OPINION:
Washington Times columnist Cheryl K. Chumley is biking the battleground states as part of an ongoing series, visiting 14 states in 14 days to hear what real Americans think of the 2020 election. All of her interviews may be found HERE.
WAVERLY, IOWA — In Iowa, even the corn fields have corn fields.
But that doesn’t mean voters care only about agricultural issues.
Quite the contrary, in fact.
“Everyone deserves the right to the same health care,” said Rochelle Nielsen, one of three managers of the Waverly Area Veterans Post, explaining she votes Democrat because it’s the party, in her view, that cares about helping people. “We all deserve to be seen by the doctors because it’s fair, it should be our right.”
Likewise, schooling, she said.
“Everyone deserves the same right to have the same education,” Nielsen went on.
That — despite the fact Bremer County, where Waverly sits, voted 53% Republican in the last presidential election to 40% Democrat.
Iowa itself is a bit of a middle road.
“Prior to 1988, the state mostly voted Republican,” 270towin.com wrote. “While a battleground every four years, Iowa had sided with the Democrats in six of seven elections from 1992 through 2012. That changed dramatically in 2016, when Donald Trump won the state by nearly 9.5%, a 15 point swing from 2012 when Barack Obama won the state by 5.8%.”
This November’s battle for Iowa’s six electoral votes is largely a toss-up. But drive through the state and it’s easy to see: the signing for Trump is everywhere. It that’s an indicator of enthusiasm — Biden could be in trouble.
Then again: So could Trump.
“There’s too much chaos,” said Sandy Shinn, retired U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant, when asked his view of America, circa 2020.
On that, both parties should be able to agree.
• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley. Listen to her podcast “Bold and Blunt” by clicking HERE. And never miss her column; subscribe to her newsletter by clicking HERE.
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