​SwingVoters™ Journal: Reflections on the 2024 Presidential Election
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January 1, 2024
As we enter the new year, we’re already thinking about the upcoming election. In 2020, we voted for Biden, hoping for stability and progress, but now we’re not so sure that decision paid off. Inflation has been tough on our budget, and safety concerns in our community have grown. We feel stuck between two visions for the country and aren’t sure which direction to go.
What matters most to us in 2024:
1. Economic recovery.
2. Public safety.
3. Strong leadership to address these challenges.
February 15, 2024
It’s official: Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee, and Donald Trump is running again for the Republicans. We’re torn. On one hand, Harris is promising continuity with Biden’s policies, but we don’t feel like the past four years have been great for our family. On the other hand, Trump represents change, but his leadership style concerns us. We’ll have to see how both campaigns unfold.
Key thoughts: We’re looking for a leader who can address real issues, not just make promises.
March 20, 2024
We’ve been following the early campaign messaging. Harris is emphasizing equity and social programs, while Trump is focused on immigration, energy independence, and economic growth. Both have their points, but Trump’s focus on the economy feels more relevant to what we’re dealing with right now. Rising costs are making it harder to get by.
Current leaning: Neutral. Both candidates need to show they can deliver results.
April 12, 2024
We attended a virtual town hall for both campaigns. Harris talked a lot about expanding healthcare and protecting voting rights, which are important, but they don’t feel like urgent priorities for us. Trump, however, talked about cutting taxes and boosting small businesses. That resonates more with our immediate struggles, especially as our expenses keep climbing.
Key realization: We need solutions that focus on the economy first.
May 30, 2024
As primary season winds down, it’s clear Trump will be the Republican nominee. His platform seems straightforward: reduce taxes, secure the border, and prioritize American jobs. Harris is campaigning on expanding Biden’s policies, but we don’t feel like the current administration has done enough for us. We’re beginning to lean more toward Trump, even though we still have concerns about his divisive approach.
Decision status: Leaning Trump, but we’re not fully convinced yet.
June 25, 2024
The summer campaign ads are overwhelming. Harris’s ads focus on fairness and inclusion, but Trump’s are hammering home the economy, energy independence, and national security. While Harris’s vision is appealing in the long term, Trump’s focus feels more immediate and practical for the challenges we face.
Current leaning: Stronger toward Trump. The economic message is winning us over.
August 15, 2024
We watched the first presidential debate together, and it gave us a lot to think about. Harris was polished and had good points about healthcare and climate change, but her solutions felt distant from what we’re dealing with. Trump was blunt but focused on tangible issues like lowering taxes and energy costs. His approach may lack finesse, but it feels more relevant to our daily lives.
Biggest takeaway: Trump is speaking directly to our priorities, especially the economy.
September 10, 2024
Talking with friends and neighbors, we’ve noticed more people seem to be leaning toward Trump again. Like us, they’re struggling with high costs and feel the current administration hasn’t done enough to help. Harris’s plans are ambitious, but they don’t feel practical for families like ours who need immediate relief.
Key decision factor: We’re prioritizing economic survival over long-term ideals.
October 28, 2024
After months of listening, debating, and researching, we’ve made up our minds. Harris’s ideas sound good on paper, but Trump’s policies feel more realistic for what we need now. Cutting taxes, supporting businesses, and focusing on energy independence align better with our priorities. We know there are risks with his leadership style, but the results he promises are hard to ignore.
November 4, 2024 (Election Eve)
We’ve decided to vote for Donald Trump. It wasn’t an easy choice, but when we looked at what matters most—our family’s financial stability, public safety, and the economy—it became clear that his policies align more with our needs. Harris has a lot of good ideas, but we can’t afford to wait for long-term solutions. We’re voting for immediate results and hoping it’s the right choice for the country.