Some polls show Joe Biden with a widening lead in Wisconsin, but the presidential race still is expected to see a close outcome in the Badger State. With Election Day looming, some likely voters had a chance to offer their views in an online forum hosted this week by AARP Wisconsin.
Jerry Bennington of Marshfield said he's a lifelong Republican who, for the first time, endorsed the Democratic ticket. He believes Biden is better suited to handle the pandemic than President Donald Trump. Bennington said he feels the health crisis is the biggest issue facing America, and said the health-care system has been put in a tough spot, adding, "How are we even talking about having to decide who should get a ventilator and who shouldn't because hospitals are so overwhelmed?"
In recent weeks, Wisconsin has become one of the nation's COVID-19 hotspots. Other panelists voiced their support for Trump, especially on the economy.
One voter still was undecided, saying neither candidate is impressive. Terrance Moore of Milwaukee said he wishes there were a third-party candidate who could make him feel better about making a choice in this election.
"If there was a viable third party that actually represents the people instead of their own self-interest," he said, "because I'm very disappointed with what we have left."
Moore said he still plans to vote. However, political analysts have said there aren't as many undecided voters at this stage as there were in 2016.
Anne Marx of Sun Praire said she voted for Trump in the last election and is supporting him again. She said he's done many good things for the economy over the past four years, including having an impact on global trade talks.
"Sometimes," she said, "I find politicians get in there and doing a lot of negotiating with each other, and we end up losing."
Other topics of discussion included racial tensions, as well as social safety-net programs. In recent polling, AARP members have said Medicare, Social Security and prescription drug prices remain high priorities for them in this election cycle.
