OPINION — This is a column about listening.

It’s about the millions of people in this country who feel that no one cares what they think or values what they do. People who believe that their voice isn’t being heard, especially by the elites in this country, whether in politics, the media, academia or the cultural arena.

Over the past few months, I’ve often used comments from voter focus groups in my columns because hearing directly from voters in their words, not mine, gives readers unfiltered insight into what ordinary Americans are thinking and feeling.

So I want to share what two voters, both from competitive states, told us in focus groups — the first nearly two years ago; the second just two weeks ago.

One man demonstrated why people have such contempt for elites, telling us: