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