A Shift in Political Support Amid Economic Struggles
Two months ago, Javier Barajas warmly welcomed former President Donald J. Trump to his restaurant, Il Toro E La Capra, one of five thriving establishments he owns in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. At 65 years old, Mr. Barajas has witnessed the ebb and flow of political tides over the years. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign in 2008 and even hosted President Biden at one of his other restaurants. However, this year, he has shifted his allegiance to Mr. Trump, driven primarily by the alarming rise in prices affecting his business—from the cost of ingredients for his culinary creations to the skyrocketing fuel prices for his catering truck.
Meanwhile, his nephew, Justin Favela, a talented 38-year-old artist, found himself in a whirlwind of emotions as he crafted a piece of traditional Mexican folk art using colorful tissue paper. He began receiving a flurry of angry and bewildered messages from friends and family who were taken aback by news of Mr. Trump’s visit circulating on social media and the evening news. Like his uncle, Mr. Favela grapples with economic challenges that weigh heavily on his shoulders.
With rising rents and soaring costs for the materials essential to his craft, alongside burdensome student loans, he faces a daunting future. Despite his reservations about the current political landscape, Mr. Favela feels compelled to cast his vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. His decision is largely influenced by Mr. Trump’s increasingly negative and racially charged rhetoric about immigrants, including those from his own family background.
“I work 12 hours a day just to get by—just to cover my rent. Owning a home feels like a distant dream,” Mr. Favela lamented. He expressed his frustration about the escalating costs of basic supplies for his artwork, noting, “The price of a gallon of glue, which is crucial for my creations, has doubled in just three years.”