End this sentence: I really feel “clean” about the way in which
the nation goes today. End this sentence:
I really feel “clean” about the way in which the
nation goes today.
Rose, 65, Conn., white
Neil, 55, Pa., Latino
Cheryl, 66, Mo., white
“There’s a whole lot of social media saying: Hey, are you Republicans or MAGA individuals regretting your vote? And no, I’m not,” one participant advised us in Opinion’s newest dialog with voters in our America in Focus collection.
Throughout the 90-minute dialogue, that was the consensus: President Trump was, whether or not every participant favored all of it or not, doing what he had promised. For the primary time in fairly some time, actual change was going down in America. That excited a whole lot of these 13 impartial voters who supported Mr. Trump final November. Even when they might, none would return and alter their vote.
However there have been additionally actual worries: Many have been sad with Elon Musk’s expansive presence within the White Home. Two individuals used the phrase “surprising” to explain the tempo of change to date.
The main target group met on the night of April 8, simply hours earlier than the “Liberation Day” tariffs have been set to enter impact, and plenty of members expressed actual uneasiness and concern concerning the tariffs, the prospect of costs rising or a doable recession. Tariffs had already affected just a few members of the group. One lady anxious Mr. Trump wasn’t taking note of working-class individuals’s wants.
His vow that short-term ache would imply long-term achieve resonated with various these voters, who envisioned higher jobs and a extra even taking part in area on the opposite facet of the tariffs. As one participant stated, “I had my eyes open once I voted for Trump that it was going to harm.” However what does short-term ache appear like? That’s the query everybody, together with the members on this group, is making an attempt to reply.
Members
Alyson 47, Wisconsin, white, enterprise proprietor
Angela 32, Michigan, biracial, assistant
Cheryl 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
Diana 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
Edgar 68, Florida, Latino, retired
John 29, Texas, Black, building supervisor
Jordan 38, Utah, white, homemaker
Mike 52, Nevada, white, ride-share driver
Neil 55, Pennsylvania, Latino, restaurant supervisor
Rose 65, Connecticut, white, finance
Sid 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
Steven 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
Walter 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
Transcript
Moderator, Margie Omero
Fill within the clean for me: I really feel “clean” about the way in which the nation goes today.
John, 29, Texas, Black, building supervisor
Unhealthy.
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
Curious.
Alyson, 47, Wisconsin, white, enterprise proprietor
Pessimistic.
Neil, 55, Pennsylvania, Latino, restaurant supervisor
Hopeful.
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
Hopeless.
Rose, 65, Connecticut, white, finance
Annoyed.
Angela, 32, Michigan, biracial, assistant
Devoted.
Edgar, 68, Florida, Latino, retired
Anxious.
Mike, 52, Nevada, white, ride-share driver
Confused.
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
Cautiously optimistic.
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
Hopeful.
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
I really feel hopeful as effectively.
Sid, 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
Lied to.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Individuals who stated “hopeful,” inform me why.
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
I feel a whole lot of adjustments have been taking place the previous couple of months. However I’m hoping that they’re taking place for the higher good. I’m optimistic.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What have you ever seen that’s made you’re feeling hopeful?
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
I see motion. For an excellent quantity of years, we didn’t see something. We didn’t know what was happening. And now, although I may not agree with all the things, I at the least see issues taking place, motion taking place.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Do you could have one thing particular in thoughts?
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
The entire thing with the tariffs. I work in finance. I feel within the brief time period, it’s a shot within the foot. However I feel in the long run, it could be an awesome factor for the nation. So I’m hopeful that it will enhance our financial system and manufacturing.
Angela, 32, Michigan, biracial, assistant
I really feel like there’s a plan that’s been applied. I’m simply trusting the method.
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
I could not like all the things that Trump is doing. However I’ll say that he’s following by means of on the issues that he truly did say he was going to do and precisely what the individuals who voted for him wished.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Cheryl, you stated “hopeless.”
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
The tariffs are killing the lower-class individuals. And he’s going backwards and forwards. Is he going to go forward and do a 90-day cease on the tariffs? He’s not fairly positive. We didn’t have a lot to select from this election, with Kamala Harris and Trump. However look what he’s doing to — I, myself, am on Social Safety incapacity. I’ve to work due to the grocery value. My hire went up $200. I like the place I dwell. I don’t wish to change, and I don’t wish to ever go homeless. He’s doing what he stated he’s doing, however does he notice who he’s hurting proper now? Is he going to do something for the decrease class, center class?
Moderator, Margie Omero
Mike, you stated “confused.” About what?
Mike, 52, Nevada, white, ride-share driver
The tariffs that just about everyone agrees are going to boost the price of items and damage the financial system, however you say that you simply wish to get the financial system going. After which the backwards and forwards with tariffs — tariffs, not tariffs. After which there’s the random blabber of: OK, Canada goes to be our 51st state, and we’re going to get Greenland if we’ve to make use of drive. It simply feels such as you simply by no means know which route you’re speculated to be going.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Sid, you stated, “lied to.”
Sid, 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
I feel we’re not solely being lied to however we’re additionally being distracted by a whole lot of stuff. The tariff stuff, Greenland, Canada — that’s complicated. I do agree with that. However I feel it’s a distraction. I sort of really feel just like the Republicans and the Democrats within the upper-tier class of presidency are simply having their very own little personal civil struggle with out everyone.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Now, who’s doing the mendacity? If you say, “lied to,” who’s mendacity about what?
Sid, 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
A majority of the Democrats are simply doing a Hail Mary of mendacity about just about all the things Trump’s doing, and the information has, too. I’ve seen Trump say and do and signal government orders. I work the graveyard shift. So on YouTube, I’m watching these items dwell. They actually began attacking him with the deportation stuff. They usually stated that he was caging individuals up and doing stuff like that. They usually had dwell information protection on that border, and nothing like that was taking place. They have been actually deporting individuals. They actually have been. However they weren’t caging individuals up like they stated that they have been.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Rose, you stated “pissed off.” Why?
Rose, 65, Connecticut, white, finance
Sure, as a result of he did come by means of when he stated that he was going to deport all of the those that have been right here illegally. That I agree with, one hundred pc. What I don’t agree with is the tariffs. I don’t suppose he’s going to have the ability to do what says. I don’t suppose he’s going to convey the costs down. If manufacturing does come again to this nation, issues are going to be costlier to make, and that’s going to extend the costs.
Edgar, 68, Florida, Latino, retired
I stated “anxious” as a result of I’m anxious that the tariffs are going to create a recession. Lots of issues that Trump is doing, he’s doing nice, like deporting all these individuals from Tren de Aragua. He’s doing what he promised that he was going to do.
Neil, 55, Pennsylvania, Latino, restaurant supervisor
Like I stated earlier than, I’m hopeful. He promised a whole lot of issues, and he’s pushing and doing the issues that he stated he was going to do. There’s a whole lot of social media saying: Hey, are you Republicans or MAGA individuals regretting your vote? And no, I’m not. So far as I’m involved, he’s not doing sufficient. He has to push extra. He solely has 4 years. He can’t come again.
Moderator, Margie Omero
I requested concerning the nation, however what about for you personally?
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
Yeah, I’d say from a private perspective, I’ve obtained an excellent anchor. So I don’t fear about a lot of something in my life, to be trustworthy with you. If I’m within the gutter, I’m within the gutter. If I’m up on the clouds, that’s tremendous, too. However I favor to be someplace within the center as a result of I don’t wish to get too excessive or too low.
Alyson, 47, Wisconsin, white, enterprise proprietor
There’s simply a whole lot of uneasiness proper now, being in building. The tariffs immediately have an effect on us with the worth of metal and lumber. We get a whole lot of our lumber from Canada. We’ve observed, since Trump has been on a whirlwind with stuff, persons are simply not eager to spend cash, not accepting our estimates. It immediately impacts us and our workers. It’s simply a whole lot of stuff that’s retaining my husband and me up at night time — for ourselves and those that work for us, too.
within the subsequent six months? How do you suppose issues will likely be in
the nation within the subsequent six months?
Angela,
32, Mich., biracial
Jordan,
38, Utah, white
Sid,
36, Ohio, white
Walter,
62, Mass., white
Alyson,
47, Wis., white
Cheryl,
66, Mo., white
Mike,
52, Nev., white
Diana,
39, Calif., Latina
Edgar,
68, Fla., Latino
John,
29, Texas, Black
Neil,
55, Pa., Latino
Steven,
57, Ga., white
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
There’s a whole lot of coverage motion proper now. It’s so much — break issues now, repair it later. And typically that’s the most effective sort of chief. Generally it’s not. I don’t suppose six months is lengthy sufficient to reconcile what must occur. So I feel it’s most likely going to be 12 months and past earlier than we see any significant change which may come from what’s happening in the present day.
John, 29, Texas, Black, building supervisor
I feel it’s going to remain the identical. We are able to’t actually predict the longer term.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Walter, inform me why you suppose issues will likely be higher.
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
I’m making an attempt to be cautiously optimistic. However it’ll take some time for all these insurance policies to shake out and take impact. So possibly a six-month horizon isn’t fairly lengthy sufficient.
time period to date?
Angela,
32, Mich., biracial
Neil,
55, Pa., Latino
Diana,
39, Calif., Latina
Edgar,
68, Fla., Latino
Jordan,
38, Utah, white
Sid,
36, Ohio, white
Walter,
62, Mass., white
Alyson,
47, Wis., white
Cheryl,
66, Mo., white
John,
29, Texas, Black
Mike,
52, Nev., white
Rose,
65, Conn., white
Steven,
57, Ga., white
Rose, 65, Connecticut, white, finance
I’d give him a C. Ever for the reason that speak of tariffs, the inventory market took a horrible tumble. I feel we’re worse than earlier than he took workplace. When he took workplace, due to all his guarantees, the inventory market ran amok. I imply, it simply flew. Now, due to the tariffs, everyone’s nervous. No one’s positive.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What else would individuals say about Trump’s time period to date?
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
Elon Musk — what the heck? And why is he allowed within the White Home? If Trump was left alone with out Elon there, I feel all the things can be good. I actually do. Among the issues he’s stated and carried out and his actions simply transcend what you see within the authorities. I don’t suppose he’s authorities materials in any respect. I don’t suppose he’s doing something good.
Sid, 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
I used to be involved about Elon at first, too, however contemplating the truth that he’s simply holding a whole lot of authorities officers accountable, that’s actually good. And No. 2, Trump appointed Kash Patel as F.B.I. director. So if anyone goes to seek out out if Elon is doing one thing dangerous, it’s going to be that man, and he’s going to slam him.
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
Elon seems like an unstable presence within the authorities that I don’t like. I didn’t vote for Elon Musk. I voted for Donald Trump. And he’s personally benefiting extra off of this course of than he must be. He shouldn’t be benefiting in any respect. He’s working for the federal government. I’m hopeful, although, that Trump will finally see that this isn’t good for him.
Elon Musk’s affect?
Alyson,
47, Wis., white
Cheryl,
66, Mo., white
Edgar,
68, Fla., Latino
Jordan,
38, Utah, white
Steven,
57, Ga., white
Neil,
55, Pa., Latino
Angela,
32, Mich., biracial
Diana,
39, Calif., Latina
John,
29, Texas, Black
Sid,
36, Ohio, white
Walter,
62, Mass., white
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
I stated he had the correct amount of affect. He’s truly going to go away DOGE in just a few weeks. I heard about it. I didn’t see any kind of abuse of energy on his finish. He’s doing what he must do. He’s auditing these companies.
Moderator, Katherine Miller
Assume again to final fall. How does Trump’s time period to date examine with the way you thought the time period would go?
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
It’s precisely what I anticipated.
Alyson, 47, Wisconsin, white, enterprise proprietor
It’s simply the velocity of it. All the pieces abruptly — I believed it was going to be over the course of his time period, not all this thrown at us within the first 100 days. It’s just a bit surprising.
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
You by no means know what you’re going to get with Trump. You by no means know. And the tariffs, that’s somewhat bit too sturdy after we’ve obtained all these different points we want assist with. The financial system, local weather change, flooding, medicine, gun management. He must put a cap on all these first.
Moderator, Katherine Miller
Trump was president earlier than. Is there something that appears actually totally different from the primary time period?
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
I feel in his first time period, he was studying how you can be president. Didn’t know what the job entailed.
Moderator, Katherine Miller
Lots of people are nodding.
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
He had lots of people surrounding him who turned out — I imply, he talks about loyalty being vital to him. I don’t suppose they need to be loyal to him. They need to be loyal to the Structure. However he’s realized his lesson from all of the leaks that occurred over the past administration, his first time round. He’s obtained those that he actually trusts now. He picked his personal individuals. I feel he’s getting recommendation from exterior the federal government. And that’s why issues are going so quick. The federal government grinds sluggish. I labored on the publish workplace. Imagine me, the wheels grind sluggish.
Sid, 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
I feel individuals neglect that he’s solely obtained 4 years. I’m involved about a few of the issues persons are mentioning, however he’s solely obtained a lot time earlier than he’s out of there. Trump is certainly doing as a lot as he can with what he has, and he’s making the suitable choices. He’s simply much more assured in his second time period.
Moderator, Katherine Miller
Is there a promise that anyone feels you’re actually glad that Trump’s retaining proper now or any promise that you simply really feel was damaged or hasn’t been upheld but?
Edgar, 68, Florida, Latino, retired
He’s saved his promise concerning the border. The border was extensive open, and he closed it down.
John, 29, Texas, Black, building supervisor
I feel he’s doing all the things he’s promised, all the things he stated. His second time period is certainly extra about energy, loyalty. He’s now hooked within the sport.
Moderator, Katherine Miller
And are you content about that, or do you could have combined emotions or really feel disenchanted about something?
John, 29, Texas, Black, building supervisor
Yeah, I’m completely satisfied about that. Though these are some laborious choices — a few mates which have been deported, stuff like that. So I’m unhappy on the identical time.
Moderator, Katherine Miller
Should you may inform Trump to both begin doing one thing or cease doing one thing, is there something that involves thoughts?
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
Keep the course. I clearly principally agree with what he’s doing. Not shocked by this presidency in any respect. The person works nonstop. I feel the No. 1 factor that Trump wants to actually deal with is personal fairness companies. BlackRock actually is making an attempt to purchase the Panama Canal. That’s regarding to me on so many ranges. They personal half the nation.
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
He did marketing campaign on a basis of making an attempt to convey the nation collectively. And he hasn’t tried to do this in any respect. So if there’s one factor I’d need him to do: Have some grace and be a little bit of a diplomat and present individuals that you simply care about them.
Moderator, Margie Omero
How seemingly do you suppose he’s to do this, Steven?
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
He’s an excessive amount of the persona that he constructed when he was on “The Apprentice.” He needs individuals to be fearful of him. He’s a grasp manipulator. And he’s an excessive narcissist.
Neil, 55, Pennsylvania, Latino, restaurant supervisor
We’ve got a bull unfastened in a china store, and that’s precisely what we voted for. I’ve no regrets, in any way. So far as I’m involved, burn the rattling place all the way down to the bottom as a result of all the things is so corrupt, left and proper. He’s not going to repair it in 4 years. He has to start out the massive strategy of ripping all the things aside, and any person else goes to have to repair it for the following 4, eight, 12, 20 years. However we needed to begin someplace.
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
We didn’t have a lot to choose from for presidential candidates.
Moderator, Margie Omero
I wish to get your response to a couple names. What involves thoughts once I say JD Vance?
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
He’s tremendous. He looks like a level-headed, courageous, loyal man. And take a look at his upbringing, what he’s come from.
Sid, 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
He’s trustworthy. Again when East Palestine occurred and that practice derailment occurred, he was on the information in all places making an attempt to get the phrase unfold. He undoubtedly tried. He was there.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you consider Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
I like him. I hope that he actually follows by means of on his guarantees and makes America wholesome once more and improves the standard of meals in colleges.
Rose, 65, Connecticut, white, finance
I really feel somewhat bit conflicted, solely as a result of I really feel that we don’t want a whole lot of the medicines which are on the market. However on the identical time, there’s a want for sure different medicines. I do consider that a few of these vaccines are vital and a few aren’t. I feel he wants to maneuver somewhat bit extra towards the center to get it proper. However he’s too far out proper now, and I don’t suppose he has all the data.
Alyson, 47, Wisconsin, white, enterprise proprietor
I don’t perceive if he’s certified to be talking on this pedestal and speaking about these vital medical conditions with vaccines.
Mike, 52, Nevada, white, ride-share driver
I don’t know that I really feel like he is aware of sufficient to be doing what he’s doing.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What involves thoughts once I say Bernie Sanders?
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
Clever.
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
Communist. I don’t like him.
Edgar, 68, Florida, Latino, retired
I feel he’s a hypocrite. He’s been speaking concerning the wealthy individuals this and the wealthy those that and he’s combating for the poor individuals. However he’s a millionaire himself.
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
My common impression of him is all the things’s dramatized. And I feel that simply fits his messaging that he needs to place out, to get everybody labored up over a particular matter that he doesn’t agree with to attempt to win individuals to his facet.
Moderator, Margie Omero
I wish to speak by means of just a few totally different subjects. Let’s begin by going again to tariffs. I heard a few individuals say this tonight, one thing like: Brief-term ache will result in long-term achieve.
Does the thought of “short-term ache for
long-term achieve” resonate with you? Does the thought of “short-term
ache for long-term achieve” resonate
with you? 7 individuals raised their arms.
Alyson, 47, Wis., white
Angela, 32, Mich., biracial
Cheryl, 66, Mo., white
Diana, 39, Calif., Latina
Edgar, 68, Fla., Latino
John, 29, Texas, Black
Jordan, 38, Utah, white
Mike, 52, Nev., white
Neil, 55, Pa., Latino
Rose, 65, Conn., white
Sid, 36, Ohio, white
Steven, 57, Ga., white
Walter, 62, Mass., white
Moderator, Margie Omero
What concerning the individuals who do not see the enchantment of short-term ache?
Mike, 52, Nevada, white, ride-share driver
How do I say it? I don’t know that it’s going to convey a long-term achieve, as a result of I do agree that when you convey again manufacturing jobs and also you’re going to pay individuals $20 an hour, effectively, the price of these items goes to go up. So that you’re not going to convey the fee down.
Moderator, Margie Omero
For the individuals who say they’re ready for short-term ache for long-term achieve, what do you take note of? What can be brief time period? What can be too lengthy?
John, 29, Texas, Black, building supervisor
I’m in building. And the worth of lumber and the worth of metal are going up, like Alyson stated earlier. We do face increased manufacturing prices as a result of tariffs.
Moderator, Margie Omero
So how lengthy do you suppose that short-term ache would be just right for you, earlier than you say, “This doesn’t really feel brief time period anymore”?
John, 29, Texas, Black, building supervisor
A number of months. Not going to be years.
Neil, 55, Pennsylvania, Latino, restaurant supervisor
The entire level of getting tariffs is to even out the taking part in area. I would like the Ford vegetation in Mexico shut down and all these jobs introduced over right here. How lengthy is it going to take Ford to construct a whole constructing to convey these vegetation up? It’s not going to be in a single day and even a few months. It’s going to take some time, most likely a few years.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Would that also really feel brief time period for you?
Neil, 55, Pennsylvania, Latino, restaurant supervisor
We’ve been taken benefit of by the whole planet since after World Struggle II. So it takes so long as it takes. It’s for the nice of the nation. If no matter occurs occurs, that’s what it’s.
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
I’d be within the camp of 1 to 2 years of no matter ache you’re speaking about, fairly frankly, if it’s going to repair what’s been fallacious. It could possibly be the following two presidents which have to hold this by means of. If we preserve altering between Democrats and Republicans, this may occasionally by no means take off. However I’m pondering two years of ache we could also be in for. Perhaps the second half of Trump’s presidency will begin to bear some fruit.
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
I feel a few years as effectively. The financial system doesn’t change in a single day. Inside 5 to 10 years, I feel we’re going to see actual distinction. But when we preserve switching backwards and forwards between Democrats and Republicans, which may stall. I feel something between two years on a brief time period and, long run, 5 to 10 years for us to actually see change and enhancements.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What does that ache really feel like or appear like? Does that imply prices go up? What % improve in value would you be OK with, if we have been speaking about groceries, hire, fuel? What % extra would you be prepared to pay for that?
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
Effectively, it’s a tough one. Perhaps 5 %, 10 %? Simply sort of relies upon. It’s not going to get fastened in a single day. It’s not even going to get fastened in 4 years of Trump. It’s going to harm extraordinarily laborious earlier than we get by means of on the opposite facet. I had my eyes open once I voted for Trump, that it was going to harm.
Moderator, Margie Omero
So what occurs on the opposite facet? If you get there, what’s it going to be like?
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
Hopefully, only a extra even taking part in area for everyone within the nation, not simply the wealthy and never simply the tremendous poor. Everyone.
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
Even slate, yeah.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Angela, what do you suppose? Brief-term ache?
Angela, 32, Michigan, biracial, assistant
Individuals say the recession this, recession that. However persons are nonetheless eating out and consuming like they usually would and typically even accumulating bank card debt. So once I consider the recession, I consider the Nice Despair, the place individuals didn’t complain about shopping for eggs for $6 or $7. If that is what America calls a recession, I imply, it simply doesn’t really feel like that. If eggs value an excessive amount of, then I simply merely gained’t purchase them. I’m not entitled to eat sure issues as a result of that’s what I wish to eat for breakfast.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What’s the % the place you’re feeling like, “That’s a % that I’d be prepared to pay for this short-term ache”?
Angela, 32, Michigan, biracial, assistant
I’d say most likely 3 % or 4 %.
Moderator, Margie Omero
And what occurs on the opposite facet of those tariffs?
Angela, 32, Michigan, biracial, assistant
Extra of an excellent taking part in area, individuals truly respecting America once more. However beforehand, we had a whole lot of issues in America made in America.
Alyson, 47, Wisconsin, white, enterprise proprietor
I imply, I assume I’m there already with the ache and simply the unknown, week to week, undoubtedly month to month. And simply our enterprise and retaining the doorways open and with the ability to have our workers help their households. I assume it’s simply too heavy. It’s simply hitting abruptly.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Now, of us, once I requested, what’s the % that persons are prepared to pay, individuals have been saying 5 %, just a few %. A few of these tariffs are 20 %, 25 % or extra. How many individuals say 25 % is a value that is sensible as a short-term ache for a long-term achieve? [No one raised a hand.]
Moderator, Katherine Miller
We’ve talked a bit about Elon Musk tonight. What do you suppose the influence of the federal government cuts will likely be?
Sid, 36, Ohio, white, warehouse supervisor
I feel it’s going to be good that the federal government is held accountable for what they’re utilizing their cash on and utilizing our tax {dollars} on. I feel that’s good, so long as it’s being carried out appropriately, prefer it has been to date.
Mike, 52, Nevada, white, ride-share driver
We are able to’t preserve having trillions of {dollars} in debt and simply preserve elevating the debt ceiling. Spending lower than what you make, as a result of that’s what we’ve to do as individuals, the federal government must learn to try this.
Rose, 65, Connecticut, white, finance
Elon’s a really good man. It’s not his fault that he’s so concerned. It’s Donald Trump that gave him the go-ahead. They don’t have the compassion or the finesse to actually run the nation within the politician means of doing it. They’ve the enterprise facet of operating a rustic. I don’t know when you may run a rustic the way in which you would run a enterprise.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Listed below are two statements. 1: It’s higher to take daring motion and make wanted cuts to authorities, even when some vital issues are minimize within the course of. 2: We must be chopping the federal government in a deliberate means so issues like medical analysis and airline and meals security don’t get minimize.
Angela,
32, Mich., biracial
Cheryl,
66, Mo., white
Edgar,
68, Fla., Latino
Mike,
52, Nev., white
Neil,
55, Pa., Latino
Alyson,
47, Wis., white
Diana,
39, Calif., Latina
Jordan,
38, Utah, white
Sid,
36, Ohio, white
Steven,
57, Ga., white
Walter,
62, Mass., white
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
What’s vital to another person on this speak may not be vital to me, and vice versa. So it’s a must to prioritize. Somebody has to decide, and everyone has to cope with that call.
Mike, 52, Nevada, white, ride-share driver
I don’t suppose you are able to do deliberate cuts and ever get anyplace, as a result of there’s at all times going to be any person that’s going to say: Effectively, no, you’ll be able to’t minimize that. You’re going to need to go in and simply take the chain noticed.
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
I stated 2, however Mike made a hell of a degree there which you could’t please everyone.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Is there something that persons are involved about that’s getting minimize, that you simply’re anxious about?
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
I don’t know what’s getting minimize but. I feel that continues to be to be seen. I don’t suppose they even know what they’ve minimize as a result of they’re rehiring individuals the place they’re chopping actively. So it exhibits that they’re breaking issues they didn’t know they broke, they usually’re having to refix them instantly.
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
The thought of airline laws and medical analysis and issues like that being affected — it makes me uneasy. However like everybody has identified, we are able to’t be deliberate at this level. We’ve got let this go on for means too lengthy to have the ability to be deliberate at this level. We don’t have that luxurious anymore.
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
It’s laborious. My problem is the Democrats and the media push again so laborious that when you don’t make a daring assertion, it may not work. However on the identical time, I feel issues should be thought by means of and carried out in an orderly method. I don’t know. I’m sort of on the fence. It’s laborious.
Moderator, Katherine Miller
Congress could minimize Medicaid this 12 months. Does anyone have sturdy opinions about that?
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
I used to be going to say when politicians discuss cuts, they imply as an alternative of a 5 % elevate subsequent 12 months, they’re solely going to get a 2 % elevate. However I really feel there’s a whole lot of inefficiency. I actually suppose when the inefficiencies are wrung out of the system, it’s going to be to the good thing about the people who find themselves on Medicaid.
Edgar, 68, Florida, Latino, retired
What I’m afraid of concerning the cuts for Medicaid are the kids which are depending on Medicaid — not the adults however the youngsters who could be those to undergo from the cuts to the Medicaid system.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Does anyone say that they’re involved or have questions on Social Safety?
Neil, 55, Pennsylvania, Latino, restaurant supervisor
I’m anxious about it nonetheless being there for future generations. I’m not likely anxious about me or something, however the youngsters and stuff. I feel they’re going to expire.
Rose, 65, Connecticut, white, finance
I’m not so anxious about Social Safety. Donald Trump made it a degree that he was not going to chop Social Safety. And but he additionally stated that he was going to take away the taxes on Social Safety. So Social Safety shouldn’t be a difficulty.
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
Who votes? People who find themselves on Social Safety or who’re eligible for it, they vote. Politicians react to who votes for them. In order that’s why I feel it’s not in peril. Or they’ll discover a repair for it.
Jordan, 38, Utah, white, homemaker
I don’t suppose that they’re going to the touch Social Safety. I actually don’t suppose they’re that silly.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Is there one factor that you realize now that you simply want you knew if you voted on this election in 2024?
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
Sure, that Elon Musk was going to have as a lot authority as he does.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Would you could have voted in another way when you knew that then?
Cheryl, 66, Missouri, white, ride-share driver
No, I wouldn’t. I hate to say, no, I’m caught. However no, I wouldn’t as a result of Kamala Harris, I’m sorry, she was a joke.
Steven, 57, Georgia, white, enterprise
It most likely would have been good to have seen the first-100-days plan sketched out. However I don’t know that any president can be silly sufficient to pigeonhole themselves with releasing that. So the reality is, it wouldn’t have modified my vote. I feel virtually everyone at this level would have cherished to have seen this entire hearth drill across the deportations, the tariffs, all the things mapped out from a time frame perspective so it wouldn’t have been, possibly, so surprising.
Alyson, 47, Wisconsin, white, enterprise proprietor
Yeah, I assume just about the identical, Steven, simply the velocity of all the things, to be somewhat bit extra ready, to have the ability to react and plan somewhat bit.
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
He solely has 4 years, however I feel the entire tariff factor may have been somewhat bit extra thought by means of. I feel it’s too quick, too quickly. However all the things else — I’m actually completely satisfied. It’s thrilling to see adjustments taking place.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Does anyone say: If I had to return, I’d have voted in another way?
Diana, 39, California, Latina, finance supervisor
There’s nothing that may have made me vote for Kamala Harris.
Walter, 62, Massachusetts, white, retired
No.
