What phrase describes what you
take into consideration Robert F. Kennedy Jr.? What phrase describes
what you consider
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
Patrick, 45, Ariz., ind., white
Bruce, 32, Mass., Rep., Black
Audra, 45, Wis., Dem., white
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didn’t make the lower for Thursday’s presidential debate, however he’s nonetheless an element within the race, tapping into the skeptical, anti-establishment temper of many American voters. For our newest Instances Opinion focus group, we wished to discover the character of Mr. Kennedy’s enchantment to unbiased, Democratic and Republican voters who mirror a share of the voters — sad with the Biden-Trump rematch, uninterested in politics, loosely knowledgeable about coverage. Their curiosity about him make clear what’s and isn’t clicking in politics.
The 12 individuals within the focus group noticed the 2 main political events as largely the identical: combating on behalf of the elites, out for themselves, not taking robust stances or being efficient. (Abortion often is the largest differentiator.) Many didn’t see both get together as reflecting their views. Most noticed President Biden as too previous and Donald Trump as untrustworthy; after we requested what sort of automobile every could be, Mr. Biden was described as a Mannequin T or an previous Buick, and Mr. Trump was a automobile that had elements lacking or was fancy wanting however rusted out.
The voters intrigued by Mr. Kennedy appeared extra prone to mirror Trumpist views — offended about institution politics, immigration, authorities mandates and vaccination insurance policies. A few folks have been against Mr. Biden over the conflict in Gaza, calling it a genocide and him a assassin.
A few of Mr. Kennedy’s extra controversial views — on vaccines and antidepressants — appeared to assist him with these voters, as did the opposition to his candidacy by a number of of his family members. His expertise with dependancy additionally gave him some relatability. A lot of the individuals didn’t suppose he would win in November, however they have been hungry for an outspoken outsider who wasn’t Mr. Trump.
“You possibly can disagree with Kennedy. I disagree with him on fairly a number of issues. However he’s not hiding what his views are, the way in which that I really feel Joe Biden is and Donald Trump is,” stated Robert, a 29-year-old unbiased from Colorado. “They’re saying issues to get elected. Robert F. Kennedy is saying issues as a result of he believes them.”
Individuals
Audra 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Bruce 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Erica 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
Fatima 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
Henry 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
Jackson 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Jessica 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
Marc 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
Melanie 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
Melvin 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
Patrick 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Robert 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Transcript
Moderator, Margie Omero
Fill within the clean. After I take into consideration how issues are going within the nation proper now, I’m most anxious about: clean.
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
Lack of retaliation.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Cash in politics.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
Freedom.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
The financial system.
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
Financial system.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Our planet dying.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
The long run.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
The long run.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Unlawful immigration.
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
The financial system.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
The financial system, together with inflation, unlawful immigration and medicines.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
No good decisions in selecting presidents this yr.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Fatima and Jackson, you stated “the long run.”
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
I feel the long run encompasses all of the specifics that individuals talked about, from medicine to the financial system.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
The 2 presidential choices additionally don’t appear that implausible. The nation isn’t actually going to again both. In order that’s actually worrisome for the following 5 years.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you imply by the nation isn’t “going to again both” of them?
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
There’s going to be an offended half towards both, whoever is chosen. They’re going to be actually loud and make it appear to be we’re simply not going to have a cheerful nation.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Melvin, inform me what you imply by “lack of retaliation.”
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
No one’s standing up for themselves. Everybody’s simply going alongside to get alongside. Your common American doesn’t care to have a say so.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Are you able to give me an instance?
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
One thing so simple as taxes being raised on you. All people simply says, “I’ll simply pay it.”
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you consider our present system of electing political leaders? When you suppose it ought to change, how?
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Politicians spend the vast majority of their time elevating cash for his or her subsequent election, calling huge donors after which having to serve these huge donors’ pursuits. It occurs no matter get together. We have to get the affect of that cash out if we actually wish to see change for on a regular basis People.
Moderator, Margie Omero
How would you alter it?
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Publicly funded elections so each politician has the identical quantity that they’ll spend that’s allotted.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I’m not a fan of the two-party system. There are lots of those who don’t essentially fall precisely inside both get together however are pressured to decide on one over the opposite. I really feel like that doesn’t put the best folks in energy; it simply places an individual in energy.
Moderator, Margie Omero
So what would you alter?
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I might make it in order that different candidates are viable candidates and have a real likelihood at operating for workplace, versus it simply being one other title on the poll.
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
I’m extra involved about election safety at this level. Mail-in voting actually troubled me. I believed there was loads of shenanigans that happened in 2020. Do I want there have been extra candidates? I imply, we’ve got some third-party candidates that really are getting loads of consideration. However sadly, they don’t have the funding to essentially make a severe run on this election.
Moderator, Margie Omero
How effectively do the 2 events provide help to make sense of politics as we speak?
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
At this level, we’re below the belief that this sure get together stands for this and in order that particular person is robotically going to do what that get together says.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
I’ve come to not belief them very a lot in any respect. I feel there’s a lot animosity and that the way in which they current themselves is extra like criticism of the opposite get together. I attempt to make up my very own thoughts. I don’t hearken to it.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What sort of data are you considering of once you’re like, “I don’t wish to hear”?
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Nicely, for instance, what’s happening with the border — you actually gained’t get it from the mainstream media. You bought a greater likelihood with BBC America.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Except for the fringes, I form of really feel like they’re the identical. They’re self-serving. They’re not standing up for what they imagine in. It’s “How can I get re-elected?”
Fatima,
32, N.J., Dem., Asian
Henry,
61, Calif., ind., white
Marc,
55, Unwell., ind., white
Melvin,
30, Pa., ind., Black
Patrick,
45, Ariz., ind., white
Robert,
29, Colo., ind., white
Audra,
45, Wis., Dem., white
Bruce,
32, Mass., Rep., Black
Erica,
53, Mo., ind., Black
Jackson,
23, Ala., Rep., white
Jessica,
19, N.J., Dem., white
Melanie,
46, Ky., Dem., Latina
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
I feel in terms of overseas affairs, they assist the identical factor. They each wish to give cash in overseas support. However domestically, they’re extra prone to be totally different.
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
I don’t suppose both get together has America’s finest pursuits at coronary heart. All of them have their very own agendas.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Nicely, in terms of cash, the Republicans often are extra for the well-off and higher class. And Democrats lean towards a number of the applications for the much less advantaged folks. However they nonetheless don’t actually push something actually nice by way of. All the coed mortgage stuff, it by no means actually occurred. All the identical folks keep in energy, I imply, apart from the president. You haven’t any new opinions, no new concepts, no new generations with totally different concepts.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
Nicely, one is towards abortion. One is for conflict, one is towards conflict. One is for a border, one just isn’t for a border. One desires to let some immigrants in, one doesn’t wish to let immigrants in. They should make their minds up.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Who’s “they”?
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
The presidents. They should maintain it easy, what they imagine in, what they don’t imagine in. Don’t throw grime towards one another. Simply say what you imagine in and simply don’t fear about no person else, like they used to again once I was 17, once I first began voting. Now? I simply really feel so sorry to vote in November now. I’m crying simply fascinated with it.
Is there a celebration that represents your views effectively? Is there a celebration that represents your views effectively? 1 particular person raised their hand.
Audra, 45, Wis., Dem., white
Bruce, 32, Mass., Rep., Black
Erica, 53, Mo., ind., Black
Fatima, 32, N.J., Dem., Asian
Henry, 61, Calif., ind., white
Jackson, 23, Ala., Rep., white
Jessica, 19, N.J., Dem., white
Marc, 55, Unwell., ind., white
Melanie, 46, Ky., Dem., Latina
Melvin, 30, Pa., ind., Black
Patrick, 45, Ariz., ind., white
Robert, 29, Colo., ind., white
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
I might say the Republican Celebration shares most of my views on abortion, overseas affairs, the financial system. I want that they have been extra accepting of the L.G.B.T.Q. neighborhood and transgender folks.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
For a very long time, I believed the Democratic Celebration in all probability aligned with extra of my views. However up to now yr, with the genocide in Gaza and the way a lot cash we’re spending to fund killing harmless folks internationally, I don’t suppose it issues who wins within the upcoming election. I feel each events are for killing harmless civilians for our personal acquire.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Was there ever a time in your life once you felt one of many events was nearer to the place your views are typically?
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Yeah, I might say in Obama’s first election, I believed the Democratic Celebration aligned very well with my views. However I’ve slowly come to search out that there’s nearly no distinction on overseas points. Each events are events of steady conflict that People pay for. Obama elevated the quantity of wars that have been occurring overseas as effectively. That was actually disappointing.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
With Obama’s first time period, apart from wars, was there something that he or the Democratic Celebration was doing or saying that synched effectively together with your views?
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Well being care. Obamacare was a big push to overtake well being care in the USA. Now there’s no dialog about the truth that we’ve got a continual illness epidemic. Now we have severely overweight youngsters. We simply had a pandemic the place we have been all locked indoors. Since Obamacare, there’s been no discuss “How will we make our nation more healthy? How will we get higher entry to well being care?” And I used to suppose that that was the Democratic challenge. We had a Democratically managed Congress and president. There was no dialog about well being care.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
On many ethical and social points, I are likely to lean extra Democratic. However over time, my religion in each events has form of decreased. As a younger girl, I do fear in terms of my reproductive rights. And that is likely one of the points that I align extra on with the Democratic Celebration. However on different points, largely financial points, I are usually considerably within the center.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What modified by way of financial points or the financial system that pushed you extra towards the center?
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
The plain one is inflation. I feel that if you find yourself having applications that value some huge cash for the federal government to assist, issues robotically begin to value a bit of bit extra for the common particular person.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Now we’re going to speak about totally different candidates operating for president. The primary is Joe Biden. What one phrase would you utilize to explain Joe Biden?
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Puppet.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
Assassin.
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
Corrupt.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Incompetent.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
I used to be truly going to say “puppet” as effectively.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
Dementia.
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
Unfit.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Incompetent.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Puppet.
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
Joke.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
Outdated.
Moderator, Margie Omero
The oldsters who stated “puppet,” who’s he a puppet of? Who’s pulling the strings?
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Democrats behind the scenes. I simply doubt that something that he’s saying is his personal ideas.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
Lots of what he stated, all people else is telling him what to say. He doesn’t have a really robust persona.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Marc, you stated “corrupt.”
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
His son’s acquired a extreme drug dependancy. He was working for a Ukrainian energy firm. Why would an organization wish to have any individual on their board who is aware of nothing about vitality on their board? And the reply may be very apparent. It’s to have entry to who they thought may be in energy on this nation and to get affect.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Melvin, you stated “joke.”
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
Nicely, he’s not even awake half the time. He can’t even learn off his teleprompter. Are we severe?
Moderator, Margie Omero
If Joe Biden have been a automobile, what sort of automobile would he be?
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
A Yugo.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Rusted-out Buick. With flat tires.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I form of agree with the rusted-out Buick, to be trustworthy with you.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Outdated folks love Buicks.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
A kind of Mannequin T Fords.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Why did you choose that one?
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
As a result of there’s simply one thing about being 80-something years previous. I’m positive folks can drive a Mannequin T down the street, however that doesn’t imply it’s probably the most environment friendly automobile for the job or for the streets that we’ve got proper now.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
A Ford Mustang. I as soon as owned a Mustang, and it gave me nothing however bother.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
I’d say a broken-down Jeep. Jeeps are supposed to have the ability to do so much, however they’re super-unreliable. They break down. They form of make loads of guarantees, and so they don’t final.
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
Desirous about the Edsel? It’s alleged to be the worst automobile ever created.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Do you are feeling that method about Joe Biden? Do you are feeling that method in contrast with different presidents?
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
He’s within the workforce photograph. He is likely to be the worst — positively the worst in my lifetime.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Outdated rusty station wagon.
Would you be extra prone to think about voting for a Democrat operating for president if Joe Biden weren’t the nominee? Would you be extra prone to think about voting for a Democrat operating for president if Joe Biden weren’t the nominee? 6 folks raised their palms.
Audra, 45, Wis., Dem., white
Bruce, 32, Mass., Rep., Black
Erica, 53, Mo., ind., Black
Fatima, 32, N.J., Dem., Asian
Henry, 61, Calif., ind., white
Jackson, 23, Ala., Rep., white
Jessica, 19, N.J., Dem., white
Marc, 55, Unwell., ind., white
Melanie, 46, Ky., Dem., Latina
Melvin, 30, Pa., ind., Black
Patrick, 45, Ariz., ind., white
Robert, 29, Colo., ind., white
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Nicely, I feel there are different good Democratic candidates on the market. However the machine is choosing who they need.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Whenever you say there are different good Democrats, who’re you considering of?
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
A lot of the Democrats I like went unbiased. Tulsi Gabbard. Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona is somebody who broke along with her get together. Joe Manchin. I imply, these folks at the very least have a spine. I might think about them over Biden.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I might be extra prone to vote for a Democratic candidate that was not 80-plus years previous.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
I feel a youthful candidate could be factor, too.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What’s one phrase you’ll use to explain Donald Trump?
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
A-hole.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
Evil.
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
Charismatic.
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
Agenda.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Incompetent.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Charismatic however extra on the bombastic facet.
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
I used to be going to say “bombastic.”
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Undisciplined.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
Boastful.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Assured.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
Senile. He’s loopy. “Seize the ladies by their vaginas” or one thing? I don’t understand how somebody like that’s charismatic, by any means.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Jackson, what do you imply by “assured”?
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
He’s assured about not simply being a Republican. He form of is his personal factor.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
He’s loud. He’s brash. However he’s actually the one one who’s caught up for himself towards each events. Trump is a fighter, and he hits again.
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, mission coordinator
He can say loads of issues and not likely truly say something, however you’ll come away liking it. You recognize what I’m saying?
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
He’s a con artist. I didn’t suppose something he stated even made sense half the time. He was simply the alternative of what America needs to be.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
If Donald Trump have been a automobile, what sort of automobile would he be?
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
You recognize automobiles that you just see in a junkyard that don’t have tires on them, and it’s simply rusted out, and it’s been put within the crusher? That’s it.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
A automobile that appears very nice on the skin however the inside is all rusted out or it’s lacking an engine.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
I might say a brightly coloured limousine.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
I feel the automobile within the junkyard that’s acquired a complete lot of items lacking, with possibly not all of the wheels anymore and a busted-out windshield. And within the shade orange.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
You do not forget that Stephen King film “Christine”? A ’58 Plymouth.
Would you be extra prone to think about voting for a Republican operating for president if Donald Trump weren’t the nominee? Would you be extra prone to think about voting for a Republican operating for president if Donald Trump weren’t the nominee? 7 folks raised their palms.
Audra, 45, Wis., Dem., white
Bruce, 32, Mass., Rep., Black
Erica, 53, Mo., ind., Black
Fatima, 32, N.J., Dem., Asian
Henry, 61, Calif., ind., white
Jackson, 23, Ala., Rep., white
Jessica, 19, N.J., Dem., white
Marc, 55, Unwell., ind., white
Melanie, 46, Ky., Dem., Latina
Melvin, 30, Pa., ind., Black
Patrick, 45, Ariz., ind., white
Robert, 29, Colo., ind., white
Moderator, Margie Omero
What’s one phrase to explain what you consider once you consider Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
Really unbiased.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Principled.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
Trump-like.
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
Anti-establishment.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Outcast.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I’m unsure.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Positively totally different from all people else.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
Unsure.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Similar.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Robert, you stated “principled.”
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
You possibly can disagree with Kennedy. I disagree with him on fairly a number of issues. However he’s not hiding what his views are, the way in which that I really feel Joe Biden is and Donald Trump is. They’re saying issues to get elected. Robert F. Kennedy is saying issues as a result of he believes them.
Moderator, Margie Omero
From of us who stated they’re unsure, I wish to hear a bit of bit extra.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
I refuse to vote for Biden or Trump. So I’m going to present it to a 3rd get together. It doesn’t actually matter who they’re, sadly.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
I like what he has to say about vaccines and well being care and all the things, however I simply don’t know. I simply don’t find out about each single one in every of his insurance policies and wish to see him, particularly, debate Trump and Biden.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
There’s loads of hype surrounding him. In order that form of robotically intrigued me. However I haven’t actually had the possibility to totally type an opinion but.
Moderator, Margie Omero
If R.F.Okay. Jr. have been a automobile, what sort of automobile would he be?
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Prius.
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
A Honda Civic.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
Sort of like a Ford Focus. I imply, they’re going to get you from right here to there, however I’m not seeing any sports-car-type qualities but. However I’m additionally not seeing the junkyard.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
A Tesla in 20-below-degree climate, when the automobiles didn’t work. He jogged my memory of Trump. I used to be in his nook till I came upon about his beliefs. His circle of relatives doesn’t even assist him.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
I used to be simply going to say I feel he’s like a self-driving automobile. They make me uncomfortable. However he’s in all probability not as unsafe as you suppose.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Marc, what questions do you might have about R.F.Okay. Jr.?
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
If it have been only a binary selection between him or Biden, I might simply go R.F.Okay. Jr. I don’t know if I absolutely embrace all his insurance policies, however I respect the man in that he doesn’t suppose with the hive thoughts, particularly when it got here to Covid and the vaccines, in addition to the weaponization of presidency and the deep state.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
I had the priority of him being a Kennedy and rising up on this superwealthy way of life. I believed that he wouldn’t be a defender of the Everyman. However then I realized a bit of bit about his life, his wrestle with dependancy, the truth that he misplaced his father tragically. And I truly started to narrate to him much more than I believed I might, not being a millionaire myself.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you see as what R.F.Okay. stands for? Who do you see him combating for?
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I haven’t achieved a horrible quantity of analysis. However I might say I’ve extra confidence that he would combat for the common citizen, versus all the time doing what’s in one of the best curiosity of a celebration.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
I feel he would combat towards Massive Pharma and Medical, being somebody who opposed the vaccines. Even together with his voice thing, I feel he’s in search of out pure treatments. And that’s one thing that I can get on board with.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Just a few folks have talked about R.F.Okay. Jr.’s place on vaccines. Is that one thing that individuals like? Does anyone say, “I’m unsure what individuals are referring to”?
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
I wouldn’t say he’s anti-vax. I feel he’s pro-choice in terms of vaccines. I feel Republicans and Democrats are “You shall get this Covid vaccine.” We don’t know what it does. And , you look again on it and say, “Nicely, hell, lots of people acquired the vax, and so they nonetheless acquired Covid.”
Moderator, Margie Omero
I’ve a quote right here from him the place it says there may be “no vaccine that’s protected and efficient.”
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
I imagine that 100%. My spouse and I have been wanting into it.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
I’m pro-vax. I feel it’s one thing that we’d like. And clearly, as soon as we’ve gotten the vaccine, the Covid charge has gone down. And even when folks have gotten sick, they’ve gotten much less sick. I simply don’t agree with individuals who don’t conform to get vaccines.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Let me learn you the way R.F.Okay. Jr. describes himself. “Impartial of the damaged two-party system and the company corruption of our authorities, R.F.Okay. Jr. will pursue new insurance policies in one of the best pursuits of the American folks. He believes individuals who work onerous ought to be capable to afford life.” What do folks consider that?
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
I feel he’s right-on, and I do agree with him. And I really feel that the opposite candidates must also study from him. They’ve their very own agendas.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
After this group, I feel I’ve made up my thoughts who I’m going to vote for. As a result of I feel voting for any individual is best than voting for no person in any respect.
Moderator, Margie Omero
So what did you hear that made you are feeling you’re going to vary your thoughts?
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
With the addictions and his father passing away, he simply had loads of issues that loads of presidents don’t undergo. They’re fairly silver-spooned and privileged. And even with these privileges, he’s skilled loads of tragedies. He’s for the surroundings and all various things. He’s simply very open. You recognize what I imply? Simply appears totally different. And possibly it’s just like the Manchurian candidate, however possibly it’s not, and it couldn’t be any worse than Trump, I don’t suppose. I might hope.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
I nonetheless don’t know who I’m going to vote for. I used to be for Kennedy till I came upon about a few of his beliefs I didn’t take care of.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Most of R.F.Okay. Jr.’s household has endorsed Joe Biden, like Erica stated earlier. What do folks consider that?
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Nicely, I feel it is smart. It looks like they’re benefiting from the damaged system. So why would they eliminate it?
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Precisely.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
It feels like Trump. He’s not swayed, even when individuals are near him and imagine this different factor.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I feel it nearly offers me a bit of bit extra religion in him and his means to doubtlessly run a rustic.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Why is that?
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
Having the ability to get up for what you personally imagine in and what you suppose is finest for the nation and what you suppose is correct, even when the folks round you and the people who find themselves alleged to assist you don’t agree with that, I feel is a crucial high quality to have in a candidate.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Does the truth that most of R.F.Okay. Jr.’s household has endorsed Joe Biden make you kind of supportive of R.F.Okay. Jr.?
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
It doesn’t imply something to me. As a result of I really feel like they’re in all probability doing it for their very own political acquire.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I wish to run shortly by way of a number of different issues that R.F.Okay. Jr. has stated, simply to see in the event that they make any form of robust influence on you or not. He stated the occasions on the Capitol on Jan. 6 didn’t meet the definition of an insurrection. And I’m curious if that makes you any kind of prone to form of lean his method.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
He sounds loopy.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
I agree along with her.
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
I agree with R.F.Okay. Jr.’s evaluation that it doesn’t qualify as an revolt. You might not like Trump or his followers, however to me, an revolt means you might have an actual shot of taking up a rustic with highly effective backing and military weaponry. You possibly can name it trespassing. You possibly can name it loads of issues, however that’s not an revolt.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
They didn’t have weapons with them after they entered?
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
Most of them have been unarmed, so far as I do know. And there have been Capitol Police that have been principally waving them in, and so they have been warned, like, the day earlier than, that there was going to be exercise in Washington.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I wish to go to a different remark, about college shootings. R.F.Okay. Jr. has suggested that antidepressants have led to a rise in class shootings.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
He appears to suppose that America is simply typically overmedicated, so he opposes any kind of pointless medicine.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I don’t essentially know if he’s certified to make statements like that, and I feel it does increase some questions that his views and opinions might not solely be backed by analysis or backed by people who find themselves consultants in these areas.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
It appears a bit of sus. I don’t see the correlation between what causes an individual or a toddler to discover a gun and enter a faculty constructing come along with using an antidepressant.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Can I ask the oldsters who stated the financial system and inflation mattered an important deal to them earlier within the dialogue — do any of you see R.F.Okay. Jr. having any concepts associated to the financial system or inflation that enchantment to you or don’t?
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
I haven’t heard something, truly.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Yeah, me both.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
To me, the financial system is booming. So I’m attempting to determine what they’re speaking about. There’s too many roles out right here. Lots of people don’t wish to work.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Do you suppose R.F.Okay. Jr. might win the presidential election in November?
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
I feel something’s doable. Trump gained.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Many individuals would name R.F.Okay. Jr. a spoiler. Most individuals don’t suppose he’ll win, however it could imply that Trump or Biden would win. How would that make you are feeling?
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
I imply, if I voted for him wholeheartedly, then regardless of the end result is, we’ve got to work with it. What selection do we’ve got, ?
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
To me, we ain’t actually acquired a selection. We solely acquired three folks, and we simply acquired to vote for one in every of them. The result just isn’t going to be fairly.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Audra, you’re from a battleground state. So inform me, do you consider who may win your state and the way that impacts the way you’re going to vote on this race?
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
One of many issues is I by no means understood what the electoral votes are. Generally it does really feel like, why vote? Actually, it’s as much as individuals who aren’t us. They’re not us folks with the low incomes and the medium incomes. And we’d like funding and providers and faculties.
Moderator, Margie Omero
OK. Patrick, you reside in a battleground state. Inform me, how a lot are you going to be considering, “OK, I must determine how I’m going to vote primarily based on who may win my state”?
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
I principally vote on what’s going to profit my household and my neighbors probably the most. As a result of that’s who I look out for in the beginning. If a vote for Kennedy modifications the end result unfavorably, that’s one thing I’m positively taking a look at.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Nicely, I dwell in Alabama. So it’s not a battleground. But when it have been, then I wouldn’t vote for R.F.Okay., as a result of I’m too involved a couple of sure candidate profitable.
Moderator, Margie Omero
When you might ask R.F.Okay. Jr. any query and he needed to reply it actually — he had taken fact serum — what would you ask him?
Henry, 61, California, unbiased, white, enterprise proprietor
Nicely, what number of occasions have you ever achieved medicine? It exhibits the character of the particular person.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I might ask: If he needed to throw his weight behind one of many different two candidates, which one would he wholeheartedly throw his weight behind?
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
I’d ask what his plan is for the Israel-Palestine battle. I feel I’d be actually concerned with that supernuanced downside, however I might love to listen to his tackle it as a result of we’re getting the identical factor from the opposite two candidates.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you suppose his reply could be?
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
I feel that he was for a two-state resolution. I nonetheless suppose that he’s not as pro-Palestinian as I’d want he could be.
Audra,
45, Wis., Dem., white
Jackson,
23, Ala., Rep., white
Melvin,
30, Pa., ind., Black
Bruce,
32, Mass., Rep., Black
Erica,
53, Mo., ind., Black
Fatima,
32, N.J., Dem., Asian
Henry,
61, Calif., ind., white
Jessica,
19, N.J., Dem., white
Marc,
55, Unwell., ind., white
Melanie,
46, Ky., Dem., Latina
Patrick,
45, Ariz., ind., white
Robert,
29, Colo., ind., white
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Is there something that Biden or Trump or R.F.Okay. Jr. might say or do that may completely solidify you voting for any of them?
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
I feel if Trump have been to make himself extra human and apologize for lots of the issues that he’s induced —
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
Oh, he won’t ever try this.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, unbiased, white, manufacturing engineer
I do know. Then I might vote for him. And I simply agree that that may by no means occur, which is an issue. But when he did, then I might.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
I would, too, if he did. However we all know that’s by no means going to occur.
Robert, 29, Colorado, unbiased, white, program coordinator
Biden has the facility to place in coverage. If he began eradicating company seize, he began eliminating lobbyists, if he ended the funding of overseas wars, the genocide in Gaza, it’d be fairly straightforward to get my vote.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Marc, how about you?
Marc, 55, Illinois, unbiased, white, unbiased contractor
I’d wish to know the place R.F.Okay. Jr. stands on the financial system and the infinite printing of cash and the $34 trillion that we’re in debt proper now and what he would wish to see achieved otherwise. And I might additionally wish to know the place he stood on border safety.
Erica, 53, Missouri, unbiased, Black, van driver
I really feel if Trump’s mouth is transferring, he’s mendacity. I simply don’t belief him so far as I can throw him.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
I can’t imagine they even let him be a candidate. It’s loopy. He needs to be in jail.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
I might similar to to listen to them converse with the identical ardour about unlawful immigration and cash in politics as they do about giving cash to Ukraine or Israel. Being a nativist isn’t a foul factor.