Talking to Trump Voters After the 2016 Election

This article delves into conversations with 100 Trump voters from across the country following the 2016 election. The author sought to understand their motivations, anxieties, and opinions on the political climate.

• The author found a surprising diversity among Trump voters, including Muslims, Mexicans, Black people, and women.
• Many voters expressed a desire for honesty and a rejection of political correctness, feeling unheard by the political establishment.
• The author observed a strong emphasis on cultural preservation and a fear of losing American values, particularly in the context of immigration.

What Do Trump Voters Like About Him?

The article highlights the key reasons Trump voters cited for supporting him.

• Rejection of Political Correctness: Many voters appreciated Trump's willingness to speak his mind, even if it was considered offensive or politically incorrect.
• "True but Unpopular Things": Trump's supporters felt he addressed issues that were ignored by other politicians, even if those issues were controversial.
• Anti-Abortion Stance: A significant portion of Trump voters stated that his anti-abortion stance was a primary factor in their support, even outweighing other policy differences.
• "America First" Policy: Trump's promise to put American interests first resonated with voters who felt that previous administrations had neglected their needs.
• Anti-Immigration Policy: A strong desire to protect American culture and a fear of losing their way of life motivated many voters to support Trump's anti-immigration policies.
• Rejection of Hillary Clinton: Many voters felt that Trump was the lesser of two evils and rejected Hillary Clinton due to her perceived corruption and lack of trustworthiness.
• Conservative Fiscal Values: Trump's support for limited government and fiscal responsibility appealed to those who felt that government spending was excessive and detrimental to their economic security.
• Cultural Preservation: Some voters expressed a desire for cultural preservation and a fear of losing traditional American values, which they felt were threatened by immigration.

What Don't Trump Voters Like About Him?

Despite their support, many Trump voters had reservations about his personality and actions.

• Concerns About His Treatment of Women: Some voters found Trump's comments and behavior towards women to be reprehensible.
• Dislike of His Style: Many voters disliked Trump's aggressive and often abrasive style, feeling that he was disrespectful and unprofessional.
• Concerns About His Dishonesty: Many voters expressed concerns about Trump's dishonesty, particularly regarding his relationship with Russia, his financial dealings, and his treatment of women.
• Concerns About His Policies: Some voters were critical of Trump's immigration policies, the Muslim ban, and his approach to foreign affairs.
• Dislike of His Behavior: Voters criticized Trump's behavior, arguing that his immaturity and lack of decorum set a poor example for others and disrupted social norms.
• Concerns About His Relationship with the Press: Many voters were concerned about Trump's constant attacks on the press, seeing it as a dangerous precedent.

What Makes Trump Voters Nervous?

The article explores the anxieties and fears that Trump voters have regarding his presidency.

• Fear of War: Some voters expressed deep concerns about the possibility of war, believing that Trump's aggressive foreign policy could escalate tensions and lead to conflict.
• Concerns About National Division: Many voters worried that Trump's divisive rhetoric and policies would further polarize the nation, exacerbating existing tensions.
• Concerns About His Mental Health: Some voters expressed concerns about Trump's mental health, questioning his fitness for office.
• Fear of Social Change Rollback: A significant portion of Trump voters expressed anxiety that Trump's policies would roll back social progress and undermine hard-won rights.

The Left's Response to Trump Voters

The article examines the responses of the left to Trump voters and the impact those responses have had.

• Feeling Ostracized and Demonized: Many Trump voters felt ostracized and demonized by the left, who they perceived as intolerant and dismissive of their views.
• Desire for Dialogue and Respect: Trump voters expressed a desire for dialogue and understanding from the left, asking to be listened to and respected, even when they disagree.
• Anger at Perceived Hypocrisy: Some Trump voters expressed anger at the left's hypocrisy, feeling that they were more concerned with social issues than with the economic struggles of working-class Americans.
• Concerns About Violence and Intolerance: Trump voters voiced concerns about the violence and intolerance they experienced from the left, particularly in areas like Silicon Valley.

What Would Convince Trump Voters to Vote Differently?

The article concludes by exploring the conditions under which Trump voters might change their voting behavior.

• A Strong Moderate Alternative: Many Trump voters expressed willingness to vote for a moderate candidate who could address their concerns and offer a better alternative.
• Evidence of Extreme Corruption: Some Trump voters indicated that they would reconsider their support if evidence of extreme corruption were to emerge.
• Escalation of Conflict: Trump voters expressed concern about a potential escalation of conflict between the president and the left, fearing that it could lead to the breakdown of the legal system.
• A Major Military Conflict: Some voters indicated that they would reconsider their support if Trump were to involve the US in a major military conflict.
• Policies That Undermine Individual Liberty: Trump voters expressed that they would not tolerate policies that undermined individual liberty, such as restrictions on free speech or increased government size.

Overall, the article provides a nuanced and insightful perspective on the motivations, anxieties, and potential for change among Trump voters. It highlights the importance of understanding different viewpoints and engaging in respectful dialogue across political divides.