Candidates Make Last-Minute Push For N.H. Support; Voters Head To Polls In Nation's First Primary; New Hampshire Secretary of State Predicts Record Turnout; A Chat With Undecided Voters From New Hampshire; Do Undeclared Voters Hold The Cards In The Granite State?
BALDWIN: If you have ever wondered why there are so much hype around the voters of New Hampshire, it may has to do with how unpredictable they can be. Unpredictable, I'm looking at my voters next to me looking at them. I'm nearly half of this Northern electorate is filled with undeclared independent voters. That means, they have the potential to push anyone candidates of victory tonight or to defeat no matter their party preference or what the polls may say. And with the presidential race like this one, every vote count. Here with me, they have driven through the snow to get to me here in Manchester. I am so grateful. I have Bruce McCracken, a resident of -- McCracken, McCracken, forgive me, Bruce McCracken from Wilburn, New Hampshire, who leans Democrat, Sarah Frances Thomas who leans Republican. Thank you so much for coming in. This is what fascinates me. How many candidates have each of you met in person?</s>BRUCE MACCRACKEN, NEW HAMPSHIRE INDEPENDENT VOTER: In person, 10.</s>BALDWIN: 10?</s>MCCRACKEN: I've been to 12 rallies, but 10 ...</s>BALDWIN: 12 rallies, 10 candidates in person. Sarah?</s>SARAH THOMAS, WAS RAND PAUL SUPPORTER, NOW VOTING FOR TRUMP: Well, I attended about five different events but I met three of the candidates in person, which I really appreciated. That's it, ask them questions up close and get to really --they have feel for who they are as people.</s>BALDWIN: Let me stay with you. Who are you voting for?</s>THOMAS: I am voting for Trump.</s>BALDWIN: Tell me why and tell me who you were torn between?</s>THOMAS: Well, originally I started off supporting Rand.</s>BALDWIN: Rand Paul.</s>THOMAS: Yes, Rand Paul. I tend to lean a little libertarian and I really appreciated his Republican sort of perspective on that. I felt that he would do a good job of sort of bringing people together. I ended up with Trump because despite how you feel about his over-the- top personality, you either love him or you hate him, you cannot deny that he is an incredibly smart and successful businessman, and he really comes from outside of that establishment politics zone. And I think that's what our country really needs right now.</s>BALDWIN: OK. Trump for you. Bruce, for you?</s>MCCRACKEN: I voted for Kasich.</s>BALDWIN: Kasich.</s>MCCRACKEN: Although I normally vote Democratic. And I wouldn't ...</s>BALDWIN: This is the incredible part about New Hampshire.</s>MCCRACKEN: Well, I think both Democratic candidates will do very well running the country. I could live with either one. I can't say the same about the Republican candidates. So, I definitely like some more than others.</s>BALDWIN: So hang on. Are you one of those voters who really, you would be voting Democrat but you're voting Kasich to keep a vote from a potentially another Republican?</s>MCCRACKEN: No.</s>BALDWIN: No?</s>MCCRACKEN: Well, I voted for the Republican that I felt would best run the country should the Democrats lose the election. I think Kasich has executive experience. He shows some compassion. He shows ability to work with others. I certainly disagree with some of his policies and issues, but I think other Republican candidates, he is far and away the best one. So, I really voted for Kasich as sort of an insurance policy.</s>BALDWIN: An insurance policy.</s>MACCRACKEN: So, the country would be in good hands if the Democrats lose.</s>BALDWIN: OK. OK, strategery. Why did you go out of your way to go to 12 different rallies? Why is this matter so much to you?</s>MCCRACKEN: When you see the candidates in person, it's very different than seeing in a 60-second sound bite or a Democratic debate where they are being -- questions fired at them and they're all tense. They get a chance to talk and answer questions and take their time. And you see them as real people. There are candidates I would have assumes negative feelings about and came out, well, they're decent people. I might not agree with them and I might not vote for them, but they're decent people.</s>BALDWIN: That's the amazing part about New Hampshire that you all truly meet this people, you shake their hands, they come pounding on your doors, they call you on the phone. Why, though, when we talk so much about independent voters who will decide this primary, why is it such a last minute decision for a lot of people, do you think?</s>THOMAS: Well, because we do have the opportunity to meet with so many of the candidates. I think that we've really try to get out there and attend as many events as we can. We take things very seriously here in New Hampshire. We know our responsibility as being the first primary in the nation and that really sends a strong message across the country. And we want to make sure that we're making the right decision. So, we don't see a few political ads or watch one debate and then say, "Oh, that's my guy or girl." We really think it over and take the time to, you know, think about it and figure out who's going to be the right choice, who we believe will be the right choice for the country.</s>BALDWIN: Have you already voted? Have you done here?</s>THOMAS: I have not. I'm actually heading to vote.</s>BALDWIN: There's still time if you want to convince on live national television. Either way, by the way, I'm just being fair. I mean, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Continue what we were you making ...</s>THOMAS: Oh, no, I was thinking, I'm heading out to vote actually right after this.</s>BALDWIN: OK. OK. At the end of the day, 60 seconds, what is it about New Hampshire that -- reading what the secretary of state has said when other states dare, you know, move their primaries up. He'll move the primary in New Hampshire to make sure you were the first in the nation primary because it matters. Why?</s>MCCRACKEN: Well, that is one thing where a small state and you can actually do the kind of, sort of, retail politics people talk about. So, if you're real responsibilities and honor and a responsibility in New Hampshire, so we do take it seriously, as she said.</s>BALDWIN: Half the population of Iowa, I was reading the stat this morning, yet almost triple the number of people come out today to vote. Bruce and Sarah, thank you so much. I really appreciate it.</s>MCCRACKEN: Thank you.</s>BALDWIN: And we have of course special live coverage of the New Hampshire primary, officially starting minutes from now right here on CNN. Don't go anywhere.