Chris Satullo: What people think about Obama-Clinton

In its 12 years, The Inquirer's Citizen Voices program has brought thousands of area citizens together for forums aimed at producing dialogue as civil as it is impassioned.

Given how bitter (to use the word of the moment) the Pennsylvania primary campaign between Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama has grown, I wondered how the emotions of this election were affecting the type of person who cares enough about issues and dialogue to show up for a Citizen Voices forum.

So I sent an e-mail to a couple of thousand veterans of Citizen Voices events. In it, I asked these questions:

Have you made up your mind about your vote? If not, what's going on right now inside your brain? If you've made your pick, who is it and why? If your favored candidate does not win the nomination, how will that affect your thoughts about November?

On this page is a sample of the essays I received. More are available online at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics. In this unscientific sample, Obama voters outnumbered Clinton voters substantially. What was most striking, though, was the number of undecideds. Their indecision stems from many roots.

To me, the breakdown of choices in these essays matters less than the sincerity of the sentiments and the depth of yearning that this election make a difference:

I am struggling mightily with my presidential-primary choice. I had been 100 percent Hillary. She's smart, politically savvy and compassionate.

But there is something very compelling about this guy [Obama]. His speech on race was raw, honest and hopeful. If he alone represents real change, and can unite this country and restore our global reputation, I want to say I voted for him. I'm grateful our primary wasn't earlier.

I want to get it right on April 22. I'll try not to take too long behind the curtain.

For me, the issue isn't moral perfection, but rather resilience and commitment.

Clinton has navigated challenging marital problems that many face in private. She has had, like many of us, feelings of not being good enough or needing to push forward in the face of rejection. She has changed her mind, but has shown she can review her decisions and admit she was wrong.

The fact she refuses to give up signals to me something probably more important than perfection. She will be there during America's nighttime terrors or when we stumble and bruise ourselves and will encourage us when we are unsure.

Could Obama do this? Perhaps, but I have to follow my most essential inner voice, and that voice says, "Clinton."

Clinton seems to be a manager, very detail-oriented and practical. I worry that she might be a micro-manager, which would distract her from the big picture. Obama is visionary and charismatic; it seems he would lead by force of personality rather than by practical intervention and know-how. That could lead to a gap between him and the nonelected subordinates who do the work.

My decision will be influenced by these factors, but in the end, it will be determined by who seems most certain to defeat John McCain. Much as I respect his past heroism, I am frightened by his present flag-waving and militaristic world view.

In my heart of hearts, I would love for Sen. Clinton to be the next president. . . . I'm just not sure she can beat Sen. John McCain. She's a polarizing candidate. . . . People either support her or seem to loathe her. . . . Vote for a nominee or vote for a president? That's my dilemma.

Having a vote does not mean having a choice. For all the talk of "change," the only major differences in the Democratic candidates are gender, race and personality. Judging by all the excitement, I guess people think that's enough. I don't. . . . Unless one candidate suddenly distinguishes him/herself prior to April 22, I'm sitting this one out.

As a life-long registered Democrat, I'm watching the party implode on itself and am contemplating skipping the primary vote completely. November's vote may come to a coin flip for me between the Dems and the GOP, since I feel that it's another lesser-of-two-evils ballot. All candidates are talking but not addressing the major issues of health care and energy, and I still believe that if we don't clean out the Senate and Congress, it will be government as usual.

My choice of Hillary is even more solidified now that Barack Obama is the only other contender. I strongly believe that no one can carry out the responsibilities of president in today's world without experience in dealing with foreign policy, plus a firm understanding of global issues.

If Obama succeeds in winning the Democratic presidential nomination, I am almost sure at this point that I would not vote for him. However, I could not in good conscience vote for McCain. . . . Since I can't imagine not voting this November, although the idea of it makes me cringe a little, I would strongly consider voting for Ralph Nader.

In the work that I do (a wedding ministry), sexism is rampant. . . . I am getting really, really sick of sexism. I cannot think of a better reason to vote for Hillary Clinton! I have the highest regard for Barack Obama, but he is young and can have another go at it. It's Hillary's time. It's women's time.

Nominating Hillary Clinton would alienate and disempower the youth vote that the Democrats have built in the last year. These are all new voters. . . . They are excited for the new man on the scene. They are cheering for him, posting videos on YouTube, and lining up to hear him speak. They are excited to beat down the Republicans and end the war.

But many of them will not vote in the general if Clinton is the nominee. . . . This could cost the party the election. The change will be halted. The youth vote will be gone.

As an "Older White Woman," I support Barack Obama. I think he is the better choice for these times. Having lived overseas will help him have an empathetic - rather than adversarial - view of the people of the world. Electing him will contribute to other nations viewing the United States more favorably. Also, his heritage, spanning the chasm between black and white, makes him well-suited to address the racism in our society.

This is the first election in my memory in which I will not be terribly upset if my candidate loses. I think that the three current candidates are all honorable, acceptable choices. . . . At this point, I will be backing Obama. . . . It's a tough choice, but no bad ones this time. Hooray!

For the first time in a generation, I am inspired by a politician. His words and deeds give lie to the scurrilous accusations about him because of his clergy, his ancestry, his education and his friends. . . . Barack Obama is maybe, just maybe, that rare individual who can turn his dreams into reality. I would not want to miss the rare opportunity to vote for such a person.

I am voting for Barack Obama in the primary. He stands out as a breath of fresh air. As the head of a biracial family, he delivers a healing message I believe is essential. I will likely not support him in the general election, as his hard stands against the moral issues of our day violate every pro-life, pro-family fiber of my being. If he sees the light, we will see.