It All Comes Down To This — Here's How To Follow The Results
The NPR Politics Podcast
Deep Dive
Why hasn't either candidate been able to break away in this election?
The race has remained close due to a combination of factors, including voters' perception of the country being on the wrong track, the administration's unpopularity, and economic issues. Despite these fundamentals favoring Republicans, neither candidate has managed to secure a decisive lead.
What issues have been most consequential in shaping the 2024 election?
Economy and inflation have been the top issues, but abortion rights and preserving democracy have also been significant, particularly among independent voters and women. Foreign policy issues like Ukraine and Israel have mattered around the edges but not decisively.
How has Kamala Harris's performance in the polls compared to Joe Biden's previous trajectory?
Kamala Harris has at least made up the ground that Joe Biden was losing, potentially putting Democrats in a better footing than they would have been with Biden. She closed the gap and flipped the trend line nationally and in swing states after entering the race.
Why is patience important when following election results?
Patience is crucial because the race might not be called immediately, especially if the margins are close. In 2020, the presidential election was not called until Saturday, and similar delays could occur in 2024 depending on the vote margins.
What role has the issue of preserving democracy played in this election?
Preserving democracy has been a top issue for about three in ten voters, including a significant percentage of independents. This issue has been central to Kamala Harris's closing arguments and highlights the stark contrast between her and Trump, particularly regarding January 6th and election acceptance.
- Kamala Harris leads 51-47 among likely voters but is tied 49-49 among registered voters.
- Harris is doing better with white college-educated voters and black voters.
- The race remains close, with neither candidate breaking away significantly.
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