According to a survey by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 7 in 10 Americans feel anxious or frustrated regarding the 2024 presidential campaign. In contrast, only about a third of respondents feel excited. The survey, conducted from October 24 to 29, 2024, included 1,233 adults and revealed that about half of the respondents expressed feeling anxious, similar to findings in 2020.
The results show that about two-thirds of Republicans are anxious, a moderate increase compared to 2020. On the other hand, independents have maintained their level of concern, which is lower compared to Democrats and Republicans. Approximately 7 in 10 Americans describe themselves as frustrated, similar to the sentiment reported in 2020.
Despite these prevailing emotions, a third of respondents claim to feel excited about the 2024 campaign, a significant increase compared to previous elections. Meanwhile, about 8 in 10 Democrats consider themselves anxious, a slightly higher level than in the previous election. However, the majority of Americans do not feel excited about this year's contest.
Anxiety appears to be a widespread sentiment among voters, especially given the competitiveness of the national contest and in key battleground states, according to recent polls. Both Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump show no clear advantage.
In the week leading up to the elections, candidates have presented significantly contrasting arguments. While Harris accuses Trump of being obsessed with revenge and his personal interests, Trump has labeled Harris as a disaster at a rally. Uncertainty and polarization seem to characterize the final stretch of the campaign, keeping anxiety levels high among the electorate.
