SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont is one of 16 states and territories holding presidential primary elections Tuesday. While turnout is expected to be relatively low compared to the last two presidential primaries, the choices Vermonters make at the polls will send an important message about the candidates in this pivotal election.
Vermont has been a solid blue state for the last few decades, and while President Joe Biden is expected to have a lock on Tuesday’s primary, some Biden voters we spoke are not excited about the current state of presidential politics.
“A horror, ” said Middlebury voter Catherine Nichols. “A very difficult place this country is.”
“I definitely feel a little bit of fatigue and I have heard from other young people there’s a lot of fatigue, but I still think it’s so important to get out and vote,” said Addie Lentzner, a Middlebury College student.
Recent national polls show growing concern from Democratic voters about President Biden’s performance and his age. Vermonters are among those backing Biden with some reluctance. “I mean, there is no second choice. Number 2 is such a far way down,” said Paul Wagemhofer of South Burlington.
“I do sort of wish there were more options. However, there is no possible way that I would vote for Trump. I would vote for anybody at all other than him,” said Deb Behm of South Burlington.
The war in Gaza has also drained away some support from traditional Democratic voters, including young people. “I’m not planning on voting for Biden, at least in the primary. I don’t think it’s going to be effective what’s going in in Palestine for example, what’s going on nationally. I don’t think he’s doing an effective job,” said Mishya Mubah, a Middlebury College student.
But other voters we spoke to are solidly behind Biden. “I think he is the right person for the country. He is less divisive than almost any other candidate,” said Tom Dickinson of Middlebury.
“I will say that Biden has much good and I like how the country has been under his guidance,” said Susan Wagemhofer of South Burlington.
WILL VERMONT REPUBLICANS STAND WITH TRUMP?
Despite Vermont’s Democratic leanings in presidential races in recent decades, some parts of the state remain red, including parts of Essex, Orleans, and Caledonia Counties, which voted for Donald Trump in 2020. Many we spoke to say he should be back in office.
“Trump does what he says, says what he believes in. He’s out there and he loves his country. I want someone to care for the people and answer to the people,” said Neil Stanzione of Derby.
“I feel Trump. He’s just a go-getter and Biden is just not the guy. I am not sure I want a woman for president,” said Anthony Bennett of Newport.
Nikki Haley hopes to gain support in GOP-heavy towns and cities, but the confidence in her fending off Trump isn’t high. “She has some competence, she has some performance. I respect her for running,” said Robert Holland of Irasburg.
But folks in Derby, Irasburg, and Newport say it’s not an easy decision and it could be an even tougher call in November.
“I am not thrilled about either of them. I am certainly not a Trumpy. What he is saying is appalling to me. But until Joe Biden tells whatever is happening over in Israel and Gaza to stop, then he is not my favorite person either,” said Pam Ladds of Newport.
Other voters who align more with Gov. Phil Scott’s moderate Republican wing of the party say anyone but the former president. “He needs to be stopped. What he did on the 6th of January — Yes, that’s right he insighted that riot — and he belongs in prison,” said Joe Cicia of Derby.
One thing we didn’t hear from Democratic voters was anybody taking advantage of Vermont’s open primary and choosing a Republican ballot to vote for Nikki Haley to send an anti-Trump message. Out of dozens of voters we talked with, they were sticking to their party lines.