The Data Points That Will Explain The 2024 Election
Feb 8, 2024
41:59
auto_awesome Snipd AI
Experts reveal the most valuable data point for understanding the 2024 election, including voters' perceptions of the candidates, issues that could influence the outcome, and the importance of 'double haters'. They discuss the impact of age on voter preferences, motivations of Latino voters, the significance of voter turnout, the concept of double negatives in elections, and the influence of third-party candidates and Biden's approval rating.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The comparison of Joe Biden and Donald Trump's perceived effectiveness and competency is a key data point that can significantly impact the election's outcome.
The perception of low stakes in the election may hurt Biden, particularly among young voters and voters of color, highlighting the importance of mobilizing these demographics through tracking their perception of political power.
Deep dives
The Age Factor: Perceptions of Competency and Effectiveness
One key data point to watch in understanding the 2024 election is the comparison of Joe Biden and Donald Trump's perceived effectiveness and competency. Currently, Donald Trump is leading Biden on this question, which raises concerns about Biden's ability to overcome the age issue. Voters' beliefs about a candidate's ability to do the job effectively and competently can significantly impact their choice in the election.
Personal Relevance: Does the Election Make a Difference to Voters?
A critical metric to gauge is whether voters believe that the outcome of the election will personally impact them. If voters feel that it does not matter who wins, they may be less motivated to participate in the election. Republicans, in particular, rely on high turnout from low-propensity voters. However, there is also a risk that the perception of low stakes may hurt Biden, especially among young voters and voters of color who may be less enthusiastic about the candidates.
Perceptions of Political Power: A Predictor of Voter Turnout
Instead of measuring traditional vote likelihood and enthusiasm, tracking perceptions of political power becomes a crucial factor in understanding and predicting voter turnout. The higher individuals perceive their political power to be, the more likely they are to turn out and vote. This measure can be particularly valuable in mobilizing young and diverse voters, who may feel disillusioned with the political system and not strongly motivated by traditional measures of vote likelihood and enthusiasm.
The 'Double Haters': Assessing the Importance of Voters Who Dislike Both Candidates
A significant focus should also be placed on voters who have unfavorable views of both Biden and Trump, often referred to as the 'double haters'. Understanding their preferences and determining which candidate they lean towards, if any, is crucial in assessing the overall landscape of the election. Historically, third-party support tends to decrease as the election approaches, but monitoring the choices and tendencies of these 'double haters' will provide valuable insights into the potential impact on the final outcome.
What is the most valuable data point to watch heading into the 2024 presidential election? This week on the 538 Politics podcast, we interviewed more than a dozen experts — pollsters, political scientists, data journalists — and asked them this one question. Their combined answers paint a picture of which variables will most influence the election this November. Galen and his guests cover voters' shifting perceptions of the two candidates, issues and key demographics that could make or break them, and the importance of "double haters," voters who have negative opinions of both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.