By Matt Flumerfelt
VALDOSTA — Previously, The Valdosta Daily Times ran an article about undecided voters, which way they were leaning in the upcoming election and why, how they were affected by the debates, etc.
We touched base with the same undecided voters as the clock runs down on election day to see whether they had made a decision who to vote for president and why.
• Ken Klanicki was in a hurry when we reached him but responded to the following questions with certainty:
Are you decided?
“Yes, ma’am.”
What have you decided?
“Herbert Hoover — just kidding. Obama.”
And your reasoning?
(Stern in decision) “Because of the endorsement of Colin Powell.”
• Lance Lichtenwal-ter:
Have you made a choice who you’re going to select for president?
“I have, Barack Obama. I’ve already voted in fact.”
And what was the
reasoning behind your choice?
“I thought McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin for vice president was completely and totally incompetent and beyond comprehension. Also, I think it’s time to have a new party in office and a new approach. Throw the rascals out.”
• Daniel Dorsett:
Have you decided who you plan to vote for?
“I’m about 80 percent - 20 percent in favor of McCain.”
What’s your reasoning on why you’re leaning toward McCain?
“Several reasons. I think Obama’s tax plan doesn’t add up. With a ‘tax cut’ to 95 percent of Americans, I don’t understand how you can give a tax cut to individuals who don’t currently pay taxes. Of those who would benefit from this are a number of people who don’t currently pay taxes (income taxes). This is a redistribution of wealth, not a tax cut or tax credit or whatever he wants to call it. It’s the same with his health plan. Where’s the money going to come from? I think it’s fiscally impossible to do what he plans to do. I also think his plan for the immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq is just wrong. I don’t want to be there 100 years like McCain said either.”
“I don’t particularly like McCain. I think he’s done a poor job of enlightening people on what he believes and why.”
Did McCain’s VP choice affect your decision any?
“His VP pick wasn’t really a decisive factor. I think she’s a strong person who’s made her own way in the world. She’s made some bad mistakes, but that wasn’t really a factor.”
“I like Obama’s ideals, but there’s too much socialism wrapped up in his mantra. Also, Obama’s stance on partial birth abortion is something I just can’t get behind. I’d also like it noted that this is the third election I’ve been eligible to vote in in which I’ve been forced to vote for the lesser of two evils, and that’s just pathetic.”
