President Trump's recent financial disclosures reveal his wealth has shot up since taking office again.His family businesses reported revenue last year of $2.2 billion — largely earnings from cryptocurrency.But key voters in Pennsylvania have mixed views on whether this is a big deal or not, indicating a level of cynicism about many in the political class.These were among the views expressed by participants of two online focus groups that NPR observed on Tuesday.
The focus groups were made up of 12 Pennsylvania voters total.Half the participants, when asked, said they were "troubled" by Trump's windfall in office.The other half waved it off."When it comes to ethics, moral and financial, I think that just about every politician is corrupt," said Todd A., a 62-year-old independent voter.
(All participants agreed to be part of the focus groups on the condition that they be identified by their first name and last initial only.)"So, the fact that he's a known huckster," Todd continued, "I mean, we've known that for years about him.""It really was flooring to me that they felt that way," said Rich Thau, who moderated the focus groups."The excuses that they gave, which is, you know, 'This is the kind of thing that rich people do.
They use money to make more money.All politicians do this kind of thing.
They're all corrupt…' That's the voice of extremely cynical voters whose expectations for politicians are remarkably low."Thau is president of messaging firm Engagious, which partners with market researcher Sago and NPR to conduct monthly focus groups with swing voters across the country.Focus groups are not polling, so there isn't anything scientifically significant to draw from these conversations.But they do provide insight into how key voters who helped get Trump reelected feel about the choice they made.
And while a recent survey found the vast majority of voters are concerned about corruption writ-large in American government, these Pennsylvania focus group par...