Voters on the left and right fear the America they've known is slipping away
Whether they're from the left or the right, they're worried that the America they've known is slipping away. They see the political class stirring up anger and hate and turning neighbors against each other.
Voters on both sides of the political spectrum are worried that the America they have known is fading away. In the final two years of President Donald Trump's presidency, people across the nation are casting their votes in a bid to determine control of Congress, governorships and more. Many feel that lawlessness from lawmakers, politicians stirring hate among citizens, billionaires dominating the economy and a culture that doesn't align with their way of life are signs that America is slipping away. The growing cost of gas adds fuel to the fire of concern.
Shane Dunn, a 65-year-old cook from Philadelphia who voted for the first time, said that the recent events are what prompted him to exercise his right to vote. Democrats received his support because he feels the current state of the country is unacceptable.
Across the country, people spoke of their fears and hopes regarding the upcoming elections. Elizabeth Marlett, a cattle rancher from Iowa, was unhappy with the way society is moving leftward, citing issues such as family values, processed food, and veterans' benefits. She voted Republican as she believed family values needed to be restored.
Democrat Linda Markle expressed her fear over the direction the country is taking, accusing President Trump of destroying it. She believes he has given citizens the courage to hate each other.
Republicans like Chris Smith view Trump's actions as both a source of frustration and justification for their support. While he acknowledges that many people dislike him, Smith defends his position due to the manufacturing push and fiscal responsibility that he perceives as characteristic of the Republican Party.
Independent voters, such as Lori and David Wilkinson, have been Trump supporters in the past but expressed dissatisfaction with his presidency, describing him as the worst president in United States history. Even Trump supporters like Therese Mennell see his actions as necessary to save the country, despite his unpopularity in polls.
The election outcome will determine the future of the nation, and every vote cast carries weight in this critical moment.
Written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
