National Survey Report: December 2024
Analyzing Public Sentiment: Insights into the 2024 Election and Key Political Issues
This survey, (sponsored by Trending Politics) conducted December 2nd through the 4th 2024 among 800 registered voters, offers a comprehensive look at the political landscape following the presidential election, as well as public sentiment on key issues and leadership dynamics. The findings highlight a nation deeply divided on leadership, policy directions, and cultural debates, with a notable alignment along demographic lines (see cross-tabs and questions here).
Overview of Voting Patterns
The survey confirms the tight race in the 2024 presidential election, where Donald Trump emerged victorious with 49% of the vote, narrowly surpassing Kamala Harris at 47%. While Trump dominated among male and older voters, Harris garnered greater support from women and younger demographics. Racially, Trump led among White voters and closed the gap among Hispanic voters, while Harris had overwhelming support from Black voters. These results reflect sharp partisan and demographic divides, signaling polarized views of leadership and policy direction.
The Hunter Biden Pardon: A Polarizing Decision
A significant point of contention was President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, for charges related to tax evasion and firearm possession. Public reaction was starkly divided: while 37% approved of the decision, a majority—63%—disapproved, with nearly half strongly opposing it. This issue underscores the challenges Biden faced in maintaining public confidence toward the end of his presidency.
Biden's Approval Ratings
President Biden's approval ratings, as measured in this survey, fell below 40%, with only 16% strongly approving of his performance. Disapproval, particularly among male and older voters, reached 62%, although women and racial minorities showed slightly higher approval levels. These figures reflect a general dissatisfaction with Biden’s tenure and serve as a backdrop for his party’s electoral struggles in 2024.
Donald Trump’s Favorability and Leadership Outlook
Donald Trump emerged from the election with a favorability rating of 53%, signaling a solid base of support as he prepares for his second term. His appeal was strongest among male, White, and older voters, while younger demographics and women were more divided in their views. Looking ahead, 57% of respondents expressed some level of optimism about Trump's leadership, though 43% were pessimistic. This mixed outlook suggests cautious anticipation of his administration's policy agenda.
Cultural Divisions: The "Wokeism" Debate
Public attitudes toward progressive policies, often labeled as "wokeism," further illustrate the nation’s ideological divide. A majority (56%) felt these policies had gone too far, with opposition strongest among men and White voters. Women and minorities were more likely to see such policies as either appropriate or insufficiently progressive, pointing to ongoing debates over the cultural direction of the country.
Election Satisfaction and Policy Mandates
While 55% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the election outcome, opinions on Trump’s mandate were less unified. Only 44% believed he has a full mandate to implement his campaign policies, while 31% felt he lacks such a mandate entirely. This ambivalence could influence the administration’s approach to contentious issues like immigration reform, tariffs, and federal restructuring.
Media Consumption and Trust
The survey also explored media behaviors during the election, revealing that traditional media outlets remain the primary source of information for 42% of respondents. Online news platforms followed at 25%, while social media accounted for 19%. Trust in these platforms varied significantly, with nearly half of respondents indicating they do not rely on X (formerly Twitter) for news, preferring traditional outlets instead.
Conclusion
This survey paints a picture of a nation grappling with political and cultural divides. While Donald Trump begins his second term with strong support among his base, public opinion on his policies and mandate remains fragmented. At the same time, the contentious issues surrounding the Biden administration, including the Hunter Biden pardon, have left a lasting impression on the electorate. As the country transitions into a new political era, these divides will likely shape both governance and public discourse in the years ahead.