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Transcript/ScriptMIDTERMS KEY ISSUES
HEADLINE: Economy, Abortion Top Concerns as Voters Elect New US Congress
TEASER: Seventy-nine percent of American voters say economy will be big factor in their voting decisions, Pew Research Center says
PUBLISHED AT: 10/27/22, 8:02p
BYLINE: Katherine Gypson
PRODUCERS: Katherine Gypson
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER: Scott Stearns
SCRIPT EDITORS: Newhouse, Reifenrath, DJ (ok)
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, ABC, AP
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO _X_
TRT: 2:47
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE: ))
((TV/web intro))
[[U.S. voters are weighing heavy issues as they head to the polls this November. From inflation to abortion rights, to border security and crime, concerns about the direction of the country will motivate voters to either keep Democrats in power or give Republicans a chance to control both the U.S. Senate and House. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from the voters.]]
((NARRATOR))
Democrats seeking to hold on to their majority in Congress in this year’s midterm elections rallying their voters with a promise to protect abortion rights.
((President Joe Biden))
“If you care about the right to choose, then you’ve got to vote.”
((NARRATOR))
Voters don’t turn out for midterm elections in the same numbers as presidential elections — but the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June to overturn the 49-year-old federal protection for abortion focused attention on the issue in key congressional races. ((Mandatory CG: ABC)) In the Midwestern state of Ohio, voters saying it brought them out to support Tim Ryan, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.
((Lisa Sobaski, Ohio Voter))
“I believe that Tim Ryan will stand up with women when it comes to the opportunity to be able to choose their reproductive rights.” ((end courtesy))
((NARRATOR))
Voter registrations among independents and women have increased since the Supreme Court decision, but analysts are still unsure whether that will be enough for Democrats.
((Amy Dacey, American University)) ((Skype))
"What we saw over the summer is engagement. We saw an increase in registrations. Now the question is — and you have to ask voters — is this the top issue that they're voting on? Or is it a part of many issues that they're looking at? I think that the challenge is with issues like the economy.”
((NARRATOR))
With the U.S. economy still recovering from the COVID pandemic, Republicans argue Democrats are responsible for high gas prices and rising inflation. Many voters — particularly in rural areas like Wyoming — agree.
((Kelly Krakow, Wyoming Voter))
“Inflation's about 8%. The cost of houses, repairs, up about 25. So you're going to see about a thirty-some-percent increase. That's hard on the people — because when you have a 30% increase in costs, the prices go up that much. So it's put a damper on that, and it's going to hit people's wallets big time.”
((NARRATOR))
Seventy-nine percent of American voters told Pew Research Center that the economy would be a very important factor in their voting decisions. Immigration and gun control also rank high among voter concerns. So does public safety.
((Amy Dacey, American University)) ((Skype))
“I do see a shift in some of these races in the states where Republicans are leaning in more to the crime issue, especially against some incumbents.”
((NARRATOR))
And Democrats have emphasized election security — as the January 6th Committee has kept the attack on the U.S. Capitol on the minds of voters – like this one in the Southern state of Virginia.
(((Karen Craft, Virginia Voter))
“I'm voting against election deniers and anybody that's a supporter of Trump.”
((NARRATOR))
Thirty-five US Senate seats are open for election this year, along with the entire 435-member U.S. House of Representatives.
Katherine Gypson, VOA News, Washington
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
in Washington D.C.
Embargo DateOctober 27, 2022 17:30 EDT
Byline
Katherine Gypson, VOA News, Washington
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
