March 12, 2009

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

A couple of weeks ago, Rush Limbaugh told a group of conservatives that he hoped that President Barack Obama would fail. How do you feel about this statement? (Asked at Starbucks at Almaden Plaza)


“I have strong feelings for Republicans in general. This is not a time for our country to be divided by these kinds of comments. A majority of people voted President Obama into office so we, the country as a whole, should stand behind him so he can lead us to get out of the trouble we’re in.”

Donya Bagheri, 48
Almaden
Toxicologist


“For the state of the economy, I want any leader to succeed. It’s disappointing that he (Limbaugh) would say that. I’ve been a Republican forever, but I find Obama’s views are fresh.“

Steve Lewis, 38
Almaden
High tech sales


“That’s a brutal thing to say. He [Barak Obama] is now our president so we should give him our best support.”

Luann Grant
Almaden
Oak Grove School District


“Rush Limbaugh is an idiot and anyone that watches him is an idiot.”

Joe Chromcek, 63
Almaden
Moving company


“I don’t think it’s a very smart statement. I think even I you don’t agree with him in times like we’re in now, I hope he will do well and I will back him up if I can. It’s not the right time to not support the president.”

Kelly Jamello, 23
Almaden
Student, West Valley College


“I think it’s extremely negative. What a terrible thing to say. I think wishing any one fails is terrible, but for the sake of the world, I hope he succeeds. It’s a global economy and if we fail then the whole world fails.”

Robbin Llamas
Almaden
Artist, homemaker


“I think he’s a loud idiot. I think it’s scary that so many people can be influenced by petty anger.”

David Clift, 19
Almaden
Student at New York University


“I was saddened because I think we all want him to succeed. As part of our community and the country we live in we want our leaders to succeed.”

Michelle Mount, 40
Almaden
County office of education


“I didn’t read the actual statement, but a Mercury News [letter to the editor] editorial said that the statement was taken out of context. What I heard he [Limbaugh] said was that he hoped the freeloader programs failed. For the record, I disagree with most of what he says.”

Al Carlson, 61
Almaden
Retired


”I feel that Obama is a great president. He is truly trying something different and I think that’s something we need because he’s giving us hope.”

Chantel Gharchegheh, 17
Almaden
Junior at Branham High School