Thursday, June 14, 2012

In Colorado Focus Group, Obama Voters Disillusioned

The focus group was the fourth of a series of eight being commissioned by the Annenberg Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. - National Journal

Listening to the feedback from the group, it was striking how many of them have grown disillusioned from their own expectations set by Obama’s soaring rhetoric from 2008, and the less-inspiring reality that transpired.

After being shown footage of a campaign speech by Obama, the prevailing sentiment was that the president was a slick salesman, but his words didn’t match his actions.

“I got duped. I fell under his spell. What he’s done with the car industry is the only real success,” said Patrick Allen, a 27-year-old health care consultant, who voted for Obama in 2008. “I feel like I was somewhat lied to.”

...Romney was an unknown to most of the participants. Most of the pure undecided voters were critical of Obama, but said they were unfamiliar with Romney. Only three said they knew anything about Bain Capital. His wealth, business background, Mormonism and being a family man all came up when prompted for free association connections. But it was clear that their perceptions were far from formed.