Minnesota State Fairgoers sound off on presidential election
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — With 10 weeks to go until Election Day, Pronto Pups at the Minnesota State Fair come with a side of presidential politics.
The DFL and Republican parties' booths at the fair were buzzing on Monday afternoon with voters energized to get out to the polls.
WCCO spoke to a dozen people across the political spectrum about their feelings going into November, and the issues that matter most to them.
"What is motivating me this election is to be sure that we continue to have a country that's focused on democratic values, inclusivity, unity and the Constitution," said Judy Besch of Brooklyn Center.
Besch said Democrats have her support his year, but she prefers to see her voting habits about choosing values instead of political parties.
"I have three granddaughters. I want them to enjoy the autonomy I've been able to enjoy," she said.
Barb Divinski, who resides in St. Louis Park, said being a Democrat is part of her "DNA." And while she's excited about Vice President Kamala Harris now at the top of the ticket, she is nervous about her chances against former President Donald Trump and "won't take a deep breath until she's inaugurated."
For her, reproductive rights, climate change and income inequality are motivating issues. But above all, she wants to "save democracy."
"Jan. 6 was about as frightening a thing I've seen in my 75 years," Divinski said.
A recent CBS News poll found Harris with a three-point lead nationally, but she and Trump are even in key battleground states that will likely determine the outcome of the election.
"I just feel that the Republican side just has more common sense, and all (Trump) wants to do is just make things better again," said Peggy Gordine of Bloomington.
For Wendy, who lives in Cambridge and declined to provide her last name, Trump also has her vote for the third election in a row.
"He, I believe, is for the people. And when he was in office last time, we had a great four years as far as the economy, safety, all that," Wendy said. "And now we are… I don't even know what to say about that. We're not in a good place."
The fair comes on the heels of the Democratic National Convention last week in Chicago, where Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were formally selected to be the Democrats' presidential ticket this fall after President Joe Biden's exit last month upended the campaign.
The Republican National Convention convened in Milwaukee just before Mr. Biden's decision and just days after the assassination attempt on Trump.
"I think it's a much stronger ticket with Kamala on the ticket. I loved Biden, he's done a great job, but Kamala brings some new energy," said Emily Hassenstab of Minneapolis, whose top concern is the high cost of prescription drugs. "I really enjoy her and I've loved Tim Walz as our governor so I'm excited to have him on the ballot as well."
Mike Anderson of Blaine said he is a Republican, but is still undecided in his choice for president. The economy, the border and affordable housing for future generations are among the top issues for him.
"Why can't we meet in the middle and shake hands and say, 'let's do what's best for the country,'" Mike Anderson said. "I wish some person would keep his mouth shut and just go by his policies. But the other one, I just don't know. She hasn't done enough for me."
While the major party tickets are set, Drew Dietle who lives in Golden Valley said he's sticking with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., even though he recently suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump.
Kennedy will remain on the Minnesota ballot this fall, according to the Secretary of State's office.
"I feel like the Democratic National Party has been suppressing democracy, which is freedom of speech, and people like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing themselves," Dietle said.
Barb King of Lakeville is excited about Kennedy backing Trump as a show of "unity."
"These are two parties. They have differences but they are going to work on restoring our country, securing our borders, protecting Americans and securing their jobs," King said.
Democrats who spoke with WCCO said they are excited to see Walz joining Harris on the Democratic ticket. On Oct. 1, Walz and GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance debate on CBS.
But the real excitement for Catherine Anderson of Minneapolis is at the very top of the ticket.
"A woman president!" Caroline Anderson said. "It's huge. It's so huge."
