In today's American political arena, the divide between Trump's supporters and opponents is becoming increasingly clear. Many Trump opponents see the presidential election as an important test of American democracy, while Trump's supporters attribute it all to a simple and clear economic issue.

In late summer, I embarked on a journey that took me from New York to several working-class communities in the South, Midwest, and West. My goal was not to promote a certain agenda, but to listen to these people's stories and try to understand the reality they face from their perspective. I interviewed workers from all walks of life, including hairdressers, retired sawmill workers, bakers, truck drivers, laundromat managers, outdoor grill cooks and casino dealers, and even a former professional rodeo rider.

The most common words in these conversations were "terrible" and "too bad." Although the interviewees came from different backgrounds, including men and women, different races and cultures, their views on the economic situation were almost the same. Everyone wants to provide better living conditions for themselves and their families, and most people are working hard to do so. Many people are reluctant to talk about politics, while some say they have been forgotten by politicians and have even lost interest in voting. Of all the people I spoke to, Trump was overwhelmingly in favor.

If you think of the United States as a political entity, working people are the group that feels economic fluctuations most acutely. While some reactions are long-standing, the pain of the past few years has been particularly acute. High inflation and the sharp rise in interest rates since the 1980s may only make headlines for the wealthy, but for ordinary working people, it is a major challenge in life. For them, the arrival of payday is far more important than a political event.

So why would these people turn to a billionaire who has been accused of lying and abusing his power? Their answer is straightforward. When Trump was in office, the economy was better and living conditions were relatively improved. Today, the price of eggs is almost three times what it was four years ago, car loan interest rates have risen by more than 50%, and some companies have even begun to cut working hours. Many people believe that Trump can turn this around and become their hope.

This sentiment is not surprising. Historically, commentators such as Alexis de Tocqueville and James Carville have noted the centrality of money to American life and politics. After all the rhetoric and anxiety, perhaps this election will prove Carville’s point once again: Don’t be silly, it’s all about the economy.

In South Bend, Indiana, I met George Lemley. He had a burn on his right arm from working in a factory with hot brass parts. His left arm was covered in tiny pinpricks from his weekly trips to the blood bank. He donates twice a week, earning $140, while hospitals and pharmaceutical companies receive vital raw materials. George, 45, who lives with his mother, said he started donating blood because “everything was ridiculously expensive.”

George had worked at his local Kroger supermarket and was well aware of the price increases of food. "I went to the supermarket today to buy a pound of hamburgers. It used to be two dollars and a half at most, but now it costs four dollars even with a discount. The price of ordinary bread has increased from 99 cents to two dollars. Although it is only two dollars, two dollars a week, it is eight dollars a month." George, who was once a supporter of Clinton, has now decided to vote for Trump again without hesitation.

"I don't agree with everything Trump says," George said, "but I care about his policies and the results they bring. Under his leadership, the economy is in very good condition."

At the dollar store in South Bend, I talked with Danielle Williams. As a cashier, she witnessed the impact of the economy on ordinary people. When talking about the economic situation, she said bluntly: "Food, gasoline, it's really terrible." She has not yet decided whether to vote for Trump, but she admits that she feels more financially secure during Trump's presidency.

In The Dalles, Oregon, I met Liz Guzman. Her parents are Mexican immigrants, and she started a bakery in her kitchen last year. She noticed the pressure of inflation on her small business, and rising costs forced her to raise prices. "I have to be more aggressive in pricing to ensure profitability." Rising interest rates forced her to borrow money at a higher cost to buy a house, and she said the extra $800 in interest paid each month was a heavy burden.

She had no interest in politics until she started voting last year at the encouragement of her husband. "We have to take action. The economy, bills, food costs, these things must change." She said: "I don't like this person personally, but from a professional perspective, I like him. He definitely has financial acumen."

In Lumberton, North Carolina, I talked with Austin Revels, a pawn shop employee. He described the current situation of the pawn shop: the economic downturn has forced people to pawn their items, but almost no one is willing to buy them again. Revels, wearing a Trump hat and wristband, is obviously a staunch supporter. He said: "Everything is completely ruined. People used to have money, but now they don't even have enough money to buy gas and groceries."

These phenomena reflect the changes in the economic structure over the past few decades. Although the US economy is constantly developing, the working class feels that their lives are getting harder and harder. In this context, it is not surprising that they are moved when they see a candidate who can promise to restore the economy and pride. We cannot simply attribute this phenomenon to superficial choices, but need to deeply understand the economic motivations behind it and the real needs of the people. How future politics will develop is still full of unknowns.