Name	Alter	Wohnort	Beruf	Politische Einstellung
Gavin C.	22	Washington State	Koordinator für nachhaltigen Transport	demokratisch
Elise N.	21	Washington State	Lehrerin	demokratisch
Claire G.	23	Spanien (derzeit)	Grundschul-lehrerin	demokratisch
Alec A.	21	Idaho	Einzelhandel	(eher demokratisch)
Brynn N.	21	Oregon	Rettungssani-täterin	republikanisch
Alan N.	69	Washington State	Rentner, ehemalig: angestellt beim regionalen Verkehrs-ministerium	republikanisch

1. Who are you voting for? And why?

Alec A.

I don’t know if I will vote because I’m not properly educated with either candidate’s policies. I’ve never been really interested in politics.

Gavin C.

I am voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz because I feel that they are the most equipped candidates to lead our country. They are personable, speak about real issues and have a history of delivering on those issues. They are people who are in politics because they want to lift people up and that is evident in how they talk. I’m voting for them because I want a more equitable, more just future for myself and all those I love and care about.

Claire G. 

I am voting for Kamala Harris. While I don’t agree with many of Kamala’s views and policies, she is far better than Trump. She is far less evil than Trump. The policies Trump wants to set in place are simply diabolical. Nothing on Trump’s agenda aligns with my own values. America is already falling apart, if Trump wins, we will crumble.

Elise N.

I voted for Kamala HarrisMy primary reason is because I do not want to vote for Donald Trump. The influence he has and the actions he would take/people he would hire would lead to a direct hit to my rights as a woman, and to my career. He wants to completely remove the Department of Education which puts my job at risk, and he will put people in power who want to take away any of the freedoms that I have because I am a woman. Aside from this, I know that his influence will also lead to the destruction of our economy, the discrimination of millions across the country. He has also shared no policy plans that I am in support of (if he has even shared any details for his plans). My secondary reason is because I think that Kamala is just okay as a candidate. She is better than RFK Jr, but mostly because she is most likely of any other candidate on the ballot to win over Donald Trump. I am overtly not a fan of Harris’ plan regarding the situation between Gaza and Israel, but I understand the Trumps’ plan would definitely be worse regardless.

Alan N.

I am voting for Donald Trump because when he was in office I was satisfied and I’ve been very dissatisfied with Biden’s performance for the last three and a half years. Our Inflation rate was the highest it’s been in 40 years under Biden and even though he is not on the ticket anymore Harris is. She has the same policies. Trump approaches things with common sense. I like his energy policies for example. We have all this natural resources right here in the United States, why should we borrow or buy oil from countries that don’t like us. I like his foreign policy, you know, no words when he was in office. He’s already talking about reducing taxes. He is not gonna tax my social security. 

[…] 

But I can say this: the man’s a jerk, he’s an ass. 

Brynn N.

Trump.  

I was still in school when he was the president, but had a job and bills to pay. The economy looked different, gas was cheaper, groceries were cheaper, inflation was lower, he was trying to be peaceful with other leaders (at least it seemed that way). Crime rates were lower and unemployment numbers were down as well. I agree he says things that aren’t always kind, and people don’t like him for that, but I think he has the people’s best interest at heart. I’m not voting for someone I like personally, I’m voting for who I think would be the better leader.

2. If Trump/Harris wins, what will be your biggest concern/goal?

Alec A.

I’m worried both candidates are extreme with their policies and will further divide the nation.

Gavin C.

If Harris wins, my goal is that she can deliver on the issues she has campaigned on and I hope she can make real progress on lifting up everyone in our country, not just those she agrees with, which she has promised to do. My greatest concern if she is elected is that depending on the makeup of congress, will she be able to actually get meaningful legislation passed to set the precedent for future female leaders. If Trump is elected, I am worried that the values that we have as a country will no longer have any standing. That we will be so much closer to actual war on many fronts here and abroad. If he is elected, all I hope is that people abroad know that there are good people in this country that tried to stop him and are still working to minimize the damage that he will cause. I’m also concerned if either one wins because either Trump will be elected and we have to manage that, or Harris will be elected and Trump will say the election was stolen and that can lead to serious violence. 

Claire G.

As an educator and an American citizen, I am terrified if Trump wins. His plan to „reform“ the education system is deranged (as are many of his other policies). If Kamala wins, I am most concerned with our ties to Israel. I don’t know what will happen, but I hope the US will reconsider, although I highly doubt it.

Elise N.

I think I mostly shared this already. To put it simply: If Trump wins, I am scared for my rights, I am scared for my safety, I am scared for my job security, I am scared about the economy and the housing market as I look to the next stage of my life as an adult, I am scared for my friends and family who will be directly impacted by his influence over legislation, and I am scared for the future. 

Alan N.

My biggest concern with Trump, are his off comments. That they will be continuously taken out of context and the democrats will continuously try to discredit him. They tried to impeach him twice over stuff that was bogus. It’s just gonna be a huge political rift if Trump gets in. If she gets in, our economy is gonna crash. We will go into recession. She says she is going to develop an Opportunity Economy, and if you ask what that is, she can’t even explain it. […] She cannot make, she cannot give you a definitive answer. 

Brynn N.

If Trump wins a concern would be that people may riot again. People don’t like him and make that known in violent ways sometimes. There have already been a few attempts on his life. The riots barely affect the upper level politicians, but widely affects the people and small businesses. This could be an initial issue if he was in office again.

If Harris wins, I think there will be progress in the wrong direction. She was a leader in California for many years and put policies in place that seemed to do more harm than good. She seemed greedy, stating how she would make some changes solely due to liking money. She has also been the Vice president for almost 4 years, and she states she helped make all the big decisions during Biden’s presidency. Inflation is at the highest it’s been in around 30 years, crime rates have gone up significantly, billions of dollars are going to other countries (which yes, need help as well) while only $750 were ‘loaned’ to victims of the recent hurricanes stateside and is to be paid back to FEMA asap. This structure/these decisions are not something I would be proud to admit my involvement in. 

3. What are people in your immediate environment discussing regarding the election?

Alec A.

Idaho is a very republican state, so I hear lots of support for Trump, particularly in my small town. In Boise, there are small glimpses of Harris’ support.

Gavin C.

Everyone I have spoken with is not looking forward to this election, however those in my circle are now excited for politics rather than dreading them with a Biden/Trump rematch. But we are feeling sick at the thought of the election.

Claire G.

I am currently teaching abroad in Spain, so there is not a lot of discussion on the US election. If the election has been brought up, most think it is a joke and cannot believe Trump is running again. 

Elise N.

My partner, my parents, my coworkers, my friends, sometimes my students (although I do not discuss it with them – they are also 12/13 years old). Nearly everyone in my life. Everyone has their own opinions about Gaza, women’s rights, immigration, and the economy (amongst other things as well). I think everything is at stake here, it affects everyone in one way or another.  

Alan N.

The feathers flock together. The people in my circle are pretty strong Trump Republican Supporters, but the other thing is that Washington State is a very blue state. Trump is not going to win Washington. But even My mother made a comment the other day and she’s pretty staunch Democrat. She flat told me „I don’t know if I can vote for that woman“. 

The main reason People don’t want to vote for Trump is because it’s Trump. Anybody but Trump is what it amounts to. The hate for the man is incredibly deep.

Brynn N.

Mostly, there is uncertainty. Ballots are being destroyed before counted, multiple different drop boxes in my area have been set on fire, etc. there is obvious foul play. Many people say it is important to vote, but also see that it might not change the outcome either way. 

4. Have you considered leaving the country, or moving to a State that is democratic/republican?

Alec A.

I haven’t, because I feel like the state’s political stance has affected me.

Gavin C.

I currently live in a conservative part of a progressive state however I have only joked about leaving the country. I would leave this country for other reasons like seeking a better pace of life or having better access to transportation but leaving for political reasons is not in the cards. As a matter of fact it makes me want to stay more so I can defend against the hate and degradation of good and decent norms. 

Claire G.

I have absolutely thought about leaving the country if Trump wins. I cannot and will not experience 4 more years under the Trump administration. His administration and values simply go against every single one of mine. I will not have a misogynistic, narcissistic, egocentric, fascist felon be my president. If he becomes president, I plan to at least teach in Spain for another year and then decide where to go next. 

Elise N.

I have considered moving out of the US in the future, but I have hope that Harris can win this cycle. I think if Trump wins this cycle that thought might become much more pressing. I would not move states, I feel fairly supported in Washington when it comes to the issues I am concerned about. 

Alan N.

No.

Brynn N.

Many people that I talk to in this state (Oregon) are right leaning / agree with republican leadership and policies to some degree. Mostly, it’s the big cities like Portland and Eugene that agree more with the democratic party. That’s what makes Oregon a blue state. I like living in Oregon overall, I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. I have no intention of leaving the state or the country for political reasons at this time.

5. How would you describe Trump’s political attitude/direction? Can you think of a suitable term?

Alec A.

I think he’s a little arrogant sometimes. He’s not very well spoken or open-minded.

Gavin C.

I would describe Trump’s political attitude/direction as fascist. Literally. His own running mate compared him to Hitler once. His former Chief of Staff John Kelly said he generally fits the definition of fascist.Trump has also said, “Hitler did some good things too“ and “I need generals like Hitler had“ saying that because he wants loyal generals. What is truly scary too is, combine what he has said there with how he has laid the groundwork for alienating an entire population of people which has dehumanized them and has made it easier to target them in public because people are desensitized to it now. In all, knowing that if he is elected for a second term he will be so much closer to having the tools necessary to creating an environment that Hitler created to cause genocide, that is scary to me.

Claire G.

It feels like we will be going completely backwards. All of our progress (which is not a lot) will simply be gone. His political agenda is reckless, dangerous, and diabolical. His plan to „save“ America, will destroy America, It’s a shit show.

Elise N.

No suitable term – I think he is charismatic and knows his audience. I think he did this for attention, not thinking he can win, but now that he’s on the path (and he’s been President) he can’t let go of the attention and the power. He is a television personality at heart. He does it for money and for attention. He is inconsistent in his opinions, and inconsiderate when it comes to political direction and choices. 

Alan N.

I would say that his attitude is pretty optimistic. He wants to see the nation do better and he states how he’s gonna make it happen. Where the other, where the gal, says she’s going to change things on the first day. She has been vice president for the past three and a half years; how come she has not changed anything now. She is not president, but she certainly has a big influence.

Brynn N.

I’ve heard it said many times that Trump is a businessman. I feel like that is a good way to put it. He is not a people pleaser, he is not in a position of power to make everyone happy or make them like him. He’s there in business. He is there to make a change and to set the people up for success / to run the country.  

6. Any other aspects you would like to share with us regarding the upcoming election?

Alec A.

I think we need younger candidates with fresh ideas to unite the country. We need a balance of political beliefs.

Gavin C.

It makes me frustrated because people look to our country as an example and are let down. When we aren’t living up to the standard we claim to hold ourselves to, it makes me disappointed and often ashamed. I find it difficult to claim we are the greatest country in the world because we are behind the world in so many ways. To me, I feel that this upcoming election will help get the ball rolling to the US being a positive example for the world. That we are starting the end to the right wing tendencies that are being seen across the globe and that there is so much good we can do when we do it together. Lifting people up instead of pushing the most vulnerable down.

Elise N.

Not really, it is imperative that everyone votes. I think the polls are not accurate because not once in my life have I or anyone I know been polled for the ones that they share on TV daily. We don’t really know what the actual numbers are. Everyone must vote – and to address a fairly local problem in the Pacific Northwest; If people are afraid their ballots will be destroyed in a ballot box (like the ones that were set on fire in Washington and in Oregon), they should check to see if their ballots have been received online, or they should submit their ballot to their post office instead of the ballot box.  

Alan N.

I don’t care which way the election goes, there is going to be huge turmoil in the States. Especially when Trump gets in. They are already round up. 

Brynn N.

In all reality, I do not think that either Trump or Harris would be the perfect candidate. Both have faults, both are human, both have said things that I really disagree with. From what I have seen, from what I have heard, learned and researched, I think that Trump would be the ‘better’ candidate of the two. Based on his work vs her work in politics. In the end, my vote might not win. I just hope whoever does has the American peoples’ best interest in mind, and runs the country accordingly. 

Hoffnungen und Ängste bestimmen die Wahl

Die Antworten der sechs Befragten zeigen deutlich, dass zwar unterschiedliche politische Meinungen bestehen, aber in einer Sache sind sich alle einig: Wählen ist wichtig, denn jede Stimme zählt. Während in den Medien oft Menschen präsentiert werden, die leidenschaftlich für ihre Wahl – sei es Harris oder Trump – eintreten, reflektieren viele der hier Befragten auch ihre eigene Stimmabgabe, selbst wenn sie sich klar für eine bestimmte Seite entschieden haben. Dies verdeutlicht, wie stark die Wahl oft in einem Schwarz-Weiß-Denken betrachtet wird und wie viele unterschiedliche Stimmen dazwischen existieren, jede mit eigenen Ansichten und Wünschen.