Nearly 30 years ago, Ronald Reagan famously asked Americans, "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" More than 60 NYCity News Service reporters fanned out through the city in the days before the historic Nov. 4 election to ask New Yorkers:
"Where do you want this country to be four years from now?"

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2008 Election Snapshots

Michael Kravits

Age: 50
Neighborhood: Brighton Beach
Occupation: Currently unemployed (disability)
First Time Voter: Yes
Political Affiliation: Independent

[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/michael_kravits.mp3]

David Rizzo

Age: 39
Neighborhood: Astoria, Queens
Occupation: Owner of a pizzeria
First Time Voter: No
Political Affiliation: Conservative

[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/davidaudio_1-2.mp3]

Esy Morales

Age: 26
Neighborhood: Jackson Heights
Occupation: Homemaker
First time voter: No
Political Affiliation: Democrat

[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/esy-morales_1-2.mp3]

Luis Amaya

Age: 66
Neighborhood: Jackson Heights

Occupation: mail courier

First time voter: No
Political affiliation: Democrat, but voting for McCain

(Spanish)
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/luis-amaya_1-2.mp3]

Vladimir Kocheulov

Age: 26
Neighborhood: Brighton Beach
Occupation: Lawyer
First Time Voter: No
Political Affiliation: Democrat

[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/vlad_kocheulov.mp3]

Lana Mityushina

Age: 71
Neighborhood: Coney Island
Occupation: Home attendant
First Time Voter: No
Political Affiliation: Democrat

[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/lana_mityushina.mp3]

Tom Murphy

Age: 74
Neighborhood: Jackson Heights
Occupation: retired teacher
First time voter: No
Political affiliation: Democrat

[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/tom-murphy_1-22.mp3]

Terry Cooper

Age: 62
Neighborhood: Woodside
Occupation: Nurse
First Time Voter: No
Political Affiliation: Democrat

[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/2008/10/terry.mp3]

Cooper is also concerned about the country’s reputation.  She said the country’s confidence diminished in the eyes of other leaders, because of President Bush.  She would like to see Obama and Biden “clean house” because they are good advisers when it comes to foreign policy.  She does believe that under Democratic presidency, the economy will turn around within the four years.

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