Obama shifts spectrum in 3 red states

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. | Her family moved south for more affordable living, but can barely pay for health care.

She does not want to see her husband off to another Iraq deployment.

He’s more excited about this election than any other, and never thought he’d see a black president in his lifetime.

These voters - hailing from North Carolina and Virginia, two rock-solid Republican “red states” in presidential races for decades, and West Virginia, which twice supported President Bush - are the kinds of voters who are bolstering Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama.

The Washington Times logged 1,300 miles through the mountains and valleys of these three states that can swing the outcome of the election, finding similar sentiments among this disparate group of voters in states that were thought to be safe for Mr. McCain a few months ago.

In all three states, in every demographic, including Republicans, voters say they are frustrated with the past eight years and view Mr. Obama as a symbol of hope in a time of war and economic hardship. If they show up at the polls and vote accordingly, they likely will deliver the White House for Mr. Obama on Election Day.

Tapping into the motivations of thousands at an Obama rally in Roanoke, a local pastor reciting the opening benediction offered a prayer for those “struggling with health care,” and “families who have lost children to the war.”

“We thank you for leaders like Barack Obama and Joe Biden,” he said, adding that the Democratic ticket can “reach out for those needing a helping hand at this time and lead us to a period of renewed hope and inspiration.”

That’s exactly what Obama voters in these states are seeking.

“I know it’s become a catchphrase, ‘hope and change,’ but when you are trying to pay your bills, what is wrong with hope? Hope provides motivation. Hope matters,” said Ross Brickman, 38, of Greensboro, N.C.

Mr. Brickman and his significant other, Sheryl Meier, 33, are part of the migration from more liberal parts of the country that also is transforming the electorate. They moved from Minnesota to buy a more affordable home, even though her job doing quality control in the medical industry is paying her less.

They are voting for Mr. Obama because they believe he understands their middle-class struggle, citing the Obama family’s student loans they were still paying off at the beginning of the decade.

Mr. Brickman has a heart problem and is on disability, and said if they get married, his medical bills would bankrupt their family.

“That shouldn’t happen,” Miss Meier said.

Time for a change

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