How would you describe Vice President Harris in a single phrase? How would you
describe Vice President
Harris in a single phrase?
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino
Shantae, 30, Pa., Black
Jayden, 21, Wis., white
Why have many Democrats embraced Kamala Harris as their presidential nominee, regardless of not figuring out a lot about what she believes? We spoke to 14 Democrats as a part of our newest Instances Opinion focus group, and the reply was clear: Most had been deeply anxious about President Biden, and as soon as he bowed out of the race, they wanted a nominee quick. And it turned out, to the shock of some, they preferred her greater than anticipated.
And but: Many nonetheless aren’t positive what she would do within the high job. A number of the extra liberal or youthful contributors within the group puzzled if Harris is simply too harsh on prison justice or on migrants crossing the border. Others don’t know what she would do in regards to the economic system — a high concern of theirs — or a lot else about her.
For all that, most of our 14 contributors felt extra hopeful about Harris than Biden, whose age and inarticulateness left some considering they’d not vote this 12 months. A lot of the joy was about her character, model and seriousness; two Black girls within the group described her, approvingly, as “stern.” Jokes and memes of their group chats have bolstered the brand new power round Harris; one man famous that his associates known as her “Mom.”
We had been struck that Harris’s standing as doubtlessly the primary feminine president was a motivating issue to almost everybody within the group, whereas her standing as a Black and South Asian individual was much less motivating (together with with folks of coloration within the group). And is the nation able to elect a girl as president? That they had robust views on that, too.
Contributors
Shantae 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
Jayden 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
Tyler B. 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
Tyler L. 22, Maryland, white, technician
Cindy 63, Utah, white, retired
Mahesh 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
Farooq 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
Michael 19, California, white, scholar
Mark 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
Steve 70, Florida, white, retired
Luis 58, New York, Latino, supervisor
Kameshia 36, Virginia, Black, nurse
Masika 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
Jeannie 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
Transcript
Moderator, Margie Omero
What worries you most about America right this moment?
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
The upcoming election.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Division.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
Ladies’s well being and reproductive rights.
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
Wealth hole.
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
Inflation.
Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse
Training.
Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor
Crime.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
Reasonably priced well being care.
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
Police brutality.
behind us or occurring now? Are America’s finest days forward of
us, behind us or occurring now?
Shantae,
30, Pa., Black
Tyler B.,
41, N.M., white
Tyler L.,
22, Md., white
Mahesh,
50, Mass., Asian
Mark,
53, Ohio, Latino
Steve,
70, Fla., white
Masika,
38, N.J., Black
Jayden,
21, Wis., white
Cindy,
63, Utah, white
Farooq,
47, In poor health., Asian
Michael,
19, Calif., white
Luis,
58, N.Y., Latino
Kameshia,
36, Va., Black
Jeannie,
67, Ind., Asian Pacific Islander
Moderator, Margie Omero
Tyler L., inform us why you mentioned America’s finest days are forward of us.
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
All the unhealthy in our historical past. I can’t consider any interval spanning longer than two or three years the place issues had been peaceable or good to all.
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
I sort of agree. My age group will get to get pleasure from all the fruits of protesting and adjustments in legal guidelines. I by no means skilled any of the issues they needed to expertise.
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
For those who take a look at every little thing, we’ve got gotten higher — our freedoms, the crime price.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Jayden, you mentioned our greatest days are behind us.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
For folks my age, quite a lot of us really feel our future is fairly bleak. The flexibility to get a job, how a lot we pay to go to highschool, how tough it’s to even simply discover a place to dwell as a result of we are able to’t work. It’s simply this unending cycle of fixed stress, all the time apprehensive.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
I believe issues had been less complicated years in the past. You didn’t have all of the know-how. Folks must get again to the fundamentals.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What fundamentals?
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
Easy issues, not difficult know-how and stuff. I believe we’re into an excessive amount of of this know-how. And inflation has gotten terrible.
Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse
I’m rising a future proper now in my physique. And I’ve been within the well being care discipline, so I see the adjustments. I fear about my youngster’s training or well being, and all inflation — it places a fear on mothers like me, on households like me. It’s arduous for me to take a look at a future the place my unborn goes to be gifted or could make this stuff with out me pushing and pushing and combating for her future. I really feel like the very best is behind us.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
We’re experiencing inflation. We’re experiencing lease hikes. Finally, Kameshia’s going to want to pay for child components. Police brutality — I imply, my God, that’s extraordinarily private.
Moderator, Margie Omero
I wish to ask about Joe Biden. Inform me the way you had been feeling about him because the Democratic nominee earlier than the presidential debate in June.
Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor
I voted for Biden. I’ve all the time preferred him and Barack Obama. Folks blame every little thing on the president, however Congress is the one who runs the present. Nonetheless, selections that had been made within the White Home, like all these immigrants coming in and the bills that the states are going by proper now, it bothered me. Proper right here within the Bronx, we’ve got so many accommodations that I used to go to. And now they’re all simply fully filled with immigrants which are residing there. So there’s nowhere for us to go, you realize, each time we wish to simply get away from all of it.
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
I used to be actually undecided as as to whether I used to be going to vote this 12 months. Biden, I did like when he was with Obama. However lots of people inside my age group didn’t really feel so assured in his skill to execute what he mentioned he was going to do. I do commend him for relieving some folks of their scholar loans. He all the time simply appeared so unsure and so uncertain when he would converse.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
His incapability to articulate has all the time stood out, particularly given his age.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
I used to be nonetheless on the optimistic facet of voting for him.
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
I voted for Biden. It apprehensive me that he wouldn’t be capable to full a time period, whether or not it’s well being causes or simply psychological causes the place he can’t operate. So I used to be dissatisfied that he withdrew.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
I watched the talk. I used to be very dissatisfied. Biden simply appeared so frail.
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
I want he give up the race earlier so we had extra choices to select from on the Democratic facet, not only one individual.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Once you first heard the information that Biden was dropping out of the race, how did you’re feeling?
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
Shocked.
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
Reassured.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
I genuinely thought, “Thank God.”
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
I used to be shocked.
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
Hopeful.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
Excited.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
He was brave.
Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor
Elated.
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
Reduction.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
Later than it ought to have been.
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
It’s not nice.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Mark, why reduction?
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
As a result of I believed, “Then we’ve got a a lot stronger shot now.” I believed lots of people wouldn’t vote.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
Being at a really liberal, very opinionated school — so many individuals have been saying they weren’t going to vote. No person needed to vote for any of the folks working.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
And Michael, you mentioned “not nice.”
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
It’s manner too late for this. Having somebody drop out six months earlier than the election is just not a superb signal in any respect.
Was it a superb factor that President Biden
dropped out of the race? Was it a superb factor that President
Biden dropped out of the race? 12 folks raised their palms.
Shantae, 30, Pa., Black
Jayden, 21, Wis., white
Tyler B., 41, N.M., white
Tyler L., 22, Md., white
Cindy, 63, Utah, white
Mahesh, 50, Mass., Asian
Farooq, 47, In poor health., Asian
Michael, 19, Calif., white
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino
Steve, 70, Fla., white
Luis, 58, N.Y., Latino
Kameshia, 36, Va., Black
Masika, 38, N.J., Black
Jeannie, 67, Ind., Asian Pacific Islander
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
I felt like Biden had a stronger probability towards Trump. After which if he was unable to proceed, then Kamala Harris can be the subsequent individual in line. We wouldn’t have to fret about her campaigning.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I believe it’s a superb factor he dropped out, as a result of there’s a stronger probability that Democrats will vote. Folks like being change makers. They like the thought, I believe, of being an individual who can say, “I voted for the primary girl president, the primary girl of coloration president.”
Moderator, Patrick Healy
How do you assume Biden and his presidency can be remembered by historical past?
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
I believe that folks will keep in mind that he wasn’t composed, that he wasn’t articulate and that he simply wasn’t effectively put collectively in comparison with the opposite presidents.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
He helped heal us from the earlier 4 years.
Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse
He’ll be remembered for serving to with scholar loans. However his incompetence will even be remembered.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
I’m positive hoping folks will bear in mind him being a superb president at first. And he tried to take action many issues with international warming. He’s going to make historical past for stepping down. I believe they’re going to keep in mind that. So I’m hoping they bear in mind the great.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
When President Biden introduced that he wasn’t going to be working, what did you assume may occur subsequent?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Properly, I knew that Kamala was going to be put forth because the candidate. There have been different candidates, however I didn’t assume it will be anyone else. And we’ve got one other candidate that’s working, they usually’re not giving him any probability in anyway, which is Robert Kennedy. And I believe that’s a bit of unfair.
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
It is sensible that she would get the nomination.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
I truly thought Michelle Obama may run.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Alongside these strains, had been there candidates you had been hoping would run, both Vice President Harris or different Democrats?
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
No. I additionally agree with Steve that I believe it was deliberate on. I believe that Biden knew that this was his time period and his alternative to construct his legacy. He took that chance, and he chosen his V.P. figuring out the duty of a V.P., figuring out his age, figuring out his challenges. And right here we’re.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I actually love Elizabeth Warren. And Pete Buttigieg as effectively, though I believe he’s just about set to be the V.P.
Do you assume Harris is the only option
to be the nominee? Do you assume Harris is the very best
option to be the nominee? 14 folks raised their palms.
Shantae, 30, Pa., Black
Jayden, 21, Wis., white
Tyler B., 41, N.M., white
Tyler L., 22, Md., white
Cindy, 63, Utah, white
Mahesh, 50, Mass., Asian
Farooq, 47, In poor health., Asian
Michael, 19, Calif., white
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino
Steve, 70, Fla., white
Luis, 58, N.Y., Latino
Kameshia, 36, Va., Black
Masika, 38, N.J., Black
Jeannie, 67, Ind., Asian Pacific Islander
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
My hand is sort of there, however I believe, given the time, I don’t assume there’s another alternative.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
How would you describe Vice President Harris in a single phrase?
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
Meh.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
Hopeful.
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
Enthusiastic.
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
I might say “robust.”
Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor
Indian American.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
“Competent,” hopefully.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
“Composed” or “articulate.”
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
Yeah, I might say “competent” as effectively.
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
Stern.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
An actual go-getter.
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
Articulate.
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
Conscious.
Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse
I might say “stern” as effectively.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
Somebody who desires to be on the suitable facet of historical past.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Shantae and Kameshia, you each mentioned “stern.” Why?
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
She simply comes throughout as very critical. And I can inform that she has expertise and has labored within the authorized division. I can positively inform. I get that vibe and that power from her.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Do you imply “stern” as a optimistic?
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
I believe folks anticipate girls to be extra heat. However due to the function that she is interviewing or making an attempt to go for, it is sensible why she is stern, but additionally simply due to her expertise. So I don’t assume it’s a foul factor.
Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse
She’s powerful. She appears to be like powerful. After which she’s powerful on crimes. You anticipate girls to be simply easygoing, mothering, nurturing, all this great things. However no, she’s robust and hard and fierce.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Jayden, you mentioned “composed.”
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
It simply looks like she isn’t going to get into the drama of what has been. She looks like she goes to slim it again to the subject and never get right into a bickering match, if that is sensible.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Michael, you mentioned “meh.” Unpack “meh” for us.
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
I imply, I believe she’s the very best decide proper now. I’m nonetheless not 100% that I’m going to vote for her over the opposite man. However personally, I’m not a fan in any respect of when she was legal professional normal of California and her historical past of prosecuting petty marijuana crimes and the entire Kevin Cooper case.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Tyler L., you mentioned “conscious.”
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
I believe she’s simply extra in contact with social points than two 70-year-old males which have come up slightly wealthily. I believe that she’s simply bought a greater finger on the heartbeat of what’s truly occurring with the overall inhabitants.
Moderator, Margie Omero
If Kamala Harris had been a automotive, what sort of automotive would she be?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Most likely a Volkswagen Beetle. She’s fairly compact in her method. She doesn’t waste phrases. And he or she looks like she might go quite a lot of miles, I believe.
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
I’d say a Firebird. I believe she’s a go-getter.
Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor
I’m going to say an Escalade. As a result of she may be very glamorous, she’s clever and she or he’s effectively spoken. And he or she’s bought lots going for her.
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
I might say a Honda with a modified muffler.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Inform me why.
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
She’s very robust legally. I’ve seen her within the Senate hearings, the way in which she was grilling. I want she did the identical within the primaries in 2020. I’m glad she was a V.P. I hope she is articulate in the identical manner politically.
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
No matter automotive folks may consider quick and slick, that’s the one factor I might consider.
Moderator, Margie Omero
OK, do you imply that as a optimistic?
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
Yeah, positively.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I believe she’d be a Porsche. As a result of she must go from zero to president quick. And he or she is aware of that she will depend on model to get there.
Kameshia, 36, Virginia, Black, nurse
What’s the “constructed powerful” truck? Is it a Ford or Dodge?
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I like that one. Can I modify mine to “constructed Ford powerful”?
Moderator, Margie Omero
I’m not a automotive individual. I similar to the solutions to this query.
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
I’d say BMW 5 Collection as a result of I really feel prefer it’s nonetheless luxurious, it’s elegant, it’s sporty, it’s low to the bottom, it has nice dealing with and it’s quick.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Is there something that you simply’re involved about with Harris? Weaknesses?
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I haven’t been very blissful along with her anti-immigration place. I’m Mexican, and I grew up in Mexico. And seeing her go and inform folks, “Don’t come right here,” after my ancestors bought right here and made me occur, that was actually disappointing and stays very disappointing.
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
Lots of people don’t actually know a lot about Kamala Harris. You all the time heard Biden headlines about, oh, Biden is senile. However I can’t consider a single headline about Kamala.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
I might agree with Michael. I really feel like there was not a complete lot about her that I heard. And the issues I did hear had been on social media. Folks prefer to make jokes and memes out of everybody. So I fear about that, shifting ahead, and being a powerful, stern candidate is nice. However I fear that they’re going to make use of that as a technique to assault her as being a girl and never being tremendous caring, loving, not working like that.
Moderator, Margie Omero
OK, however what do you assume? Is that one thing that you simply understand about her?
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
I believe it’s a optimistic factor, as a girl who’s unbiased. However I really feel like lots of people received’t assume that.
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
Equally to what Michael was saying, I didn’t know a lot about her even three weeks in the past. So I imply, it’s gone from a base impartial of no data to typically optimistic, after performing some analysis.
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
I believe that’s in all probability why she was stored hidden for a very long time. As a result of no information is sweet information. If she is below focus, there can be quite a lot of negativity if issues don’t go effectively. And that may have harm now. I believe it was all in all probability deliberate that today was going to return sooner or later due to Biden’s age.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What about for you?
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
I’ve a superb connection as a result of she is from the identical nation the place I grew up in, from the identical state. I’ve been studying quite a lot of historical past, again from her mother and grandfather. I actually hope that she would win. It’s satisfaction for me, personally, if she wins.
make you extra motivated to vote for her or much less
motivated, or does it make no distinction? Does the truth that Harris is a
girl make you extra motivated
to vote for her or much less motivated,
or does it make no distinction?
Shantae,
30, Pa., Black
Jayden,
21, Wis., white
Tyler B.,
41, N.M., white
Cindy,
63, Utah, white
Mahesh,
50, Mass., Asian
Farooq,
47, In poor health., Asian
Luis,
58, N.Y., Latino
Masika,
38, N.J., Black
Jeannie,
67, Ind., Asian Pacific Islander
Tyler L.,
22, Md., white
Michael,
19, Calif., white
Mark,
53, Ohio, Latino
Steve,
70, Fla., white
Kameshia,
36, Va., Black
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
We’ve by no means had a girl president. And I’m prone to see various things handed and the way it’s dealt with and see how she’s in a position to navigate the nation.
Moderator, Margie Omero
OK. Who mentioned the truth that she’s a girl doesn’t matter to them?
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
I’m simply wanting on the candidates and taking a look at who they’re personally, easy as that.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
I do know it’s going to be a historic occasion if a girl is elected president. I simply hope she will deal with it. As a result of it’s not a straightforward job.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Inform me what you imply by that.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Properly, let’s put it this fashion: If she comes up towards Trump in a debate, how’s she going to deal with that?
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you assume?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
He’s going to throw quite a lot of mud at her.
Moderator, Margie Omero
How do you assume she’ll deal with it?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Properly, I hope that she will do a superb job at dealing with the mud that’s going to be slung at her. That’s going to be the principle factor, and that’s in all probability going to be fairly emotional. However I believe she will deal with it.
Moderator, Margie Omero
To what extent does the truth that Harris is an individual of coloration make you kind of excited to vote for her, or does it not matter? [Three said “More excited”; none said “Less excited”; nine said “It doesn’t matter.”]
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
I believe it’s an important factor to create historical past. When Obama received, it was so necessary, so main, to see the primary Black president. I believe simply her being a girl of coloration can be an important factor for historical past.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Farooq, you mentioned it doesn’t make a distinction to you.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
We broke that coloration barrier. However I simply take a look at the candidates themselves. Now, ideally, a feminine candidate can be historic, whether or not it’s white, Black, brown. So coloration actually didn’t make a lot of a distinction.
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
We’ve sort of already damaged the colour barrier. The truth that she’s a girl can be extra historic.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Let’s say Kamala Harris had taken fact serum so she needed to reply any query actually. What would you ask her?
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
I might ask her how a lot precise expertise does she have.
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
I might ask her what her ideas are on the economic system and what points had been an important for her to assault.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What would you want her to say?
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
I would really like her to say that the economic system goes to show round and get higher, inflation goes to go down and homelessness goes to go away. However that’s a giant hope.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I might wish to ask her, as a girl of coloration and product of immigrant mother and father, why she’s not stepping as much as defend immigrants looking for the identical privileges and rights afforded to her.
Moderator, Margie Omero
How do you assume she’d reply that query?
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I might hope she’d be stumped.
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
I might ask her how she’s going to work with the opposite facet, as a result of that’s actually critical. It’s important to have a method.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
Yeah, how are you going to work with Congress to really make issues occur? As a result of that’s the place issues all the time get caught. How are you going to sway each side to agree with what you’re making an attempt to do? How will you make it enchantment to everybody?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
I might ask her if she has a plan on the right way to take care of the immigration drawback and the system of how they’re doing it.
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
I might additionally ask about inflation and the economic system.
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
I might ask if she thinks she would win the election simply or if she fears that this nation is just not prepared for a girl president.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you assume she’s going to say to that?
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
She’s going to say she has a good probability to attempt.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Mahesh, can I ask you, simply, do you assume the nation is prepared for a girl president?
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
Final time we had a girl presidential nominee, I felt it’s not, proper? It got here very shut. There’s possible an opportunity that’s going to occur once more. She may come very shut and lose.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
It’s eight years since Hillary Clinton received the favored vote however misplaced the Electoral School. Do you assume, Mahesh, that the nation is extra able to elect a girl and have her win the presidency than it was eight years in the past?
Mahesh, 50, Massachusetts, Asian, software program engineer
Folks within the normal inhabitants could also be prepared, sure, like myself. However I’m not the deciding authority on the finish. There’s any person else, the Electoral School. That hurts.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
The issue that Hillary confronted was that she was a stern white girl. Kamala is a slick, trendy Black girl. And regardless of how a lot racism there’s on this nation, folks like model. They like individuals who push again. And it’s way more engaging, I believe, on Kamala.
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
I believe the nation is way more prepared. Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump — you had a really hardened profession politician and a TV pop-culture wealthy dude going towards one another. Everybody assumed Hillary was going to win. However Hillary is way more unfavorable to most individuals, simply attributable to her problematic previous, than Kamala is.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Is there a sort of individual that you simply wish to see Harris decide as her working mate?
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I believe Pete Buttigieg, as a result of Trump has proven his ass, so to talk, so far as being fairly anti-veteran. And Buttigieg is a veteran. He’ll get these votes.
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
The one individual I can consider is Bernie Sanders. He’s fairly standard with unbiased voters, which is fairly necessary this election.
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
Mark Kelly, in all probability. Astronaut, armed forces — you possibly can’t go flawed.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
I’d in all probability agree with Mark Kelly.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
Someone that’s going to assist draw in additional folks to her candidacy, whether or not that’s like any person from a swing state or any person who pulls extra unbiased voters.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
For those who might make one suggestion to Kamala Harris, what would it not be?
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
Don’t give in to the bickering and letting Trump simply decide little feedback and fights. Don’t get into it. Simply be the larger individual, stand your floor and transfer on. Preserve to the subjects, not stepping into private life.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
I might truly like for her to often get soiled with them. As a result of I do know the Democrats have sort of taken the “we received’t stoop to their stage” posture. I really feel like sooner or later it’s a must to put them of their place. So I hope she does sort of try this.
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
Stay composed and stick with the plan.
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
I’m in the identical boat as Shantae right here. Harris was a prosecutor. She is aware of what she’s doing on the subject of debating folks.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Increase your hand when you would say you’re positively dedicated to voting for Kamala Harris for president at this level. All people, it appears to be like like, however Steve. You talked about Robert Kennedy a couple of minutes in the past.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Properly, I believe he’s a viable candidate. Sadly, he wouldn’t win as a result of the Democrats don’t let him. They’ve already demonstrated that they’re going to try to railroad him out of the entire election.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What would it not take for Harris to win your vote?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
I must see her stand her floor. If Biden was nonetheless within the race and his head was in a jar of formaldehyde, I’d in all probability nonetheless vote for him.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Is there something you wish to see her stand her floor on, or simply typically stand her floor?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Like I mentioned, she’s going to get quite a lot of mud. And that’s going to be powerful to take care of. I’m fairly positive she will deal with it.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Jayden, can I ask you, did something change for you latterly that made you wish to help Harris?
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
I might simply say it’s somebody new. And he or she appears very competent and succesful to take workplace and truly voice her opinions and stand her floor. And she will articulate what she is making an attempt to get throughout, which is a giant factor. Bickering and an incapability to talk is all I noticed before now.
who do you assume will win in November —
Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? Placing apart private choice,
who do you assume will win
in November — Kamala Harris
or Donald Trump?
Jayden,
21, Wis., white
Tyler B.,
41, N.M., white
Tyler L.,
22, Md., white
Cindy,
63, Utah, white
Farooq,
47, In poor health., Asian
Mark,
53, Ohio, Latino
Steve,
70, Fla., white
Luis,
58, N.Y., Latino
Masika,
38, N.J., Black
Jeannie,
67, Ind., Asian Pacific Islander
Shantae,
30, Pa., Black
Michael,
19, Calif., white
Moderator, Patrick Healy
How are you feeling about politics in America proper now?
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
I’m nervous. I actually am. As a result of I don’t know what’s going to occur and who’s going to win and what’s going to be.
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
I’m nervous. I actually don’t prefer it. I’m extra disgusted, a bit of bit, with the politics that’s been happening currently.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Something that’s impacted you personally or simply one thing that occurred in politics that actually bugged you?
Masika, 38, New Jersey, Black, H.R. analyst
Yeah, I actually didn’t like watching Roe v. Wade be overturned by the Supreme Courtroom. That was a giant turnoff for me. After which issues being proposed by Biden after which it not going by Congress after which the bickering forwards and backwards after which Trump not being held accountable and simply me seeing, most lately, police brutality and a girl killed for no motive in any respect and nothing actually being achieved about it, persistently. So I’ve been very disgusted currently with simply every little thing on the subject of politics.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Jayden, you had been nodding your head.
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
I dwell in Madison, Wis. It’s very, very liberal. So when Roe bought overturned, we had been all protesting. Campus was filled with quite a lot of offended girls and quite a lot of offended males, too, that understood why we had been all upset about it. So long as she stands accountable for making an attempt to struggle for us to have a alternative and have the flexibility to make that call, I believe lots of people will select to facet along with her, at the very least I hope.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Would simply as many individuals have sided with Biden, do you assume? Or is it totally different along with her?
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
I believe it’s totally different. Lots of us didn’t really feel like Biden was truly in a position to act on issues as a result of he couldn’t articulate and get the ideas out.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What has come up in your group chats about politics lately?
Jayden, 21, Wisconsin, white, scholar
Happiness.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
Conversations about who they assume would be the working mate.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I believe that folks have been much more simply satisfied that Kamala Harris is an effective possibility.
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
Lots of jokes, memes and stuff. But it surely’s primarily optimistic, which is reassuring to me, versus Biden falling down a flight of stairs, with some silly track behind it. It’s been like, “Oh, take a look at how trendy Kamala is. Mom, we love her.”
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
Mom. [LAUGHING]
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
Stuff like that.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Has “brat” come up or “coconut” or different ones?
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
It’s popped up a couple of instances, yeah. Positively, although.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
Folks had been saying they’re ready for Taylor Swift and, you realize, Beyoncé to return out and watch it go from there.
Moderator, Margie Omero
So let’s say Trump wins in November after which we do that focus group 4 years from now on the finish of his second time period. How are you going to really feel? What’s going to be totally different about how issues are going for you or the nation?
Mark, 53, Ohio, Latino, photographer
We survived 4 years earlier than, so I might say I might nonetheless be hopeful.
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
I’m skeptical that he’d make any distinction in 4 years.
Moderator, Margie Omero
So that you don’t assume that something can be actually that totally different in 4 years?
Jeannie, 67, Indiana, Asian Pacific Islander, retired
No.
Tyler B., 41, New Mexico, white, skilled coach
I believe he’ll be useless.
Michael, 19, California, white, scholar
I don’t assume something will get higher or worse or get higher both manner.
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
I really feel prefer it’ll worsen.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What’s going to?
Farooq, 47, Illinois, Asian, I.T. technician
I imply, you assume we’re divided proper now? If he takes workplace, it’s simply going to be 10 instances worse. I imply, the rhetoric that’s being unfold proper now, by that get together, is principally sounding like they will make adjustments that individuals are not going to love.
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
I don’t assume it’ll be any higher in any respect.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What’ll be worse?
Steve, 70, Florida, white, retired
Properly, simply the divisiveness within the events. They usually’re going to run round and begin throwing stuff at one another. And nothing’s going to get achieved.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Let’s say Kamala Harris wins in November and we do that group once more 4 years from now, towards the top of her time period. What’s going to be totally different? What’s going to be the identical? How are you going to really feel?
Shantae, 30, Pennsylvania, Black, caregiver
I believe that we’ll nonetheless be considerably divided however much more folks can be hopeful. Simply making it simpler for folks to have a greater high quality of life.
Cindy, 63, Utah, white, retired
I’m hoping that abortion is authorized in all circumstances. And I hope local weather change is addressed. However I simply don’t assume issues will occur in 4 years. It’ll take lots longer.
Luis, 58, New York, Latino, supervisor
I believe by the point we get to these 4 years, the waters can have melted in Antarctica. However she’s going to deal with it. Nonetheless, it’s going to be a really demanding scenario for her.
Tyler L., 22, Maryland, white, technician
I’m undecided if it’ll be considerably extra optimistic. However I’ve quite a lot of religion that it received’t be worse, which can be a naked minimal that I ask for at this level.
