“Let’s talk about the future of this country, not, like, tax returns… I just think that no one has earned America’s vote.”
Cameron stands next to a green fence, guitar case open, in downtown Asheville. He’s been busking for two days, earning a few extra bucks while waiting for the ‘all clear’ to go back to Hilton Head Island, where he’s a student and a line cook. The island was evacuated due to Hurricane Matthew. “I was optimistic that it wasn’t going to be too bad,” he says. “Thankfully no trees landed on us, so we’re okay.” Some of his friends stayed on the island, ignoring the calls for evacuation, and they’ve been without power for four days.
“I think I’m not voting, I’m giving up my right to vote.” A fan of O’Malley in the primaries, Cameron says he liked the Governor’s “view on climate change” and doesn’t see any other option but to sit this one out. When Gary Johnson – and the lack of knowledge he displayed on international affairs – enters the conversation, he says, “I’m definitely not voting for that guy.”
Originally from Kingsport, Tennessee, Cameron supported President Obama in 2012 but doesn’t really consider himself a Democrat. “I’m definitely worried about the country,” Cameron says.
In a three hour set the day before, Cameron made $35 busking on the streets of Asheville. He plans to return to Hilton Head Island at the end of the week.
Hilton Head Island, SC:
• Population: 40,039.
• Per capita income: $46,163
• 75.9% white, 14.3% Latino, 8.2% Black.
• Percentage below poverty line: 12.1%.