RALEIGH, N.C. — Are you ready for what the 2024 election has in store? To get a sense for the voices of the electorate, we brought together a group of five people, each bringing different backgrounds and life experiences to weigh in on the pressing issues shaping their choices.

Economy at the Forefront

Economic anxiety was a prevailing theme. While core inflation has fallen from its peak in June 2022 (9.8%) to 2.8% in Jan. 2024, basics like food continue to eat away at family budgets. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices are 25% higher than they were before the pandemic.

“Definitely feeling the pinch in terms of just our food, groceries, gas, our power, electric, things like that,” Matt Littlejohn, who works in the insurance and finance industry, said. “I know a lot of people that are just getting by.”

Aaron Thaddeus, the founder of a Triangle-based video production company, said he would like to see more done to support small businesses.

“Being able to live in the areas we do business,” Thaddeus said. “People who are small business owners having to move outside the Triangle, yet all the business that they’re doing is within the Triangle.”

Affordable housing also emerged as a critical issue for Kimberly Angel W., a boudoir photographer who also runs a small business. “I feel very fortunate to be able to afford to be able to live in the area that I live in,” Angel W. said. “I think what’s concerning, especially in Raleigh, the houseless population has been pushed out of downtown.”

Immigration and Border Security

Our panel had strong opinions on the situation at the border. It’s the top issue for Tommy Gable, whose perspective was shaped by the 18 years he lived in Nicaragua doing missionary work.

“I knew all kinds of people that would sneak across the border illegally,” Gable, a retired pastor, said. “I knew that if they weren’t going to obey the laws there, they’re definitely not going to obey them when they’re here.”

Rania Masri, the co-director of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network, offered a counterpoint, and highlighted America’s role in driving immigration. “We have to ask what part of U.S. foreign policy are we supporting that is making their lives in Nicaragua and the lives around the world so horrific that they are willing to risk their lives to seek safety,” Masri said.

Littlejohn expressed concern about the strain placed on existing resources and the welfare of those already living in America.

“I see people on the street corner begging in every part of the city in Raleigh. That’s incrementally gotten worse since I’ve been here since 94,” Littlejohn said. “Those people without resources and we’re going to bring more people in without resources that we’re ultimately going to have to fend for as taxpayers?”

Foreign Wars

The panelists also delved into America’s involvement in wars overseas. Masri passionately argued against U.S. support of Israel in its ongoing war against Hamas and reflected on the personal toll it’s taken on people she knows.

“A friend of mine told me that her family in Gaza have run out of animal feed. Our children are being forced to eat the feed of animals,” Masri shared. “Friends of mine who lost 80 members of their family, others who lost 30 members of their family that were hiding in the church. The whole church was bombed. That’s all okay?”

Our panel also delved into the balance between international involvement and addressing domestic issues. Littlejohn emphasized the need to prioritize what’s going on closer to home.

“Why are we spending money to take care of families across the world when we’ve got families that are in need in our zip code,” Littlejohn said. “The U.S. does not necessarily have to be a role of being the police officer for every country in this world.”

Gable had a bit of a different take. He believes Israel had to respond after what happened on October 7th. He also supports sending more aid to Ukraine. “If Russia goes in and finally defeats Ukraine, they’re not going to stop there,” gable mentioned.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in Feb. 2022, the U.S. has sent more than $75 billion in aid.

A foreign aid bill passed in the Senate that includes another $60 billion to support Ukraine remains stuck in the House.

Potential 2020 Rematch

All signs point to a 2020 rematch in the November presidential election despite weariness from voters. A UMass Amherst poll released last month found 63% of voters view both Joe Biden and Donald Trump as old. Over 50% of those polled believe the country would be better off if neither ran for president.

Angel W expressed her apprehension for the future. “Those two options don’t represent me at all,” she said. “I would love to see someone younger, someone who reflects who I am as an American citizen and who will be around to see the policies they pass.”

Littlejohn also expressed discontent over the status quo and a desire for fresh faces and ideas in politics. “I think this country is in the  situation that it is because a bunch of old rich people have ultimately run this country,” Littlejohn said.

Gable, now in his 70s, made the case it’s not so much age that’s the primary concern but the candidate’s mental acuity.

“I don’t think we should go around making fun of people’s ages,” Gable said. “It’s more of how your mental capacity is doing at that age. Do you have the mental capacity to operate in that job?”

As Masri thinks ahead to November, it’s a mix of frustration and disappointment. The prospect of a rerun of four years ago deepens her conviction that political establishment is growing out of touch with the electorate. “If these are our choices, democracy has failed,” Masri said.