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Daily Video

September 30, 2008

In Key Election State, Housing and Job Concerns Rule

Judy Woodruff talks to voters in Florida about their economic worries and how it is affecting their voting choices.

Young voters are concerned about finding jobs as the financial crisis on Wall Street escalates, and older voters are worried about their homes and their financial future.

Florida is important because it is one of the top three states hardest hit by the mortgage crisis and foreclosures are rampant; it has been called “ground zero” of the housing crisis. It is also a battleground state in presidential elections. The first five minutes of this video is an overview of the economic difficulties in the state and gives a wide variety of voter opinions.

Quotes

“I am very unsure with this economy. I’m a finance major. Currently what’s happening in the financial markets is very serious to me, and that is going to play into my decision. I’m graduating in May, so I look to be getting a job.”- Shannon Murdock, college student

“I’ve had people ask me, you know, ‘I’m having problems feeding my children. Should I stop paying my mortgage?’ And that’s a sad state of affairs.” -Tammy Graham, realtor

“I have to admit I really never paid attention to any of the campaigns before, so this year I’ve been watching the Republicans and the Democrats. So it’s — yes, it’s going to make a big influence on me, how the economy is, how I vote.” -Laurie Phillips, graphic artist

Warm Up Questions

1. What is a “battleground” state in the presidential election?

2. Name states that have historically been important in presidential elections.

3. What happened in Florida in the 2000 Presidential Election?

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think the current financial problems and housing slump will help Obama or McCain among Florida voters? Why?

2. Is your state considered a battleground state? Does it bother you that a handful of states can make the difference between who wins the election? Why or why not?

3. Why are battleground states so important? Why do some states get much less attention from the candidates during their campaigns? Do you think this is fair?

4. If a reporter came to your state, what issues would you want them to ask voters about? Is the economy as big of an issue in your state as it is in Florida? Are there any important issues you think are unique to your state?

Additional Resources

Transcript of this report

In-depth Coverage: Vote 2008

Rescue Bill Failure Shocks Wall Street

Tags:

Battleground stateEconomicsFloridaGround ZeroHousing CrisisPresidential Elections