WHAT SC VOTERS ARE SAYING
Here are some comments from South Carolinians who voted in Saturday’s Democratic presidential primary.
“I voted for Bernie Sanders because I feel like his political views fit what I want for the country, and I feel like he is going to make it better for me and my fellow peers.”
– Khalil Davis, 20, a Chester County college student and first-time voter
“I voted for Hillary Clinton because I’ve been a longtime supporter of hers. I’ve liked her for a long time. I like her plans, and I think she’s the best person for the job right now.”
– Guinivere Fouts, 27, a teacher from Myrtle Beach who always votes in Democratic primaries and other elections
“I voted for Hillary because we’ve seen presidential politics from a man’s perspective for long enough.”
– Lei Horne, 60, a public service employee, who lives in Beaufort
“I voted for Sanders because I think his policies on wage equality will give my grandkids a chance at the American Dream I want for them.”
– Barry Rosen, 73, a retired museum director who lives in Bluffton
Alicia Newman said she was torn but ultimately went for Clinton. “I don’t think Bernie has a shot in a national election, and this election is too important. With all the debates, I think Bernie has helped prepare Hillary for November.”
– Newman, 31, of Greenville and an elementary school teacher
“I felt like she had the most experience with her being a former senator, and she was also the secretary of state. I feel like she has already developed relationships with presidents or other people who are in a presidential position, so I feel like she’s the most experienced and most suited person for the job.”
– Michelle Roseborough , 49, loan adjuster from Rock Hill, a longtime voter who voted for Hillary Clinton
Mary Whitson voted for Hillary Clinton because she thinks the candidate is best for her country, her family and herself. “Most people vote to benefit themselves, and I think some of the things she’d continue will benefit me. ... They were both saying things that made sense. Actually I think they’d make a good team, together.”
– Whitson, 56, of Simpsonville, who votes in every election and says she only recently decided between Clinton and Sanders
Birgitta Johnson said she believes Clinton will “say anything to get votes,” while Sanders “deals with structural issues rather than talking points” on education and other issues important to her.
– Johnson, of Columbia, an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Music
“I am a die-hard Hillary fan. I think it is about her qualifications and experience. I’ve been out since 2015 campaigning for her. I think she’s the most qualified for the position.”
– Linda Blackmon-Brace, 60, a real estate business owner from Lancaster and longtime voter
“I voted for Bernie Sanders, and the reason I did is because he seems to be the only one who isn’t bought off by big corporations.”
– A.J. DeMatteo, 62, a truck driver from Myrtle Beach who said he always votes in Democratic primaries
Steve Cook voted for Sanders, and he brought his 9-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son along for the experience Saturday. “To me it’s about the big picture. Show me the humanity. That’s all that really matters.”
– Cook, of Greenville County, a single father and former member of the Air Force who said he has been a Republican voter in the past
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The Island Packet of Hilton Head, The Sun News of Myrtle Beach, The Herald of Rock Hill, The Greenville News and The Associated Press contributed.