"America needs a respected leader who will fly around the world, talk to and listen to leaders of all religions and ethnic groups in order to encourage peace and understanding. Wouldn't the world cheer if Obama were elected America's president?"
— Jacqueline Schmeal, arts volunteer, 60s


"Inspiration is a necessary ingredient in any new approach to resolving established problems. However, inspiration is only the 'leaven.' Knowledge, experience, tenacity, tough-mindedness, courage, vision and the ability to tolerate and deal with sabotage and resistance are far more important, in my opinion. I think that Hillary Clinton has demonstrated that she possesses all of those qualities and attributes. I think it is high time we had a woman president."
— The Rev. Madelynn Kirkpatrick, priest, 62


"We as Hispanics need to quit buying into this stereotype, that Hispanics won't vote for a black man. I will. Obama stands out as the candidate who will represent minority interests."
— Debbie Jaramillo, former mayor, 55


"For a long time I have been on the fence about Hillary versus Obama. Obviously, as a longtime feminist, I really want a woman president, but I now am beginning to feel that she's not that woman. She comes with experience, but too much baggage. And she comes with Bill ... I feel that Bill is starting to be more of a deterrent, and I worry about all the attacks the Republicans will sling her way once she's president. So, although my feminist heart feels bad about it, I have jumped firmly to Obama's side. I also feel that electing Obama will send a good message to the rest of the world."
— Claudia Jessup, writer, 60


"I think any of this year's Democratic candidates would make a good president, and if Barack Obama gets the nomination, he's got my vote. But my heart really is with Hillary, because she is a woman. It's almost a visceral thing. It would be incredible to have an African American in the White House, but for me, with kindred struggles and experiences, it would be even more meaningful to have a woman."
— Laurel Knowles, attorney, 62


"I'm so torn for so many reasons; I don't know what I'm going to do. It would have been wonderful if both were on the ticket."
— Aida Luz Gonzales, artist, Boys & Girls Club, early 70s


"I'm very excited about the candidate available to the voters. All have outstanding credentials and would lead this country in a direction that speaks to the heart and soul and the country. I think electability is somewhat a factor, (but) I believe all candidates emerging are electable in this day and age."
— Barbara Vigil, District Court judge, 48


"It is not going to be easy. I will put in a lot of thought this weekend. But can I tell you at this moment? I can't."
— Linda Pedro, disability rights activist, former "Edwards girl," 61


"I like the way Obama sounds, but where's the experience? And I'm not sure how much he would be able to accomplish — although I must say that I'm listing more and more in his direction. I haven't trusted Hillary for years — what more need I say about that?"
— Leslie Rich, furniture maker, 61


"I would call myself a feminist, but I'm trying not to look at the election that way. I was going vote for — and I did (absentee) vote for — John Edwards. At this point I'm happy enough to vote for either (Clinton or Obama)."
— Elizabeth West, librarian, 63