What's Driving People To — Or Away From — The Polls?
May 7, 2024
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As Election Day approaches, a deep dive reveals what drives voters of all ages to the polls. Younger voters are motivated by issues like abortion, reproductive rights, and climate change, while older voters show shifting trends in Pennsylvania, especially towards Joe Biden. The rising turnout among Gen Z and millennials signals their growing electoral influence. Meanwhile, young voters express complex views on global conflicts, like the Israel-Hamas war, while prioritizing domestic issues. Engaging these diverse groups is crucial for candidates as the election tightens.
Younger voters support Biden for issues like abortion and climate change, challenging traditional voting patterns.
Economic concerns heavily influence older voters' decisions, overshadowing issues like climate change and foreign policy.
Deep dives
Insights on Youth and Older Voter Behaviors
Younger voters lean towards supporting Biden due to issues like abortion, finances, and climate change, with some concerns about his foreign policy. Older voters, who historically favor Republican candidates, are now showing support for Biden, particularly those aged 65 and above. Biden's appeal to older voters challenges traditional voting patterns.
Perspectives on Youth Engagement with Israel-Hamas Conflict
While the war between Israel and Hamas dominates news coverage, younger voters prioritize issues like climate, abortion, and LGBTQ rights over this conflict. Polling data reveals that the Gaza crisis ranks lower in importance for many young voters, with varying sentiments towards Biden's handling of the issue. Some youth struggle with supporting Biden on certain topics while disagreeing on others, reflecting a complex decision-making process.
Economic Focus in Voter Priorities
Economic concerns, such as inflation, social security, and caregiving costs, are central to the voting decisions of older voters, overshadowing issues like climate change and foreign policy. Polls highlight the significance of economic stability in older voter demographics, emphasizing the impact of economic issues on voting behavior across generations. The foreseeable challenge for candidates lies in persuading both young and old voters amidst evolving sentiments and potential for movement in voter preferences.
With 26 weeks to go until Election Day, voters' opinions on the major candidates are forming. We explore the different — and similar — issues motivating people across all ages to go to the polls, like abortion, the economy & Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas.
This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, political reporter Elena Moore, and national political correspondent Don Gonyea.
This podcast was produced by Jeongyoon Han & Kelli Wessinger. It was edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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