car, and while that is his right, he would park the car on the street, in front of someone's house to infuriate his neighbors. This would cause people to stop and honk their horns in agreement or disbelief. I was incensed that I couldn't put up signs in front of my house, but, it was better not to call attention to my opinions, as most people did not share them.

I decided to interview five people, one being my dad and four neighbors. The overriding fact for all of these people in choosing their candidate was their desire for change. They were not deciding on racial considerations. They felt that we have had eight years of failed policy, and our economy is in dire straights. They seemed to feel that McCain was more of the same, and that we needed a new direction in running the nation.

The interviewees mainly had a college degree and had professional career choices. Some worked for the Veterans Administration or worked as Social Workers, while others worked in the defense area. One was self-employed. These interviewees were all strong Democrats and all wanted fundamental change. The Republican, a teacher, was definitely voting for McCain. (In past conversations, he told me that he didn't like McCain and he wanted Giuliani, but as a strong Republican, he must choose McCain.) The age of the interviewees ranged between 48 and 84, and all lived in their own houses. All but two were retired.

My father, Sidney Moglewer, said the following which seems to underline the ideals of most Democrats I have talked to.

"Possibility of change, not a certainty and it is beginning to be dubious based on recent positions."

Carrie Miranda, added that she believes that Obama is a progressive democrat, and that she will always vote pro-choice.

Ralph Conley, feels that we need someone who is a strong leader whose name is not Bush or Clinton. Ralph summed up the sentiment very well as far as I am concerned when he said: "We need to have complete change of administration including party of President, and a majority in both house and senate."

The above opinions represent the majority of my Democratic friends and neighbors. Although I didn't interview more people, over the last 3 months, these are similar themes being discussed by the Democrats in my neighborhood.

By contrast, the lone Republican, Ed Lenton felt that McCain would be stronger on Security than Obama would be, and therefore; would make a better president. Ed wants a man in office who would protect him as an American citizen. He also feels that Obama is too inexperienced as evidenced by his first response of Russia going into Georgia.

This article represents the five interviews and multi-conversations over the last 3 months with my friends and neighbors. This has become the main topic of interest on Montana Avenue. Who will be our next President? To ask one of my friends, the loud and clear response would be "OBAMA, YES WE CAN"