What’s driving your vote for president on this election? What’s driving your vote for president on this election?
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian
Abigail, 23, Va., white
Since August, we’ve been speaking weekly with a gaggle of younger voters who’re torn amongst Donald Trump, Kamala Harris and a write-in alternative, to trace their altering opinions. Most of them voted for Joe Biden in 2020 or have been too younger to vote. What has change into clear in our conversations is that they’re disenchanted with the Biden administration and so they need change, a robust chief, a greater economic system, safe borders and a strong America on the earth. And in final week’s debate, most of them liked JD Vance — till the ultimate query.
These undecided voters are actually, actually troubled by Trump’s refusal to confess he misplaced the 2020 election (and Vance’s refusal to say that within the debate). Lots of them have been horrified by the occasions of Jan. 6, 2021, and they’re nervous concerning the destiny of American democracy in Trump’s arms. What Trump would do to American democracy is the most important single stumbling block in voting for him for the biggest share of our group.
Can Trump overcome this? Perhaps with a few of them; they’ve pressing considerations concerning the economic system and immigration and like Trump on these fronts. However Tim Walz’s query to Vance on the debate — did Trump lose the 2020 election? — and Vance’s nonanswer crystallized an enormous purpose some undecided average and even conservative voters would by no means go for Trump or didn’t really feel they may belief him ever once more to deal responsibly with election outcomes or the democratic course of.
“I don’t belief Kamala with our nationwide safety or with our economic system. However I don’t know if I belief Trump to be a standard particular person for the following three months,” mentioned Lillian, a 27-year-old Virginian who voted for Trump in 2020 however is now undecided.
These voters recommend that Trump ought to be extra nervous than Harris proper now. They’re just like these 158,000 Republican major voters in Pennsylvania who supported Nikki Haley over Trump in April — one month after she dropped out of the presidential race. There are voters who mentioned “by no means once more” about Trump after Jan. 6. Simply what number of of them there are, and the place, may form the result of the election.
Members
Abigail 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Angelo 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Ayshah 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Chris 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
George 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Jack 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
Jasper 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
Joseph 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
Laura 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Lillian 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
Mark 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
McLane 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
Pierce 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
Transcript
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Give me one phrase to explain final week’s debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Refreshing.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
Satisfying.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Necessary.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Wanted.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Throwback.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Dignified.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Abigail, inform me a little bit bit about “dignified.”
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
I used to be proud to be an American after I was watching that debate.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
It was good to speak about coverage fairly than insults.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
There are occasions when the candidates complimented each other or agreed on sure insurance policies and even talked about the potential for bipartisanship. It was what America wanted. We wanted to be proven that we don’t simply have idiots in energy.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Did the controversy affect or change your thoughts concerning the presidential race?
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Properly, I don’t suppose I can vote for Donald Trump. Though JD Vance was so spectacular, there was that second when Tim Walz requested Vance: Did Trump lose the 2020 election? That was the one query I stored observe of. JD Vance didn’t truly reply instantly. This concern isn’t going away. And that was one large disadvantage. This is the reason I’m nonetheless undecided.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Chris, you’re nodding alongside to Abigail.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
Yeah, JD Vance got here off as very good. He had the clear benefit on the bread-and-butter points. However it was like a boxing match the place one boxer outboxed the opposite for eight rounds — after which within the ninth spherical, he bought knocked out in an upset due to the Jan. 6 query. I assumed it was a terrific alternative for Vance to attempt to at the least mend that concern with voters like me. And sadly, he didn’t. I used to be actually disenchanted with that.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
Walz danced across the Tiananmen Sq. concern and refused to confess he was improper. It was refreshing to listen to a Republican politician focus on a few of their not-so-great points, akin to abortion, gun violence, and discover a completely happy medium. However as Chris mentioned, it was disappointing to listen to the Jan. 6 reply.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
In our final focus group, I mentioned that Vance’s efficiency as vice-presidential candidate was disgusting and disappointing — his rhetoric round households and ladies, particularly the childless cat girl remark. Though I’m not a childless cat girl, I’ve many in my life, and so they have been dehumanized by that. And within the debate, I’m very completely happy that he proved me improper. His feedback round household, parental go away, baby care and the pro-life concern have been actually commonsense options.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Vance is disingenuous. However he is an effective communicator. If Trump desires to win, he ought to go in a basement and let Vance win the votes.
Abigail,
23, Va., white
Ayshah,
21, Iowa, South Asian
Jasper,
25, Calif., biracial
Joseph,
24, S.C., white
Laura,
20, Md., white
Lillian,
27, Va., white
McLane,
25, D.C., white
Pierce,
26, N.C., white
Angelo,
19, N.Y., Latino
Chris,
24, Fla., white
George,
21, Ga., white
Jack,
22, N.Y., white
Mark,
24, Calif., Black
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
It made me extra prone to vote for Trump as a result of Vance as vp would come clean with his faults. He’s not like the typical politician.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
I used to be leaning in direction of a write-in. Now, after seeing JD Vance converse and the way eloquent he was, I’m extra inclined to vote for him.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
Realizing that Trump is previous and Vance would have the ability to take over, I’d be barely extra prone to vote for Trump. Walz is much less succesful than Harris.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
I really feel very comfy voting for JD Vance, understanding he’ll hold Donald Trump at bay.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
After I fill out a poll in November, I’d be voting for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. Donald Trump has made his stances and actions very well-known. Mike Pence tried his greatest to cease Donald Trump from doing issues that folks would contemplate loopy, however finally, Trump goes to do what Trump desires to do as a result of he’s Trump. JD Vance is on the document saying he wouldn’t have licensed the 2020 election and would have despatched it again to the states. I believe he could be a yes-man to Trump.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
I’m spiritual. Vance is spiritual. I simply essentially imagine that Vance would have the ability to make good choices for the nation. That’s why it made me extra prone to vote for Trump. I assumed, “Let me at the least vote for one good particular person on this ticket.”
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
I’m with Chris. If it have been actually every other Republican politician, perhaps they might be contained. However I simply discover it actually arduous to imagine that Trump goes to cede to JD Vance.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What’s a phrase or phrase that describes the way you’re feeling about Kamala Harris?
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Simply OK.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
Uh-oh, honeymoon’s over.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
Mid.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
The paint is sporting off.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
Disingenuous.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Unclear.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Phony.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
Scared to speak on to the American folks.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
Uninspired.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
Absent.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Flip-flopper.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Simply hanging round.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Propped up.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Angelo, speak to me about “simply OK.”
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
I guess if Trump wasn’t the Republican nominee, she could be dropping within the polling in comparison with somebody like Nikki Haley or Glenn Youngkin. There’s one thing about her that simply doesn’t appear to be she’s being trustworthy. She simply turns me off. She’s simply OK, particularly with somebody she’s going in opposition to like Trump.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Laura, you mentioned “phony.” And in our final group, you have been a little bit extra constructive about Harris.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Yeah, final time, she impressed me as a result of I had seen nothing, and what I noticed was higher than nothing. I haven’t seen a lot since then. Her advertisements appear actually faux to me. Every little thing she says simply comes off as sort of off.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Chris, you mentioned “absent.”
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
There’s been plenty of urgent points occurring within the nation and on the earth. And I’m very disenchanted in Biden and Harris for probably not exhibiting American management and placing themselves on the market and speaking to the general public concerning the hurricane, the Iranian strikes on Israel, the employee strike. After a very good debate from Harris in opposition to Trump, I believe she simply went again right into a cocoon and hasn’t actually continued to get any momentum.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
One in every of my largest frustrations is that in instances of disaster, this administration has been notably absent. And it’s been on full show over the previous couple of weeks. I believe Kamala Harris has achieved simply two large interviews since she’s been the nominee. That’s ridiculous should you’re operating to be president.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
I used to be extra hopeful about her. After which over the previous few weeks, she hasn’t achieved something throughout these crises.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
So I’m simply going to zero in on a couple of of you who’ve been extra Harris-disposed than Trump-disposed. Has Harris misplaced you, or is it extra on the bubble? Can any of you actually think about voting positively for Trump?
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
I’ve by no means been excited to vote for Harris. I don’t like Trump or Vance. She hasn’t actually achieved interviews in any respect, so I’m not studying something new, so my opinion isn’t altering on her.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Similar. I’m probably not a Trump man. That’s why I’d lean in direction of Harris. And JD Vance turned me off loads when it got here to the Jan. 6 stuff as nicely.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
To me, Harris was beating Trump due to the controversy. I hoped she’d proceed to enhance. She remained the identical.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
I nonetheless in all probability will vote for Harris. It’s not one thing I’m going to do fortunately. Some days, I believe perhaps I’ll write in, after which I see a Donald Trump Reality Social publish. We simply must reject this man.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Give me a phrase or phrase describing how you are feeling about Donald Trump.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
Exhausting.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
Higher than various.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Falling aside.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
Infuriating.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Fuming.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
Go play golf and keep quiet.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
Stewing.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
Extra current.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
A scorching air balloon.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Irritating.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Self-destructive.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
In all probability has PTSD.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
I’m drained.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
George, inform me about “fuming.”
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
He got here off as indignant after the primary debate. He’s carried that on and is simply exhausting himself on Reality Social, versus going out and being within the public eye extra.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Lillian, inform me about “stewing.”
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
I’ve seen little or no of Trump. I do know he did a couple of city halls, however I really feel like he’s simply sort of looming like a darkish, shadowy determine within the background simply ready to blow up.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
I’ve been so unimpressed by Kamala and Walz and simply really feel an increasing number of that they aren’t making sufficient efforts to maneuver their coverage to the center. I’m nonetheless undecided if I’m ready to vote for him, however I do really feel like he’s higher than Kamala at this level.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Has something occurred in the previous couple of weeks that’s modified your view of Trump?
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
Personally, with the hurricane that hit South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, I really feel like he’s been much more current. Why can’t Kamala Harris look the American folks within the eye and inform us why we should always vote for her? How is she going to inform overseas leaders a solution that’s going to place America first when she doesn’t appear curious about placing Individuals first? And I really feel like Donald Trump is extra curious about doing that.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
I bought the other feeling with the hurricane. His first intuition when the hurricane occurred, he began mendacity about Brian Kemp not with the ability to get in contact with Joe Biden. Kemp was saying, no, I’ve talked to the president. A hurricane hit, and Trump was extra curious about how this might profit him politically. This can be a person who’s at the start curious about himself. I simply can’t take him severely.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
When it comes to the Florida gunman incident, I used to be impressed with how Trump was complimentary in direction of the Secret Service. These are qualities that I search for in a president — how they reply in disaster conditions.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
When the Mark Robinson stuff got here out, to listen to that Donald Trump had known as him Martin Luther King Jr. on steroids — I assumed that was actually disappointing. The Republican management proper now can’t separate themselves from a few of this craziness.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What’s the one concern or the one factor that’s going to drive your vote for president on this election?
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
Inflation, crime and immigration.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
The economic system and worldwide affairs.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Abortion and well being care.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Safety.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
Respecting democracy.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
Is there going to be a presidential candidate who exhibits sufficient character and holds politics as much as be what it ought to be to get me to truly vote for both of the candidates?
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
How are you going to deal with issues when issues don’t go your means?
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Potential warfare within the Center East and inflation.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Character.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
Their values and their understanding of what freedom means.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Financial regulation, deregulation and tariffs.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
Inflation and my proper to free speech.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Yeah, American democracy.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
McLane and Abigail, you touched on character.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
I believe each have deep character points. My insurance policies align extra with Trump, however he has such deep character flaws. And I’m involved that character can stream into coverage, which leads me to battle to vote for him. Kamala is a windmill of no matter Democratic coverage is the flavour of the day. And so I believe as a result of she’s unable to maneuver to the middle, it is going to be actually powerful for me to vote for her.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Everyone knows what Trump has lied about. Kamala lied to our faces about Biden’s age points, which I believe is a big deal. I would like to determine which one issues extra, given the truth that I unquestionably agree with Donald Trump’s insurance policies. How am I supposed to determine which lie issues extra, which one is extra of a risk to our democracy?
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Angelo, in August you mentioned “political violence.” Now you mentioned “democracy.” Why is that?
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
I’m simply afraid of a state of affairs the place we now have one other Jan. 6, the place we now have folks attempting to overthrow the election. I really feel if Trump loses once more, it’ll occur once more. I actually need American democracy to not die.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Pierce, you talked about inflation, crime and immigration.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
We may speak about ladies’s well being care all day. We may speak about security. We will speak concerning the economic system. However on the finish of the day, hundreds of immigrants are right here who’ve dedicated crimes in opposition to folks. We’re residing in a fantasy land the place Kamala Harris isn’t chargeable for that open border. It’s nearly treasonous.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Mark, you talked a few wider Center East warfare.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
For me, each candidates have been the identical when it got here to Gaza. Now with Iran attacking Israel and Lebanon being invaded by Israel as nicely — I’d give it a little bit bit extra time and see the place each politicians find yourself standing on that.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
One concern that retains arising has been Jan. 6 and Trump’s refusal to say he misplaced the election and Vance’s remarks in the course of the course of the marketing campaign that he wouldn’t have licensed the 2020 election if he’d been in Mike Pence’s place. Why does Jan. 6 matter to you?
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
It exhibits that Trump is deranged and a psychopath. And significantly with the occasions which have occurred in Springfield, Ohio, his full denial for the reality is big to me. That’s in all probability why I can’t vote for him, even when I agree with a few of his insurance policies.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
It exhibits that he can’t deal with dropping. And that’s scary for a president when it’s essential to concede on sure factors.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
My opinion on Jan. 6 modified after I discovered that Trump requested extra assist on the Capitol.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Jan. 6 was unlucky. However as somebody who’s lived in Atlanta, who has seen riots, it’s no totally different than any a type of. And what occurred on Jan. 20? Joe Biden turned president. So I believe it form of turns into this rallying cry that’s been overplayed in the previous couple of years.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
I’ve real concern over whether or not Democrats would settle for the outcomes if Trump received.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
They’ll proceed the authorized stuff. I do really feel like going after Trump is a partisan and motivated factor. It’s not this goal factor a few crime that individuals are going after him in good religion.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
He simply did an interview the place he says: We’ll see if I settle for the outcomes of the election. We’d have the identical downside once more, all due to one man’s insecurities.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
On a scale of 0 to 10, 0 being horrible, 10 being the very best ever, give us a quantity that represents your present opinion of Kamala Harris
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
4.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
3.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
3.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
3.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
2.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
0, however I want it might be unfavourable.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
2.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
2.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
4.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
4.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
2.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
3.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
4.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Jack, why has your quantity on Harris gone down since we final talked?
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
I believe on the V.P. debate, my impression of each Trump and Harris has simply plummeted. Vance and Walz are two people who find themselves able to being in energy And I evaluate it to the opposite debate, the place it was only a big cluster and no substance in any respect.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Let’s do 0 to 10 with Trump.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
5.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
In all probability 5.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
5.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
6.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
0, however I want it may be unfavourable once more.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
5.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
5.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
0.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
2.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
0.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
5.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
2.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
4.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What’s one thing you all have modified your thoughts about in current weeks?
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
I believe the factor elevating my opinion of Trump is my opinion of Kamala. The Biden-Harris administration couldn’t set up deterrence within the Center East for the final yr, and so now they’re bombing the heck out of Israel.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
We talked about JD Vance, however fairly frankly, Walz stunned me as nicely. I assumed he was eloquent and civil.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
I’m not saying America must be the one superpower on the earth, however I really feel like at factors within the final month, we haven’t even been an influence, given all the things occurring within the Center East.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
I wish to increase a department of presidency that we’ve not been speaking about however is simply as essential because the presidency, and that’s Congress. Give me a sentence to explain Congress.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Terrible.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
Extraordinarily incompetent.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
Dysfunctional.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
Invested in their very own jobs. I don’t suppose that interprets to being invested in America.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Unproductive.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Extra curious about information headlines and re-election than governing for us.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Performers, not legislators.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
Atrophying and never used to exercising its legislative muscle.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Why are you so unfavourable for Congress?
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
It’s simply complete chaos on the Republican aspect. You’ve gotten Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz simply calling the photographs, inflicting such disarray within the Home. After which on the Democrat aspect with Pelosi, I really feel prefer it’s all institution BS. They put a bunch of stuff right into a invoice after which move it inside a pair hours. Issues ought to be handed inside a couple of pages.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Congress received’t move commonsense payments which can be launched by the opposite aspect. That’s miserable.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Yeah, I agree. And I believe the opposite factor that frustrates me is how many individuals in Congress are millionaires. All of us are struggling, and so they enrich themselves.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
You’re watching two grown ladies go at it within the Home about eyelashes and badly constructed our bodies.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Is there any particular laws that irritates you or something that they didn’t do this particularly makes you indignant?
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
I simply hate how they move the buck. The Democrats yell about restoring Roe v. Wade. However they’ve had united management of presidency two or 3 times since Obama was president. They might have codified Roe.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
You simply have a billion totally different riders on payments to fulfill all these weirdos in Congress. It’s simply nuts.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
You suppose Congress is made up of weirdos, George?
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Have you ever seen Matt Gaetz? Have you ever seen the facelift track? Come on.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Once you see votes which can be break up utterly by get together strains: You may’t inform me each single Democrat agrees with this and each single Republican is opposed. And it simply exhibits that they’re extra curious about get together strains.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Abigail, who’s the very best member of Congress?
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Senator Tom Cotton.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Joe Manchin as a result of he truly seems like he desires to characterize his constituents.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Bernie.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
Josh Hawley.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Peter Welch and, hopefully sooner or later, Larry Hogan if he will get elected.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Now give me the worst member of Congress.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
Ilhan Omar.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Matt Gaetz is the worst.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
A.O.C.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
Lauren Boebert.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
Cori Bush.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
I’m going to say Boebert as nicely.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
Matt Gaetz.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
Matt Gaetz.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
Rashida Tlaib.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Give me one phrase or sentence to explain the Supreme Court docket.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
Wonderful.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
Corrupt.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
We’d like an enforceable code of ethics as a result of they’ll’t be held accountable proper now.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Caught between a rock and a tough place.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Respectable.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
They’re doing what they’re meant to do. They’re doing their job.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Biased.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
Upholding the Structure.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
I really feel like there’s one thing improper, however I can’t actually defend that or put a finger on it.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Principled.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
I believe they’re doing a superb job.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
They’re OK, however we will’t pack the court docket, and we will’t change the court docket.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
We actually do want time period limits, however I do agree we should always not pack the court docket.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Does the Supreme Court docket perceive you? Do they characterize you? Do they do their jobs the best way that they’re meant to be achieved?
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
I don’t want the Supreme Court docket to grasp me as a result of I would like them to grasp the Structure and write opinions that perceive the Structure. And so they don’t must care about me.
McLane, 25, D.C., white, authorized area, wrote in Romney in 2020
They don’t seem to be our elected officers. Their job is to interpret the regulation, not make regulation.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
It ought to simply be somebody who can comply with and interpret the Structure because it’s written.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Let’s say the 9 justices are listening to this dialog proper now. What would you say if the Supreme Court docket have been listening to you proper now?
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
I’d say, don’t be a conservative decide. Don’t be a liberal decide. Be a decide that interprets the Structure and every choice independently.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
Solely let the Structure affect your choice, not a political get together or politician.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
I’d say, whereas exterior the time period, go converse to the general public extra. Go to occasions that folks can attend to study extra about what the court docket does. And likewise write your opinions in a means for regular folks and nonlawyers to grasp equally as nicely.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
I’d ask them to uphold what’s occurring in society and to do what’s greatest for freedom fairly than simply the Structure.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
I believe you need to be conscious in case you are a Trump appointee. And I believe that you must clarify in your opinion what it’s not OK for presidents to do.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
I’d inform them to maintain on grinding and that they want a brand new P.R. workforce.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Be careful for what presents you are taking from your mates.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
Once you hear the phrase “capitalism,” what do you suppose?
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
Alternative.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Unimaginable at rising prosperity for everyone.
Mark, 24, Calif., Black, chef, voted Biden in 2020
It’s not the very best system. It’s not the worst system. And I believe we have to be open about debating its positives and its flaws and never be caught in our bubbles.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
A good probability to go from rags to riches.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
It permits people to realize their desires.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
Essentially the most humane financial system the world has ever seen.
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
The epitome of freedom and liberty.
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
The American dream.
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
It might be higher.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
It’s higher than what got here earlier than it, however I nonetheless hope that sometime we will surpass it.
Moderator, Frank Luntz
That’s a really sturdy endorsement from most of you, nevertheless it’s at a time of excessive inflation. It’s at a time of financial insecurity. Why are you so constructive when so many Individuals are so unfavourable?
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Inflation isn’t resulting from capitalism. It’s resulting from our financial coverage, and finally, that’s a failure of the Federal Reserve. I imply, in terms of capitalism, there’s no different system on the earth that’s introduced as a lot wealth and as many desires in folks’s lives.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
I’ve plenty of associates from worldwide nations. And one factor that all of them vocalize is that there aren’t alternatives again dwelling for them. They got here right here to this capitalist society as a result of they see an opportunity to develop and to succeed.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
I don’t suppose there’s many locations on the earth the place the financial system empowers you to change into what you wish to be. It does take plenty of arduous work, and typically the percentages are stacked in opposition to you. However in a capitalist system, you’ll be able to make it occur.
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
I dwell in Miami, and there’s a really large Cuban inhabitants right here. And so they’ll speak to you about what it was like rising up underneath Castro’s Cuba, underneath different nations in South America, Venezuela being an enormous one proper now. I’d fairly be poor, center class and higher class in America than I’d in every other nation.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Switching again to the election, who continues to be undecided? Most of you, besides Pierce, George, Chris, Jack and Jasper, it appears like. Pierce, who’re you going to vote for?
Pierce, 26, N.C., white, gross sales, didn’t vote in 2020
I’m going to go for JD Vance and Donald Trump as a result of I do know that loads has occurred and Vance is subsequent in line.
George, 21, Ga., white, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
Trump, but when there’s a transparent lead within the polls, I’m in all probability going to throw one to Chase Oliver.
Jack, 22, N.Y., white, underwriter, voted Biden in 2020
I’m writing in Mike Bloomberg. I don’t belief Kamala in any respect. After which with Trump, I believe he’s gone off the deep finish with the Springfield stuff. I can’t see him being targeted again within the White Home, so I’m going to go write-in.
Jasper, 25, Calif., biracial, meals service, voted Biden in 2020
I’m in all probability going to vote for Trump.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
And Chris?
Chris, 24, Fla., white, regulation scholar, voted Trump in 2020
I’m considering I’m going to vote for Kamala Harris. I simply can’t recover from what occurred in 2020 and what’s been reaffirmed within the debates and the overall statements made in the course of the marketing campaign. The choice slate of electors schemes is a bridge too far for me.
George,
21, Ga., white
Jasper,
25, Calif., biracial
Joseph,
24, S.C., white
Pierce,
26, N.C., white
Ayshah,
21, Iowa, South Asian
Chris,
24, Fla., white
Abigail,
23, Va., white
Angelo,
19, N.Y., Latino
Jack,
22, N.Y., white
Laura,
20, Md., white
Lillian,
27, Va., white
Mark,
24, Calif., Black
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Angelo, you’ve been leaning Harris a little bit bit. And I do know tonight, you raised some considerations. However why are you within the write-in camp proper now?
Angelo, 19, N.Y., Latino, school employee, didn’t vote in 2020
The extra I look into it, the extra I watch the controversy, the extra I look into her marketing campaign, I can’t belief her. I’m not going to vote for Trump, however I simply — the extra I give it some thought, the extra I simply don’t know if I can vote for Harris as a result of I simply don’t belief her.
Ayshah, 21, Iowa, South Asian, scholar, didn’t vote in 2020
I simply wish to see what she is going to do as a result of I do know she’s going to must run once more later. So I’m hoping she might be an exemplary president for this time period.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Laura, you mentioned “write-in.” Inform me a little bit bit about that.
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Yeah, I really feel like I can’t contribute in good conscience to both the Democratic or the Republican nominee proper now, since I’m not a fan of both of them. Larry Hogan is somebody who I actually admire as a politician. I’d in all probability write him in for our presidential candidate.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Laura, who would you be extra OK with as president in 2025 — Trump or Harris?
Laura, 20, Md., white, authorized intern, didn’t vote in 2020
Our final assembly, I in all probability would have mentioned Harris, however I don’t know if I can say that anymore. Her politics have simply been the identical. They haven’t actually improved. So I can’t determine.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Abigail and Lillian, you’re each within the write-in camp proper now. Why?
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
I don’t belief Kamala with our nationwide safety or with our economic system. However I don’t know if I belief Trump to be a standard particular person for the following three months.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Lillian, in 2025 do you are feeling such as you’d be extra OK with Trump or with Harris as president?
Lillian, 27, Va., white, digital promoting, voted Trump in 2020
I’d be completely happy if Trump was president in 2025 if I knew that he wasn’t going to be a maniac in between Election Day and Inauguration Day.
Joseph, 24, S.C., white, highschool trainer, voted Biden in 2020
That’s the place I’m at, too, Patrick.
Abigail, 23, Va., white, graduate assistant, voted Biden in 2020
Me, too. However the factor is, I don’t wish to inform my youngsters I voted for somebody that really threatened democracy.