Opinion | Harris, Her Vice President Choose and 2024: 14 Voters Talk about

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

The upcoming election.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Division.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

Girls’s well being and reproductive rights.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

Wealth hole.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

Inflation.

Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse

Training.

Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor

Crime.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

Inexpensive well being care.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

Police brutality.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

All the unhealthy in our historical past. I can’t consider any interval spanning longer than two or three years the place issues have been peaceable or good to all.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

I form of agree. My age group will get to take pleasure in the entire fruits of protesting and modifications in legal guidelines. I by no means skilled any of the issues they needed to expertise.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

If you happen to have a look at every part, we’ve gotten higher — our freedoms, the crime price.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

For folks my age, plenty of us really feel our future is fairly bleak. The power to get a job, how a lot we pay to go to highschool, how troublesome it’s to even simply discover a place to stay as a result of we are able to’t work. It’s simply this endless cycle of fixed stress, at all times fearful.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

I feel issues have been easier years in the past. You didn’t have all of the expertise. Folks have to get again to the fundamentals.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

Easy issues, not difficult expertise and stuff. I feel we’re into an excessive amount of of this expertise. And inflation has gotten terrible.

Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse

I’m rising a future proper now in my physique. And I’ve been within the well being care subject, so I see the modifications. I fear about my youngster’s schooling or well being, and all inflation — it places a fear on mothers like me, on households like me. It’s onerous for me to take a look at a future the place my unborn goes to be gifted or could make this stuff with out me pushing and pushing and preventing for her future. I really feel like the most effective is behind us.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

We’re experiencing inflation. We’re experiencing hire hikes. Finally, Kameshia’s going to wish to pay for child formulation. Police brutality — I imply, my God, that’s extraordinarily private.

Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor

I voted for Biden. I’ve at all times appreciated him and Barack Obama. Folks blame every part on the president, however Congress is the one who runs the present. Nonetheless, choices that have been made within the White Home, like all these immigrants coming in and the bills that the states are going via proper now, it bothered me. Proper right here within the Bronx, we’ve so many motels that I used to go to. And now they’re all simply utterly stuffed with immigrants which can be dwelling there. So there’s nowhere for us to go, you already know, at any time when we need to simply get away from all of it.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

I used to be truthfully undecided as as to whether I used to be going to vote this yr. Biden, I did like when he was with Obama. However lots of people inside my age group didn’t really feel so assured in his skill to execute what he mentioned he was going to do. I do commend him for relieving some folks of their pupil loans. He at all times simply appeared so unsure and so not sure when he would converse.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

His lack of ability to articulate has at all times stood out, particularly given his age.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

I used to be nonetheless on the constructive aspect of voting for him.

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

I voted for Biden. It fearful me that he wouldn’t be capable of full a time period, whether or not it’s well being causes or simply psychological causes the place he can’t operate. So I used to be upset that he withdrew.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

I watched the talk. I used to be very upset. Biden simply appeared so frail.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

I want he give up the race earlier so we had extra choices to select from on the Democratic aspect, not only one particular person.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

Stunned.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

Reassured.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

I genuinely thought, “Thank God.”

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

I used to be shocked.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

Hopeful.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

Excited.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

He was brave.

Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor

Elated.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

Aid.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

Later than it ought to have been.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

It’s not nice.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

As a result of I assumed, “Then we’ve a a lot stronger shot now.” I assumed lots of people wouldn’t vote.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

Being at a really liberal, very opinionated school — so many individuals have been saying they weren’t going to vote. No person wished to vote for any of the folks working.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

It’s approach too late for this. Having somebody drop out six months earlier than the election isn’t a superb signal in any respect.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

I felt like Biden had a stronger likelihood towards Trump. After which if he was unable to proceed, then Kamala Harris could be the following particular person in line. We wouldn’t have to fret about her campaigning.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I feel it’s a superb factor he dropped out, as a result of there’s a stronger probability that Democrats will vote. Folks like being change makers. They like the concept, I feel, of being an individual who can say, “I voted for the primary lady president, the primary lady of coloration president.”

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

I feel that individuals will do not forget that he wasn’t composed, that he wasn’t articulate and that he simply wasn’t properly put collectively in comparison with the opposite presidents.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

He helped heal us from the earlier 4 years.

Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse

He’ll be remembered for serving to with pupil loans. However his incompetence may also be remembered.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

I’m certain hoping folks will keep in mind him being a superb president to start with. And he tried to take action many issues with international warming. He’s going to make historical past for stepping down. I feel they’re going to do not forget that. So I’m hoping they keep in mind the nice.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Effectively, I knew that Kamala was going to be put forth because the candidate. There have been different candidates, however I didn’t suppose it will be anyone else. And we’ve one other candidate that’s working, they usually’re not giving him any likelihood in any respect, which is Robert Kennedy. And I feel that’s a bit of unfair.

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

It is sensible that she would get the nomination.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

I truly thought Michelle Obama would possibly run.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

No. I additionally agree with Steve that I feel it was deliberate on. I feel that Biden knew that this was his time period and his alternative to construct his legacy. He took that chance, and he chosen his V.P. understanding the accountability of a V.P., understanding his age, understanding his challenges. And right here we’re.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I actually love Elizabeth Warren. And Pete Buttigieg as properly, though I feel he’s just about set to be the V.P.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

My hand is form of there, however I feel, given the time, I don’t suppose there’s some other alternative.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

Meh.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

Hopeful.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

Enthusiastic.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

I’d say “sturdy.”

Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor

Indian American.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

“Competent,” hopefully.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

“Composed” or “articulate.”

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

Yeah, I’d say “competent” as properly.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

Stern.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

An actual go-getter.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

Articulate.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

Conscious.

Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse

I’d say “stern” as properly.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

Somebody who desires to be on the proper aspect of historical past.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

She simply comes throughout as very critical. And I can inform that she has expertise and has labored within the authorized division. I can undoubtedly inform. I get that vibe and that power from her.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

I feel folks count on ladies to be extra heat. However due to the function that she is interviewing or attempting to go for, it is sensible why she is stern, but in addition simply due to her expertise. So I don’t suppose it’s a foul factor.

Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse

She’s robust. She seems to be robust. After which she’s robust on crimes. You count on ladies to be simply easygoing, mothering, nurturing, all this great things. However no, she’s sturdy and hard and fierce.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

It simply looks like she isn’t going to get into the drama of what has been. She looks like she goes to slender it again to the subject and never get right into a bickering match, if that is sensible.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

I imply, I feel she’s the most effective choose proper now. I’m nonetheless not one hundred pc that I’m going to vote for her over the opposite man. However personally, I’m not a fan in any respect of when she was legal professional basic of California and her historical past of prosecuting petty marijuana crimes and the entire Kevin Cooper case.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

I feel she’s simply extra in contact with social points than two 70-year-old males which have come up slightly wealthily. I feel that she’s simply obtained a greater finger on the heart beat of what’s truly taking place with the overall inhabitants.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Most likely a Volkswagen Beetle. She’s fairly compact in her method. She doesn’t waste phrases. And she or he looks like she might go plenty of miles, I feel.

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

I’d say a Firebird. I feel she’s a go-getter.

Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor

I’m going to say an Escalade. As a result of she could be very glamorous, she’s clever and he or she’s properly spoken. And she or he’s obtained lots going for her.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

I’d say a Honda with a modified muffler.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

She’s very sturdy legally. I’ve seen her within the Senate hearings, the best way she was grilling. I want she did the identical within the primaries in 2020. I’m glad she was a V.P. I hope she is articulate in the identical approach politically.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

No matter automotive folks would possibly consider quick and slick, that’s the one factor I might consider.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

Yeah, undoubtedly.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I feel she’d be a Porsche. As a result of she must go from zero to president quick. And she or he is aware of that she will be able to depend on type to get there.

Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse

What’s the “constructed robust” truck? Is it a Ford or Dodge?

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I like that one. Can I modify mine to “constructed Ford robust”?

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

I’d say BMW 5 Collection as a result of I really feel prefer it’s nonetheless luxurious, it’s elegant, it’s sporty, it’s low to the bottom, it has nice dealing with and it’s quick.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I haven’t been very comfortable along with her anti-immigration place. I’m Mexican, and I grew up in Mexico. And seeing her go and inform folks, “Don’t come right here,” after my ancestors obtained right here and made me occur, that was actually disappointing and stays very disappointing.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

Lots of people don’t actually know a lot about Kamala Harris. You at all times heard Biden headlines about, oh, Biden is senile. However I can not consider a single headline about Kamala.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

I’d agree with Michael. I really feel like there was not an entire lot about her that I heard. And the issues I did hear have been on social media. Folks wish to make jokes and memes out of everybody. So I fear about that, shifting ahead, and being a powerful, stern candidate is nice. However I fear that they’re going to make use of that as a method to assault her as being a girl and never being tremendous caring, loving, not working like that.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

I feel it’s a constructive factor, as a girl who’s unbiased. However I really feel like lots of people received’t suppose that.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

Equally to what Michael was saying, I didn’t know a lot about her even three weeks in the past. So I imply, it’s gone from a base impartial of no information to typically constructive, after performing some analysis.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

I feel that’s in all probability why she was saved hidden for a very long time. As a result of no information is nice information. If she is beneath focus, there will probably be plenty of negativity if issues don’t go properly. And that will have damage now. I feel it was all in all probability deliberate that today was going to come back in some unspecified time in the future due to Biden’s age.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

I’ve a superb connection as a result of she is from the identical nation the place I grew up in, from the identical state. I’ve been studying plenty of historical past, again from her mother and grandfather. I actually hope that she would win. It’s delight for me, personally, if she wins.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

We’ve by no means had a girl president. And I’m prone to see various things handed and the way it’s dealt with and see how she’s in a position to navigate the nation.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

I’m simply wanting on the candidates and who they’re personally, easy as that.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

I do know it’s going to be a historic occasion if a girl is elected president. I simply hope she will be able to deal with it. As a result of it’s not a simple job.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Effectively, let’s put it this fashion: If she comes up towards Trump in a debate, how’s she going to deal with that?

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

He’s going to throw plenty of mud at her.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Effectively, I hope that she will be able to do a superb job at dealing with the mud that’s going to be slung at her. That’s going to be the primary factor, and that’s in all probability going to be fairly emotional. However I feel she will be able to deal with it.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

I feel it’s an important factor to create historical past. When Obama received, it was so necessary, so main, to see the primary Black president. I feel simply her being a girl of coloration could be an important factor for historical past.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

We broke that coloration barrier. However I simply have a look at the candidates themselves. Now, ideally, a feminine candidate could be historic, whether or not or not it’s white, Black, brown. So coloration actually didn’t make a lot of a distinction.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

We’ve form of already damaged the colour barrier. The truth that she’s a girl could be extra historic.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

I’d ask her how a lot precise expertise does she have.

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

I’d ask her what her ideas are on the financial system and what points have been crucial for her to assault.

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

I would really like her to say that the financial system goes to show round and get higher, inflation goes to go down and homelessness goes to go away. However that’s a giant hope.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I’d need to ask her, as a girl of coloration and product of immigrant mother and father, why she’s not stepping as much as shield immigrants in search of the identical privileges and rights afforded to her.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I’d hope she’d be stumped.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

I’d ask her how she’s going to work with the opposite aspect, as a result of that’s actually critical. You must have a method.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

Yeah, how are you going to work with Congress to truly make issues occur? As a result of that’s the place issues at all times get caught. How are you going to sway each side to agree with what you’re attempting to do? How are you going to make it attraction to everybody?

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

I’d ask her if she has a plan on easy methods to take care of the immigration drawback and the system of how they’re doing it.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

I’d additionally ask about inflation and the financial system.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

I’d ask if she thinks she would win the election simply or if she fears that this nation isn’t prepared for a girl president.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

She is going to say she has a good likelihood to strive.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

Final time we had a girl presidential nominee, I felt it’s not, proper? It got here very shut. There’s probably an opportunity that’s going to occur once more. She would possibly come very shut and lose.

Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer

Folks within the basic inhabitants could also be prepared, sure, like myself. However I’m not the deciding authority on the finish. There’s any individual else, the Electoral School. That hurts.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

The issue that Hillary confronted was that she was a stern white lady. Kamala is a slick, fashionable Black lady. And irrespective of how a lot racism there’s on this nation, folks like type. They like individuals who push again. And it’s way more engaging, I feel, on Kamala.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

I feel the nation is way more prepared. Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump — you had a really hardened profession politician and a TV pop-culture wealthy dude going towards one another. Everybody assumed Hillary was going to win. However Hillary is way more unfavorable to most individuals, simply as a result of her problematic previous, than Kamala is.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I feel Pete Buttigieg, as a result of Trump has proven his ass, so to talk, so far as being fairly anti-veteran. And Buttigieg is a veteran. He’ll get these votes.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

The one particular person I can consider is Bernie Sanders. He’s fairly common with unbiased voters, which is fairly necessary this election.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

Mark Kelly, in all probability. Astronaut, armed forces — you may’t go unsuitable.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

I’d in all probability agree with Mark Kelly.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

Someone that’s going to assist draw in additional folks to her candidacy, whether or not that’s like any individual from a swing state or any individual who pulls extra unbiased voters.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

Don’t give in to the bickering and letting Trump simply choose little feedback and fights. Don’t get into it. Simply be the larger particular person, stand your floor and transfer on. Preserve to the subjects, not stepping into private life.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

I’d truly like for her to sometimes get soiled with them. As a result of I do know the Democrats have form of taken the “we received’t stoop to their degree” posture. I really feel like in some unspecified time in the future you need to put them of their place. So I hope she does form of try this.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

Stay composed and keep on with the plan.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

I’m in the identical boat as Shantae right here. Harris was a prosecutor. She is aware of what she’s doing relating to debating folks.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Effectively, I feel he’s a viable candidate. Sadly, he wouldn’t win as a result of the Democrats don’t let him. They’ve already demonstrated that they’re going to attempt to railroad him out of the entire election.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

I have to see her stand her floor. If Biden was nonetheless within the race and his head was in a jar of formaldehyde, I’d in all probability nonetheless vote for him.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Like I mentioned, she’s going to get plenty of mud. And that’s going to be robust to take care of. I’m fairly certain she will be able to deal with it.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

I’d simply say it’s somebody new. And she or he appears very competent and succesful to take workplace and really voice her opinions and stand her floor. And she will be able to articulate what she is attempting to get throughout, which is a giant factor. Bickering and an lack of ability to talk is all I noticed before now.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

I’m nervous. I actually am. As a result of I don’t know what’s going to occur and who’s going to win and what’s going to be.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

I’m nervous. I actually don’t prefer it. I’m extra disgusted, a bit of bit, with the politics that’s been occurring these days.

Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst

Yeah, I actually didn’t like watching Roe v. Wade be overturned by the Supreme Court docket. That was a giant turnoff for me. After which issues being proposed by Biden after which it not going via Congress after which the bickering backwards and forwards after which Trump not being held accountable and simply me seeing, most lately, police brutality and a girl killed for no purpose in any respect and nothing actually being completed about it, persistently. So I’ve been very disgusted these days with simply every part relating to politics.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

I stay in Madison, Wis. It’s very, very liberal. So when Roe obtained overturned, we have been all protesting. Campus was stuffed with plenty of offended ladies and plenty of offended males, too, that understood why we have been all upset about it. So long as she stands accountable for attempting to combat for us to have a alternative and have the power to make that call, I feel lots of people will select to aspect along with her, no less than I hope.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

I feel it’s completely different. A variety of us didn’t really feel like Biden was truly in a position to act on issues as a result of he couldn’t articulate and get the ideas out.

Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, pupil

Happiness.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

Conversations about who they suppose would be the working mate.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I feel that individuals have been much more simply satisfied that Kamala Harris is an effective choice.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

A variety of jokes, memes and stuff. However it’s primarily constructive, which is reassuring to me, versus Biden falling down a flight of stairs, with some silly track behind it. It’s been like, “Oh, have a look at how fashionable Kamala is. Mom, we love her.”

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

Mom. [LAUGHING]

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

Stuff like that.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

It’s popped up just a few occasions, yeah. Positively, although.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

Folks have been saying they’re ready for Taylor Swift and, you already know, Beyoncé to come back out and watch it go from there.

Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer

We survived 4 years earlier than, so I’d say I’d nonetheless be hopeful.

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

I’m skeptical that he’d make any distinction in 4 years.

Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired

No.

Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach

I feel he’ll be useless.

Michael, 19, California, white, pupil

I don’t suppose something will get higher or worse or get higher both approach.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

I really feel prefer it’ll worsen.

Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician

I imply, you suppose we’re divided proper now? If he takes workplace, it’s simply going to be 10 occasions worse. I imply, the rhetoric that’s being unfold proper now, via that social gathering, is mainly sounding like they’re going to make modifications that individuals are not going to love.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

I don’t suppose it’ll be any higher in any respect.

Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired

Effectively, simply the divisiveness within the events. They usually’re going to run round and begin throwing stuff at one another. And nothing’s going to get completed.

Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver

I feel that we’ll nonetheless be considerably divided however much more folks will probably be hopeful. Simply making it simpler for folks to have a greater high quality of life.

Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired

I’m hoping that abortion is authorized in all instances. And I hope local weather change is addressed. However I simply don’t suppose issues will occur in 4 years. It’ll take lots longer.

Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor

I feel by the point we get to these 4 years, the waters can have melted in Antarctica. However she’s going to deal with it. Nonetheless, it’s going to be a really tense state of affairs for her.

Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician

I’m undecided if it’ll be considerably extra constructive. However I’ve plenty of religion that it received’t be worse, which can be a naked minimal that I ask for at this level.