These swing voters don’t like or understand the reason for the war in Iran

March 12, 2026·18 min·1 clip

"We always have money for bombs, but no money for infrastructure," says a swing voter in Michigan.

The Michigan group is small, and the episode treats it that way. Myles Parks asks Ashley Lopez why NPR keeps checking in with these Biden-to-Trump voters when 12 people cannot speak for the whole electorate. Ashley says the value is in listening, not polling. The point is to hear how some voters talk through issues that could shape the coming midterm elections. The conflict gives them plenty to chew on. Several voters say they have not heard a clear reason for going, so they start filling in the blanks. Israel is underneath much of that confusion. Across the group, views on the U.S. relationship with Israel land in a few places. Some voters are unsure. Some defend Israel as a longtime ally and a safe harbor for Jewish people after World War Two. Others are angry. Susan, who leans Democratic, says she does not see how the relationship serves America's interest. That frustration quickly turns domestic. The segment ties it to a familiar complaint: the country seems able to find money for bombs, but not for infrastructure. The motives get guessed at privately. Jasmine wonders whether Trump's son and oil stock explain the decision. Susan suspects the United States is acting for Israel. Stephanie says the conflict could distract from the Epstein files. Nobody treats this as a vote forecast yet, since many House and Senate candidates are still unknown. It works more like a temperature check on confusion, anger, and skepticism about alliances.

As heard by us

Twelve Michigan swing voters show how Israel tests trust in American priorities.

Michigan swing voters try to sort out America's relationship with Israel, and the answers they reach for point to wider doubts about national priorities.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Hear 12 Michigan swing voters talk through what is frustrating them ahead of the midterms.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The NPR Politics Podcast