Doremus expected that in the Republican stronghold of Vermont, promoting the candidate Trowbridge would be straightforward. However, he was taken aback to discover a surprising support for the Democratic candidate, Buzz Windrip, among the voters. This unexpected preference left him feeling disheartened, as he realized it was not driven by genuine faith in Windrip’s utopian ideals. Instead, it was rooted in a more selfish desire for immediate financial benefits that Windrip promised to deliver to them and their families.

His findings revealed a troubling shift in voter priorities. Rather than aspiring for a broader societal improvement, many citizens of Vermont seemed focused on personal gain, valuing what they could receive in tangible terms. This narrow focus on self-interest over collective well-being illustrated a shift in political ideologies, where the hope for a better society was replaced by a desire for increased wealth, indicating a deeper concern for material security above all else.