The Campaign Moment

Record early voting, and good signs for the GOP

Oct 22, 2024

Amy Gardner, a national political reporter for The Washington Post, dives into early voting trends that reveal a surprising shift among GOP voters. With over 1 million early votes cast in North Carolina and more Republicans voting early in Nevada than Democrats, this season shows newfound enthusiasm. The discussion tackles the fallout from misinformation about voting fraud and explores how these trends could impact election outcomes. Gardner's insights unpack the evolving dynamics of voter engagement and Republican participation.

24:19

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Episode guests

Amy Gardner

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The surge in early voting among Republican voters in states like Georgia and North Carolina indicates a significant shift in party enthusiasm and campaign strategy.

Donald Trump's evolving stance on early voting showcases the challenges Republicans face in reconciling past criticisms with current electoral needs.

Deep dives

Trump's McDonald's Stunt and Campaign Strategy

Donald Trump's recent visit to a McDonald's, where he served pre-screened customers in a staged event, illustrates his unique approach to campaign theatrics. This incident demonstrates how Trump's strategy often revolves around creating engaging and memorable moments to capture public attention, particularly as the campaign season intensifies. His presence in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene reflects a tactic of connecting with voters in affected areas, albeit while reiterating unfounded claims about FEMA funding. Such stunts are critical as candidates gear up for the final stretch before the election, attempting to resonate with different demographic groups.

Intro

3min

Shifting Alliances and Political Dynamics Ahead of the Election

2min

The Impact of Early Voting on Elections

13min

Hurricane Impact on Voting in North Carolina

5min

The Impact of Early Voting in Nevada

2min

Democrats tend to vote early in droves, but early returns this year show signs that GOP voters are hearing their party’s message to cast votes however they can. As of Monday afternoon, nearly 1.5 million Georgia voters had cast their ballots. In North Carolina, the number is over 1 million. And in Nevada, more Republicans are voting early than Democrats.

Senior politics reporter Aaron Blake chats with Amy Gardner, national reporter covering voting, about what these returns tell us about enthusiasm this cycle and why it's significant that Republicans are turning to early voting despite years of false messaging from former president Donald Trump that this method is subject to fraud.

Catch up on other big campaign stories mentioned in the episode here, here and here.

Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Allison Michaels and Mary Jo Murphy and mixed by Sam Bair.

Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

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The Campaign Moment

Record early voting, and good signs for the GOP

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Trump's McDonald's Stunt and Campaign Strategy

Impact of Early Voting on Voter Enthusiasm

Mixed Messages in Republican Voting Strategy

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts