Since Labor Day, the Rolling Stone writer says, he has campaigned across several US states, knocked on doors and spoken at rallies. He also helped with phone banks on many evenings. Hundreds of older members of the Third Act group joined him in the effort.
The writer says he cannot predict who will win the elections: most of the homes he visited belonged to Democrats or independents. He did not come across Republican canvassers working on the same streets, he adds.
Many of the people he met appeared to be struggling with everyday expenses. Asked what worried them most, they cited the prices of food, gas and healthcare.
The writer says much of the anger he encountered was directed at Donald Trump and wealthy people described as “oligarchs.” The article says Elon Musk is spending money on the elections through conservative groups and his own political action committee rather than in his own name.
In the writer’s view, if Democrats gain momentum after the contests, they could reshape the national debate. He says he would favour focused investigations and public hearings into networks of influence, while prioritising practical action on prices over an immediate effort to impeach the president.
The writer closes by noting that Americans are also getting ready for Halloween, and that business selling giant inflatable lawn ghosts is going strong.
