Support with Serious Reservations

The election may be near, but the race is far from over. Democrat Jimmy Carter has edged back in front of President Ford, but only slightly. The number of voters who are still undecided, or who are supporting candidates only with serious reservations, is amazingly large: roughly 1 out of 2.

Those are the chief conclusions of the second TIME Citizens' Panel conducted by the public-opinion research firm of Yankelovich, Skelly and White, Inc. Last month TIME published the results of the first survey, taken among 300 voters chosen at random from a national cross section of 1,500 people. To examine the changing--or unchanging --reactions to the campaign, Yankelovich went to 303 other voters between Oct. 8 and 10, after the second debate.

The panelists--like many American voters--felt the campaign lacked excitement and inspiration. At best they were watching it with the cool appraisal of a professional handicapper sizing up a match race. Almost 9 out of 10 were following the campaign closely but without any feelings of fervor or commitment. Many grumbled about the lack of real differences between the two combatants. Said Salesman Randy Lipton, a Ford man from Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.: "Carter is saying nothing, and Ford is doing nothing."

THE SECOND DEBATE. Though Carter lost the first debate in the view of 8 out of 10 panelists, he was seen as the clear victor in the second round. Eight out of 10 Carter supporters thought their man had won; most Ford supporters saw it as a draw. Carter came through as strong, forceful and aggressive. According to 1 out of 3 panelists who felt the Democratic nominee won, Carter gained on personality and style, as well as his stands; 2 out of 3 singled out his knowledge. Ford got credit for his knowledge, less for his personality or positions. The debate reassured some Carter backers who were wavering because of their nominee's fuzziness.

VIEWS ON CARTER. The second debate notwithstanding, only 1 out of 5 panelists thought Carter's capacity to handle foreign affairs was a strength. Many Carter supporters on the panel --as well as some Ford backers--mentioned Carter's closeness to the common man as one of his chief virtues. Said Maria Huilera, a teacher from San Antonio: "He's working for the working people. He's not for big business." Others cited his newness, his fresh ideas and his desire to reduce unemployment.

But 1 out of 2 Carter panelists was still not sure that Carter was the right man for the job. "We don't have the best man; we have the better man," said Truck Driver William Parker of Rocky Mount, N.C. The second debate helped to mute the criticism that Carter tends to overpromise and to be fuzzy on the issues (50% agreed with these charges in TIME'S September report, only 33% after the second debate). Still, 3 out of 5 panelists were worried that he might increase spending at the taxpayer's expense. One out of 2 panelists agreed strongly or partially that there is "something about him I don't like." Said Charles Hochberg, a Carter backer from Orange, N.J.: "He has a hedgy way of talking about issues." Added Joseph J. Molinari, a Government worker from Willingboro, N.J.: "His smile bothers me. When someone smiles when talking about serious things, you think of them as being dishonest."

VIEWS ON FORD. Only a third considered Ford's personality a distinct asset; half felt this way about Carter. Both Ford's own supporters and Carter followers rated the President high on his experience and handling of foreign affairs. Said Bus Driver Harold Lloyd, a Ford supporter from Middleburg, N.Y.: "His assets are over 25 years in Government and two years as President. He's done a lot to help the American people." But only 4 out of 10 argued that his positions on domestic issues should earn a strong rating.

Ford's chief drawbacks: his lack of effectiveness, his weakness in leadership and his pardon of Nixon. Seven out of 10 panelists felt that Ford left the country's foreign affairs too much in Henry Kissinger's hands. A majority of his own supporters also thought his gaffe on Eastern Europe cost him needed votes. Commented Tony Gonzales, a student from El Paso: "Even my little brother knows Russia dominates these countries." Teacher's Aide Barbara Washington of Los Angeles, a Carter supporter, faulted the President for indecisiveness: "He should have taken quick action with Earl Butz."

THE FINAL WEEKS. The race appears to be back where it was a few weeks ago: a close contest, but with the Democrats holding the front position. Though Carter recaptured territory lost to Ford, he stood to lose some Democratic and Independent voters to Eugene McCarthy. Overall, however, Carter seemed to have recovered from his late September slump.

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