“It will not be easy, and it will be long.” This was what President
Obama stated in his inaugural address in January 2009, predicting his
first term would be difficult in the wake of the economic crash that he
inherited. One voter interviewed here remembers this line. Many more
lament the economy’s slow growth.
In this piece, where I profile
50 American voters from every state in the US, 25 for Obama and 25 for
Romney, Romney voters’ overwhelmingly say that they want to replace
Obama with a business savvy candidate that will exercise more fiscal
restraint and create more jobs. They believe he can do this from his
ability to balance the budget when he was the governor of Massachusetts
without raising taxes, as well as his extensive private sector success.
Some
of the Obama voters express support for Obama’s economic policies, and
often credit the 2008 economic crash at the end of Bush’s presidency for
the difficulties still lingering in the economy. However, Obama voters’
largely say they support the President for his social agenda. Most
voters cite social issues such as fair pay for women, LGBTQ rights, a
women’s right to contraception and abortion, and healthcare as the main
reasons they are voting for Obama. Perhaps this is because Obama’s first
term was more successful on this front in comparison to the economy.
On
the other hand, Romney voters barely mention social issues, such as
traditional marriage and pro-life policies, as reasons they are voting
for Romney. Unlike other campaign seasons, the economy is the central
issue for Republican voters. Additionally, Israel ranks high among
Republican concerns.
Granted, this pool of voters is undoubtedly
biased considering everyone knew this article was going to be published
on an Israeli news site. That being said, it is interesting to see that
of the voters that mention Israel as one of their reasons to support
either candidate, seven voters support Romney and three support Obama.
Delving a bit deeper, of the 10 voters that mention Israel, five are
Jewish, three of whom are the Obama supporters. Not surprisingly, this
demonstrates American Jews’ continued division over policies regarding
Israel, whereas most non-Jewish voters that value Israel (mostly
religious Christians) support the Republican party.
Each voter
interviewed gives a unique, valuable perspective on the challenges
facing the United States. I hope these voters give you a glimpse of what
is at stake for Americans in the 2012 presidential election.
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Name: Allana Pinkerton
State: Alabama
Age: 44
Occupation: Child Passenger Safety Instructor
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? Obama is no friend of Israel. Obama’s life has been influenced by too many radical people who are anti-colonialist. He is slowly and secretly putting the U.S. on equal ground with the rest of the world which will enable other countries to increase Muslim extremists. If he has another four years in office, our country will be more vulnerable to attacks.
He is not a business man. Running a country takes business sense and experience. So, I am voting for Romney based on what I don’t like about Obama. It’s not that I love everything about Romney.
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Name: Catkin Kilcher Burton (left)
State: Alaska
Age: 54
Occupation: Small business owner (Co-founder Eagles Enterprises, LLC) and Colonel (retired), United States Marine Corps
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? Governor Romney brings to the table the traits and characteristics I believe are important in a leader. His core values are admirable and his educational attainment show me he has the intelligence to absorb the sheer volume of information he’ll have to deal with to make sound decisions in the areas of foreign policy, defense, and other legitimate federal roles. His broad spectrum of experience in business and government have convinced me he has the skill sets required to act as our Chief Executive and guide America back to prosperity and leadership.
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Name: Donna Alu (right)
State: Arizona
Age: 66
Occupation: RN in a neonatal intensive care unit
Who are you voting for: Romney
Why? I am voting for Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan because I believe in the Republican ideals of smaller, less intrusive government and I want a health care system that is patient focused; not one that is run by a huge federal bureaucracy.
I am also concerned about national security, in light of the chaos in the Middle East and the fact that ammunition used against our embassy in Libya was given to the Libyan rebels to be used against Gaddafi. I believe that the Obama administration has failed in this regard.
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Name: Patricia Nation
State: Arkansas
Age: 51
Occupation: Attorney
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? He shares my worldview. Romney believes in American exceptionalism. He promises to lower taxes, balance the budget, repeal Obamacare, and put Americans back to work by implementing free market based principles that will stimulate economic growth. Romney’s decision to visit Israel and meet with Benjamin Netanyahu symbolized that he will make Israel and its protection a top priority. The relationship between America and Israel is at the top of my list for casting my vote for Romney because I believe Romney will give Israel unwavering support and put all options on the table to support Netanyahu against imminent and future dangers.
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Name: Abraham Teran
State: California
Age: 32
Occupation: Self employed accountant
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? I have strong faith in my president as people who voted for him should, and not change their minds as quickly as a coffee drink at Starbucks. Obama has invested money in a green direction that we should all follow! Obama is a humble and respected president, both here and abroad. His first address in office was clear. “It will not be easy, and it will be long.” He has fulfilled promises and promotes fair taxation where the middle class and poor benefit instead of the rich! Lastly, abortion: a woman has the right to do whatever she pleases with her body.
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Name: Thomas McGuire
State: Colorado
Age: 35
Occupation: Auto body repair
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? I am voting for Obama. Ready to move forward, for change, new ways of hope, for better jobs, community, more roads and buildings to be built, and the military.
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Name: Brian H. Dennis (right)
State: Connecticut
Age: 49
Occupation: Material analyst
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? The Romney plan don’t add up and he is a flip flopping pandering liar. It takes more than four years to get us out of the mess that we were in. Obama didn’t get a fair deal in the spirit of cooperation from the Republicans when it came to his policies in helping move this country forward and at the end of the day, Romney has no real plan except to make us believe that policies and belief systems used in the past which got us in this mess will work. I trust Obama to do what’s right for 100% of all Americans!
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Name: Barry Guerke
State: Delaware
Age: 64
Occupation: Attorney
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? As a registered Republican, I fled the party due to the extreme right wing policies that started with Newt Gingrich and culminated with George W. Bush. Obama promised to restore America’s stature in the international community, which I think he has done. He inherited many problems, but I believe that things would have been much worse without the policies he put into effect. I like his inclusiveness versus the exclusiveness of current Republican policies. Health care reform and eliminating Osama bin Laden are major accomplishments. He has earned the right to another four years to complete his agenda.
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Name: Ingrid Linhares
State: Florida
Age: 30
Occupation: Hilton Hotels
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? I was born in Brazil, but moved to the U.S. and gained citizenship in my teenage years. America is a great place where anyone can be successful if they work hard. I believe that Mitt Romney will preserve this great country and that under his leadership, the opportunities to become successful will grow. I just had my first child, and I want a bright future for him. Mitt Romney will provide a bright future for everyone because he will strengthen the economy and create jobs. As an immigrant, I know that hard work can help anyone achieve great things in America.
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Name: Monica Chau
State: Georgia
Age: 26
Occupation: Graduate student
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? I’m liberal and my ideologies fall more in line with the Democrats. Particularly, it’s important to me to have a president who supports gay rights, abortion, and also, since I’m a stem cell researcher, I need a leader who supports this work.
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Name: Juanita Brown Kawamoto
State: Hawai‘i
Age: 52
Occupation: Self employed
Who are you voting for in November? Obama
Why? I believe President Obama is focused on the issues affecting middle class America and the U.S. economy. He is also aware of the unique matters faced by our state. He has a good plan to lead ALL our peoples!
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Name: Catkin Kilcher Burton (left)
State: Alaska
Age: 54
Occupation: Small business owner (Co-founder Eagles Enterprises, LLC) and Colonel (retired), United States Marine Corps
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? Governor Romney brings to the table the traits and characteristics I believe are important in a leader. His core values are admirable and his educational attainment show me he has the intelligence to absorb the sheer volume of information he’ll have to deal with to make sound decisions in the areas of foreign policy, defense, and other legitimate federal roles. His broad spectrum of experience in business and government have convinced me he has the skill sets required to act as our Chief Executive and guide America back to prosperity and leadership.
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Name: Matt Weiner
State: Illinois
Age: 28
Occupation: Midwestern regional director of Moishe Hosue (nonprofit org)
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? Universal health care, a woman’s right to decide how to treat her own body, and LGBTQ rights are issues that are important to me. On those fronts, not only do I side with President Obama, but Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan scare the crap out of me. I also think Obama is great on foreign policy, especially pertaining to Israel. As an American Jew with close ties to Israel, I think that Obama is the stronger candidate to keeping Israel a safe and democratic Jewish State, while actively and realistically seeking out a peaceful solution with the Palestinian people.
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Name: Holly Stroup
State: Indiana
Age: 34
Occupation: Warehouse supervisor
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? I normally do not vote and never have. I’ll be definitely voting this year to help get the right president in office and to get Obama OUT of office. He has taken all the religious beliefs from our school, saying that this is no longer a religious country, and has taken our prayer day away but allows the Muslims to have prayer day. He’s making it harder for people to find jobs but easier for some to collect the welfare.
I will be voting for Romney because he is more for all the people. He’s for getting jobs back so people can actually work again.
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Name: Eben Seaman
Age: 31
State: Iowa
Occupation: Musician
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? I am proud of Obama’s leadership at home and abroad. I thought the Iraq war was a mistake and he ended it. I know what Obama’s beliefs are, as opposed to his opponent whose message changes depending on his audience. Finally, my wife is a school music teacher and the President and his party support public educators, while Republicans run on platforms of cutting their jobs while their allies in right-wing media demonize teachers, blaming them for much of the U.S.’s budget woes. When I vote for Obama, I am making a vote that directly affects my family’s economic security.
Name: Dale Harwood
State: Kansas
Age: 44
Occupation: Museum Coordinator
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
Because I believe that Mr. Obama has lied, and continues to lie to not
only the American people, but also the rest of the world about many
things. He promised hope and change ….. I see no hope. Conditions are
worse now than before. He CANNOT be trusted, nor any of his lackeys in
Congress.
Name: Carol Rogers
State: Kentucky
Age: 56
Occupation: Homemaker and Volunteer
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? The
economy is in terrible shape with unprecedented government spending, a
$16 trillion national debt, high unemployment, lack of jobs, and
increased dependency on the government through entitlement programs.
Mitt Romney is a smart businessman with clear ideas for improving our
economy, in contrast to Obama who has never done any work in the private
sector. Romney is for small government and lower taxes; Obama is for
big government and higher taxes on many Americans. I have two children
and two grandchildren; I want America to be strong again so that they
and other young people may have a future of opportunity.
Name: Audrey Melissa Diket
State: Louisiana
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
Mitt Romney has the necessary qualifications and experience in creating
jobs and running a business, specifically in the task of budgeting
SUCCESSFULLY; he lowered taxes multiple times, and managed to get rid of
his state’s debt, and create a “rainy day fund.” Obama has not been
successful with his budget, lowering the deficit, fixing the failing
economy, or working with Republicans. Mitt Romney has been successful in
working with Democrats when he was governor of a majority Democratic
state, Massachusetts. Lastly, there are many other good things he did
for people throughout his life that show his compassion for others.
Name: Jesse Connolly
State: Maine
Age: 34
Occupation: Works for a Member of Congress
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? I
am voting for President Obama this November because I believe there is a
lot of work that still needs to be completed by the President and his
team to turn our economy around. Furthermore I feel that President Obama
is more concerned with the issues that face me and my family then his
opponent.
Name: Ed Levine
State: Maryland
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
President Obama and the Democratic Party’s platform is best suited for
me, my family, and the U.S. Their platform is committed to 1) improving
education and health services that will lead to increased employment,
educational opportunities, and quality of life; 2) implementing a plan
to address global instability through decisive military action that is
cautious yet effective; and 3) enhancing our planet’s environmental
health.
Mitt Romney and the Republican Party’s platform is
committed to supporting major corporations by lowering their taxes and
setting fewer regulations. This approach has proven to be ineffective,
irresponsible, and has lead to economic disaster.
Name: Bonnie Margulies
State: Massachusetts
Age: 63
Occupation: Interior decorator and former middle school teacher
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I believe he is undoubtedly the best candidate because of his record in
his first four years. I believe he really cares about all the people.
He has a proven record in foreign policy. He has made his way to the top
because of hard work and this life experience will allow him to perform
even more effectively in his 2nd term.
Name: Amit Weitzer
State: Michigan
Age: 26
Occupation: Youth Environmental Education Program Coordinator
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I believe in a women’s right to define her future and have ownership
over her body, and all people have the right to marry whomever they
like. Legislators should stop legislating my body and definitions of
love and family and get back to improving our safety nets. I believe in
investing in green energy technology, in economic justice, and in
desperately needed educational investments. I believe in comprehensive
pathways to citizenship for people who have immigrated to our country
and that the wealthy have a role in providing resources for those in
need. A vote for Romney is a vote against everything I believe in.
Name: Jules Goldstein
State: Minnesota
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired Systems Analyst
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why? What
President Obama has been able to do in the face of unrelenting partisan
obstruction is amazing. Equal pay for equal work, repeal of Don’t Ask
Don’t Tell, affordable health care, easing the burden of student loans,
rescue of the auto industry, and reform of the financial industry are
but a few accomplishments. He continues to pursue a foreign policy that
promotes a strong Israel and fights nuclear proliferation.
All the while, Romney seems to be a walking shadow, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Name: Nic Lott
State: Mississippi
Age: 32
Occupation: Founder of Mississippi Forward, state affiliate of the National Taxpayers Union
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
This election is about the course of the U.S. and two very different
paths. We can’t afford to continue President Obama’s record of high
deficits and chronic unemployment. Governor Romney has a plan to create
12 million new jobs. He will provide real solutions for accessible and
affordable healthcare where folks won’t lose their current coverage and
health premiums won’t go up as they will under Obamacare by $2500 per
family. A President Romney will stop the $716 billion dollar Obamacare
cut to Medicare, strengthen our military, and prevent defense cuts as we
keep America strong and get the middle class working again.
Name: Kailea Bogner
State: Missouri
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
I see this country going in the wrong direction. I believe that the
policies that Romney will bring forth will enable our government to
balance the budget and reduce excessive spending. Romney can improve the
country not only in the short term, but for the long term. The
Romney-Ryan ticket will ensure that our Social Security will be
available when the Americans who are working now retire. Romney believes
in a strong national defense and will protect the traditional
principles that I believe in. He will not be ashamed of this country,
but will make this country powerful once more.
Name: Jessica Sena
State: Montana
Age: 26
Occupation: Campaign Staff for Rick Hill for Governor.
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
Gov. Romney possesses the business savvy and leadership needed to
collaborate effectively across the aisle, as well as around the world.
Congressman Ryan has the knowledge and experience needed to parlay his
work in Congress into meaningful reforms for our economy. The two have
the proven to be leaders in and out of politics, and are just what
America needs to restore prosperity and opportunity in this country
through the policies of less government and greater freedom. They
fulfill the ideals of the nostalgic “American Dream” we seem to have
lost over the last four years.
Name: Cyndi Lamm
State: Nebraska
Age: 54
Occupation: Attorney for eight years
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
I am a wife, a mom, a grandma, and a small business owner. I am voting
for Romney because I have concerns for my family and my business. Here
in Nebraska, we have elected officials who largely exercise fiscal
restraint. We have a balanced budget amendment and our unemployment
rate is well below the national average. I believe that Mitt Romney and
Paul Ryan will provide the same on a national scale, and that with
their leadership, I can be confident that my children and grandchildren
will have opportunity and that they will not be burdened by my
generation’s debt.
Name: Dustin Ravizé
State: Nevada
Age: 23
Occupation: Computer Engineer
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I believe that social issues are at the forefront of what America is
looking for. We now more than ever have been fighting hard for marriage
equality, abortion rights, and a separation of church and state. I also
believe Obama truly cares about the American people and has shown his
care with his tax cuts to families and providing healthcare that has
saved lives in need when no one would have offered anything. I believe
this among many other solutions will bring the American people together,
stimulate our social awareness and community, and build a better
economy through new ideals.
Name: Natacha Sochat (left)
State: New Hampshire
Age: 61
Occupation: Physician (retired) Artist/curator (ongoing)
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
1) Obama cares about everyone and has an economic plan that will
benefit the entire U.S. population, not just the top 1%. 2) Obama was
able to finally institute the beginning of health care reform, something
that I never believed would be done in this country. As a retired
physician, ‘Obamacare’ is a great accomplishment for our country. 3)
Wall Street reforms were instituted along with other financial reforms
including putting a stop to credit card companies’ financial abuses. 4)
President Obama has been one of the best presidents to represent us to
the world and have relationships with other nations.
Name: Sarah Luke
State: New Jersey
Age: 30
Occupation: Attorney
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I am voting for Barack Obama for several reasons. First, I think that
the measures he took in the beginning of his presidency kept the country
from experiencing a much steeper economic decline. Second, I support
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare).
Third, President Obama supports equal rights for same sex couples. And
finally, President Obama will protect organizations like Planned
Parenthood which provide women with access to quality reproductive care.
Name: Barbara Glazer
State: New Mexico
Age: 76
Occupation: Retired psychotherapist and college professor
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
He feels a moral obligation toward equality, understands why women want
equal pay for equal work, and knows that access to contraception and
abortion is a woman’s choice. This election frightens me more than any
other. I marched with my daughters in the civil rights movement. Those
daughters are now in their 50s, and have their own children and
grandchildren. I don’t want to see my great grand-children, three of
whom are girls, lose the equality we worked so hard to attain. I will
vote for President Obama and stay up all night until the results are in
to see if I celebrate or sit shiva.
Name: Gabriella Rodriguez (middle)
State: New York
Age: 29
Occupation: Social Worker
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I think the country is moving in the right direction under his
administration. He has shown a lot of strength, courage and
determination. He has kept his original campaign promises as far as
health care and bringing back the troops from Iraq. There was a lot hat
he had to clean up after Bush left office and I think that with a second
term he has a good chance at getting this country back on track
economically.
Name: Steve Nicol
State: North Carolina
Age: 52
Occupation: Self Employed in Transportation
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
I’ve witnessed a decline in my nation the likes of which I’ve never
seen. I believe in limited government intrusion into both private and
public sector arenas. As a business owner, I’m solidly against the
Democratic philosophy of “regulation.” I truly believe President Obama
has weakened our position both here and abroad. I don’t support many of
his allegiances, I do not support his fiscal spending policies, and to
be honest, as a judge of character, I do not believe he speaks for ALL
Americans as a president should. Last, I support your nation’s continued
efforts at self-direction and solidarity.
Name: Ken Callahan
State: North Dakota
Age: 50
Occupation: Energy Services Manager
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
The economy is in horrible shape except for North Dakota. I believe a
successful businessman knows how to balance a budget and will promote
small businesses that will CREATE JOBS!!! We have a chance to become oil
independent in North America and with Mitt Romney in office we have a
better chance. Look at our president’s refusal to sign the Keystone
pipeline project; he’s definitely not oil friendly. He can say we
produced more oil in his administration than any other administration,
but it’s not because of him; it’s because of the Bakken in North Dakota.
It’s time for change.
Name: Jamie Zimmer (right)
State: Ohio
Age: 30
Occupation: Journalist/Editor
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
Obama upholds stances on a number of social issues close to my heart.
He also implemented economy saving measures that stopped the U.S. from
defaulting on its loans by raising the debt ceiling in order to prevent a
worldwide depression. Romney seems to not only want to undo all of
Obama’s work, I also believe he lacks any understanding of foreign
policy and the fragility of international relations. I also believe, as a
resident of Israel, that Romney would plunge Israel and the U.S. into a
state of war with Iran that could take decades and millions of lives to
resolve.
Name: Gabriel Crawford
State: Oklahoma
Age: 22
Occupation: Student/ Associate at Squires Resource Development (Fundraising firm)
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
I am voting for Mitt Romney because of his fiscal conservatism and his
desire to tackle the country’s current debt crisis. As a young man, the
growing debt will be strapped on my back and my paycheck will have to
reimburse these outlandish expenditures. Also, the United State’s
current entitlement reforms are going bankrupt in this process, not
guaranteeing me any benefits once I get older. I believe we must change
the engine of the current entitlement structure (Social Security,
Medicare, etc.) to maintain it for the current generation and preserve
it for my generation. A Romney presidency will do just this.
Name: Cole Merkel
State: Oregon
Age: 24
Occupation: Vendor Coordinator at Street Roots newspaper; Social services
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I work with people experiencing homelessness and poverty. I see first
hand the trickle-down economic theories of tax cuts for the rich that
will eventually benefit everyone through job creation only work to keep
individuals in the upper class richer while subjugating the middle and
lower class. This is what Mr. Romney is proposing. On the other hand,
Obama’s economic policies create a more equitable future. Also, Mr.
Obama’s support of same-sex marriage places him on the right side of
history, which I am confident will be a harbinger of more freedoms for
LGBTQ-identifying individuals, myself included, if he’s reelected.
Name: Rachel Robbins
State: Pennsylvania
Age: 29
Occupation: Arts/Nonprofit Administrator
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I believe in rights to contraception, healthcare, and abortion. Gay
marriage needs to be legal. On the whole, it does not benefit the U.S.
or the world for our leaders to be only interested in their own profit
or in defending their traditions. I want an ethical leader who I trust
and that is Barack Obama.
Name: Robert Davis
State: Rhode Island
Age: 46
Occupation: Nuclear medicine technologist
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I believe that the President has been, and will continue to be, acting
in the best interest of all Americans. His plan for repairing our
economic state makes sense and frankly, is the only one presented thus
far by either party. His ideals match my own, equality for all
regardless of sex, race, creed, and sexual preference. At this crucial
moment, it isn’t practical to start with new, proven failed, policies.
Name: Lorilee Maurer
State: South Carolina
Age: 56
Occupation: Self-Employed
Who are you voting for? Mitt Romney
Why?
My husband and I are small business owners. I feel that Romney better
understands the economy and how to grow businesses. I think his approach
to lowering the debt won’t be easy and may be a little uncomfortable,
which makes sense. When you run up a debt that needs to be paid off,
some things need to be cut, whether it’s my debt or our national debt! I
appreciate his pro-family policies of traditional marriage and his
anti-abortion stance. He’s not afraid to acknowledge God or his faith. I
trust him and am proud to support him.
Name: Yvonne Rogalla
State: South Dakota
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
I believe that he can turn the economic situation around by lowering
taxes on the small businesses and on the large companies so the large
ones will come back to America, putting our people back to work. He also
says he will open up resources we have here in the U.S. like oil,
natural gas, and coal, again putting our people back to work and not
depending on the Mideast and China. The greatest reason I am voting for
him is because he says he is for Israel. Father God says that if we
bless Israel, we will be blessed. America needs to be blessed.
Name: Daniel Garner (middle)
State: Tennessee
Age: 55
Occupation: Physician
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? This
is because I am concerned over the excessively liberal policies and
decisions of the Obama administration, the poor record on Israel, and
issues of the Federal deficit. Unlike many decisions, I am neutral on
Obama’s record with the so-called “Obama-care,” health reform.
Name: Debbie Ferris
State: Texas
Age: 49
Occupation: Self Employed Technical/Grant Writer
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why? I
support Mr. Romney because he has turned around several failing
businesses and made them viable again. He was one of the most successful
venture capitalists in the 80s and 90s and he was very successful at
Bain Capital. Mr. Romney understands how private sector businesses work.
As Governor of Massachusetts, he closed the deficit gap without raising
taxes. I just think that Mr. Romney understands finances and the
business world much more than President Obama and he will start the long
process of helping the U.S. recover from the current recession.
Name: Jordan Hess
State: Utah
Age: 25
Occupation: Office Manager
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
Mitt Romney encourages me to work hard and create my own success,
rather than rely on the government to provide my happiness. My rights
are given by God, not the government. America is a country where anyone
can be successful if they work hard. Mitt Romney is also a family man
with a beautiful wife and 5 great sons. I believe in marriage between a
man and a woman, and Mitt Romney believes the same. I believe in a
strong American military that stands with Israel. Mitt Romney believes
the same. I believe in a free market economy; Mitt Romney believes the
same.
Name: Rachael Cohen
State: Vermont
Age: 49
Occupation: Freelance
editor, instructor at the University of Michigan New England Literature
Program, adjunct professor of humanities at Colby-Sawyer College,
laborer at Sunrise Farm, scholar for the Vermont Humanities Council
Reading and Discussion Program, and dog-sitter.
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
Although his first term was disappointing in some ways, especially
compared to the enormously exciting promises he made during his first
campaign, he came into office with nearly impossible financial and
political challenges to overcome. I don’t agree with every decision he
has made, but I believe that his economic policies are basically sound —
and definitely sounder than Romney’s. We need the reforms of health
care, education, and energy policy that he has been working toward.
Name: Jody Kemp
State: Virginia
Age: 57
Occupation: Church/Social services, serving women and children in situations of domestic violence
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
I vote Republican because I am in favor of conservative solutions to
America’s problems. Romney favors a strong defense budget and Obama does
not. Romney opposes “Obamacare!” Mitt Romney supports an amendment to
the U.S. Constitution to protect traditional marriage.Governor Romney
will support our ally Israel. We have a long standing relationship and
clear biblical mandate to stand with the state of Israel in every way.
Finally, the United States needs Mitt Romney who understands economics,
is a successful businessman/entrepreneur himself and who will work to
create much needed jobs to get our economy moving again.
Name: Crystal Sweet
State: Washington
Age: 32
Occupation: Court Clerk
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I am voting for President Obama because he shares my values. I am
particularly pleased with his stances on gay marriage and gays in the
military. I also believe he will continue to protect a woman’s right to
choose and he will continue to help fund much needed social services.
Name: Steven Starcher
State: West Virginia
Age: 36
Occupation: Pharmacist
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
Barack Obama has steered this country to the brink of collapse with his
policies and government takeover of the banking, auto, housing
industries, and over regulation by the EPA on the oil, natural gas, and
coal industry. These policies have caused 23 million Americans to be out
of work and have led to six trillion dollars of additional deficit in
just four years. This path for America is unsustainable. Finally, the
foreign policy of this administration has been one of appeasement. In
the eyes of your enemies, is it better to be feared or respected. I feel
the current administration wants to be respected.
Name: Terri Krause
State: Wisconsin
Age: 50
Occupation: Administrative Assistant
Who are you voting for? Obama
Why?
I believe that President Obama understands the difficulties and
hardships that many Americans are experiencing. Mr. Romney has written
off 47% of our population. I admire President Obama for standing up to
corporate America by signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Paul Ryan
voted against it. I support Obamacare. I supported the auto industry
bailout – Mr. Romney said to let Detroit go bankrupt. That bailout saved
thousands of jobs. Most importantly, I want President Obama to have the
opportunity to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice and hopefully
overturn Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission.
Name: Clay Long
State: Wyoming
Age: 28
Occupation: In the oil industry
Who are you voting for? Romney
Why?
Mitt consistently proves his ability to manage large, overloading
crisis with poise and pride. He understands the American dream isn’t
born or protected in the marble clad domes of DC but the brick and
mortar of America’s homes.
This article was first published by Walla! in Hebrew.
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