CLEVELAND, Ohio - John McCain sees a plumber named Joe as the Everyman of 2008, but another ordinary Ohioan may better reflect the reality of next week's election.
Like millions of others, Brandie Adams, a mother of two from the Cleveland suburb of Eastlake, is caught in the downdraft of a tumbling economy. Her husband, Brian, laid off after 19 years with the Sherwin-Williams Co., had to relocate to Lanham, Md., where he lives alone in an apartment. Her mother-in-law, unable to pay the rent, just moved in with the family, and after falling into the Medicare doughnut hole, might need help with her prescription drug bills.
The views of the 32-year-old part-time bookkeeper and nursing school student, who is leaning toward Democrat Barack Obama, help illuminate the final days of a presidential contest playing out against a backdrop of falling financial markets and deep fears of recession.
Adams says her vote is still up for grabs and that Obama's lack of national experience troubles her. She worries about "chaos" in Washington unless he surrounds himself with seasoned advisers.
Obama, who launched his closing drive yesterday in Canton, Ohio, has gained as pocketbook concerns have dominated the '08 debate. However, the forgotten topic of Iraq and social issues such as abortion were among those that popped up as a dozen largely persuadable voters, including Adams, offered a subdued outlook on the country's future and uncertainty about the candidates during a recent two-hour discussion.
Democratic pollster Peter Hart, who led the group, said afterward that pundit predictions "like 'in the bag,' 'over,' and 'done deal' seem premature for Ohio. Depending on turnout and events, this swing state is still open."
Four years ago, President Bush's 2-point margin over Democrat John Kerry in this closely divided state proved decisive in the national election. No Republican, dating back to the 1800s, has won the presidency without prevailing here. McCain told a rally crowd in Dayton yesterday that he's running behind and that he cannot win without carrying Ohio.
Obama has carved out alternate routes to victory through his big advantage in money and campaign organization. He is leading in three states that Bush carried last time - Iowa, New Mexico and Colorado - with enough combined electoral votes to offset a loss in Ohio.
