Women in Athens County Survey question 5
How do you feel about Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain as first lady? Is the identity of the first lady likely to influence your presidential choice?
October 13, 2008
“I believe both candidate's wives are fine people in their own right and have no influence on my presidential choice.”
–Shawn Morris, 54, a retired registered nurse from Athens
“Michelle Obama manages to be involved in a way that is continued from a long line of first ladies, such as Eleanor Roosevelt or Abigail Adams. Cindy McCain is nothing but a bleached, nuclear (not ‘nuculur’) orange tanned, Barbie doll. The identity of the first lady isn't likely to directly influence my presidential choice, but perhaps indirectly. John McCain has made several derogatory remarks in regards to his wife. If he cannot maintain a loving relationship with her, how can we expect him to maintain a loving relationship with America? Really?”
–Caitlin Seida, 19, an artist from Nelsonville
“I don't really focus on the first lady in terms of choosing a president.”
–Niki Morris, 36, a non-profit program manager from Stewart
“I look at it this way. Cindy McCain hasn’t taken the time to visit my hometown, so she probably isn’t worth my time.”
–Molly Smith, 18, a freshman at OU, from Athens
“The identity of the first lady won't influence my vote. I can't see how it could. I feel both Ms. Obama and Ms. McCain have handled themselves well when we have had the opportunity. Ms. McCain had a dress on the other day for an event that cost over $10,000. That kind of sent warning bells out to me. Then again, Ms Obama hasn't quite kept her family in the background. It made me fearful for her children with so many people out to perhaps cause anyone in that position harm.”
–Barbara Six, 57, a business co-owner from Athens
“They are both classy ladies who would probably have a great time redecorating the White House. Mrs. Obama seemed a little angry early in the campaign, but seems to have mellowed some. I'm not really interested in the first lady, but I may have been if her name was Bill.”
–Jody Stickel, 55, a retired teacher from Athens
“I'm not sure I know enough about either lady to have a strong opinion of either one of them. Cindy McCain looks pretty friendly; I've noticed Michelle Obama scowling and almost looking angry during her husband's speeches. It really doesn't matter to me, though, because I vote for a presidential candidate based on the candidate's principles, platform, and beliefs — not his or her spouse.”
–Mary Della Harmison, 35, an administrative assistant for a financial and marketing director, from Athens
“Michelle Obama is a brilliant woman in her own right and will make an outstanding and informed first lady. She is the role model I want for our daughters.”
–Lisa Eliason, 54, an attorney and chief Athens city prosecutor from Athens
“I do not know much about either Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain, except that I know Michelle Obama was on “The Daily Show,” and I think that’s funny. Neither First Lady will influence my presidential choice, however. I already know that I agree with Sen. Obama’s stance on many issues.”
–Clare Conway, an OU sophomore from North Olmsted, Ohio
“I think like the Clinton family, the Obama family will work together to create unity in Washington. They will invest time and effort in human interests instead of war. Michelle Obama absolutely influences my choice in Obama over McCain, but I have yet to decide if I'm voting Obama or third party.”
–Tiffany Teofilo, 26, an OU Ph.D. student and senior accountant, from Athens
“The identity of the first lady doesn't have much effect on my choice for president. However, Michelle Obama will make a huge impact on this country, more so than Cindy McCain. Just take a look at what they've already done?”
–Ginger Gagne, 44, executive assistant for the president of an IT company, from Athens
“At this point the election is more about the issues at hand. I am 0 percent concerned with the identity of the first lady. I am however, very concerned with the economy, foreign policy, an exit strategy for Iraq, health care, and energy alternatives. These are the issues that matter, not such things as the identity of the first lady.”
–Catia Carter, 25, an administrative assistant from Athens
“I think they are irrelevant other than as mouth-pieces for their husbands positions. This is also how I felt about William Jefferson Clinton. I vote for the candidate, not for their family members. I do not consider the spouses, parents, or children part of the ‘presidential team,’ and I think they receive too much attention.”
–Cynthia Holliday, an OU university lecturer and administrator from Athens
“In this election I have respect and admiration for both possible first ladies. My impression is that they have made some mistakes, but learned from them. They have also made great sacrifices in support of their husbands, and both husbands seem to have great respect for their wives.”
–Angela Anderson, 43, a professional fundraiser for education from Athens
“Michele Obama is intelligent and gorgeous, and I admire her. Cindy McCain, I know almost nothing about, though I understand she adopted a special-needs child and I am glad for that. The identity of the first lady will not influence my presidential choice at all.”
–Lisa Carson, 50, an editor from Athens
“I do not really look at either of them when I am picking the next president. They do not influence my choice at all.”
–Angela Haas, 21, an OU senior from Marion, Ohio
“I like Michelle Obama. She seems to me to be a very level-headed woman who supports her husband, but also has her own opinions. She seems very family oriented. I do not vote for a president based on their spouse. I vote for a president based on their belief and their ability to run our country for four or more, difficult years.”
–Laurie Gribble-McKnight, 36, a social worker from Athens
“No, it does not influence my choice for president, but I can identify more with Michelle than Cindy, for sure.”
–Frances Gander, an acupuncturist and tai chi instructor from Athens
“I like Michelle, though I haven't paid much attention to Cindy. I like the fact that the Obama's have a young family, since this will keep them thinking about what will be good for the next generation.”
–Linda Hiller, 53, a house builder and rental manager from Athens
“Michelle Obama is a strong role model for young women and I love the idea of two little girls in the White House.”
–Susan Mitchell, 47, a marketing consultant from Athens
“The first lady would not influence my choice, but don't you think that Michelle is a really great match to her husband? Smart, well-spoken, hard-working, family values intact. I picture Cindy a good match for her husband too. They both lied about their age the day they met, and have lied about other stuff throughout their marriage. I think they try not to be superficial, but when people don't have core values to guide their life and give them purpose, commitment to anything is difficult.”
–Cheri Johnson, 56, a psychotherapist from Athens
“The identity of the first lady will not influence my choice. I think either one of them will be an excellent first lady.”
–Sherrie Norman, 40, a deputy sheriff, mall manager and retail manager from Athens
“No, neither seem to be whiners and it won't play a factor in my decision.”
–Laura Jordan, 52, a karaoke DJ from Albany
“As a woman I would be proud to have Michelle Obama represent our country as the first lady. The identity of the first lady definitely influences my choice of president because she, as partner and companion to the president, represents their (I assume mutual) beliefs, values and goals. Cindy McCain is a bit of a Stepford wife, and Michelle Obama appears to be a woman of integrity, intelligence and compassion.”
–Johanna Mateer, 26, an independent provider of home health care from Athens
“I do not feel that either woman will play an important role in my decision to vote for president.”
–Tabitha Bond, 38, a business owner from Coolville
“I think the president's choice of life partner can, in some ways, reflect on them. I do tend to have more respect for a man who chooses for a mate someone who is their peer, both intellectually and in terms of what year they graduated from high school.”
–Brandi Mullins, 34, an LPN from Athens
“Cindy would probably be the best choice as she is a businesswoman. Whoever the first lady is does not count for that much — the man running is what's important!”
–Sandy Griffin, 67, retired, from New Marshfield
“I feel Michelle Obama would be a far superior first lady than Cindy McCain; and no, the identity of the first lady is absolutely not likely to influence my presidential choice.”
–Diane Scharer, 36, a stay-at-home mom from Athens
“While I would be entertained to read about Cindy McCain's closet contents, I would not want to experience having her as first lady. Yes, she has done some great things with her fortune. However, so have other wealthy people, and we don't claim they'd make great national leaders. Michelle Obama has the drive, passion, sense of humor, vulnerability, and background that most other women can relate and look up to. I would much rather see her as an ambassador of my country, whether in Michigan or Iran.”
–Becca J.R. Lachman, 28, interim assistant director at OU, freelance writer and composer from Athens
“I like both of them. If a candidate's wife aggravated me or put me off for some reason, it might factor in to my decision.”
–Suzanne Fisher, 35, a recent ecotourism graduate of Hocking College, from Nelsonville
“Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain will not consciously influence my presidential choice. I for one look at the candidates, not their spouses. Michelle Obama seems to have been more outspoken during the campaigning process than Cindy McCain; therefore I have been able to openly hear her views and relate mine to hers. Although I know that the first ladies will have some impact on their husbands, I try not to let them impact my vote.”
–Stefanie Dimofski, 18, an OU freshman from Gahanna, Ohio
“I like either one, but Michelle is out there more and with the in crowd. She is not hiding and she is not overpowering. I really think Michelle would make a great first lady. No, because I have decided not to vote this year and maybe never again. But I cannot miss lots of political events because they are on TV and I’m on antenna, so I only get basic channels.”
–Billie Byers, 49, former junk separator, cashier, home health aide, wife, mother and homemaker from New Marshfield
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