A version of this essay first appeared in the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get the news you need to start your day — plus a little fun — every weekday and Sunday. With the arrival of Election Day, months of campaign ads and rallies come to an abrupt halt.
Big names, including President Trump and former President Barack Obama, have spent weeks on the road advocating for candidates in tight races. As Election Day approached, political prospects across the U.S. burned through their final reserves of stamina to get every vote they can. Experts have projected that the Senate and House will be won with razor-thin margins.
Throughout October, Morning Edition has been on the road speaking to voters in six pivotal states that could decide which party controls Congress. Leila Fadel reported from Maine. A Martínez made his way to the big state of Texas.
Steve Inskeep went to North Carolina and Georgia. And Michel Martin traveled to Ohio and Michigan. The hosts traveled to these states with the goal of speaking with a variety of people across political lines about the issues that will inform their votes.
In Maine, Fadel got reel with men. She went fly fishing and discussed the Democratic Party's perceived "man problem." Trump won the 2024 election largely because most men across the country voted for him. The men Fadel spoke to varied in age and political affiliation, but they all agreed on two things: They loved to fish and they wanted change.
And its rising price has affected the quality of life. Martínez spoke with residents, business owners and farmers about what's driving the price hikes and how it may sway their vote. Inskeep did some door-knocking in and around Marietta, Ga., north of Atlanta.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
