Many people exiting the voting booths in Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida, were supportive of Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton, citing her experience and support for Israel as reasons why she’s better suited to take on Donald Trump in the general election.
“She’s just the best candidate out there, period,” said Lynne Barrack, a resident of Admirals Cove in Jupiter. “She has been supportive of Israel, is great for the U.S. and has amazing experience.”
Mrs. Barrack’s husband, Len, also voted for Mrs. Clinton and believes she’ll drift more to the center if elected. Mrs. Clinton has been pulled to the left on several issues, including trade and immigration, as she competes with Vermont Sen. Bernard Sanders, a self-described socialist.
“I love Bernie and he’s been raising a lot of important issues, but he’s just not electable,” Mr. Barrack said. “In primaries, both parties get pulled further to the left and further to the right. Once we get into the general, we’ll see both sides move more toward the center.”
Irene Levi, from Palm Beach Gardens, voted for Mrs. Clinton strictly because she believes only Mrs. Clinton can topple Republican front-runner Donald Trump in a general election face-off.
“Trump can’t be president, and she’s the only one who can beat him,” Mrs. Levi said.
Her husband, Sergio, who is a registered Republican, voted for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
“Anyone but Trump,” he said, adding he will vote for Mrs. Clinton in the general election if it comes down to a contest between her and Mr. Trump.
Although Deborah Owen, 64, of Palm Beach Gardens, likes Mr. Sanders more than Mrs. Clinton, she cast her ballot for Mrs. Clinton because of her electability.
“I’m more liberal, so I love what Bernie stands for and is about — he’s more authentic,” Ms. Owen said. “But I want someone who is going to win and continue [President Barack] Obama’s issues, and that’s Hillary.”
Eva Brandt, disagreed, casting her vote for Mr. Sanders and dragging her mother to the polling station at William Dwyer High School in Palm Beach so she could do the same.
“Don’t count us out — we’re a long way from naming our nominee,” Ms. Brandt said. “It’s not clear yet Hillary’s going to win. Although Bernie may lose Florida, we have the Midwest.”
• Kelly Riddell can be reached at kriddell@washingtontimes.com.
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