From the White House to everyday America

The US president is seen as the country’s representative and chief decision maker. But how much will he or she truly affect Americans’ everyday lives? Here’s what our contributors think.

I’m most concerned that Hillary would socialize healthcare. Any decrease in access to quality healthcare, or increase in cost, would directly negatively affect my family. – Ed Brand, Swiss in New Glarus, Wisconsin

If Clinton becomes president, progressive Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren (my two favorite politicians) will be in a better position to push the DNC platform more to the left through the Senate. This will have a greater positive effect on the average middle class citizen such as me. – Hanré Chang, Swiss in Santa Barbara, California

Courtesy Dave Long

They don’t keep their promises! Additionally, the president needs a lot of approvals before making a real change! – Anne-Catherine Kelley, Swiss in Houston, Texas

Being able to marry who I love will not be possible under a Trump presidency. – René Wolfsberger, Swiss in Los Angeles

I am less concerned by the effect of either candidacy on my personal life than on the country overall. We are at the crossroads of two distinct political ideologies concerning the future of our nation. Either presidency will impact mostly the poor (level of access to social services/healthcare) and the rich (level of taxation). – Fabrice Jotterand, Swiss in Wisconsin