On the Eve of the Election

For Celestine Mohammed, this election has been very good for business.
Mohammed is the owner of the Poquito Hip Hop Shop on Houston Street, which has been selling Barack Obama pins, shirts and posters for over a year now.

Yet, despite his store's abundance of Obama paraphernalia, Mohammed is voting for John McCain.

"I just trust him more to fix the economy," he said. "I feel like McCain would be good for business."

As the marathon race for the White House finally comes to a close, Mohammed was one of the few Nolita store owners who expressed his support for McCain. Many store owners instead expressed their support for Barack Obama in order to turn around the fledgling economy.

"Business has been tough in the last few weeks," said Jane Meyer, manager of the Language clothing boutique. "I don't expect it to get better overnight, but I would be more comfortable with Barack Obama in the White House."

Meyer said that she was hopeful about the impending holiday season shopping, especially with an Obama victory.

"I just think people will be more at ease," she said. "I know that I will be."
A vast majority of patrons at both stores who had already voted were optimistic about Obama's chances.

"I have a good feeling," said New York University student Chris James. "This could be a good night for the country."