By Robb Murray
Click here to see detailed voter responses
Note: This report is based on interviews with undecided voters conducted by CNHI journalists in eight states that collectively account for 101 electoral votes: Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Hampshire, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan. We will check back with these voters throughout the final weeks of the election season.
Fixing the economy was the top concern among undecided voters surveyed by CNHI News Service.
Of 36 undecided voters interviewed during the last week and a half — in the race for president between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama — 30 listed the economy as one of three major concerns. Eighteen said it was their most pressing.
Among the three Minnesotans in that survey, however, each had different top concerns: one said managing the government, one said health care, and the last said the war in Iraq.
Just 16 undecided voters listed the war in Iraq as one of their top issues, though five mentioned other foreign policy or defense-related concerns.
Of the Minnesotans, Tom Barna of Mankato seems the most unlikely undecided voter.
“I am a lifelong Republican, retired Marine officer — two-war veteran— political science major, from a strong conservative family,” he said. “And for the first time in my adult life, I am undecided.”
Like Barna, many people are undecided this time. And this time — with the nation seemingly at the brink of financial disaster, and with both major parties offering history-making tandems — there’s a little more urgency to that choice.
The Free Press, along with a handful of CNHI publications in other swing vote states, talked to undecided voters about the candidates and the issues that will influence their decisions. The voters range in age from 18 to 80 and represent a variety of education and income levels, family backgrounds and political ideologies. Slightly more than half are women.
The survey took place in eight states, many of which — such as Ohio, New Hampshire, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Missouri — are closely contested between the campaigns. Polls show Obama with a growing lead in the others: Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan.
Three of those voters came from the Free Press’ coverage area. In addition to Barna, Barb Larson Taylor of St. Peter and Deb Anderson of Blue Earth were among those surveyed.
Barb Larson Taylor, 37, of St. Peter, was one of those who mentioned being concerned about the war in Iraq.
“I like both candidates and think they both are strong,” she said. “I think both need a strong VP and I don't like either of the VPs. In part because, even though I was opposed to the start of the war in Iraq, I am waiting to see how the Iraq stabilizes. I am concerned that withdrawing now will leave the citizens of that country in a horrible position and will further weaken our international relations.”
Barna said he’s been less than impressed at how the candidates have discussed their plans to run the country.
“I have not heard from either on the issue of managing an effective government,” he said. “But it is assumed that Obama would work with the Democratic Congress and McCain is known for crossing the aisles. Obama has not said enough on defense and his strategy changes often.”
Duane Roberts, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Johnstown, Pa., said he is worried about the economy and how the government will pay for a $700 billion economic relief packaged passed by Congress last week.
“Where is the money going to come from, because I really don’t have much more to give?” said Roberts, who is single and makes less than $40,000 a year. “I’ve given about all I can give. To be honest with you, I need a little bit of it back.”
Twenty voters said the candidates’ ages — McCain is 72, Obama 47 — will not affect the election’s outcome, though several said McCain’s seniority made his choice of a running mate that much more important.
Charles Nestell, of Omena, Mich., said he worries McCain’s health might not hold up for a four-year White House term.
“That’s why I kind of want to know more about who Sarah Palin is and her own individual ideas, instead of the rhetoric,” Nestell said of the Alaska governor joining McCain on the Republican ticket.
More than two-thirds of the voters said they believe race relations have progressed enough that the United States is ready to elect its first black president.
“One of the biggest reasons I want to vote for Obama is that he is not a white male,” Taylor said. “I am not opposed to white males and would not vote for him if I didn't agree in part with some of his policies. But I also think this is a historic opportunity. It is time we move beyond race, religion, and gender in selecting our president. It is time as a country that we focus on qualifications and character.”
Some, however, expressed concern about Obama’s safety should he win that distinction.
“There are some sick people out there, and they’ve already been in the news,” said Kimberly McKerchie, 29, of Traverse City, Mich. “I fear for him and his little girls.”
Anderson of Blue Earth said, “I believe the general population probably has (come far enough in race relations), but it only takes one nut case to assassinate the president.”
Added Barna, “There will be those on both sides who will always be extreme, but in general, the U.S. has been ready for quite a while. Colin Powell could have been elected a few years back.”
Four out of five voters said they do not believe Palin’s gender will affect the election.
“I want a leader, and I don’t care if they’re black, white, female, Democrat or Republican,” said Anson Burlingame, 66, of Joplin, Mo. “I want a real leader that’s going to knock that stuff off and reach down to the strengths of America and bring them to the surface and move forward.”
Said Anderson, “Reality is everything is a factor — who they are is a package deal. It would be foolish to not consider all the aspects of the person you are voting for which includes age and/or gender. That doesn’t necessarily mean those factors are negative things, it simply means they are factors.”
Taylor said running mates are a huge factor in her decision.
“Obama has been running on a change and building bridges agenda. Then chooses an old boys club partisan running mate to attract the core of democratic voters,” she said. “McCain needed to get a conservative to rally his core, so he chose someone who I do not share many views in common.”
Sandy Quarles, 72, owner of Sandy Janitorial Service in Kokomo, Ind., said such concerns will transcend gender, age and race during this election. The weight of the economy’s problems, he said, should cause the candidates to set aside typical politics, as well.
“Because we’re in a mess,” said Quarles, a black Republican who describes his views as liberal-conservative. “I think this is the worst mess we’ve been in since 1929.”
Additional reporting by staffs of The Tribune Democrat of Johnstown, Pa.; The Joplin, Mo., Globe; The Eagle-Tribune of North Andover, Mass.; Traverse City, Mich., Record-Eagle; Kokomo, Ind., Tribune; The Star Beacon of Ashtabula, Ohio; Ottumwa, Iowa, Courier; and the Oskaloosa, Iowa, Herald.
