Eliot Strickon (54), a Democrat from Milwaukee, WI, lives in an Orthodox Jewish and African American urban community and serves on his synagogue’s board. He is the child of anthropologists who were students of Margaret Mead, and he describes himself as a Bundist (a secular Jewish socialist movement in the late 1800s and early 1900s). His grandmother joined the hatmakers union in the 1930s. Following in her footsteps, Strickon, his mother and his sister joined teachers’ unions.
We are providing the unfiltered opinions of voters interviewed for this project. Those views are based on their understanding and perception of facts and information from a range of sources. In some cases, that information may be misleading or incorrect.
Has Donald Trump’s presidency turned out the way you thought it would back in 2016 when he was first elected president?
Few people were expecting a pandemic, but Trump was always straightforward with his intentions to use white nationalism and class warfare as political tools. Trump has never tried to disguise the fact that everything he does is for his own benefit. Mar A Lago—once a swamp, always a swamp.
Do you believe that Donald Trump has fulfilled his campaign promises and is this a good thing or a bad thing for the country?
As much as he could, Trump followed through, though not for anything beyond keeping the quid pro quo. “Yo, Semites! Look at all I did for Israel!” If one is white and has lots of money in stocks things aren’t looking so bad…
What does Donald Trump need to do to win the election in November? Do you think he has a chance?
Trump needs to suppress the vote as much as possible. His Republican buddies are doing their best to help. Smash USPS! Limit vote by mail. Cut voting places and hours.
What does Joe Biden need to do to win the election in November? Do you think he has a chance?
Joe, please keep breathing! A lot depends on the maleficence of other parties. Barr, Putin, etc.
If elected, what do you think Joe Biden should focus on for his first 100 days in office?
Clearing out Trump political appointees (especially in the State and Justice departments), restoring voting rights, and getting back our international allies and treaties
Should in-person voting be required in November? Why or why not?
No! Coronavirus safety for all, not just those with easily accessible suburban voting.
Do you think COVID-19 will affect voter turnout? If yes, how?
People in Wisconsin are pretty activated. There was a high turnout in the spring election despite corona chaos.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the pandemic in your state and across the country?
The effects of “magical thinking” are evident. Republicans couldn’t talk away the virus. Science is real.
What are your thoughts on the reopening of schools across the country?
Two of my kids are going to charter virtual school. I signed them up in APRIL. My eldest is going to Yeshiva in Israel