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US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden are fighting for the presidency in a deeply divided America.
Trump has focused on “law and order,” Biden has been trying to strike a conciliatory note. The Black Lives Matter movement and whether Trump will release his taxes are among the many issues that Americans will consider when choosing their president.
As the close elections approach, Al Jazeera has been speaking with voters across the United States, asking nine questions to understand who they support and why.
Millie brigaud
[Courtesy of Millie Brigaud]
Age: 19
Student occupation
Residence: Williamsburg, VA
Voted in 2016 by: N / A
Will vote in 2020 for: Joe Biden
Elections main issue: polarization
Will you vote? Why or why not?
“In fact, I have already voted by mail. And this is very exciting for me because it is the first presidential election in which I am eligible to vote. It is very exciting to think of how, even if my vote is one in millions, once combined with all these other votes that I have similar values to mine, or the same goals for the future of this country, it suddenly becomes in a really shocking force. “
What is your number one problem?
“This is a difficult question because there are many things that concern me. But I would say that the most important thing for me is the polarization in our country right now. I think diversity is very important, but at the point where we are now, where defending or affirming your point of view is often synonymous with hating another person, or isolating yourself from other points of view is simply harmful.
“It is very worrying for me. I don’t think we can address any of the other serious issues we face, such as climate change and racial injustice, until we are more united and can have constructive conversations. “
Who will you vote for?
“I voted for Joe Biden.”
Is there a main reason why you chose your candidate?
“I feel like Biden’s policies align more with my values and my goals for this country. I think their language also treats us as the United States as a whole, rather than specific groups. And that is really important to me.
“To be more specific about his policies, I’m very attracted to how clear and strong his position on climate change is relative to Donald Trump’s. And I also like how you are approaching it in a holistic way that is also working to stimulate the economy, so creating jobs that is about changing our infrastructure to adapt to the environment we find ourselves in, and it will be for the rest of our lives. and also creating jobs that run on renewable energy. That is the future and it is also a way of educating the population about the climate crisis. So I think it’s a very comprehensive way of approaching everything, and I appreciate it. “
Are you happy with the state of the country?
“This depends because a part of me is really very encouraged by this spirit of political advocacy among my peers, our parents and mentors. I think that is really important for our democracy. I think it is a healthy motivation to be part of politics and government. So that’s what I like.
“I am not happy with our position, the position of the United States, abroad, our relations abroad or the malaise, unhappiness and general mistrust in our country at the national level.”
What would you like to see changed?
“I think that in general I would like the United States to move towards a ‘build’ attitude.
“So whether it’s literally building new infrastructure and new policies that can better adapt to this climate we’re in now, or [fitting] the opinions of people at home, or building stronger relationships abroad and at home, definitely building a progressive attitude. “
Do you think the elections will change anything?
“Absolutely.
“I think all presidential elections are very important, well, all elections, but all presidential elections are very important because not only are you choosing who represents your country, but you are deciding what values the US will reflect for the next few years. four years, and maybe beyond that. So, absolutely, I think this election is very important. “
What is your biggest concern for the United States?
“I know I’ve been saying [it], over and over again: I am really concerned about polarization in this country. I firmly hope that we can change these rules in our country so that our conversations are possible; constructive conversations are possible, where people acknowledge diversity and realize that that is so important, and something that we can all learn from, and also don’t use it as a reason to fear others or to hate to others “.
Is there anything we haven’t asked about the choice you want to share?
“I would love that spirit that I was talking about, this mobilizing spirit that we have in this country right now, I really would like it to continue on November 3. I think it’s something really wonderful. I mean, I don’t know, I’m quite young, but I think it’s a spirit that ebbs and flows throughout history. And I think right now it’s very strong and I hope it doesn’t fade after November 3, regardless of who is chosen, because there is a lot to do all the time and it’s a really inspiring attitude. “
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