Local reactions to Election '08

"I was very happy with the returns. It is really a new time for everybody. It's exciting to be living in a time when you can hopefully see the United States come into her own recognition again." Naomi Stoglin, Voorhees

By DAVID PORTNOE Voice staff

The Voice conducted interviews with six South Jersey residents, selected at random as they entered the JCC, soliciting their views on the recent presidential election.

Here are those views, in the order that they were obtained:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It was historic. I'm glad Obama won. Anything is possible as far as who could run. I was worried that night. I was concerned initially, but I'm happily surprised." Beth Bergman, Cherry Hill "I'm a single-issue person, and I'm afraid for Israel. McCain has a very strong track record for Israel and Obama has no track record. And also Obama's friends are scary. Alan Dershowitz said it, and he was his teacher. With all that being said, he is our president. We have to be very involved Jewishly, so Obama knows how important Israel is as an ally to the U.S. We have to be even more committed." Shelly Berman, Cherry Hill "It was most interesting to find out about Sarah Palin's background—that her family were Lithuanian Jews. That was a surprise. I have mixed feelings about the result of the election. I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm very much worried about his experience and attitude toward Israel. I'm concerned about Israel." Stuart Namias, Lindenwold "It was interesting. I was not happy with any of the candidates. The result was very nice. I was happy that Obama did win—only because it broke the color barrier. My main concern was which candidate would be best for Israel and the Jews in general. I was not satisfied with either one of them. I chose to write in Hillary Clinton's name." Stuart Winston, Atco "I thought the election turned out wonderfully. I felt it's a new day. I feel a new optimism about where the country is headed. And for one of the first times in recent memory, I think we have a very competent leader to get us out of the mess we're in." Dr. Carl Byck, Voorhees