Molly Yandle, 13, Providence Day School, Charlotte: If I could have legally voted in the North Carolina primary, I think that I would have voted for Obama. I agree with his policies on the Iraq war and education. Additionally, he has a more persistent attitude than the other candidates which will most likely lead him to success. Hillary Clinton should drop out of the race at this point because our state played a huge factor in the campaign, and she suffered quite a loss in our state.
John Sergi, 13, Providence Day School, Charlotte: I would vote for Senator Obama. He is the more electable candidate. His views on the top issues such as Iraq and our economy will help our country more than Clinton's. Obama will help our struggling middle class. He will also get us out of Iraq in a quick and efficient manner. I think Senator Clinton should withdraw from the race. She has lost most of the important states and she would have to win all the rest of the states in landslides to win the democratic nomination. Her stubbornness will not help in uniting the party.
Herve Omba, 15, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: I would of vote for Obama because he's talking about what people want to hear. And I think that Hillary Clinton should drop out of it because she doesn't really have enough money to keep on going, is going to quit voting and we might not have enough people to vote. But if Hillary keeps on going and going she might go broke and we already know that Obama is not going to quit the election, at least I hope not. That's what I thnk about this.
Jacob Keady, 13, Marvin Ridge Middle School, Waxhaw: I would have voted for Hillary Clinton because Barack Obama can't handle himself when under pressure, as seen at the debates. I wouldn't vote for McCain because he wants to keep us in Iraq for a long time. I think Hillary should keep running. She still has a fighting chance and she is the best candidate, if you ask me.
Lacie Wallace, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: If I were able to vote, I would have voted for Barack Obama. He knows what he is doing, he is passionate about his job, and our opinions match on almost everything. He doesn't waste his breath on unimportant things, but spends our valuable time on issues that mean something to us. Clinton should stop wasting her money, and our time with her so-called experience and good intentions. Obama and Clinton would make a wonderful team, but Clinton should either accept vice-president, or step down and let Obama do his thing.
Ethan Ivy, 13, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: I would like to stay out of politics, but if I had to vote, I would choose John McCain. He seems to have the cleanest record, the most experience and is partially honest. Neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama seem trustworthy. Sadly, this election is a case of bad or worse, leaving me not wanting to vote at all. Hillary Clinton is at the bottom of my list, and I believe she has already lost. Barack Obama is an eloquent, inspirational, charismatic speaker, but those are my only compliments for him.
Stephen Idol, 13, South Charlotte Middle School, Charlotte: If I could have voted in the NC primary for president, I would have definitely voted for Barack Obama. He is young and charismatic and yet he is still able to make wise choices. He was against the war in Iraq from the beginning, and I trust that he would never make decisions like George W. Bush did in attacking Iraq and refusing to look at alternative fuel souces. Obama has also openly stated that he wants to be surrounded in Washington, DC by people who are willing to say "no" to him. America needs a president like Barack Obama.
Khevna Desai, 15, School of Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science @ Olympic High, Charlotte: I can't decide who to vote for since none of the candidates have spoken about the issues. Right now the candidates are trying to find faults in each other. I don't think that Hillary Clinton should end her campaign. Just because she lost in NC doesn't mean that it's over, what sort of president would we have if he or she gave up over a loss. Obama is not giving up after losing Indiana. The race ends when the convention appoints the Democratic nominee until then no one should give up. Anything can happen.
Mary Lyle, 14, home-schooled, Charlotte: Although none of the candidates who are left in the race are my number one choice I would vote for John McCain. I may not aggree with all of his policies but for the most part I agree with the way he would run our country if he was elected president.
Miriam Smallman, 13, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: I think that despite the bad luck, Hillary Clinton should NOT drop out of the race. This country needs a president who will try and try again, and not give up if trouble comes their way. I would have voted for Hillary Clinton, because I want someone whose experience shows and who has years of knowledge AND experience to back up her decisions. Being a president of the United States is not something you can just up and decide to be. I think you should work your way up the line, gaining experience, like 35 years. Hillary Clinton gets my vote.
Laura Haerri, 13, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: I am still not sure if want Hillary Clinton of Barack Obama to win for the democratic party. If I could have voted at the primary it would have probably been a last second decision between the two. They both have really good qualities our next president should have. Both will bring a change and have views I agree with. Clinton has more experience, but Obama has more charisma. Obama will most likely be the democratic candidate, and he would get my vote. Hillary Clinton should not give up yet. There is always a chance.
Zoee May, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: If I could vote in the N.C primary I would vote for Barack Obama. I would vote for him because I think that he would make a good president. And I think that Hillary should drop out because she lost from this state. And I think that she is going to run for vice president. I think that Obama would make a better president than Hillary. And I think that he would do a lot more things to help our community. I think that Barack Obama would make a great president.
Abigail Diaz, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: If I was in the age to vote, I would vote for Obama. I would give him my vote because he will help our state, and help us no matter what happens. If Hillary Clinton didn't win Indiana that doesn't mean that she has to quit her campaign. Whatever the observers think don't mean that Clinton should quit her campaign.
Anacelia Garriga, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: The candidate I would vote for would be Barack Obama. The reason why I will vote for Barack Obama -- he would send all the troops home to see their family for at least two years. That would be very good for your world! I don't think Hillary should be out of the campaign cause she can make a difference in the world. Same as Obama. If Hillary don't get as many votes as Obama in the next election. Hillary should be the vice president and Obama should be the president. That is my opinion if I was able to vote.
Ashten Lail, 11, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: I probably would have voted for Hillary. But, then again, a child's opinion never counts. Obama for some reason makes me uneasy. Plus, I agree with all of the things she plans to do. And, I don't think Hillary should give up just because she lost one. That just shows people that if you make a mistake, then the best thing to do is to give up. I think she should keep on working for what she wants.
Brookelyn Whipple, 11, Grandview Middle, Hickory: I would have voted for Barack Obama because I think Barack Obama is doing this for a better cause than Hillary Clinton, also Hillary's husband Bill Clinton has already been president and I'm sure her daughter will be president soon too. But none of Barack Obama's family has been president so it's not really fair if you think about it. But Barack has had less experience than Hillary though so I also think Hillary would be a good president. I think that Hillary would be better off as vice president.
Taylor Kooiker, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: If I could vote in the N.C Primary, I would vote for Barack Obama. The reason why I would vote for Barack Obama is because he can get the troops out of Iraq in 3 years. Then he would give them a 2 year rest. Then to go back out fight wouldn't that be good for our country. Some people might think that Hillary might need to go because Obama is beating her big time. He has won most of the elections hasn't he? My personal vote would be for Obama. I think maybe Hillary will become vice president.
Cameron watts, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: If I voted in the N.C primary I would vote for Barack Obama because he would be the first African American president and I think he will be able to set aside the differences in our country.
Erick alvarez-monroy, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: If I could vote I would vote for Obama because he looks like a nice person and he would make it a better country and it would be a better place and I don't think Hillary would drop out because you never know who might win or if she would get more votes you never know so I would not drop out.
Latangela Beatty, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: I would vote for Hillary Clinton because she is a woman with pride and she follows her dreams. She is also helping the community in a lot of good ways. She is lowering prices and stuff that we need so it can be affordable. She is also the first woman to be in the White House. Barack Obama is not a bad candidate but I would vote for Hillary.
Chase Lane, 14, North Stanly High, New London: If I were old enough to vote, I would vote for Barack Obama. Barack Obama wants the army to get out of the war in Iraq and also wants health care for everyone. I strongly want these things for our country also. Sen. Obama wants to bring gas prices down, which is great for the whole country because it is getting too bad for everyday living.
Gus Fesperman, North Stanly High, New London: If I were old enough and had the opportunity to vote in this year's election, I do not know who would have gotten the honor of receiving my vote. I do not know whom I would have voted for because I am not politically involved. I have not watched anything and do not pay attention to these things because they are of no interest of mine. When I am able to vote, then I will get politically involved and I would be able to answer this question. Also, I do not think Hillary Clinton should drop out. She is in way too deep to quit now and she has invested too much money. There is still a chance that she could win and take on the honor of being the first female president of the United States.
Jake Lowder, North Stanly High School, New London: Since I am not of age, I cannot vote, but if I could vote I would vote for Barack Obama because he wants to pull the troops out of Iraq and focus on a bigger cause like health insurance and health care for everybody. Also with Sen. Obama pulling the troops out of Iraq, this will lower the gas prices which will help the middle class families and improve the economy.
Kodi Smith, 14, North Stanly High School, New London: The campaign has been tough this year between all the candidates. Senator John McCain would definitely have my vote because of his promise of defending freedom and dignity. I think he would be a wonderful president for our country. As for Hillary Clinton, I know she has put a lot of work and time into this campaign, but I don't think she would be the best choice. She seems to care about the people of the United States, but I don't think she will help us where we need it like gas prices, food prices and the war in Iraq. I think if it was up to me, John McCain would be our president.
Melanie Nelson, 15, North Stanly High School, New London: If I could vote, I would have voted for Obama, because I like what he is talking about and everything he is saying. I like Sen. Clinton, but I think Obama is better and I don't like the way Hillary tries to criticize Obama. I just think that Obama is more efficient to be our leader and he is also standing up about the gas prices, which it seems that all adults arecomplaining about. Being that Clinton lost the [most] states, I just think she should drop out and have better luck next time.
Wade Houser, North Stanly High School, New London: I'm not going to lie: I don't know too much about the election. If I were to vote, I would probably vote for Hilary Clinton, due to the fact Obama seems like he has some wrong beliefs. I also would vote for McCain and I would like him to be our next president. Also Sen. Clinton definitely shouldn't drop out; she has a lot of money dedicated to it. That is my opinion on the election based on the little information I know.
Holly Tindal, 15, North Stanly High School, New London: If I could have voted in this primary, I would have voted for John McCain. I think that he would be a very good president and that he actually wants to help the U.S. My parents are voting for him and I think that he would be a great president. I would also vote for him because Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have been saying bad things about each other and have negative ads all over the T.V. Is that the kind of person we want to be our president? They are teaching the kids of this nation that it's ok to say negative things about each other and putting each other down. That's why I would vote for John McCain.
Jamie Tucker, 15, North Stanly High School, New London: I would vote for Obama because Clinton exaggerates way too much and it makes her seem like a liar in some cases. Also she criticizes Obama for a lot of things, but what she can't seem to get through her head is that she does the same thing she criticizes him for. So we definitely do not need a leader like that. Obama seems like a down to earth person and a great leader. As for Sen. Clinton dropping her campaign, I think that would be great because obviously not enough people want her to win and so she should just save herself some humility and do us all a favor and just drop out.
Leslie Lancaster, 14, North Stanly High School, New London: I don't particularly favor any of the candidates running for this upcoming election. However, if I was able to vote in North Carolina's primary, I would probably pick Barack Obama. Although Hillary Clinton and John McCain are both intelligent people, I really like the way Obama handles criticisms and he seem pretty trustworthy. Several people believe that Sen. Clinton should drop out of the election because she is so far behind. In my opinion she shouldn't drop out yet. She may be a little bit behind, but there is no use in droping out after she has come so far. If I was her I would try and go through with it.
Ryan Shank, 15, North Stanly High School, New London: If I would have voted this year in the North Carolina primary, I would have given John McCain my vote. John McCain is more liberal than most Republicans, thus making him the best choice of the remaining candidates. He wants to make life easier for Americans, so he is proposing many great ideas that will help us cope with rising gas prices, and the expenses of everyday living. He also believes that all Americans should be allowed to have health care. John McCain is good candidate for presidency, and I believe that he would ultimately help our country in so many other ways if elected into office.
Max Moran, 11, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: If I could have voted in the N.C. primary I would have voted for Obama. There are many rumors I've heard about both of them. Most I believe are not important such as Hillary saying she was shot at by snipers in a book she wrote and the statement was not true. Or Obama not wearing an American flag pin someone had given him. I also don't think other people have the right to tell Hillary to drop out.
Robbie Schronce, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: If I could vote in the primary, I would vote for Obama because of two reasons. First he has a good campaign he is running and he is getting a lot of votes. He would be good for president. Second Hillary has her own daughter running with her. She is still losing with her daughter. I think Hillary should drop out and just go for vice president. There were a lot of candidates running that I didn't even know of. I think Barack Obama will win.
Sebastian Villarrubia, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: I don't know who to vote for because both Obama and Hillary have good ideas. It's really hard to pick because Hillary might have experience and Obama knows what he's doing.
Tim Abernethy, 12, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: I'm not really sure who I am going to vote for this year. They are all willing to do good things for our country. When one of them wins, I will be satisfied with the vote.
Vivvy Gipe, 11, Grandview Middle School, Hickory: I really wouldn't know. Both are running to be president for good and meaningful reasons. I could try to put two votes for them, but then I would get in major trouble. I wouldn't vote at all, because if either one were elected president, I'd be satisfied. And for the Hillary Clinton situation, I wouldn't say for her to drop out of the campaign. She won some of the states recently, so now isn't the time to actually give up. Of course, this is just my opinion. It will be up to her.
Lauren Luther, 18, Parkwood High School, Monroe: The country isn't ready for Hillary. They aren't ready for either Hillary, or Obama. But because Hillary is a woman ... not only is our country not ready to be led by a woman, but at this point in history electing a female could end up a bad move for us. The people we're considering opponents right now look down on women in their own country. What makes us think for one moment that they're going to cooperate, respect, or even listen to what we have to say if the one leading us is a female? She should end her campaign, in my opinion. Maybe one day the United States will be ready for a woman as their president. I just don't think that's going to be any time soon.
Taylor Jones, 15, Gray Stone Day School: I would have voted for Obama because I believe he is the best candidate. From what I've seen, he has been truthful. The only thing that has come up is about his pastor, which is not a big deal. He does not look at the political issues he cannot change, but the ones he can including taxes and military. I believe Hillary should drop out because her chance of winning is slim and it's just costing her money that will not benefit her in the end. Also, Clinton expected Indiana to be a big win and she only won by 2 percent.
