Voter sentiments surrounding democracy and the economy emerged as the primary concerns during the 2024 presidential election, as indicated by early findings from the NBC News Exit Poll. A notable 34% of voters identified the state of democracy as the most critical issue influencing their choices, closely followed by 31% who prioritized the economy. Other significant issues included abortion at 14%, immigration at 11%, and foreign policy, which trailed behind with just 4%.
The poll revealed that both male and female voters similarly rated democracy as their top concern, with a larger proportion of women (20%) emphasizing abortion compared to men (8%). Furthermore, immigration appeared slightly more significant for men (12%) than women (10%). Overall, foreign policy remained a lower priority for both demographics.
Absorbing the gravity of voters’ concerns, around 75% of participants expressed the sentiment that democracy in the U.S. is under threat, while only 25% felt it was secure. Concerning the economy, approximately two-thirds categorized it as poor or not good, with merely a third rating it as excellent or good.
The prevailing mood reflects dissatisfaction, with about 75% of voters expressing negative feelings about the country’s trajectory. Nearly half (45%) stated they are financially worse off than four years ago, marking a level of discontent that surpasses any presidential election since 2008.
The exit poll results also illuminated differing priorities between supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Harris voters predominantly focused on democracy, with abortion as the second most vital issue. Conversely, Trump supporters prioritized the economy, followed closely by immigration and democracy.
Another insightful finding was that a significant 30% of voters believed the foremost quality they seek in a presidential candidate is their ability to lead, reflecting a desire for strong leadership during turbulent times.
Additionally, the poll indicated a notable disapproval rating for President Joe Biden at 59%, which is substantially lower than Trump’s job approval rating of 50% during the 2020 election. This perception indicates the challenges Harris faces in distinguishing herself from Biden to rally support.
In a breakdown of voter demographics, Trump’s favorability among white voters has declined, contrasting with a rise among Black and Latino voters. Latino male support for Trump has notably shifted, showing a 10-point margin toward him, while the perception of Latino women remains more favorable to Harris but has also decreased.
This early polling data illustrates the complexities of the current voter landscape and underlines the importance of addressing the electorate’s pressing concerns while highlighting potential areas of growth for both parties. As the election night progresses and more data becomes available, these dynamics will undoubtedly continue to evolve.