Smart Talk: What issues are you anxious about?
What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, January 25, 2016:
“The mood of voters is one of the most important political factors in an election year. And this year voters are anxious, frightened and angry.”
That’s the basis of a national conversation NPR is promoting this week that focuses on three themes: Economic uncertainty — the shrinking middle class; Terrorism — are we secure?; and Demographics — a changing national identity.
What may be contributing to this anxiety? The share of income held by middle-income households was 43% in 2014, down from 62% in 1970; Americans are more fearful of a terrorist attack than any time since 9/11; and from 1965 to 2015, immigrants and their descendants added 72 million people to the U.S. population and are projected to add another 102 million within the next 50 years.
Several presidential candidates have played upon voters’ anxieties and are doing well in the polls to the surprise of many experts and pundits.
WITF’s Smart Talk program is participating in the NPR project and wants to hear your opinions.
On Monday’s program, we’re looking for you to tell us what issue is most important to you or that you are moxt concerned with this year. Comments may be forwarded to NPR for use nationally.
Call 1-800-729-7532 during Monday’s show, send an email to smarttalk@witf.org, post a message on WITF’s Facebook page, or comment below.
