Women Study War: Defense and foreign policy generally are thought of as “male” issues. Not since 9-11, which made terrorism–and sons going off to war–a mother’s domestic concern. Women, comprising half the focus group, were as well versed as men on, say, Iraq. “If we’re not safe, the economy doesn’t matter,” said Alice Bury, a nurse. The feminine focus is a mixed blessing for George W. Bush. They liked his tough treatment of the Taliban; they’re deeply skeptical about the benefits of ousting Saddam.
Dems Loathe Tax Plan: New Hampshire is famously antitax, and is the only New England state in which Bush beat Al Gore. But the focus group laughed derisively at his tax plan, especially the idea of ending taxation of dividends. “I want somebody who’ll be for 90 percent of us, not 10 percent of us,” said Greg Warner, an environmental analyst.
Clinton Is Poison: Asked to name the key characteristic of an ideal candidate, “honest and ethical” was the overwhelming choice. Why? Bill Clinton, whose economics they liked but whose conduct they hated. “He disrespected the presidency,” said Carol Carrier, a psychotherapist. Candidates who seem even vaguely Clintonian start with a disadvantage. Double for Hillary; most of the group shouted “no” when asked if they’d ever support her. North Carolina hopeful John Edwards’s boyish good looks and silky delivery were deemed too slick, evoking an inexperienced Clinton. “Elvis lives!” shouted a participant.
Religion Matters: Voters admire Joe Lieberman for his personal rectitude, but–unprompted–raised concerns about whether the country would accept a Jewish president, especially in a 9-11 world in which Mideast conflict looms and America’s relationship with the Arab world is more critical than ever. “In terms of electability, it’s a distraction,” said Tim McCarthy, an accountant. Half the group agreed.
Slow Starters: Several candidates have a huge hill to climb. The group liked Dick Gephardt’s message stressing an end to partisanship, but think he has been in politics too long to convincingly carry it. Howard Dean gets no points for being the former governor of Vermont (“that’s a suburb of New York,” said one participant). Dean’s post-9-11 comments, which focused on global poverty as a cause of terrorism, produced the most adverse reaction of the session.
Kerry’s to Lose: In the new NEWSWEEK Poll, the race begins with Lieberman narrowly in the lead (22 percent), followed by Edwards (14), John Kerry (13) and Gephardt (13). But in the focus group, Kerry emerged as the favorite. Since he hails from Massachusetts, he’s a familiar figure. Still, familiarity has bred respect, not contempt. They like his aura of seasoned–but not overcooked–maturity. Above all, they like his service in Vietnam, which they think would make him “electable” and yet a cautious commander in chief. “He’s faced the bullets,” said Greg Powers, a book dealer. “Don’t know” was the leading contender at the start of the session, with seven votes. By the end the group had reached consensus: Kerry over Lieberman, 16-4.
