The High Stakes of the 2024 Election: Democracy, Polarization, and More
The 2024 election is shaping up to be one of the most crucial in American history, with both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump warning of dire consequences if their opponent wins. Biden has framed the election as a battle for American democracy, accusing Trump of being willing to sacrifice it for power. On the other hand, Trump has claimed that without his victory, future elections in the country may be in jeopardy.
A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that 62% of adults believe democracy in the U.S. could be at risk depending on the outcome of the election. However, opinions are divided on which candidate poses a greater threat to democracy.
While issues like immigration, abortion, and inflation are at the forefront of voters’ minds, the importance of protecting democracy varies depending on how the question is framed. The latest NBC News survey showed that when asked what the most important issue facing the country is, inflation and immigration ranked higher than threats to democracy. But when framed as a deciding factor for voting, protecting democracy took the top spot.
In the 2022 elections, concerns about the future of democracy played a significant role, particularly benefiting Democrats. However, more than 60% of Republicans still believe that Biden was not the legitimate winner of the 2020 election, leading to a deep divide on the state of democracy in the country.
Interestingly, older voters are more likely to prioritize threats to democracy as a top issue, potentially explaining Biden’s stronger performance with this demographic in polls. The concept of freedom is central to discussions about democracy, with different interpretations from Democrats and Republicans based on their values and priorities.
As the 2024 election approaches, the preservation of democracy remains a critical issue for many voters, influencing their decision at the polls. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications for the future of American democracy.
