Ozarks Values '08: The Gradys

Residence: Springfield
Occupation: Retired couple
Politics: She's a Republican, He's a Democrat

There are many couples out there who disagree about politics. But every time I get to meet a pair, I'm fascinated . . . by how two people who decided to devote their lives to each other can disagree on so much, so passionately.

That's the case with Raymond and Linda Grady, who live in a cozy neighborhood in southwest Springfield. Raymond has donated money to Jay Nixon. Linda has voted time to Jim Talent. They even have separate televisions in different rooms so they can watch different political news programs. Good thing they have a bipartisan dog.

Economic equality is Raymond's top issue. Looking towards 2008, he wants a candidate who has compassion for the poor and middle class. "Rather than what we've had the last six years with tax breaks for Exxon Mobile and millionaires and billionaires, I want to see more breaks for the middle class," says the retired railroad worker. "Retired people need a tax break as opposed to big corporations."

His wife Linda says the war in Iraq is most critical to her voting decision. She's unclear how the United States can still succeed in Iraq, but believes we need to elect a leader who "can get it done." The two begin a little spat in front of me about that topic.

"I think the Iraqis need to take over," says Raymond.

"Oh, when we went he was all for it," Linda says to me, referring to the initial invasion of Iraq.

"Not Iraq. That was Afghanistan," Raymond maintains.

Still, as they look ahead, Raymond seems more certain of his presidential pick. He could vote for either Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. Barack Obama. But I press him. You have to vote in a primary. You have to choose. Which one?

When pressured, Raymond picks Obama. "If I had to pick, I'd say Barack. He's a great communicator, and he understands the plight of the middle class," he says.

Linda admits she's really torn and discouraged about the Republican field. "I don't see many I really like. I think I'd vote for (Rudy) Giuliani today, but I'm not sure," Linda says.

She knows she wants a "strong leader who can make a decision," but also has strong moral values.

But which of the G.O.P. candidates is the perfect package?

Linda, a Republican loyalist, is wary and unsure.