Florida recently swung from a state that was leaning McCain to a state that is leaning Obama.  The New York Times reported yesterday that “in the last year, unemployment has risen more [in Florida] than in any other state except Rhode Island.”

The following excerpts from a conversation with an Obama organizer in Florida provide a perspective on how the economy has had an impact on political support in this critical swing state.

 

On Latino Support

“Being in Hialeah, where the highest concentration of Cubans in the country are, I can tell you that folks are really hurting from the economy.  Coffee, which is huge among Cubans, has gone up from 65 cents a cup to an average of $1.29.  We have many Republicans who come by to help us as we organize.  Honestly, over 65% of the voters we talk to on a daily basis are with us.  The folks here are really hurting and many have lost their jobs and homes.  It’s getting so bad that Publix, one of Florida’s biggest supermarket chains, is considering charging for bags. I even have mothers who are unable to pick up their kids from school because they simply can’t afford it.”

 

What Voters Want

“More and more voters are saying: NECESITAMOS UN CAMBIO (we need a change.)”

 

Gas Prices

“The rising cost of gas has everyone screaming.  What they want is cheap gas prices, so they respond to ‘drill baby drill’ and a gas tax holiday.  We are always trying to educate them about those positions.  We want them to understand that what Barack wants is a long-term solution and for us to be energy self-sufficient.”

 

Solutions

“We are telling voters that 1) BO will tax excessive oil company profits to give American families an immediate $1,000 emergency energy rebate to help families pay rising bills.  The tax cut for working families is something that voters here can relate to well.  There are also many seniors here who work and Barack’s proposal to eliminate Income Taxes for Seniors Making Less than $50,000 is something that Seniors can relate to and embrace.”

 

 

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