what I'm hearing regarding presidential candidates

[radfringe]

talking to neighbors and co-workers (Dems and GOPers alike) in northeast PA. (Note: our primary isn't until April)

among GOPers:
- when asked about the huckster win in Iowa a look of horror emerges
- when asked who do they think will be the republic candidate, it's split between Romney and McCain, but most likely Romney

among Dems:
- regarding Obama win in Iowa, surprised looks but don't think he will maintain a lead for long. Good chance to hang on in New Hampshire, but not after that
- who will be the Democratic candidate - most likely Clinton, but fear a repeat of the republic attack machines which would hinder her ability to get things done

in general:
- no one is especially thrilled with their party's respective candidates
- no one is jumping on anyone's bandwagon
- all are on the "undecided" wagon
- I also asked if they are paying more/less or about the same to the issues/candidates this time around as opposed to previous elections - majority are saying MORE attention
- regardless of who wins the nominations, all agree that the winner in november will be Democratic, and the Dems will pick up a few more seats in Congress

major concerns:
- ECONOMY: sucks, bush's taxcuts did nothing to help the economy - probably hurt it more. gas/heating fuel costs too much and is driving up cost of basic necessities (like food). More than one quiped they would need a 2nd or 3rd job just to pay for the gas needed to get to their 1st job.

- HEALTHCARE: needs major reform both in terms of insurance companies**, mixed opinions on whether or not a single-payer/universal is the way to go.

- IRAQ/foreign policy/terrorism: get out of Iraq, restore America's standing in the world. develop realistic plans for protecting us from terror attacks (note it's PROTECTION FROM terror, not FIGHTING terrorism)

**healthcare-insurance companies: (my 2-cents) need to get insurance companies out of PROVIDING healthcare. More and more our healthcare is decided NOT by what is needed to stay healthy or get healthy but by what the insurance will pay.

If it's true that AMERICA has the best healthcare available - why isn't the best healthcare available to all Americans?

[Breeze54]

1. Thanks- They sound like the rest of the country!

Undecided!

[OneBlueSky]

2. "need to get insurance companies out of PROVIDING healthcare" . . .

does anyone know what percentage of the American healthcare dollar goes to insurance companies rather than to providing healthcare services? . . .

in a similar vein, what percentage of the pharmaceutical dollar goes to advertising and marketing? . . .