What polls can and cannot tell us about the 2024 elections
Mar 28, 2024
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Political scientist John Sides and author Michael Tesler discuss the 2024 elections focusing on early polls, candidate familiarity, economic impact, racial realignment, campaign strategies, and potential battleground states.
Early polls may not accurately predict election outcomes as historical data suggests, highlighting the unpredictability of final results.
Debates, approval ratings, and economic conditions can influence voter perceptions and narrow election outcomes, emphasizing the dynamic nature of electoral campaigns.
Deep dives
Impact of Polls on Election Outcomes
The podcast delves into the significance of polling data on election outcomes, highlighting that current polling data showing Trump ahead of Biden may not guarantee Trump's victory. By referencing historical data from political scientists, the episode suggests that early polls may not accurately predict election results, as seen in past elections. The discussion also touches on the potential for shifts in public opinion and how even small movements in popular vote share can impact the electoral college results.
The Role of Debates and Approval Ratings
Exploring the potential impact of debates and approval ratings on the election, the podcast discusses past instances where debates influenced polling numbers but did not significantly alter final outcomes. It outlines how candidates' debate performance and public approval ratings can sway voter perceptions, potentially leading to narrow victories in the election. The episode examines how slight changes in candidate favorability could affect the overall race.
Economic Factors and Voter Perception
Analyzing the dynamics between economic indicators and voter sentiment, the podcast focuses on the relationship between perceived economic conditions and presidential approval ratings. It highlights the complex interplay between inflation rates, consumer confidence, and Biden's approval rating, showcasing how economic shocks like inflation can impact public perception of the president's economic competence.
Campaign Strategies and Key Issues
Discussing the upcoming campaign strategies, the episode delves into critical issues like immigration, foreign policy, and racial dynamics shaping voter preferences. It addresses Biden's challenges in navigating immigration policies and potential shifts in racial minority support for Republicans. The conversation underscores the strategic importance of campaign messages and policy stances on key issues to mobilize voters and secure electoral advantages in battleground states.
John Sides and Michael Tesler recently published a piece on Good Authority asking how much trouble Joe Biden is really in for the 2024 election? Our podcast episode kicks off with that big question, then delves deeper into what opinion polls in March can tell us about the November elections. We talk about how much it matters that both candidates are pretty well known, whether the encouraging news on the economy can help Biden, and whether Democrats’ strong performance in the 2022 and 2023 elections gives the party some hope.
We also explore some currents underlying recent trends in public opinion. Is there really a looming racial realignment in American politics? Why don’t consumer sentiment and presidential approval ratings go hand in hand anymore? Is there any change in political independents? What types of issues might favor Democrats and Republicans? And what are good campaign strategies for both sides?
John has written books about the 2012, 2016, and 2020 elections. Michael was a co-author on the 2016 book and has also written extensively about elections at 538, the Monkey Cage and elsewhere. Listen for a deep dive on what to expect over the next few months.
Hear our conversation using the audio player below. You can also subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts.
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