For this assignment and the current elections, I decided to talk with a relative, a friend, and an acquaintance about the most important issue influencing their vote.
My questions:
- Who or what would you say most influenced your political point of view?
- What is the most important issue in our country that influenced your vote?
- What resources did you use to study or get information about this issue?
- Are you well-informed on this topic?
- What are three other political issues you agree with or disagree with?
JL- My mom is 39 years old; she grew up in rural Michigan and has lived in Texas, Louisiana, and now Alaska. She works as a front desk receptionist at an accounting firm.
- “When I was younger, my family was very Christan and attended church at least three times a day; church and Christian beliefs have shaped my idealogy. Another influence would have to be my parents, when I moved to a big city, I quickly left the conservative views that my parents taught me and became liberal, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized democratic policy on the economy just isn’t practical.”
- “The economy, paying $4.50 a gallon for gas and over $400 for heating fuel to fill up my tank, is causing my husband and me a small fortune. If we didn’t have the income we have today, we would be screwed. If this inflation happened ten years ago or even 5, I wouldn’t know what to do; we couldn’t afford to live. So I’m voting for candidates to help improve the economy so less fortunate families can afford this in this already expensive state.”
- “I watch Fox News, and that’s where I hear the most about the economy. From there, I do my own research, waiting for inflation results from the Fed. Also, as I mentioned before, I’m living in a poorly regulated economy where gas costs an arm and a leg; there isn’t much research that needs to be done to determine our economy is sh*t.”
- “I believe that I am well-informed, but I also believe that there is always more information. I do think I could use more research, but everyone can.”
- “From what I’ve said, I think people will conclude that I’m a conservative, but most of my other beliefs align with the democratic party. I believe in abortion access because the government has no right to determine a woman’s healthcare, whatever happened to HIPPA. I also support same-sex marriage, and I hope the supreme court doesn’t overturn Obergefell v. Hodges as they did Roe v. Wade. I also support stricter gun laws, people cant rent cars at 18, but they can buy an assault rifle in some states; that just doesn’t make any sense to me. What’s more dangerous? A car or a Gun? I think we can all agree on an answer there.”
SJ- My best friend is 20 years old and grew up as a military child, so she’s lived all over the world. She works as a Store manager at Target in Maryland.
- “When I was younger, I would listen to my parents talk about their conservative views. As I’ve gotten older and have been exposed to other people and experiences, I have been influenced by the democratic party as republican policies are hateful.”
- “The most important issue for me this election was abortion access and health care.”
- “I grew up in the age of social media, most of the time, I’m scrolling through TikTok, and I come across a piece of information. I google issues I hear about and read as many sources as possible to form a logical argument.”
- “I would say I’m well informed unless I believe that my idea is 100% backed up by facts I am constantly researching more on the topic, and I always try to be prepared on the topic as if I’m going to debate someone,”
- “Other important political issues to me are raising the minimum wage, Same-sex marriage, and one I disagree with is making the US a Christian nation; I don’t understand how or why that’s even in the conversation.”
AL-I know her from middle school, and she is 19. She grew up as a military child and has lived all over the United States; she now resides in Maryland and is a stay-at-home mom.
- “My biggest influences are my parents, and as I’ve researched on my own, my beliefs align with theirs.”
- “This will sound bad, but I haven’t been paying attention, and I don’t plan to vote. I guess I would say the economy because my parents constantly tell me how poorly the democrats are running this country.”
- “I’m always busy with my son, so the information I have is from my fiance and my parents, who lean more towards conservatives.”
- “I don’t think I’m well informed at all, most of my views are other people, but with the election being tomorrow, I don’t have the time to research on my own.”
- “I disagree with abortion, but I believe it should be legal; my sister is lesbian, so same-sex marriage staying legal is important to me, and I disagree with stricter gun laws. The second amendment exists for a reason, so stricter gun laws are a big fat no from me.”
Although I had a good idea of the answers, I enjoyed talking with people and seeing other people’s perspectives. I was surprised by my childhood friend; she was always so involved with politics in middle school, and seeing how indifferent she was was shocking. My best friend and I have very similar beliefs, so I knew what she would say. I’ve lived with my mom for 19 years, and her answers didn’t shock me one bit. I think everybody should be able to talk about these topics and have conversations about the solutions; I would 100% do this again.