
Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast
Actually, The Election Was Closer Than You Think
Dec 2, 2024
Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor and correspondent, dives into the latest election data and trends. He reveals how close the recent presidential race really was, with small shifts in key states making a big difference. The conversation touches on voter demographics, highlighting the gender gap and preferences of younger voters. Montanaro also discusses the surprising factors affecting turnout, including voter behavior in suburban areas and the impact of cultural grievances. Tune in for a fascinating look at the evolving landscape of U.S. elections!
26:24
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The presidential election was closely contested with Trump winning the popular vote by just 1.6 points, highlighting the importance of swing states.
- Voter priorities such as the economy and democracy significantly influenced the election outcomes, revealing stark contrasts in motivations between Trump and Harris supporters.
Deep dives
Election Divisions Highlighted by Exit Polls
The recent exit polls shed light on the close nature of the presidential election, revealing a divided electorate. Trump won the popular vote by just 1.6 points, emphasizing the narrow margin by which candidates competed in key swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Had Harris garnered an additional 1.8% of the votes in these states, the election outcome would have favored her instead, indicating the significance of voter turnout for Democrats. Moreover, Trump's voter count increased by around 3 million compared to 2020, while Harris experienced a decline of approximately 7 million votes, pointing to persistent challenges for Democratic candidates in mobilizing their base effectively.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.