When Casting Their Votes, The Economy Weighed Heavy On New Yorkers
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New Yorkers hit the polls in record numbers and with a lot on their minds Tuesday. NY1's Elizabeth Kaledin filed the following report on exit polls and what they mean.With Wall Street in the backyard, New Yorkers felt the pain of the collapsed financial system perhaps more sharply than most.
When it came to the issues: the nation's struggling economy was a driving force at the polls. Fifty-six percent of voters said they were very worried about the direction of the nation's economy in the next year; 36 percent said they were very worried; six percent said they were not too worried.
"What we saw on the exit poll is that it's an issue for everyone in their own lives," said NY1 pollster Mickey Blum. "Regardless of what level of income you have, you're feeling the strain and you're worried about what the economy is going to mean to you and to your family."
Voters also expressed concern about the war and health care when turning to Barack Obama.
But, in the end, the candidate and his message may have trumped all those issues. New Yorkers wanted change.
When asked if the country was moving in the right direction, 17 said it was, but 76 percent said it was seriously on the wrong track.
"I think there was an enormous negative feeling about the country being on the wrong track, about the Republican Party, and President George W. Bush," said Blum. "On the other hand, there was enormous enthusiasm for Barack Obama."
Race, as it turns out, was never the factor many predicted it would be: New Yorkers were more than willing to send the first African American to the White House.
Twenty-four percent said race was a factor compared to 75 percent that said race was not a factor in their decision.
In fact, Obama was supported by a majority of all groups in the state of New York: young, old, male and female.
Out of 1,567 people surveyed, 66 percent voted for Barack Obama; 32 percent chose his rival John McCain.
Of the men questioned, 62 percent voted Obama. The numbers were even higher among women, 71 percent of whom chose Obama
Another population that Obama dominated: first-time voters. Among people voting in a presidential election for the first time, 88 percent went Obama; 12 percent chose McCain.
In this election of historic proportions, New Yorkers knew exactly what they wanted.