Post date: Oct 29, 2012 1:5:3 PM
Looking ahead to the prospect of a second term of U.S. President Barack Obama, voters say they want an improved economy but not at the expense of the rest of the Obama agenda.
DENVER, COLORADO, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 24, 2012) ( POOL) - On the streets of Washington, D.C., days before the U.S. presidential election, voters were looking ahead to the prospect of a second term of U.S. President Barack Obama. Not unexpectedly, they voiced the need for a sounder American economy, including more jobs and a decrease in the budget deficit. As well, however, these passersby -- tourists and residents of Washington invited on a streetcorner to give their views in the trendy Dupont Circle neighborhood -- expressed the hope that Obama would carry on his policies in healthcare, education, the environment and gay rights.
But time and again, even those who said they strongly support Obama asserts he must do more to steer the economy back on course."I hope he continues to push the economic progress he has, address the debt," Mike Feldstein said
"I hope in the next four years the President really focuses on education and really focuses on jobs," Kalu Ugwuomo said.
"Obviously improves the economy, stays committed to civil rights," Mindy Jacobs said.
"Getting the economy back on track," said Gerald Thompson. "However, I'd also like to see the President get more aggressive with Congress."
On the National Mall, some people enjoying a sunny day said that besides the President's obligations on the economy, noted that the presidential campaign has been seemingly geared toward the concerns of the middle class. Some said Obama needs to address the interests of certain groups, including that of the poor, as well as an intensified focus on issues that affect women.
"I guess hope he continues on the path that he began, improving education and continuing the health care option. Jobs," said Vicky Asher, a visitor from Kansas City.
"See they talk about the middle class and the rich, but they never talk about what they're going to do about the poor," said Dennis Foster, a Washington resident.
"Obviously women's issues are important. I think Planned Parenthood is crucial," saidCassiel Archdeacon of New Hampshire.
Some said they support Obama but felt he had not lived up to his promises of 2008 and needed to make more progress on issues related to youth, immigration and climate change.
"I really hope that in the next four years Obama would step up and do a lot of the things that young people were hoping he would do in his first four years," Lisa Ndecky Llanossaid.
"Just pushing for education and hopefully bringing down some of the tuition costs with the colleges," Thomas Dooley said.
"Education, continue with education, and the immigration law. Let the law go into full effect," Gabril Oloyede said.
"I hope there's more of a focus on climate change. Right now, there's such a focus on jobs and economic issues which are big issues but I think there are a lot of neglected issues," Garret Bradford said.
For some passersby, foreign affairs was among their concerns if Obama is reelected.
"I want to see federal recognition of gay marriage, that's what I want to see, and I want to see a less aggressive foreign policy," Russell McAndrew said.
"I do hope though he will reach out more to Palestine," said Perpetua Chery.
"I want to see him get out of Afghanistan as he's planned without any delays," Jonathan Corren said.
"If he wins a second term, voters want the President to do more on a multitude of fronts, and yet the concern over fiscal austerity and a balanced budget remains strong, which may limit his reach to meet all the expectations of Americans.
But, time and again, most voices heard on a Washington streetcorner returned to the economy -- by far, their greatest concern.
"Balance the budget, listen to the people, definitely take the waste out of the government system," said Tonya Shuler of Bremerton, Washington, echoing the voice of many.