CNHI Swing Vote participant closes in on presidential decision

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October 9, 2008

“I think Sen. Obama was clearly the winner last night. At least that’s my opinion.” Diane Brand, New Sharon City Clerk

By MICHAEL SCHAFFER

OSKALOOSA — Tuesday night’s presidential debate between Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain was enough to push Community Newspaper Holding Incorporated Swing Vote participant Diane Brand to the Democratic ticket.

“I liked Sen. Obama’s answers better than Sen. McCain,” Brand said. “I especially liked his plan for health care.”

Brand, who has voted Republican in the past, said she was leaning to the Democratic ticket prior to the debate.

“I’ve been leaning towards that. But yes, last night I think was ... I don’t know, a deciding factor kind of, I guess,” she said. “If I voted today, I would vote for Obama. And especially after listening to the debate last night. It just kind of reassured me I guess.”

Obama’s ability to prioritize crucial issues appealed to Brand.

“I believe it was energy, health care and entitlements,” Brand said. “And Sen. Obama, he prioritized. He put energy first and then health care and entitlement. Sen. McCain just said, ‘I’ll work on them all at the same time.’ And I don’t think that’s possible. I think you have to set priorities.”

Not even eight good years under George W. Bush, a Republican Brand said she voted for, would have swayed her to vote for McCain.

“I just think (McCain) is for the rich,” she said. “I don’t think he’s looking out for the middle class or the poor.”

Even Delaware Democrat Sen. Joe Biden, Obama’s vice presidential choice, played into Brand’s decision.

“I think (Biden’s) experience would be the biggest thing,” Brand said. “He just has a lot more experience than Gov. Palin.”

Brand said she liked the way the town hall debate was set up and sensed a bit of frustration from Tom Brokaw while trying to keep the candidates to stay within the format.

Herald City Editor Michael Schaffer can be reached by email at mschaffer@oskyherald.com