The Minnesota State Fair may be famous for its fried food and farm animals, but this year it also offered a glimpse into the minds of voters ahead of the 2024 election.
As I made my way through the mid-morning crowd, I deliberately avoided all political booths. Out of the nearly 80 people I approached, 36 agreed to share their thoughts with me about the upcoming presidential election. With corn dogs in hand and a lot on their minds, the folks I spoke with were more than ready to dish out their opinions.
I asked three key questions: who they will vote for between Harris and Trump, what their number one issue is when they step into the voting booth, and what they believe is the biggest accomplishment of their chosen candidate.
Harris vs. Trump: The fairgoers’ choice
The first question I posed was straightforward: “For you regarding this upcoming presidential election, will it be Harris or Trump?”
The responses I received were close, but Harris edged out Trump by a slim margin.
Out of the 36 people I spoke with:
- 18 said Harris
- 15 said Trump
- 3 were undecided
Top issues on voters’ minds
When I asked about the number one issue driving their vote, the responses varied significantly depending on the candidate.
The Harris supporters I spoke with were overwhelmingly concerned with protecting women’s rights and abortion access. Many emphasized the need for equality for LGBTQ individuals. Social justice issues like trans rights and ending homelessness were mentioned. Some voters spoke about the importance of kindness, democracy, and compassionate leadership. The significance of having a woman, particularly a woman of color, in a leadership role was a frequent theme among these voters.
Trump supporters were primarily concerned with the economy, job growth, and keeping gas prices low. Border security and immigration also ranked high on the list. One individual emphasized the need to uphold the Constitution, while another expressed a desire for government accountability by “draining the swamp.”
Candidate accomplishments: Trump vs. Harris
Finally, I asked what people thought was the biggest accomplishment of their candidate of choice.
Trump supporters were quick to talk about achievements, frequently mentioning his success in keeping gas prices down, boosting the economy, and securing the border. They also praised his focus on national security and noted that he avoided new wars during his presidency.
Harris supporters had difficulty identifying specific achievements, with one individual describing it as a “loaded question.” That said, a few people mentioned her role in breaking the glass ceiling as the first female and woman of color to serve as Vice President. A few highlighted her position as an inspiration for women and minorities, as well as her efforts to unite people. One person praised her for her role in handling the Israel-Gaza conflict. However, several were uncertain or declined to identify any accomplishments.
Undecided voters were pretty candid about their uncertainty. One voter, clearly ready for the election season to end, said, “I’m looking forward to it being November 7th just so it’s done and we know.”
As the countdown to Election Day continues, all eyes will be on Minnesota to see which direction its voters—and the nation—will take.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
