When you consider Donald Trump,
what’s the primary phrase that involves thoughts? When you consider
Donald Trump, what’s the primary
phrase that involves thoughts?
Rina, 69, Pa., Rep.
Uche, 25, Pa., ind.
Gaylin, 31, Ga., ind.
In a earlier Occasions Opinion focus group, we spoke with 9 males who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 to discover what they considered him now. Some praised his decency or credited him with infrastructure tasks of their communities. However all of them mentioned they wished somebody aside from Mr. Biden could be the Democratic presidential nominee this yr. (Ditto for a Republican aside from Donald Trump.) There was broad respect for Mr. Biden however not plenty of enthusiasm.
This focus group is a companion to that Biden group: We spoke with 12 ladies who voted for Mr. Trump in 2020 to debate how they noticed him now. (We frequently zero in on particular demographic teams to debate politics.)
There was clearly enthusiasm for Mr. Trump’s candidacy, however lots of the voters appeared motivated extra by anti-Biden attitudes than pro-Trump ones. After we requested them to provide a phrase describing Mr. Trump, fewer than half the phrases had been optimistic. However disdain for Mr. Trump’s persona was exceeded by frustration with Mr. Biden on coverage and competence. There was a powerful want to vary leaders in 2024 and a certainty that inflation, rates of interest and the financial system could be extra doubtless to enhance below Mr. Trump than below Mr. Biden.
A number of voters expressed curiosity in Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and a few had been involved about Mr. Trump’s ongoing trial and different authorized points. However in the long run, the ladies had highly effective reminiscences of the financial system being higher below Mr. Trump, and they didn’t see him as so totally different from politicians who attempt to cover their scandals or need subordinates to obey their orders.
Melissa, a 43-year-old unbiased from Arizona who’s Latina and works in human assets, mirrored the views of plenty of ladies within the group with this remark about Mr. Trump: “I’d in all probability vote for him once more as a result of I do imagine he’s a powerful chief, a businessman. So he is aware of the right way to do what is correct for our financial system or to show us in a greater path. He’s very inappropriate in his feedback. However I didn’t vote for him to show my youngster the right way to communicate or the right way to be acceptable.”
Members
Traci 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
Melissa 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
Krys 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
Marjorie 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
Teri 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
Gaylin 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
Kathy 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
Uche 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Rina 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
Eva 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
Glory 27, Georgia, Republican, Black, nanny
Kathleen 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
Transcript
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
In the event you needed to describe in a single phrase what goes flawed in America lately, what’s on the flawed observe, what would you say?
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
Rights.
Melissa, 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
Every little thing.
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Values.
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
Management.
Eva, 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
Crime.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
Delight.
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
Every little thing.
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
Patriotism.
Kathleen, 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
Priorities.
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
Economic system.
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
Economic system.
Glory, 27, Georgia, Republican, Black, nanny
Freedom.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Uche, inform me slightly why you picked “values.”
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Our management actually solely values cash and what will take advantage of cash for individuals who have already got cash.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
What would you prefer to see them worth?
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
People, security, rights. I actually preferred the phrase “rights.”
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Teri, you mentioned “rights.” Inform me slightly bit about that.
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
There’s been so much happening so far as rights for ladies and abortion. I don’t have a powerful feeling a method or one other, however I feel that they need to be capable of select what occurs to their our bodies.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Kathleen, you mentioned “priorities.”
Kathleen, 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
Leaders are like, “Oh, I’m going to do X, Y, Z for you.” After which they don’t do X, Y, Z for you. That’s an extended checklist for our present president. The primary one is eradicating pupil loans. That’s a significant one for me. In the event you’re going to say it, then do it. I do make a livable wage, however that may quickly change due to the inflation.
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
There’s plenty of issues going sideways and downhill with the financial system. If we expect again 4 to 5 years, earlier than Covid, issues weren’t this unhealthy. I’ve been listening to over a yr how rates of interest are going to get decrease, and it by no means occurs. I used to be looking at my checking account and the way bills in groceries — I’ve three children — went from $200 to $400. Clarify to me how a 12 depend of eggs might be $2 after which the following month it’s $6. Why? What’s happening? It’s slightly bit unhappy.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I’m going to learn 5 coverage points, and I’d prefer to know which one is an important to you.
necessary to you?
Melissa,
43, Ariz., ind.
Krys,
52, N.C., ind.
Teri,
44, Wis., ind.
Gaylin,
31, Ga., ind.
Rina,
69, Pa., Rep.
Eva,
60, Nev., Rep.
Traci,
54, Mich., ind.
Marjorie,
36, N.C., Rep.
Kathy,
67, Ariz., ind.
Uche,
25, Pa., ind.
Glory,
27, Ga., Rep.
Kathleen,
28, Ga., Rep.
Eva, 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
On the financial system, what occurs when folks can’t afford issues? I feel there’s a sign of upper crime, increased homelessness. Our financial system wasn’t like this nevertheless a few years in the past. It wasn’t tanked like this. The exorbitant quantity of pupil loans. The rates of interest. Children can’t get forward. And through Covid, the federal government’s feeding us cash for not working.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Kathy, why immigration?
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
I reside in a border state. Not too way back on the information, there was footage of a gap within the fence within the Mexico border, and actually droves of individuals coming by way of, in all probability dressed slightly nicer than I’m proper now. And nobody stopped them. And so they had been trespassing throughout a farmer’s land. And when he known as the police and the Border Patrol, they confirmed up, however they didn’t do a factor. So to me, that’s tantamount to “It’s free right here. Come on over. We’ll provide you with meals stamps. We’ll provide you with a spot to reside.” And that’s bought to be slicing into our financial system.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Uche, you talked about abortion rights.
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
I feel all the problems had been necessary. However I really feel like from president to president, there’s not a lot of a distinction, so far as how the financial system goes and immigration. However the abortion problem — for some purpose, the nation has determined that may be a super-important problem to remove. I’d need somebody who simply lets it relaxation. Codify Roe v. Wade or simply let it’s a selection after which transfer on to totally different points.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
I need to discuss Donald Trump. When you consider Donald Trump, I’d prefer to know what the primary phrase is that involves thoughts.
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
He’s very vocal.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
Jackass. I’m sorry.
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
Sturdy.
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
Pompous.
Eva, 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
Not a politician.
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Humorous.
Glory, 27, Georgia, Republican, Black, nanny
Reckless.
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
Joke.
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
Assured.
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
Obnoxious.
Melissa, 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
Inappropriate.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Rina, you mentioned “sturdy.” Inform me why and the way your views of Donald Trump have modified or not modified because the final election.
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
My views haven’t modified from the final election. If something, I’m discouraged, and I’m really terrified of the local weather and folks — households, mates — simply oozing hatred to the purpose the place I really feel prefer it’s simply overwhelming. I really feel like we’re in a silent civil struggle, and it’s scary. It’s reeled uncontrolled, and I would like it to get again to regular.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Uche, you mentioned “humorous.”
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
He’s simply humorous. He’s a humorous individual. However I feel my opinions of him, particularly with all the things that got here out with the authorized circumstances towards him and the way he reacts, he’s nonetheless very humorous, however I don’t assume he makes a great chief.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
OK. Inform me why you don’t assume he makes a great chief. What’s modified within the final 4 years?
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Earlier than, I used to be giving him the good thing about the doubt. However seeing extra of his persona, issues he’s mentioned in non-public, the court docket proceedings, it’s simply attending to be an excessive amount of. It’s humorous, and it’s comical, however so far as that is somebody you’d need to run the nation — I don’t assume so anymore.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Gaylin, you mentioned “obnoxious.”
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
I feel he’s an excellent businessman. And I honestly will in all probability vote for him once more simply due to that. I feel actually the basis of what would make all people within the nation much more environment friendly could be tackling the financial system. And I feel he was excellent, so far as that a part of all the things.
Melissa, 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
So my phrase was “inappropriate.” I’ve to agree with Gaylin, although. I’d in all probability vote for him once more as a result of I do imagine he’s a powerful chief, a businessman. So he is aware of the right way to do what is correct for our financial system or to show us in a greater path. He’s very inappropriate in his feedback. However I didn’t vote for him to show my youngster the right way to communicate or the right way to be acceptable. That’s my job. I voted for him to run our nation. So I’d in all probability do this once more.
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
I’ve to agree with Melissa there. He did good for our nation. I’ve to just accept that. However I mentioned “joke” as a result of I’m from Puerto Rico and when he visited Puerto Rico to carry assist after Hurricane Maria, he regarded like a joke to all people. He was simply throwing towel paper, rest room paper, to the folks identical to a basketball: “Oh, right here you go.” So to me, that was disrespectful. It was a joke. It has nothing to do with how good he did his job as a president. I feel our financial system was wonderful when he was in. The navy — my husband is navy, so I actually appreciated that.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Kathy, you mentioned “pompous.”
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
I agree with everybody else so far as him being a incredible businessman. And we’d like a powerful one who understands how the financial system works, not a puppet that’s going to be informed, “Do that” or “Do this.” I nonetheless assume he’s pompous, however I can’t see myself voting for anybody else. I simply hope we are able to encompass him with sufficient individuals who can buffer him. I really feel our weakest hyperlink is our financial points. It’s a root for lots of unhealthy emotions, plenty of worry, plenty of pressure. Each my kids can not afford to purchase a home proper now. It’s scary.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Krys, you mentioned “vocal.” Has something modified for you within the final 4 years?
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
About him? No. I wished him 4 years in the past. I’d like to have him again. The rationale why I mentioned vocal is my first thought when he even determined to run for presidency, was, “It’s about time that we bought anyone that had the cojones to face as much as different international locations and allow them to know the crap they had been placing in direction of us wasn’t proper.” He was additionally vocal with the navy and ensuring that the navy bought precisely what that they had been deserving. My son being a Marine — there was a giant distinction from when the president prior and when he got here in on how they had been handled. Trump is pompous. I agree 100% with that. Sadly, he could possibly be crude. And that’s why I used the phrase “vocal.” I pray that he brings the financial system again to the place he had it when he was president.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I wished to observe up on one thing Uche mentioned. I puzzled if anybody else felt that President Trump, for no matter purpose, misplaced your vote over the past 4 years.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
I can’t say that I’ve determined to not vote for him, however I’m very a lot on the fence. And will probably be a really tough determination for me. As a result of I agree with so a lot of you which have mentioned he’s pushed, he’s sturdy, he’s good, he has a spine, that are all true. However traits of leaders that we’d need in our household and our neighborhood and our church buildings, comparable to character, integrity, humility, self-control — he’s flat-out missing severely in these. And that’s a scary place to be.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Traci, is there any reminiscence from the final 4 years that actually bothered you and is why you might be on the fence now?
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
It’s only a mixture of all of it. The loopy stuff on Twitter that he’s doing and simply being so defensive and talking over folks, and to me, that’s type of that little-man syndrome: “I bought to behave like a giant badass as a result of individuals are choosing on me.” It’s been a very long time since we’ve had a president who has actually led our nation from a way of humility with power and integrity.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
OK.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
I don’t blame that simply on the workplace. I blame that on our society, too.
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
Just like Traci, I’m on the fence. I did vote for him again in 2020. Probably will once more, simply given the candidates as of now. However I feel my defining second was how he dealt with shedding. He’s very assured. And I search for that in a president, being very assured, not prepared to again down to assist lead the nation. Nonetheless, he does have to know, to Traci’s level, the right way to do it with integrity. The way in which he handles some issues, I’d — if it had been my kids dealing with it the identical method, we’d have a speaking. So generally he must be reined in.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I wished to ask concerning the authorized and court docket circumstances that President Trump is going through. What would you say is an important problem or case for you?
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
This ongoing problem of categorized paperwork. It’s come to be slightly type of infantile.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
The Jan. 6 case.
Kathleen, 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
I feel simply as a United States citizen, it’s all the time confirmed you’re harmless till confirmed responsible.
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
He’s being persecuted. We’re residing in a banana republic. All of those circumstances at one time — they’ve been working supposedly on them for six years or so, so that they determine all at one time to do that? It’s the one method they’re going to take him out. Up to now, we’ve assassinated presidents. Now we’re doing it politically. It is a coordinated assault.
present trial, would that make you much less doubtless
to vote for him, make you extra prone to vote for
him or make no distinction to you within the fall? If President Trump had been to be
convicted within the present trial,
would that make you much less doubtless
to vote for him, make you extra
prone to vote for him or make no
distinction to you within the fall?
Traci,
54, Mich., ind.
Melissa,
43, Ariz., ind.
Krys,
52, N.C., ind.
Marjorie,
36, N.C., Rep.
Teri,
44, Wis., ind.
Gaylin,
31, Ga., ind.
Kathy,
67, Ariz., ind.
Uche,
25, Pa., ind.
Rina,
69, Pa., Rep.
Eva,
60, Nev., Rep.
Glory,
27, Ga., Rep.
Kathleen,
28, Ga., Rep.
Melissa, 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
The way in which I see it, I really feel like while you’re in that sort of place, all of your skeletons are going to come back out, proper? No person has an ideal previous. All of us listed below are in all probability sufficiently old to have seen a number of presidents who’ve carried out issues, both in workplace or earlier than they got here into workplace, that we wouldn’t need my husband doing that or my brother or my dad. So it doesn’t take away from him with the ability to run our nation, is the way in which I see it.
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
So for me, I would favor anyone who is a bit more properly spoken and slightly extra household man, like President Obama. However so far as Donald Trump, I do — I feel as a result of he’s within the place that he’s in, like she mentioned, his skeletons are going to come back out. However regardless that he’s not precisely who I’d need as my dad, my husband, all of this, as a pacesetter within the place that he carries — in that, I like that he doesn’t actually care about what anyone has to say or what anyone thinks and stuff. And I feel, to some extent, he type of says that himself when he talks about how he is aware of the right way to cheat the tax system. He’s type of combating the identical battle as all of us. He’s simply on a unique degree. I feel it type of speaks fact to the truth that not less than he’s actual about it and doesn’t attempt pretending he’s anyone else.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
How would you’re feeling if President Trump received the presidency in November after which ordered the Justice Division to finish the federal circumstances that he faces?
Kathleen, 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
Issues like this occur behind closed doorways many, many, many instances. It’s like, “In the event you’re going to cheat on me, simply inform me you had been going to cheat on me,” proper? You don’t must lie about it. I’m certain there’s plenty of politicians which have had authorized points occur and so they get swept below the rug.
Eva, 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
Possibly the Justice Division could possibly be doing stuff for the residents of america of America than losing time on all these things.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
What qualities ought to Donald Trump search for when selecting a working mate?
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
Anyone like Vivek. He’s cool. He’s logical. He doesn’t lose it. He’s a businessman. He’s profitable. He’s personable. What’s to not like?
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
I’d love for him to comprehend he wants to search out anyone that he’ll really hearken to if they are saying, “Hey, you’re headed within the flawed path.”
Glory, 27, Georgia, Republican, Black, nanny
He wants somebody he can hearken to. Somebody with integrity that he can belief. Somebody coolheaded. Somebody that’s him with out the Donald Trump issue.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
“Him with out the Donald Trump issue” — I like that description. Melissa?
Melissa, 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
I agree with all people. I feel it’s anyone that’s going to assist him maintain again slightly bit with regard to simply the inappropriateness however like-minded. Anyone who will help him in working the financial system. A sensible businessman is what we’d like.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
I’d like to see him have a feminine working mate. I’d like to see him present your complete nation and the world and me that he is aware of the right way to deal with a feminine.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
OK. I need to change gears and discuss Joe Biden. In the event you’re serious about Joe Biden, I need to hear what phrase involves thoughts for you.
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
It sounds so imply. And I don’t like to speak imply, however I need to say “fool.”
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
Weak.
Eva, 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
Incompetent.
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
Incompetent.
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
Wishy-washy.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
Confused.
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
Traitor.
Kathleen, 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
Incompetence.
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
Misplaced.
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Drained.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Gaylin, you mentioned “incompetent.” Inform me slightly bit about that.
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
When he speaks, he appears so misplaced and confused. And also you don’t really feel the ability in his talking the way in which I felt like I felt when Donald Trump addressed the nation. It’s simply not as agency or direct. It’s not even like he’s studying a script. It’s extra identical to he’s type of blubbering by way of.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
OK. Teri, I do know you mentioned you didn’t need to say something imply. There’s not likely a optimistic spin on the phrase “fool.” Inform me what makes that the phrase that involves thoughts for you.
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
Trump was all the time assured in his speeches, very concerned, combating for his ardour or very vocal, which could possibly be good or unhealthy, whereas Biden may be very scripted. It’s mainly what he’s being informed to do, how he’s being informed to do it. And he’s identical to slightly misplaced wanderer. I simply really feel that makes him seem like an fool as a result of he’s not pondering on his personal. He’s not pondering well.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Is there something that he has carried out as president that you simply did like?
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
I feel that he removed his German shepherd that was biting the safety personnel. And that was good.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
OK. Canine tales might be memorable.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
If he can’t management a canine, how does he run a rustic?
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
He did delete some pupil mortgage debt. I do know individuals who benefited from that, in order that was good.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I need to step again and speak concerning the 2024 election. What’s one phrase to explain the way you’re feeling about this presidential election arising?
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
Afraid. I’m simply afraid of what occurred final time, taking days for an election. And we all know what that’s about.
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
Apprehensive. I’m skeptical and fearful, and it’s going to be shut, and possibly individuals are going to get loopy.
Eva, 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
Hopeful.
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
Nervous.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
Fearful.
Kathleen, 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
Fearful and nervous.
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
Hopeful.
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
Scared.
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
Nervous.
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Over it.
Melissa, 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
Urgency.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Say extra about “urgency.”
Melissa, 43, Arizona, unbiased, Latina, H.R. specialist
I imagine that so many U.S. residents are simply uninterested in the way in which the final 4 years have gone. It’s going to place an urgency on many individuals who don’t usually exit and vote to truly vote this time.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Krys, you mentioned “nervous.”
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
I’m nervous due to what occurred the final time when he didn’t win. I’m nervous that he’s not going to win this yr. As a result of I actually assume that we’d like him again. I’m nervous he’s not going to have the votes behind him.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Kathy, why “apprehensive”?
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
I’m not actual assured in both aspect taking part in good. Anyone has bought to win, and anyone’s bought to lose, however there’s going to be lots of people which can be sad.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
I’m scared of civil unrest, riots. Actually, if my children had been adults, I’d be contemplating shifting overseas.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Traci, who or what do you assume could be liable for unrest and riots?
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
I feel it could possibly be both aspect. If Trump wins, I feel that there’s Biden supporters who would riot. And if Biden wins, I feel there’s Trump supporters that may riot like we had on Jan. 6. And was Trump behind that? Was he conscious of it? I don’t know. However both method, I feel there’s a lot divisiveness that it’s fairly doubtless that we are going to have some civil unrest.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Do you assume each Biden and Trump would method that the identical method? That they’d every encourage their supporters to riot or every discourage their supporters to riot?
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
I don’t know. I’m hoping that they are going to handle it now as they’re campaigning. I’m hoping that they are going to encourage their supporters to have some type of sportsmanship.
{that a} president be a powerful chief or {that a}
president be a great and respectable individual? Which is extra necessary to you
— {that a} president be a powerful
chief or {that a} president be a great
and respectable individual?
Melissa,
43, Ariz., ind.
Krys,
52, N.C., ind.
Marjorie,
36, N.C., Rep.
Teri,
44, Wis., ind.
Gaylin,
31, Ga., ind.
Kathy,
67, Ariz., ind.
Rina,
69, Pa., Rep.
Eva,
60, Nev., Rep.
Glory,
27, Ga., Rep.
Kathleen,
28, Ga., Rep.
Traci,
54, Mich., ind.
Uche,
25, Pa., ind.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
It appears like plenty of you might be voting for President Trump once more or serious about it. However are different folks working — President Biden, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, Jill Stein, others — who you’re contemplating?
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
Kennedy. I’m impressed with a few of his qualities. If the election was right now, I’d in all probability do Trump. However he’s somebody that I’m positively looking at.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What are you drawn to about Kennedy?
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
It sounds cliché. However understanding that his kin did very properly — it piques my curiosity. I simply began wanting into him slightly bit extra.
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
I do like a few of Robert Kennedy’s insurance policies on medical freedom. And I do know he’s fairly sturdy on the anti-vaccine motion. One of many causes I do know lots of people vote Republican is as a result of Republicans usually are slightly extra about medical freedom in that regard. So I like a few of his insurance policies on that and really making an attempt to carry vaccine producers accountable, whereas proper now they’re not likely held accountable for something that may come from vaccine accidents.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Has that affected you personally, Gaylin?
Gaylin, 31, Georgia, unbiased, white, stay-at-home mother
Yeah. I had a daughter that had a tough time along with her vaccines, and it’s exhausting to search out a health care provider that can simply allow you to area them and gradual them down.
Glory, 27, Georgia, Republican, Black, nanny
I’ve tossed Kennedy round a bit, however I haven’t carried out sufficient analysis into insurance policies.
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
Similar. I don’t know sufficient about him but to state whether or not I’d lean in his path.
Kathy, 67, Arizona, unbiased, white, retired
I grew to become conscious of Kennedy, and it’s extra of an emotional response to see what he’s about. However the very first problem I learn was his stand on abortion. It wasn’t what I wished to see.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Traci and Uche, is there something that President Biden may do or say within the subsequent six months that may persuade you to vote for him?
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
No.
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
I’d say by no means say by no means. I feel it must do with what Trump does.
to win the election in November, and what number of
of you assume Joe Biden goes to win? What number of of you assume
Donald Trump goes to win
the election in November,
and what number of of you assume
Joe Biden goes to win?
Melissa,
43, Ariz., ind.
Krys,
52, N.C., ind.
Marjorie,
36, N.C., Rep.
Teri,
44, Wis., ind.
Gaylin,
31, Ga., ind.
Kathy,
67, Ariz., ind.
Uche,
25, Pa., ind.
Rina,
69, Pa., Rep.
Eva,
60, Nev., Rep.
Glory,
27, Ga., Rep.
Kathleen,
28, Ga., Rep.
Traci,
54, Mich., ind.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
I need to know: In the event you had been in cost and you may select anybody to run for president this yr who shouldn’t be working — they are often anybody — who do you select to run?
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
Oprah Winfrey.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
Why Oprah Winfrey?
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
She’s magnetic. She’s good. She is aware of the right way to run a enterprise. She has character. She’s not a pushover. And he or she’s not going to incite different international locations to go to struggle with us.
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
Traci stole my concept, as a result of I used to be going to say her, simply because she’s a feminine and I feel will probably be so nice to see a feminine as a president. However I additionally actually like Kamala Harris. She could be wonderful as a president.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
What’s it about Kamala Harris that you simply assume would make her excellent for this?
Marjorie, 36, North Carolina, Republican, Latina, service liaison
How she represents all the females, how she speaks. You possibly can see her presence. And simply going that route of getting a feminine president, I’d like to be both Oprah, which might be my first possibility, or Kamala.
Eva, 60, Nevada, Republican, Latina, pet sitter
I used to be pondering Condoleezza Rice. She simply carried herself properly. She made sense. She was good. I actually preferred her.
Rina, 69, Pennsylvania, Republican, white, semiretired
Yeah, and she or he wore pearls, so it was nice.
Is it necessary that throughout the subsequent decade, we’ve
a girl who’s the president? Is it necessary that throughout the subsequent decade, we’ve a girl who’s the president? 6 folks raised their fingers.
Traci, 54, Mich., ind.
Melissa, 43, Ariz., ind.
Krys, 52, N.C., ind.
Marjorie, 36, N.C., Rep.
Teri, 44, Wis., ind.
Gaylin, 31, Ga., ind.
Kathy, 67, Ariz., ind.
Uche, 25, Pa., ind.
Rina, 69, Pa., Rep.
Eva, 60, Nev., Rep.
Glory, 27, Ga., Rep.
Kathleen, 28, Ga., Rep.
Teri, 44, Wisconsin, unbiased, white, programs analyst
I feel ladies carry a unique perspective. I’m not saying that the males aren’t doing a fantastic job. However I take a look at Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris and their poise and the way they’ve dealt with issues with grace. I feel they’d do very properly in representing the nation. So it’d be attention-grabbing to see that perspective, particularly while you’re speaking about issues comparable to ladies’s rights. I’d love, love, love, love seeing the primary feminine president. It will actually present my ladies that something is feasible.
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
There’s facets that ladies can carry to this that males can’t. Don’t get me flawed: There are some males on the market. However there’s the compassion, there’s the integrity. Now we have sturdy values. We don’t have an issue talking our thoughts, however we all know the right way to communicate it with out — how can I put it? — anyone leap in and assist me with this phrase.
Uche, 25, Pennsylvania, unbiased, Black, nanny
Compassion?
Kathleen, 28, Georgia, Republican, Latina, customer support
Compassionate?
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
Properly, yeah. Yeah, we’re compassionate, however compassionate to some extent the place we’re not going to beat anyone down on objective. We’re not going to throw them below the bus. Now, once more, not all ladies are like that. However a powerful lady goes to be for his or her nation and for everyone and hearken to all people. And we, actually, simply have extra frequent sense. And we are able to put two and two collectively with out anyone having to put in writing it down on a chunk of paper and present us what we’ve to say. We’re constructed totally different.
Moderator, Kristen Soltis Anderson
OK.
Krys, 52, North Carolina, unbiased, white, caretaker
It’s simply actually necessary to me that we show it.
Traci, 54, Michigan, unbiased, white, case analyst
Girls do innately have some totally different strengths than males do. I feel having a male and a feminine vp, president, whichever one is during which function — I feel the mix is absolutely good and wholesome. I feel it will be nice for gender equality, for abortion rights. Girls additionally in all probability have a stronger innate potential to defuse issues verbally, whereas I see traditionally over the past 30 years that the lads within the highest-level workplaces are simply combating over energy and management. I labored so much with legislation enforcement, and I’m retired in a unique discipline now, however when ladies began changing into legislation enforcement officers, they modified up the sport. And among the ladies officers are the easiest officers, as a result of they know that their strongest instrument — of all of the 30 kilos of stuff they’re carrying — is their mouth and the right way to speak their method by way of conditions.
