Andrew Yang

He ‘sees the big picture’

I’m a college student from Texas who voted for Trump last cycle. Andrew Yang understands the issues we face from technology and sees the big picture, how our problems are intertwined. He is the only one promising economic change that will actually work and that will impact my generation for the long term — unlike Bernie and his minimum wage that will kill small business. Yang is the most promising chance we have ever had to end the extreme corruption that plagues our country. — Robert, 21, Denton, Tex.

Policies that put everyone’s ‘skin in the game’

Andrew Yang was the first presidential candidate I ever heard talking about reforming the intellectual infrastructure of capitalism, something that is sorely needed. Universal Basic Income, funded by a value added tax (as well as other much-needed taxes like a carbon tax) would be a game changer for a vast majority of Americans. People living in precarious economic conditions would have more security and freedom. The working and middle classes would receive more than they pay in. Wealthy spenders would pay in more than they receive. But everyone gets it, and everyone has skin in the game. It’s brilliant. — Polina, 38, California

‘The best chance of bringing us back together’

While I’m deeply concerned about health care, immigration and student loan debt, I think partisanship is poisoning our country. Andrew Yang is not a politician. His personality is not divisive. I think he has the best chance of bringing us back together. — Angela Smith, 41, Morgantown, W.V.

Pete Buttigieg

Ushering in ‘a new generation of leaders'

He is a relatively young man with a seemingly old soul, a brilliant mind coupled with a thoughtful and even-tempered demeanor. He can, and does, call us all to serve our great nation, to mend fences, to think outside of ourselves. The time has come for a new generation of leaders, those who have the vocabulary and the desire to speak about issues like climate change, L.G.B.T.Q.+ rights and racial tensions. Younger leaders can wrap their heads around artificial intelligence, drone technology and the global marketplace in ways most of us cannot. I trust them. — Jody Danforth Root, 51, Indianapolis

He calls Americans ‘to their highest values’

As a Mexican-American mother and foster parent of young children, I find campaign messages centered on “the fight” deeply unsettling. Yes, a president must be willing to stand up for what is right even when it isn’t easy, something Pete has demonstrated through his service to our country and his work at home. At the end of the day, however, a win in November will still leave my kids sharing a country with a great many people who feel angry and abandoned. Pete has said that the primary role of a president is to call Americans to their highest values. I know some people are never going to change, but he gives me hope. — Katelyn Woods, 33, Davis, Calif.

It’s past time for ‘a gay role model'

You will receive many endorsements from Pete Buttigieg supporters, mentioning his brilliant mind, his progressive plans, his calm and steady manner. All are true. But there are two aspects of his candidacy that I think are especially important to mention: his kindness (we are past due for a president we not only admire but love) and his being gay. We had a black president, who became a beacon and a role model for black leaders around the world. Its time for a gay role model. Past time. We all deserve to be represented by someone with his personal and professional gifts, but especially our gay citizens. — Mary Finke, 76, Columbus, Ohio