D.C. has too many distractions, say local voters
There was strong support for President
Regardless of their choice, whether sticking with Trump for a second term or pining for someone to replace him, a handful of likely voters say they're dissatisfied with the tenor of the country's politics.
"There's no unity any more," said
"It'd be nice if everyone was friendly," said
Constant criticism leveled at Trump, which evolved into an impeachment inquiry and now full-blown impeachment hearings by
"Instead of the constant criticism, let's concentrate on solving problems," said
He puts blame on the news media.
"The press is horrible," he said. "It's not reflecting what's going on, not reporting on the core issues. The way the
Serious topics
If the environment inside the Beltway is toxic, several people who turned up for the Greek Festival, a lively community event that usually draws crowds by the hundreds, pointed to serious concerns they hope that
The most repeated is health care, not its costs and a lack of access.
"It's always a big issue," said
Ostrowski agreed with her the sentiment.
"It's extremely expensive, and it's really messed up beyond all recognition, to be blunt," he said. "There's got to be a better way to find a quality plan at a reasonable rate. There's got to be a better system."
"In other countries people get to go without any cost," she said. "Here it's broken."
"I'd say Obamacare is a failure," said Leary, referring to the Affordable Care Act.
Others who declined to give their names also criticized the health care law passed during the Obama administration, pointing out his claim that adding millions of people to the health care system would lower their premiums did not come true -- nor did they keep their doctor, as he said they would.
Leary says the health care system is out of whack when people with allergies "pay through the nose" for an epinephrine injector, but drug addicts can get all of the overdose-reversing drug nalozone that they need.
Vathally, 62, a nursing home administrator, said immigration is a topic that needs to be addressed.
"It needs to be done the right way," he added. "The people have to come to the country legally, and they have to be properly vetted."
He compared Trump's approach with what happens in
"Migrants going there have a hard time with a low chance of making it," he said. "Right now, there's added stress upon the
Right choice
Whether the right person to handle those issues is Trump or someone else, depends upon whom you ask.
Carbone, who voted for
"I think he's dishonest," she said.
Sen.
So did
Ostrowski, who wrote in Sanders' name during the last election, said he's ready to support him again.
"I think what (
So does Leary, who did not vote in the last election but likes Warren, as does Papaefthemiou.
"Anything she can do to fix healthcare would help," said Leary.
Carstensen said the
She also faulted them for being disorganized.
DiDonna and Vathally said they're supporting Trump's reelection.
"When people ask me about the president, I ask them how their 401(k) is doing," said Vathally. "How's the employment picture look?
"What was the old phrase .. it's the economy, stupid?" he said. "How's the economy?"
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