S.C.' s Reservations About The Candidates And The Process

By Lee Bandy
SouthCarolina Insider

(10/19/07) With the 2008 presidential primaries fast approaching, South Carolina voters find themselves struggling with their choices.

Many are just starting to tune in, and they are not pleased with what they see. They are frustrated, not only with the individual candidates, but also with the process.

The campaign goes on too long, they complain.

“If the election were held tomorrow, I don’t know who the hell I’d vote for,” said Smitty Register, a long-time Columbia barber who usually votes Republican.

“It’s kind of scary,” remarked Betty Raymond, a clerk at a health food store. “We don’t have any options.”

South Carolina is much like the rest of the nation. Voters show little, if any, interest in the campaign.

National polls show that only 15 percent of the electorate has definitely made up its mind.

The South Carolina primaries are not that far off -- two-and-a-half months to be exact. The Republicans have scheduled their’s for Jan. 19. The Democratic contest is set for Jan. 29. But it may be moved up to Jan. 26.

For the most part, the campaigns have completed building their organizations and set up their fund-raising operations. The campaigns now move unto the critical stage – winning the hearts and minds of voters.

Judging by the comments gathered from two-dozen voters over a two-day period, South Carolinians don’t seem to be completely comfortable with their choices. Many have reservations about them.

Some are even having a difficult time deciding which primary to vote in – the Democratic or Republican contest.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York draws the most attention The reaction is mixed.

“I’m really not for Mrs. Clinton,” commented Mosely Utah (cq), a retired businessman. “But if I have to take her, I guess I’ll have to.”

“I really like that North Carolina boy (former U.S. Sen. John Edwards.) He seems to be pretty good. He has got a lot of common sense.”

Then came shocker.

“I’ve voted Republican in the past, but no more,” Utah said.

As voters tune in they are detecting more differences between the candidates.

U.S. Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, attracts national media attention mostly because of his race against then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush in 2000. He’s also a war hero

Today, many voters raise questions about his age. They express reservations about electing a 72-year-old.

“We need a fresh face,” said Rod Barthel, a furniture salesman.

McCain will never be as popular as he is now, experts say. He talks a good conservative game, but his actions and votes suggest that he is not conservative enough to win the GOP, critics say.

Edwards has yet to demonstrate a support base of significant magnitude, although this could change quickly. While he ran once before, supporters say he represent as a fresh face and is viewed as the only true liberal in the race.

Barack Obama, the junior senator from Illinois needs a few gray hairs, which is another way of saying he lacks experience.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is admired but does he have the right stuff to win the nomination, skeptics ask.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is well positioned as a strong conservative, with specific accomplishments in the area of health care. He’s also squeaky clean.

But what about his faith. He’s a Mormon, which causes problems for some voters like Bob Massa, a financier and self-avowed Christian.

Laurin MacArthur, a retired Richland County educator, is somewhat frustrated.

“I have no idea what I’m going to do,” he said. “I haven’t even decided what primary I’m going to vote in.

“If Mrs. Clinton were a male, I’d vote for her. She’s smart. But I don’t think she has much of a chance as a female.”

Andy Holler, a female social worker, said, “I don’t see anyone I like. I’m praying real hard,” she said, lifting her hands heavenward.