John T. Fitzgerald, a Chicago lawyer, and his wife have observed many elections in America. But during his visit to the White House and Capitol in Washington DC, Fitzgerald said November’s election would be different because it was about “protecting democracy.”

CNN-News18 traveled to America for more than two weeks to understand the mood of American voters ahead of the elections. The memories of January 6, 2021 are still vivid in Washington DC, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to disrupt the process of Joe Biden’s declaration of victory as US President. They rejected the election results. One person died in police shooting, several police officers were injured and the Capitol suffered billions of dollars in damage. Many consider it an “attack on democracy” that puts the country in danger.

A group of older friends on a train from New York to Washington told CNN-News18 that this was all very bitter and that the main thing was to save democracy. “People are really concerned about the maintenance of our systems,” says Paul. Americans want to continue what we have had for 250 years…with the deafening of individual voices and free and fair elections. There is a real concern that it is in danger.” His friend Flynn said Harris’ win was important and he was afraid of another outcome.

Paul said he had never seen such a close and controversial election. He said U.S. elections were generally competitive, but people from both sides were talking to each other. This time a situation like real enmity and hatred can be observed. He said inflation, immigration and abortion laws were also issues, but the main issue was saving democracy.

The opinion of the Fitzgerald couple is no less powerful. He calls Trump “the embodiment of Satan, a criminal, a scoundrel who beats his wife” and believes Harris is “freedom, justice and good for the poor.” Fitzgerald says it’s “shameful” that Trump was president once and can win again. He is concerned about this while his wife says America is ready for a female president. She said I was very sad when Hillary Clinton lost… Now is the time for a woman to be president and we fully support Kamala.

Inflation means trump in the game
There is no shortage of Trump’s fans when it comes to the issues of inflation and immigration as well as the ongoing wars in the world. Trump is firmly in the game. Some people in Washington DC hope that Trump can solve these problems. “Making America great again” – that’s Trump’s slogan… and it’s well received because almost everything has become expensive, says Richard on vacation in Colorado to visit the White House with his wife. Some say Vice President Kamala Harris took Biden out of the race. The biggest issue this election is inflation and the cost of living.

The Richard couple told CNN-News18: “The price of everything is rising, and this is a problem for every citizen.” If you think that the rich have no problem, life and survival is for the poor and middle-income people a big problem. Trump promises to change this. Well, people who hold public office make a lot of promises. But in Trump’s case, some promises are coming true. I remember when he was in office the price of gas was $2 and 20 cents. Today the price of gasoline is 4-5 dollars. Prices in groceries and restaurants have doubled. “We want to reduce the cost of living,”

His wife said that the world is also in conflict and wars are underway that did not exist before. He said that people talk about World War III – we’re seeing wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe that didn’t exist before. We believe Trump can handle it.

So does this mean Trump could be in the White House in November? The Richards said you have a coin in your pocket, we can toss it (laughs). This race is so close and tight that we don’t know.

The president must be restrained
“It’s a very divided nation right now, women’s rights are completely in limbo.” That’s what a group of American women said at the Capitol in Washington. Recalling the events of January 6, 2021 at the Capitol, she says, “No matter who wins or loses, everyone should remain restrained.” Even if you lose, you should accept it with dignity. “You can’t win every election, but you can still be a worthy person and support whoever comes after you.”

A young Indian-American man who accompanied him said it was also important that the next president put the American economy in better shape. He says prices for goods and gas have risen sharply. We hope that the next president will help us overcome this problem.

The women said America should be united because there is enough division. He said the country desperately needs its first woman president, Kamala Harris. Let us return to peace and unity because that is what is best for our country.

Washington is a blue state that has voted for all Democratic candidates since 1988. So here the support for Harris is clear, but there are also supporters of Trump, because this time inflation is a big issue in America. As Richard says, we can’t even flip a coin and say who will be in the White House next time.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Special project