Bread and butter issues a driving force in America's election
Many feel alienated from the American dream despite inflation now being brought under control and unemployment at historic lows.
Voters line up outside of a polling station at Brougham Middle School before the polls open on Election Day in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on 5 November 2024. Picture: SAMUEL CORUM/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - While Americans might have anxiety about migration and crime, it’s the bread and butter issues that’ll be a driving force as they take to the polls in their 60th presidential elections.
Many feel alienated from the American dream despite inflation now being brought under control and unemployment at historic lows.
The polls, currently underway, have been described as the elections of the unknown as former President Donald Trump makes his third bid for presidency.
Trump is up against Kamala Harris, a black woman, who could become America’s first female president.
Eyewitness News spoke to South Africans observing and voting in these polls.
For KwaZulu-Natal’s Nerrisa Naidu, America remains a deeply conservative country
She said in her time there, she’d noticed how important issue-based voting was for the electorate.
"Some of these things have affected them personally - 'I can’t get insulin, I am homeless post-COVID and a democratic mayor has evicted me in New York City' - these are things that have affected them in their daily lives."
Journalist Nic Dawes said many people feel left out of opportunities associated with the American dream.
"In many ways, we are living in a new gilded age where extravagantly wealthy billionaires have their lavish lives on full display and most people are struggling with some things that they think are fundamental."
Americans take to the polls on Tuesday.