Even in the deeply red South, voters have expressed mixed reactions for the upcoming General Election to both current President Joe Biden and what is his most likely opponent, former President Donald Trump.
From two ongoing foreign wars to border security and the state of the U.S. economy, voters in Alabama and Mississippi are keeping a watchful eye on how each candidate addresses a variety of issues between now and November while also weighing the actions of both during their time in office.
In Cullman County, Lance Conn said he believes the ongoing legal battles of Trump has began to wear on the majority of Americans who simply want leaders to listen to and work for them.
“I think the average American is sick of politics and issues. It’s difficult to rank domestic or foreign issues when there’s so much media coverage and personal argument over whether a former U.S. President is a traitor or not. I think one of the most important issues for Americans is to have a government that represents them, works for them and improves their lives. But I think we’re all tired of the political theater of the past few decades,” Conn said.
Kelly Range, a self-proclaimed registered Republican from Limestone County, agrees. He said he doesn’t believe Trump was the right choice in 2016, 2020 or today and that the GOP has “lost their moral fortitude and compass.”
“I mean think about it, the Republican chairman of Alabama (John Wahl) tried to vote not once, but twice with an ID he made himself. Any accountability? No, he gets a job with the national RNC for the big party for Trump,” Range said. “The threat to our republic is real and still on going. If a felon can’t vote, how can one be POTUS? Vote him out? No, prosecute him and find him guilty of inciting a riot along with (former US Rep.) Mo Brooks.”
Even as Biden currently faces his own Congressional impeachment enquiry, Range said he felt as though the president has handled his term fairly well given the circumstances in which he inherited the office.
“I think with the circumstances he was given in 2020 he has done a lot for the nation. He has helped and sometimes hindered on Congress negotiations, but he knows the ropes and has and can get things done. Congress is the problem, the ‘freedom caucus’ is for stirring the pot and rabble rousing more than anything. The impeachment is an embarrassment to the US and the world. If Joe Biden is guilty of taking monies, then he must face his sins, as the ‘freedom circus’ says. But as of now, they … haven’t proved anything but Hunter’s (Biden) guilt. They are not a court of law. Hunter will get his convictions. Will Trump?”
Range also said Trump’s border policies were “restrictive but cruel” and his fellow Limestone County resident Ken Hines agreed. But both felt as though Democrats had failed to properly address the issue, which would be important to correct ahead of November.
“Democrats should propose a clear and effective plan for addressing that issue and make Republicans react to it,” Heinz said.
Hines said one particular challenge for Democrats is meeting the wants and needs of a voter base much more diverse than its Republican counterpart.
“The Democratic Party coalition is much more diverse than the Republican Party, and must accommodate a broader set of priorities. Biden’s age is an issue with younger voters, the liberal social policies of the Democrats are of concern to many Hispanic voters, and the lack of progress overcoming discriminatory barriers can blunt the enthusiasm of some Black voters. Women have been energized against Republicans and may have become the Democrats’ most ardent supporters.
“Overall, many Democrats see ways their party could be improved, but few see any chance that those improvements will come from the Republican Party. Biden’s handling of the economy has been commendable and may become a strength as the election draws nearer. His handling of the conflict in Gaza is more problematic. Biden’s biggest advantages, and the ones that clearly justify his re-election, are the ones handed to him by a Republican Party that is unable to control even itself,” Hines said.
Conn said between the two candidates, he would cast his vote for Biden, but felt both parties needed to do a better job of promoting candidates who better reflect their constituents.
“I am disappointed that our current political system refuses to promote candidates who are more representative of the American people. I would prefer to see more candidates who represent different age groups, races and cultures, family structures, and religions,” he said.
Marion, Miss., resident Tommy Williams said his main concern is not who is on the ballot, but whether or not votes were cast fairly.
“The first thing is in all the swing states are they going to get away with stuffing the ballot box and all the stuff they got away with last time,” he said.
Meridian (Miss.) city councilwoman Lindsey said no matter who is in the Oval Office this time next year, she hopes they will work to be inclusive rather than divisive and strive to ensure all Americans have a chance of bettering themselves.
“Lead by example, lead with a good head and in a way that others are drawn to your leadership,” she said.