Undecided in Pennsylvania Primary

In the latest census done by Strategic Vision Political in Pennsylvania, Clinton is expected to lead the polls with 48 % and Obama close behind with 41%. But with 11% still undecided this close to voting day this primary election for the democratic nominee can go either way.

Where does the problem stem from? Why can’t voters make their final decision? After numerous discussions with people from all walks of Pennsylvania the same issue keeps coming up. Policy-wise each Democratic candidate appears to be a great choice, with few differences. So, now it comes down to picking candidates based on the personal characteristics rather than their plans for the country.

Today, in the United Press International an analyst sated, “Undecided voters tend to pick U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., which could help her win in Tuesday's Pennsylvania presidential primary.” However, after an interview this morning, April 21, with CBS’s The Early Show, I reevaluated what I said. I said that the candidates’ characteristics are playing the defining role in many voters selection. I know that I am only one of many voters who have just made up their mind less than a day away from the polls opening.

Although I have taken the time to inform myself on each candidate’s plans I am going with Obama because I simply trust him more. It goes much farther than his ability to give a good speech; but rather that once he makes a mistake he is willing to admit, apologize, and fix it. Also if Clinton is caught in the wrong, Obama doesn’t constantly harp on the situation. In several debates Clinton resurrected issues that have been laid to rest, to the point of slowing down the progression of the discussions. I can’t remember Obama ever bringing up Clinton lying about having to find cover in Bosnia from “sniper fire.” And when Clinton finally chose to apologize she didn’t portray someone that made a human mistake and was genuinely sorry. More accurately, I saw a candidate that got caught in a lie and would have kept the lie going if she didn’t get caught. This situation along with her conduct in various debates made my perception of her turn from respectful into her being unnecessarily hostile.

The biggest difference between them is in their ability to compromise. Ask yourself this question, if either candidate was in office and they realized a policy that they set in place might not go according to plan, which one would admit that they might not have the best policy and adjust it to better suit the circumstances? And who would be stubborn and try to push their policy knowing it might not work?

Clinton won hands down the last Democratic debate in Philadelphia. The wear and tear of the 15 months campaign showed clear as Obama. Clinton appearance was great and answered each question effortlessly; it looked as if it was her first day on the campaign. And for her sake I wish it was. I’m sorry, Senator Clinton it is a little too late. The damage is already done, you crack under pressure and you’ve got a hot head.

Raquel Wheby '08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies