Three Undecided Voters, Two Swing States, One Big Decision
Sep 16, 2024
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Campbell Robertson, a National desk reporter at The New York Times, and Stella Tan, an audio producer, explore the minds of undecided voters post-debate in crucial swing states. They capture the mixed feelings of a Pennsylvania couple, illustrating their anxieties about economic policies and leadership. Emily, a lifelong Republican feels disillusioned by her party's choices. The conversation not only highlights frustrations but also touches on the complexities of reproductive rights and the ongoing search for civil discourse and clarity in a polarized political landscape.
Undecided voters in swing states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are dissatisfied with the presidential candidates' responses to economic concerns, especially inflation.
The recent debate failed to provide practical solutions for critical issues, reinforcing skepticism among undecided voters about both Trump and Harris.
Deep dives
Congressional and Security Insights
The FBI is investigating an attempted assassination of former President Trump while he was golfing in West Palm Beach. Secret Service agents detected an armed man hiding near the course, leading to an exchange of gunfire before the suspect fled but was later apprehended. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, had previously volunteered as a fighter in Ukraine against Russia, raising concerns about his motives and mental state. A rifle, camera, and backpacks were found at the scene, but it remains uncertain if the suspect fired any shots.
Undecided Voters Analysis
A small percentage of voters remain undecided in the lead-up to the election, particularly those in critical swing states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Bob and Sharon Reed, a couple from north central Pennsylvania, exemplify this group, having previously voted Republican but expressing skepticism about both Trump and Harris. They feel that neither candidate has sufficiently addressed their concerns, particularly regarding rising inflation and economic policies that cater to their demographic. Their ambivalence highlights the importance of appealing to undecided voters in pivotal states, as their decisions could significantly influence electoral outcomes.
Debate Reactions and Political Concerns
The Reeds were disappointed by the recent presidential debate, feeling that neither candidate presented practical solutions to their economic concerns. While Trump focused on aggressive attacks and tariffs, Harris offered tax-based policies aimed at younger voters, which the Reeds found irrelevant to their current situation. Both expressed concerns about immigration and Trump's handling of the border, with Bob specifically criticizing the unrealistic nature of Trump's deportation plan. Their lack of satisfaction with the candidates' performances reinforced their status as undecided voters, leaving them uncertain heading into the election.
From the moment Donald Trump and Kamala Harris walked off the debate stage, both their campaigns have argued about who won the showdown.
But the real question is what the debate meant to a small sliver of voters in a handful of swing states.
Campbell Robertson, a reporter on The Times’s National desk, and Stella Tan, a producer on “The Daily,” speak to three undecided voters about what they saw during the debate, and how much closer it brought them to a decision.
Guest:
Campbell Robertson, a reporter for the National desk at The New York Times, who has been tracking undecided voters in Pennsylvania.
Stella Tan, an audio producer for “The Daily,” who spoke to an undecided voter in Wisconsin.
Background reading:
Voters said the vice president talked about a sweeping vision to fix the country’s most stubborn problems. But they wanted to hear more.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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