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 lower 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 Occasions Opinion focus group, we needed 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, bored with 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 social gathering as reflecting their views. Most noticed President Biden as too outdated and Donald Trump as untrustworthy; once we requested what sort of automotive every can be, Mr. Biden was described as a Mannequin T or an outdated Buick, and Mr. Trump was a automotive that had elements lacking or was fancy trying however rusted out.
The voters intrigued by Mr. Kennedy appeared extra more likely to mirror Trumpist views — indignant about institution politics, immigration, authorities mandates and vaccination insurance policies. A few folks 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 habit additionally gave him some relatability. A lot of the contributors didn’t suppose he would win in November, however they have been hungry for an outspoken outsider who wasn’t Mr. Trump.
“You’ll be able to disagree with Kennedy. I disagree with him on fairly just a few 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.”
Contributors
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, medical overview coordinator
Henry 61, California, impartial, white, enterprise proprietor
Jackson 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Jessica 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
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 anxious 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, pupil
Freedom.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
The economic system.
Marc, 55, Illinois, impartial, white, impartial contractor
Economic system.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Our planet dying.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview 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 economic system.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, impartial, white, manufacturing engineer
The economic system, together with inflation, unlawful immigration and medicines.
Erica, 53, Missouri, impartial, Black, van driver
No good selections in selecting presidents this yr.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Fatima and Jackson, you stated “the longer term.”
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
I feel the longer term encompasses all of the specifics that folks talked about, from medicine to the economic system.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
The 2 presidential choices additionally don’t appear that unbelievable. The nation isn’t actually going to again both. In order that’s actually worrisome for the subsequent 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 indignant half towards both, whoever is chosen. They’re going to be actually loud and make it look like 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 one’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. Everyone simply says, “I’ll simply pay it.”
Moderator, Margie Omero
What do you consider our present system of electing political leaders? For those who suppose it ought to change, how?
Robert, 29, Colorado, impartial, white, program coordinator
Politicians spend nearly all 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 social gathering. We have to get the affect of that cash out if we actually wish 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 will spend that’s allotted.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I’m not a fan of the two-party system. There are lots of folks that don’t essentially fall precisely inside both social gathering however are pressured to decide on one over the opposite. I really feel like that doesn’t put the suitable folks in energy; it simply places an individual in energy.
Moderator, Margie Omero
So what would you modify?
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I’d make it in order that different candidates are viable candidates and have a real likelihood at working for workplace, versus it simply being one other identify 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 assumed there was a number of shenanigans that passed off in 2020. Do I want there have been extra candidates? I imply, we have now some third-party candidates that truly are getting a number of consideration. However sadly, they don’t have the funding to actually make a severe run on this election.
Moderator, Margie Omero
How properly do the 2 events assist you make sense of politics at present?
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
At this level, we’re underneath the belief that this sure social gathering stands for this and in order that individual is robotically going to do what that social gathering says.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
I’ve come to not belief them very a lot in any respect. I feel there’s a lot animosity and that the way in which they current themselves is extra like criticism of the opposite social gathering. I attempt to make up my very own thoughts. I don’t take heed to it.
Moderator, Margie Omero
What sort of data are you pondering of if you’re like, “I don’t wish to pay attention”?
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Effectively, for instance, what’s occurring with the border — you actually received’t get it from the mainstream media. You bought a greater likelihood with BBC America.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, impartial, white, manufacturing engineer
Except for the fringes, I form of really feel like they’re the identical. They’re self-serving. They’re not standing up for what they imagine in. It’s “How can I get re-elected?”
Fatima,
32, N.J., Dem., Asian
Henry,
61, Calif., ind., white
Marc,
55, Ailing., 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 feel in relation to international affairs, they help the identical factor. They each wish to give cash in international support. However domestically, they’re extra more likely to be completely different.
Henry, 61, California, impartial, white, enterprise proprietor
I don’t suppose both social gathering has America’s finest pursuits at coronary heart. All of them have their very own agendas.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Effectively, in relation to cash, the Republicans normally are extra for the well-off and higher class. And Democrats lean towards among the applications for the much less advantaged folks. 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 folks keep in energy, I imply, aside from the president. You haven’t any new opinions, no new concepts, no new generations with completely different concepts.
Erica, 53, Missouri, impartial, Black, van driver
Effectively, one is towards abortion. One is for warfare, one is towards warfare. One is for a border, one just isn’t for a border. One needs to let some immigrants in, one doesn’t wish 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 maintain it easy, what they imagine in, what they don’t imagine in. Don’t throw filth towards one another. Simply say what you imagine 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 desirous about it.
Is there a celebration that represents your views properly? Is there a celebration that represents your views properly? 1 individual 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, Ailing., 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’d say the Republican Social gathering shares most of my views on abortion, international affairs, the economic system. I want that they have been extra accepting of the L.G.B.T.Q. neighborhood and transgender folks.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
For a very long time, I assumed the Democratic Social gathering most likely aligned with extra of my views. However previously yr, with the genocide in Gaza and the way a lot cash we’re spending to fund killing harmless folks internationally, I don’t suppose it issues who wins within the upcoming election. I feel each events are for killing harmless civilians for our personal acquire.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Was there ever a time in your life if you felt one of many events was nearer to the place your views are usually?
Robert, 29, Colorado, impartial, white, program coordinator
Yeah, I’d say in Obama’s first election, I assumed the Democratic Social gathering aligned very well with my views. However I’ve slowly come to seek out that there’s nearly no distinction on international 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 properly. That was actually disappointing.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
With Obama’s first time period, aside from wars, was there something that he or the Democratic Social gathering was doing or saying that synched properly 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 we have now a power illness epidemic. We’ve got severely overweight youngsters. We simply had a pandemic the place we have been all locked indoors. Since Obamacare, there’s been no speak about “How will we make our nation more healthy? How will we get higher entry to well being care?” And I used to suppose that that was the Democratic subject. We had a Democratically managed Congress and president. There was no dialog about well being care.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
On many ethical and social points, I are likely to lean extra Democratic. However over time, my religion in each events has form of decreased. As a younger lady, I do fear in relation to my reproductive rights. And that is among the points that I align extra on with the Democratic Social gathering. However on different points, largely financial points, I are usually considerably within the center.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What modified by way of financial points or the economic system that pushed you extra towards the center?
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
The apparent one is inflation. I feel that when you’re having applications that value some huge cash for the federal government to help, issues robotically begin to value somewhat bit extra for the common individual.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Now we’re going to speak about completely 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, medical overview 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 properly.
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
Outdated.
Moderator, Margie Omero
The parents 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, medical overview coordinator
Numerous what he stated, everyone else is telling him what to say. He doesn’t have a really sturdy character.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Marc, you stated “corrupt.”
Marc, 55, Illinois, impartial, white, impartial contractor
His son’s acquired a extreme drug habit. He was working for a Ukrainian energy firm. Why would an organization wish to have anyone on their board who is aware of nothing about vitality on their board? And the reply could be very apparent. It’s to have entry to who they thought might be in energy on this nation and to get affect.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Melvin, you stated “joke.”
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, impartial, Black, undertaking coordinator
Effectively, 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, pupil
I form of agree with the rusted-out Buick, to be sincere with you.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, impartial, white, manufacturing engineer
Outdated folks love Buicks.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
A type 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 outdated. I’m positive folks 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 we have now 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 so much, however they’re super-unreliable. They break down. They form of make a number of guarantees, they usually don’t final.
Marc, 55, Illinois, impartial, white, impartial contractor
Fascinated with the Edsel? It’s alleged to be the worst automotive ever created.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Do you’re feeling that means about Joe Biden? Do you’re feeling that means in contrast with different presidents?
Marc, 55, Illinois, impartial, white, impartial contractor
He’s within the group photograph. He is likely to be the worst — undoubtedly the worst in my lifetime.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Outdated rusty station wagon.
Would you be extra more likely to take into account voting for a Democrat working for president if Joe Biden weren’t the nominee? Would you be extra more likely to take into account voting for a Democrat working for president if Joe Biden weren’t the nominee? 6 folks 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, Ailing., 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
Effectively, I feel there are different good Democratic candidates on the market. However the machine is deciding on who they need.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Whenever you say there are different good Democrats, who’re you pondering of?
Patrick, 45, Arizona, impartial, white, manufacturing engineer
A lot of the Democrats I like went impartial. Tulsi Gabbard. Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona is somebody who broke together with her social gathering. Joe Manchin. I imply, these folks not less than have a spine. I’d take into account them over Biden.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I’d be extra more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate that was not 80-plus years outdated.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
I feel a youthful candidate can be a great factor, too.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
What’s one phrase you’ll 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, pupil
Smug.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Assured.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
Senile. He’s loopy. “Seize the ladies by their vaginas” or one thing? I don’t understand how 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 form 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 towards each events. Trump is a fighter, and he hits again.
Melvin, 30, Pennsylvania, impartial, Black, undertaking coordinator
He can say a number of issues and not likely really say something, however you’ll come away liking it. You recognize what I’m saying?
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
He’s a con artist. I didn’t suppose something he stated even made sense half the time. He was simply the alternative of what America needs 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 recognize automobiles 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 skin however the inside is all rusted out or it’s lacking an engine.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, impartial, white, manufacturing engineer
I’d say a brightly coloured limousine.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
I feel the automotive within the junkyard that’s acquired a complete 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 more likely to take into account voting for a Republican working for president if Donald Trump weren’t the nominee? Would you be extra more likely to take into account voting for a Republican working for president if Donald Trump weren’t the nominee? 7 folks 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, Ailing., 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 if 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, pupil
I’m undecided.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
Undoubtedly completely different from everyone else.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
Undecided.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Similar.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Robert, you stated “principled.”
Robert, 29, Colorado, impartial, white, program coordinator
You’ll be able to disagree with Kennedy. I disagree with him on fairly just a few 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 of us who stated they’re undecided, I wish to hear somewhat bit extra.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
I refuse to vote for Biden or Trump. So I’m going to offer it to a 3rd social gathering. 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 every thing, however I simply don’t know. I simply don’t find out about each single considered one of his insurance policies and wish to see him, particularly, debate Trump and Biden.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
There may be a number of hype surrounding him. In order that form of robotically intrigued me. However I haven’t actually had the possibility to completely 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
Sort 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 automobiles didn’t work. He jogged my memory of Trump. I used to be in his nook till I discovered about his beliefs. His family doesn’t even help him.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
I used to be simply going to say I feel he’s like a self-driving automotive. They make me uncomfortable. However he’s most likely not as unsafe as you suppose.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Marc, what questions do you may 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’d simply go R.F.Okay. Jr. I don’t know if I absolutely embrace all his insurance policies, however I respect the man in that he doesn’t suppose 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 life-style. I assumed that he wouldn’t be a defender of the Everyman. However then I realized somewhat bit about his life, his wrestle with habit, the truth that he misplaced his father tragically. And I really started to narrate to him much more than I assumed I’d, 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, pupil
I haven’t accomplished a horrible quantity of analysis. However I’d say I’ve extra confidence that he would battle for the common citizen, versus at all times doing what’s in the most effective curiosity of a celebration.
Patrick, 45, Arizona, impartial, white, manufacturing engineer
I feel he would battle towards Massive Pharma and Medical, being somebody who opposed the vaccines. Even along with his voice thing, I feel he’s searching for out pure treatments. And that’s one thing that I can get on board with.
Moderator, Margie Omero
A number of folks have talked about R.F.Okay. Jr.’s place on vaccines. Is that one thing that folks like? Does anyone say, “I’m undecided what persons are referring to”?
Patrick, 45, Arizona, impartial, white, manufacturing engineer
I wouldn’t say he’s anti-vax. I feel he’s pro-choice in relation to vaccines. I feel Republicans and Democrats are “You shall get this Covid vaccine.” We don’t know what it does. And you recognize, you look again on it and say, “Effectively, hell, lots of people acquired the vax, they usually 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 imagine that 100%. My spouse and I have been trying into it.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
I’m pro-vax. I feel it’s one thing that we want. And clearly, as soon as we’ve gotten the vaccine, the Covid fee has gone down. And even when folks 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 ways 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 the most effective pursuits of the American folks. He believes individuals who work laborious ought to be capable of afford a great life.” What do folks consider that?
Henry, 61, California, impartial, white, enterprise proprietor
I feel he’s right-on, and I do agree with him. And I really feel that the opposite candidates must also study from him. They’ve their very own agendas.
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
After this group, I feel I’ve made up my thoughts who I’m going to vote for. As a result of I feel voting for anyone 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 number of issues that a number of presidents don’t undergo. They’re fairly silver-spooned and privileged. And even with these privileges, he’s skilled a number of tragedies. He’s for the atmosphere and all various things. He’s simply very open. You recognize what I imply? Simply appears completely 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 suppose. I’d 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 folks consider that?
Robert, 29, Colorado, impartial, white, program coordinator
Effectively, I feel it is sensible. It looks as if they’re benefiting from the damaged system. So why would they do away with it?
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
Precisely.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
It feels like Trump. He’s not swayed, even when persons are near him and imagine this different factor.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I feel it nearly provides me somewhat 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, pupil
Having the ability to get up for what you personally imagine in and what you suppose is finest for the nation and what you suppose is true, even when the folks round you and the people who find themselves alleged to help you don’t agree with that, I feel 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 kind of supportive of R.F.Okay. Jr.?
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
It doesn’t imply something to me. As a result of I really feel like they’re most likely doing it for their very own political acquire.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I wish to run rapidly via just a few different issues that R.F.Okay. Jr. has stated, simply to see in the event that they make any form of sturdy affect on you or not. He stated the occasions on the Capitol on Jan. 6 didn’t meet the definition of an insurrection. And I’m curious if that makes you any kind of more likely to form of lean his means.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview 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. You might not like Trump or his followers, however to me, an riot means you may have an actual shot of taking up a rustic with highly effective backing and military weaponry. You’ll be able to name it trespassing. You’ll be able to name it a number of issues, however that’s not an riot.
Fatima, 32, New Jersey, Democrat, Asian, medical overview coordinator
They didn’t have weapons with them once 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, they usually have been warned, like, the day earlier than, that there was going to be exercise in Washington.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
I wish to go to a different remark, about faculty shootings. R.F.Okay. Jr. has suggested that antidepressants have led to a rise in class shootings.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
He appears to suppose that America is simply usually overmedicated, so he opposes any sort of pointless treatment.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I don’t essentially know if he’s certified to make statements like that, and I feel it does increase some questions that his views and opinions might not totally be backed by analysis or backed by people who find themselves specialists in these areas.
Melanie, 46, Kentucky, Democrat, Latina, educator
It appears somewhat sus. I don’t see the correlation between what causes an individual or a toddler to discover a gun and enter a college constructing come along with using an antidepressant.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Can I ask the oldsters who stated the economic system and inflation mattered an incredible deal to them earlier within the dialogue — do any of you see R.F.Okay. Jr. having any concepts associated to the economic 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 economic system is booming. So I’m making an attempt to determine what they’re speaking about. There’s too many roles out right here. Lots of people don’t wish to work.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Do you suppose R.F.Okay. Jr. might win the presidential election in November?
Audra, 45, Wisconsin, Democrat, white, job coach
I feel something’s attainable. Trump received.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Many individuals would name R.F.Okay. Jr. a spoiler. Most individuals don’t suppose he’ll win, however it might 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, we have now to work with it. What selection do we have now, you recognize?
Erica, 53, Missouri, impartial, Black, van driver
To me, we ain’t actually acquired a selection. We solely acquired three folks, and we simply acquired to vote for considered one of them. The end result just isn’t going to be fairly.
Moderator, Margie Omero
Audra, you’re from a battleground state. So inform me, do you consider who may 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 folks with the low incomes and the medium incomes. And we want 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 may 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 at the start. If a vote for Kennedy adjustments the end result unfavorably, that’s one thing I’m undoubtedly taking a look at.
Jackson, 23, Alabama, Republican, white, medical assistant
Effectively, 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 few sure candidate profitable.
Moderator, Margie Omero
For those who 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
Effectively, what number of instances have you ever accomplished medicine? It reveals the character of the individual.
Jessica, 19, New Jersey, Democrat, white, pupil
I’d 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 feel I’d be actually occupied with that supernuanced drawback, however I’d 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 suppose his reply can be?
Robert, 29, Colorado, impartial, white, program coordinator
I feel that he was for a two-state resolution. I nonetheless suppose that he’s not as pro-Palestinian as I’d want he can 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, Ailing., 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 feel if Trump have been to make himself extra human and apologize for lots of the issues that he’s precipitated —
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’d vote for him. And I simply agree that that will by no means occur, which is an issue. But when he did, then I’d.
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 international wars, the genocide in Gaza, it’d be fairly simple to get my vote.
Moderator, Patrick Healy
Marc, how about you?
Marc, 55, Illinois, impartial, white, impartial contractor
I’d wish to know the place R.F.Okay. Jr. stands on the economic system and the limitless printing of cash and the $34 trillion that we’re in debt proper now and what he would wish to see accomplished in another way. And I’d additionally wish to know the place he stood on border safety.
Erica, 53, Missouri, impartial, Black, van driver
I really feel if Trump’s mouth is transferring, 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 imagine they even let him be a candidate. It’s loopy. He needs to be in jail.
Bruce, 32, Massachusetts, Republican, Black, supply driver
I’d 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 nasty factor.