Karthick Ramakrishnan: AAPI voters could tip the scales
Aug 29, 2024
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Karthick Ramakrishnan, a political scientist and founder of AAPI Data, discusses the rising influence of AAPI voters in U.S. elections. He highlights how Kamala Harris's nomination has energized this demographic, shifting historical voting patterns. Ramakrishnan dives into the complexities of multiracial identities and how they affect political engagement. He also emphasizes the importance of representation and coalition-building, particularly in swing states, suggesting that AAPI voters could play a pivotal role in the upcoming presidential election.
Kamala Harris's nomination has galvanized Asian American voters, potentially influencing key swing states in the upcoming election.
The historical and increasing engagement of Asian American voters demonstrates their evolving political impact amid a backdrop of racial identity complexities.
Deep dives
Asian American Voting Trends and Impact
Asian American voters have historically leaned toward the Democratic Party, with support often measured at a two-to-one ratio compared to the Republican Party. Specific groups like Japanese Americans and Indian Americans showcase even higher support rates, while Vietnamese Americans demonstrate more variability based on the election context. The emergence of Kamala Harris as the first Black and Asian American presidential nominee has energized these voters, reflecting a potential shift in their alignment toward the Democratic ticket. As grassroots enthusiasm grows through virtual support initiatives and fundraising, Asian American voters are poised to significantly influence the upcoming presidential election.
Increased Voter Turnout and Engagement
Asian American voter turnout has seen significant improvement in recent elections, particularly in 2016 and 2020, attributed both to the polarizing figure of Donald Trump and years of civic engagement investments. Organizations have made targeted efforts to engage Asian American communities since 2012, with noticeable results during the last election cycle. There has also been a rise in turnout among groups typically less engaged, such as Chinese Americans, partly fueled by a backlash against rising anti-Asian hate crimes. With high levels of excitement around the Democratic nominees for 2024, it is expected that this upward trend in voter participation will continue.
Multiracial Identity and Descriptive Representation
Multiracial identity, especially as it pertains to figures like Kamala Harris, presents a complex narrative in American politics, where individuals can embody multiple racial identities while navigating societal perceptions. Harris’s unique background, being the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, embodies the growing mixed-race population in the U.S. and suggests a shift in understanding race in political representation. Descriptive representation highlights the idea that racial resemblance between constituents and candidates matters less than shared issues and advocacy for community interests. The findings indicate that while Asian Americans tend to support candidates with aligned political platforms over mere racial similarities, the significance of multiracial identities continues to evolve within the political landscape.
Before Vice President Harris became the Democratic nominee, Asian American voters were unenthusiastic about then-candidate Biden. But Harris has since energized the fastest-growing voter group in the U.S.: AAPI voters. Now, data suggests these voters could be a major factor in some swing states come November. Political scientist Karthick Ramakrishnan of AAPI data explains the power of Asian Americans to affect the race.
Guests: Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data; researcher at UC Berkeley
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura and Jay Cowit. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.