[Report] "Trump's Election Is a Disaster" vs "Trump Is the Right Person to Revive the Economy" Visiting the New York Primary

Biden Supporters Show Clear Anti-Trump Voting Tendencies
Mixed Reviews on Bidenomics
"Good Economy Under Trump... Judicial Risks Not a Concern"

"The election of Donald Trump would be a disaster for the United States. That is why I support Joe Biden."

At 10:30 a.m. local time on the 2nd, at the New York Art and Design High School polling station set up for the New York State primary election, Sheri Maunal, a woman in her 60s whom I met at the polling place, said, "Joe Biden must win this election," adding, "Trump only thinks about himself. He does not think about Americans, the United States, or the world." Introducing herself as a traditional Democratic supporter, she emphasized, "Not Trump, absolutely not Trump."

On the 2nd (local time), American voters visited the New York Art and Design High School, where the New York state primary election polling station was set up, to cast their votes. New York=Photo by Kwon Haeyoung

With the 'rematch' between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump already confirmed for the U.S. presidential election this November, the New York State primary polling station held that day was generally quiet. Michael Bushman, the coordinator in charge of the polling station, said, "About 70 voters had come to the polling station by 10 a.m.," adding, "Since early voting has taken place and the presidential candidates, usually decided in June, have already been confirmed this year, the turnout is lower than usual." He also hinted, "Nevertheless, those who come to vote have a strong intention to support a particular candidate."

Although there was no waiting line and the polling station was quiet, voters continued to arrive despite the rainy and gloomy weather. Since New York is a traditional Democratic stronghold, a significant number of people who came to the polling station were supporters of the Democratic Party and President Biden. Among them, a strong anti-Trump voting tendency was also clearly confirmed.

Chloe Kim, a woman in her 30s who stopped by the polling place on her way to work, said, "I don't give high marks to Biden's policies," but added, "I support Biden because I dislike Trump." Elizabeth Bowman, in her 60s, said, "I support Biden to protect American democracy," adding, "Unlike Trump, he is not a liar." She also added, "I support Biden's policies such as protecting women's abortion rights and increasing taxes on the wealthy."

At the polling station, former President Trump supporters were also encountered. Drusilla, a woman in her 40s who introduced herself as a supporter of former President Trump, emphasized that he was the right person to revive the economy. She said, "The economic situation was better during Trump's time," adding, "It is very difficult now because of inflation." She continued, "Trump advocated America First and tried to increase domestic jobs," emphasizing, "Due to the economic difficulties, a regime change must happen." Regarding the judicial risks facing former President Trump, she said, "The Supreme Court also ruled that there is no problem with his eligibility as a presidential candidate, so judicial risks are not important."

On the 2nd (local time), American voters visited the New York Art and Design High School, where a primary election polling station was set up in New York State, to cast their votes. New York ? Photo by Kwon Haeyoung

Recent polls conducted by Bloomberg among voters in seven battleground states revealed some differences in voting tendencies between supporters of the current and former presidents. Among Biden supporters, 45% said they support Biden because they dislike Trump. In contrast, only 28% of Trump supporters said they support Trump because they dislike Biden.

However, evaluations of Bidenomics among Biden supporters were mixed. Maunal and Bowman, both in their 60s and met at the polling station, evaluated that "the U.S. economy is moving in the right direction" and "the U.S. economy has gotten better." They said that inflation also has unavoidable aspects due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. On the other hand, Kim, in her 30s, said, "They say the U.S. economy is good, but I don't feel it," lamenting, "Prices are too high, and it feels like there is a long way to go."

Meanwhile, the results of the primaries held in New York, as well as in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, will be finalized at 9 p.m. that day. The two former and current presidents, who were confirmed early as the presidential candidates of their respective parties, are expected to secure additional delegates. President Biden, in last month's State of the Union address, shook off concerns about his age with a lively appearance and sharply contrasted his policies with those of his predecessor, closely chasing former President Trump, who currently leads in approval ratings.