It’s been over 30 years since famed Democratic strategist James Carville tried to provide a pithy summary to all that concerned the American voting public: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Carville’s way with a slogan helped his candidate Bill Clinton start the first of two terms as president of the United States. Carville remained a feisty political strategist in the decades that followed, and Clinton weathered a notorious sex scandal in his second term that led to his impeachment. By the end of the 1990s, apparently, the means by which a voter needed to elect a suitable presidential candidate had expanded beyond the confines of the economy.

In 2024, many feel this election is more urgent. Bill Clinton was followed by George W. Bush, the horror of 9/11, and several stark reminders that the war machine was always a boost for the economy.

Barack Obama’s eight years were followed by the divisiveness of Donald Trump. Now we have Pres. Joe Biden exiting the office soon.

History not only seems to be repeating but buckling into itself.

The economy remains paramount for all of us and it’s equally matched by social issues, environmental damage to our coasts, gender and race and restitution for collective national sins like slavery. Social movements like “Me Too” and “Black Lives Matter” proved that voices heretofore marginalized are refusing to be silenced.

It’s in this context that Sampan solicited responses from you, our readers, about some of the most important issues facing us today. As Donald Trump attempts to reclaim a presidential seat he believes was taken from him in 2020, and Vice President Kamala Harris runs an intense campaign that’s only been in existence for three months (as opposed to Trump’s four years), questions remain. How do readers feel about bodily autonomy, the Affordable Care Act, housing, and immigration?

Thank you all for your responses and please remember if you are a citizen to vote in Nov. 5.

Here is a sample of the dozens of responses we received:

Abortion- How important is a candidate’s view of reproductive rights and bodily autonomy in your choice of president?

“All Americans need to own the right to decide what happens to their own bodies.”

“Abortion should be available to all who need it, even if you personally would not have one. Did you know that the Catholic Church condoned early abortions and did not condemn abortions until the mid-19th century?”

“Denying women the right to make decisions about their own bodies is unfair and undermines their autonomy. A candidate’s stance on reproductive rights is a crucial factor for me when choosing a President, as it reflects their commitment to individual freedom and equality.”

Affordable Care Act: Has the Affordable Care Act made a difference in your health coverage? Are you more assured now that you can have access to comprehensive care if needed? Are you afraid it might disappear?

“The ACA provides a healthcare option that if you want to quit a corporate job, you know there are health insurance options via the ACA, allowing Americans to be insured and not tied to employer or public coverage.”

“I assume ACA has made my health coverage costs go up.”

“I support the Affordable Care Act, although I am on Medicare myself. Yes….I am afraid that if Republicans come to power, they will eliminate it or alter it for the worse.”

“The ACA does not affect me or my husband directly. We are on Medicare. We think the ACA has been good for the country, although we would prefer single-payer government-provided healthcare for all.”

“Yes, the Affordable Care Act has made a significant difference in my health coverage. It has provided access to low-cost insurance, which many people, including myself, rely on to receive comprehensive care when needed. I do feel more assured knowing that this safety net is available, but I am concerned that it might disappear, which would leave many without affordable healthcare options.”

Housing: Is there a direct correlation between the migrant crisis and affordable housing?

“The migrant crisis has many roots and impacts that there is no one direct relationship. It is complex and requires coordination to solve in the long run.”

“Affordable housing has been an issue for years — well before the influx of migrants. They are blaming migrants for every ill in the country.”

Have you given up the dream of home ownership?

“While I haven’t given up the dream, I’ve grown more estranged with hope of it occurring”
“I never made enough to buy a house. But I own a condo which I acquired when prices were cheap.

As for immigration, are border closings inevitable?

“Global and country factors all contribute to migration of people, and it is something that will not be stopped.”

“With the right legislation, the borders can be controlled in a sensible way. But our Congress refuses to pass bills that make this possible.”

How effectively has this nation dealt with the migrant crisis?

“We need better government coordination and proactive processes which requires our politicians to work together.”

“We need education and training for jobs.”

“We need to manage the borders closely.”

“We could spend more money on this subject. All these high paying officials could take a cut in their pays because they do nothing. It is all talk with these high paying officials in order to keep their jobs and pays. That is why I do not listen to speeches and debates. Action is what I look for.”

“I understand that they should provide their work visa more quickly so that many of those earnings can be audited and the tax payments of each of the people who work under the table can be obtained.”