The Psychology of An Undecided

As we wait with bated breath for the debate (and its aftermath,) why don’t we get into the shoes of undecided voters? When everybody else has long made up their minds, why are there still those who remain on the fence—the undecided voters?

What exactly is going through their minds? What makes them hesitate in this obviously polarizing election?

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Let’s listen in on the mind of an “undecided”:

There’s a Civil War in my head.

I don’t take this thing lightly, especially since everybody’s been telling me that it could all come down to a few of us.

Now I’ve always thought of myself as a savvy, smart, even shrewd voter, but when it comes to this election, logic gets tangled up with emotions and personal beliefs. Only a few weeks ‘til Election Day and I’m still squirming with indecision.

On the one hand, there’s Trump. Big Old Donald.

Now, he’s not exactly new to the scene. We’ve all seen his presidency, for better or worse.

I remember back in 2016, when a lot of people were saying, “He’s going to drain the swamp,” and that resonated with me. The idea of shaking up the system, which often seems so out of touch with everyday folks, was appealing.

But after watching how things unfolded—his handling of COVID-19, the chaos around the Capitol riots—there’s this lingering question: Can he really unify the country? Or is he just feeding more division?

Trump’s policies on taxes and deregulation? I’ll admit, as someone who’s more fiscally conservative, that stuff makes sense to me. The economy under Trump felt strong at one point. My 401(k) was looking solid, and businesses around my community were booming.

But then I think about his stance on things like climate change. It’s hard to ignore the science. Every summer feels hotter, wildfires are getting worse, and I'm not sure pretending like it’s not a big deal is the answer.

It leaves me torn—can I really support someone who doesn’t seem to care about an issue that might affect my kids’ future?

Then there’s the issue of character. People keep telling me that it doesn’t matter as long as the policies are right, but every time I see Trump speaking, I cringe a little. His attitude toward women, minorities—it’s like he’s intentionally being provocative.

I don’t want my vote to be interpreted as endorsing that behavior. Supporters say they separate his policies from his personality. Should I be doing the same? Would that be compromising my own faith and principles?

Then there’s Kamala. They say she represents change, that she’s this historic figure. First woman of color on a major ticket—that’s something. But I can’t shake the feeling that I don’t really know what she stands for.

Sure, I’ve seen her take some strong positions on criminal justice, and I appreciate the shift toward reform. There’s something to be said for someone who acknowledges the flaws in the system and is willing to tackle tough issues.

But then I remember her time as a prosecutor in California. The “top cop” label comes to mind, and it makes me wonder: Has she really changed her views, or is she just adapting to the moment?

I’m wrestling with the broader policies that she and Biden have proposed, particularly on healthcare. Look, I get that healthcare in this country is broken. Prices are out of control, and people are going bankrupt over medical bills.

But I’m nervous about a huge government overhaul. Medicare for All—how’s that going to affect my premiums? Is it going to mean longer wait times to see specialists?

When I hear people like Bernie Sanders or other progressives talking about it, I get that it’s coming from a good place. No doubt. There’s just the question of the “How?” It’s so easy to talk plans and forget how messy big government programs can be. The rollout of Obamacare wasn’t exactly smooth, and I don’t know if I trust Harris to get this right.

And then there's the border issue. Trump’s wall idea felt extreme, but at least he’s doing something. I’m not anti-immigration, but there has to be some sort of order and control at the border.

Harris’ past comments make me uneasy. I support a humane immigration policy, but that doesn’t mean a complete lack of oversight, especially.

I think about the economy that was under Biden. Harris’ support for corporate tax hikes makes me nervous. I know they say it’ll only affect the rich, but it feels like there’s always a trickle-down effect. The last thing I need is for my company to start cutting jobs or outsourcing more just to avoid taxes.

So, all things considered, (because that’s the kind of thinker I am,) I really think it could go either way.

When Trump speaks, there’s a feeling of rugged individualism, the same energy that built this country. But then I remember the chaos—his complete disregard for the seriousness of the pandemic, the constant scandals, the impeachment, and the legal issues still swirling around him. It’s hard to justify a vote for someone who seems so comfortable bending the rules in his favor.

Harris, on the other hand, is said to embody the future. She’s a symbol of progress, diversity, and inclusion. But let’s admit it, she’s also a question mark.

Will her policies pull the country too far left, or will she govern more from the center, as they claim? We don’t know.

And even if they do, will they be able to bring about real change, or will they get bogged down in Washington’s bureaucratic antics?

Every time I sit down to really think about these things, I go back and forth. I look at my neighbors and the people around me. Some are die-hard Trump fans—holding our flag. Others are all-in on Harris—holding the same flag.

Meanwhile, I’m stuck in the middle, trying to figure out what matters more—policies, personality, or a little bit of both.

I care deeply. Maybe too deeply?

Making a choice is a compromise of some kind, I get that. But why is this too hard to figure out?

Either way feels like a vote for RFK.

Why is a vote for either, feels like a vote against myself? ?

?

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Do these things resonate with you?

Are we all undecided, after all?

Are we all gray…underneath the red and blue?

…Deep down.