cover of episode It Really Does Feel Close in North Carolina

It Really Does Feel Close in North Carolina

2024/10/24
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The Run-Up

Key Insights

Why is North Carolina considered a crucial battleground state in the 2024 election?

North Carolina is crucial because it has 16 Electoral College votes and is one of the first closely fought states where polls close, providing early clues on the election's direction. It's also a key opportunity for Democrats to win a state they didn't in 2020, with demographic shifts potentially favoring Kamala Harris.

Why did Hurricane Helene impact the election landscape in North Carolina?

Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage, including $53 billion in estimated damages and up to 100 deaths. It disrupted early voting plans, particularly in the western part of the state, and fueled misinformation about the governor's and federal response, affecting voter perceptions and turnout.

Why are Republicans optimistic about their chances in North Carolina despite the hurricane?

Republicans believe the storm's disruption and misinformation about the government's response may have galvanized their base. They also note record early voting numbers and strong turnout in areas less affected by the storm.

Why do Democrats think Kamala Harris has a better chance in North Carolina this year?

Democrats point to Kamala Harris's strong economic message, her ability to forge her own path, and the negative impact of the Republican nominee for governor, Mark Robinson. They also highlight demographic shifts, including the growth of college-educated voters and the increasing diversity of suburban areas.

Why are Asian Americans an important demographic in North Carolina's election?

Asian Americans make up about 4% of North Carolina's population but are more concentrated in areas like Cary, where they represent about 20%. Their growing numbers and potential political engagement could influence the election, especially given Kamala Harris's South Asian background.

Why are some voters in North Carolina choosing not to vote for Kamala Harris?

Some voters, particularly those concerned about foreign policy issues like the conflict in Israel and Gaza, are opting out of voting for Harris due to her stance on these issues. They feel her support for Israel does not align with their values, even though it may benefit Trump.

Chapters

Hurricane Helene caused significant damage and disruption in North Carolina, raising concerns about its impact on the upcoming election. The storm's aftermath and the subsequent misinformation surrounding the disaster response have become key factors in the political landscape.
  • Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $53 billion in damages and disrupted early voting plans.
  • North Carolina is a crucial battleground state in the 2024 election.
  • The storm and its aftermath have reshaped the election landscape and the messaging from both parties.

Shownotes Transcript

Here’s what makes North Carolina, with its 16 Electoral College votes, unique among the electoral battlegrounds this year.

Come election night, it will be one of the first of the closely fought states where the polls will close, giving the campaigns, and the public, early clues on where the night is headed.

The state is probably the best opportunity for Democrats to win a state this year that they didn’t win in 2020, and the party — along with the state’s Democratic governor — is optimistic that demographic shifts in the state might favor Kamala Harris.

North Carolina is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which hit late last month, caused an estimated $53 billion in damages and upended early voting plans in the western — and heavily Republican-leaning — part of the state. It also led to a flood of misinformation about the governor, Roy Cooper, and the federal disaster response.

On today’s show, how Hurricane Helene and the misinformation that followed have reshaped the election landscape in this crucial battleground state — and changed the closing messages from both parties.

On today’s episode:

Gov. Roy Cooper, Democrat of North Carolina

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