With two assassination attempts and a dramatic last-minute candidate switch, the landscape is fraught with tension. War rages in the Middle East, while border debates intensify, exacerbated by dire forewarnings of dictatorship and alarming threats against election workers. All this turmoil sits atop an economy that, despite boasting record stock market gains, low unemployment, and rising wages, feels unmanageable to the average American.
This unpredictable presidential race has morphed into a pressure cooker of stress, anxiety, and fear fueled by sensational television coverage, viral social media memes, and a flurry of celebrity endorsements that dissect every move of the candidates.
In a nationwide survey conducted by USA TODAY, numerous voters were interviewed to gauge their sentiments as they contemplate an intense decision between former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.
“Everybody’s on edge, from day to day, from now till Election Day,” shared 64-year-old Arkansas resident Laura Henderson, a steadfast Trump supporter.
Across the nation:
— In Georgia, landscaper Graham Stewart, 49, expresses concern that a second Trump presidency could open the floodgates for violence against his transgender relatives.
— In Michigan, 42-year-old Emily Gregory fears her oldest daughter might face job market hurdles should Harris secure the presidency, even while wrestling with the idea that voting for Trump could mean losing crucial abortion rights.
— In Raleigh, North Carolina, 58-year-old Claude Allen contemplates arming himself for protection against the possible fallout if Trump refuses to concede a loss once more.
— Meanwhile, in California, Joyce Lucich, 76, holds her breath as she prepares to vote for Trump. Despite her and her husband’s worries about his foreign policy towards Ukraine and Gaza, she maintains that the economy’s health makes it too risky to support another term of liberal governance.
“I see it all the time: People are terrified. They are stressed, overly stressed,” emphasized Dr. Arash Javanbakht, the founding director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine in Detroit. “And politicians keep saying this is the scariest time of your life.”
Javanbakht, who authored “AFRAID: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety,” noted a significant uptick in individuals seeking mental health support as the campaign ramps up.
And the reasons for this anxiety are glaringly evident.
Trump paints a bleak picture of the nation’s future, suggesting that only he can rescue the United States from impending disaster.
His supporters voice frustrations about soaring living costs, believing Trump possesses the skills to navigate economic turmoil. They point to his commitment to repatriate undocumented migrants as a critical measure to safeguard what they believe makes America exceptional.
They cite his relentless attempts to restrict abortion access and his plans to significantly downsize the federal government, arguing that these initiatives will cut spending while simultaneously promoting more robust oil and gas drilling strategies to lower energy prices. Additionally, they highlight his proposed tax cuts and tough stance on China with high tariffs, along with a “peace through strength” philosophy regarding national defense and NATO.
“We’re in such a horrible mess right now that I think that he’s the one that can pull us out of it for my kids and my grandkids,” stated 47-year-old Jennifer Wilson, an Arkansas Trump voter.
Liberals, on the other hand, view a second Trump term as a catastrophic threat to American democracy, especially after the violent incursion of his supporters into the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to derail the certification of President Biden’s victory in 2020. They struggle to comprehend how anyone could support a convicted felon whom they accuse of undermining women’s rights.
They voice fears regarding his intentions to forcibly deport millions of undocumented individuals and express outrage over his Supreme Court appointments that dismantled the federal right to abortion. Furthermore, concerns about potential loss of access to birth control loom large, with many asserting they would gladly pay higher prices for goods and services to advocate for climate protection.
Nevertheless, they view Harris, a woman of Black and Southeast Asian heritage, as a beacon of hope and a symbol of progress—someone dedicated to broadening protections and rights for every American. Many express relief that President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, a surprising development that significantly reshaped the political landscape.
“Harris is amazing,” enthused 61-year-old Sandra MacDonald from Nashville. “Put aside that she’s Black and Asian and a woman. Put that aside. She’s a bright, enthusiastic candidate.”
Abortion, economy rank among top voter concerns
Long gone are the days of cordial presidential debates where candidates complimented each other on their strengths. Instead, supporters of Trump and Harris have drawn stark lines and are gearing up for battle, launching flinging insults across social media platforms and exchanging the latest viral video clips that showcase outrageous remarks made by their rivals.
And above all, they remain bewildered how anyone still could support the opposing candidate.
Kellie Love, 44, an independent voter residing in Louisville, Kentucky intends to cast her vote for Harris. She expresses concerns about what a Trump victory could entail for her personally as well as for the nation’s reaction to his potential defeat.
“I don’t think I’m included in the future that he sees,” Love remarked. “I just don’t foresee him being able to say, ‘OK, I lost.’ It’s very scary to watch.”
Conversely, 22-year-old James McMorrow, a Republican voter from Cape Cod, reflects on his past experiences under Trump’s leadership. He notes the struggles of managing increasing living costs and expresses hope based on Trump’s previous presidency’s performance.
“I still get paid the same and everything else is more expensive,” McMorrow observed. “He’s been president before, so I’m hoping it will go as well as it did last time. That’s my reasoning.”
Lucich echoed this sentiment, stating: “I just can’t vote for another four years of what we’ve had. Even though we may not like Trump as a person, because of our economy and what we’ve gone through the last four years, we can’t do this again. What bothers me is that so many people say they’re voting because of abortion rights when it affects so little of the population. But the economy and immigration affects all of us, every single person in the United States, but most people are going to vote for (Harris) because she’s pro-abortion.”
Barbara Balogh, 51, a Cleveland resident, highlighted her reasons for voting for Harris: “The fact that she doesn’t want to take away all our rights and send us back 100 years, that’s pretty compelling to me.”
Allen, the Raleigh resident, reiterated: “If somebody takes rights away from you, that’s like taking away your life, and that’s not fair.”
Fear of violence, loss of rights worries many
In interviews, numerous voters shared feelings of being unheard and unrepresented in the current candidates. Others struggle to envision a peaceful future for the nation.
Mike Miley, a 23-year-old electrician from Arizona, identifies gas prices and immigration as his main concerns but expresses worry about the potential disintegration of the country, leading him to support Trump once more. Miley believes that the decision of the wealthy elites dictates the true presidency in America.
Trump “is just putting the timer back up on the time bomb rather than disarming it. I think it’s just extending it,” he declared. “Something big is going to happen either way.”
Supporters of Harris often voice fears that Trump could disregard the Constitution and resort to extralegal maneuvers to target his adversaries, be they undocumented migrants, transgender individuals, or political opponents. The January 6, 2021, insurrection attempt remains a chilling example of the threats they perceive.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed now that there’s no violence, no bad stuff going on,” mentioned 82-year-old Brenda Butler from Nashville, who voted for Harris.
Yet, not every voter interprets this election as a cataclysmic crossroads for the United States.
David Ponce, a 25-year-old Democrat from California and cautious about voting, stated: “It doesn’t matter who you vote for because things are still going to have to get done at the end of the day. We are still the USA, so no matter who is in office, things won’t really change.”
Ben McCreary, 35, a Nashville voter, expressed a wish for Americans to unify after the ballots are cast and a new president is elected, avoiding discussions about his own vote.
“It’s going to be what it is,” McCreary said. “At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, let’s move on and hopefully get the boat rowing in the same direction and quit moving in separate directions.”
America nears an answer in 2024 presidential race
For those weary of the relentless campaign cycle, there is a silver lining: once this presidential race concludes, there will be a reprieve from incessant advertisements across television, social media, campaign emails, and fundraising texts—a brief opportunity to ease the burden of anxiety and reduce media exposure.
Javanbakht notes that the patients he treats at his clinic frequently confess to spending hours glued to cable television, and he cautions them that the political climate is rarely as dire as it appears. He asserts that there’s a fundamental distinction between acknowledging political differences and obsessing over them.
After all, he argues, most Republicans aren’t out to attack migrants, nor are Democrats attempting to strip anyone of their firearms.
“I don’t recommend that you be ignorant. But you want to reduce your exposure to the source of negativity. If you eat garbage all day, your stomach is going to feel terrible,” he advised. “When you cut down on cable news exposure, you get better. I tell my patients, every time they are sitting there stewing, ask yourself, ‘What good are you doing for yourself?’ Maybe go take a walk.”
Contributing: USA TODAY Network reporters Paul Egan, Arpan Lobo, Cy Neff, Vivian Jones, George Russell, Sabine Martin, Stacey Barchenger, Jessie Balmert, Kathryn Palmer, Sarah Gleason, Melissa Cruz and Maya Marchel Hoff.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
**Interview with Dr. Arash Javanbakht: Understanding Election Anxiety**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Javanbakht. With an election season filled with unprecedented tensions, from assassination attempts to aggressive rhetoric around democracy, what have you observed in terms of mental health among voters?
**Dr. Javanbakht:** Thank you for having me. The current election cycle is indeed a pressure cooker of emotions. Many individuals are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and stress. Our clinic has seen a significant increase in people seeking mental health support as they grapple with fear and uncertainty surrounding the election, the economy, and global events.
**Editor:** You mentioned two key factors: the state of the economy and ongoing conflicts abroad. How do these contribute to voter anxiety?
**Dr. Javanbakht:** Absolutely. Despite positive economic indicators such as low unemployment and rising wages, the average American often feels disconnected from these statistics. People are grappling with the cost of living and job security, and this economic turmoil is coupled with fears about the consequences of a polarized political landscape. The ongoing war in the Middle East and intensified border debates further amplify these anxieties, making the stakes feel exceptionally high.
**Editor:** In your opinion, what role does media coverage play in this growing anxiety?
**Dr. Javanbakht:** Sensational media coverage, particularly through viral social media channels, inflates tensions. It magnifies every misstep by candidates and creates a sense of impending doom. Candidates are dissected minute by minute, which not only adds pressure on them but also on voters, who often feel overwhelmed by the flood of information and opinions.
**Editor:** Many voters express fear regarding the consequences of the election outcome, such as threats to rights and safety, as reflected in the interviews conducted. How do you suggest individuals manage these fears?
**Dr. Javanbakht:** It’s vital for people to acknowledge their feelings and seek support. Engaging in constructive conversations, practicing mindfulness, and focusing on what they can control— like making informed voting decisions—are essential strategies. Moreover, community support can be invaluable. Creating spaces for dialogue where people feel heard can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation and fear.
**Editor:** As we approach Election Day, what advice would you give to both voters and candidates?
**Dr. Javanbakht:** For voters, my advice is to stay informed but also to maintain a balanced perspective. Understand that while elections matter, life will continue beyond this election cycle. For candidates, it’s essential to communicate honestly and empathetically, recognizing the anxiety voters feel and offering solutions instead of stoking fear. This is a time for unity, not division.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Javanbakht, for your insights on this crucial topic. We appreciate your time and expertise during these tumultuous times.
**Dr. Javanbakht:** Thank you for having me. I hope our discussion can help foster understanding and support in our communities as we approach a pivotal moment in our democracy.
