As Election Day approaches, a new poll from The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that most Americans are feeling anxious and frustrated about the 2024 presidential campaign, with only about one-third expressing excitement. The race is tight nationally and in key swing states, with neither Democrat Kamala Harris nor Republican Donald Trump showing a significant advantage. The candidates have been making starkly contrasting closing arguments, with Harris accusing Trump of being obsessed with revenge and personal needs, while Trump has labeled Harris as a “trainwreck” who has destroyed everything in her path.
The poll also indicates that some groups are feeling even more anxious than they did during the 2020 election, despite that election taking place during a deadly pandemic. Democrats are slightly more anxious than they were in the previous election, with about 8 in 10 reporting feelings of anxiety. Republicans have also seen a moderate increase in anxiety compared to 2020, while independents have remained relatively unchanged. Excitement about the 2024 campaign has increased compared to previous election cycles, with one-third of Americans feeling excited, although a majority still report not being excited about the race.
Frustration with the campaign remains high, with roughly 7 in 10 Americans describing their emotional state as frustrated, a figure consistent with 2020. However, for those feeling frustrated, there is hope on the horizon as the election will soon be over. The poll was conducted from October 24-29, 2024, with a sample drawn from NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
Despite the high levels of anxiety and frustration among Americans, the election is proving to be a closely contested one, both nationally and in key swing states. With neither candidate holding a clear advantage, the uncertainty surrounding the outcome has only added to the stress levels of voters. The contrasting messages from Harris and Trump have also fueled emotions, with the candidates painting each other in negative light, further polarizing their supporters.
The increase in excitement among Americans for the 2024 campaign compared to previous election cycles could be attributed to the highly charged political atmosphere and the issues at stake. However, a majority of Americans still do not share this sentiment, indicating a general lack of enthusiasm. With the race heating up in the final week, voters are faced with difficult decisions on who they believe will be the best leader for the country, adding to the overall tension and uncertainty surrounding the election.
As the election draws near, Americans are eagerly awaiting the outcome, with the hope that the end of the campaign will bring some relief from the heightened emotions they have been experiencing. The poll results highlight the range of feelings people are grappling with as they prepare to cast their votes, reflecting the deeply divided and emotionally charged landscape of American politics. With just days left until Election Day, the country remains on edge, with the potential for more twists and turns in the final stretch of the campaign.
