Male voters are becoming a critical group to shore up in the presidential election, as Democrats make overtures and men react. Obama speaking out and a male-targeted Harris ad seem to do little to sway men, while J.D. Vance speaks directly to them about workforce reintegration and border security.

Vance’s Appeal to Working American Men

With male voters becoming a decisive demographic in 2024, J.D. Vance’s comments on immigration, workforce reintegration, and his deft confrontations with the media are appealing to his peers. Despite Democrats’ best efforts, the campaign’s actions suggest desperation at cratering support from American men.

Tampon Tim just can't figure out why male voters prefer President Trump and JD Vance over him and Kamala: "I refuse to admit that that's real."

😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/8XKlDXaR3Z

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 14, 2024

• 76% of male voters agree with Vance on border security, reacting positively to his media appearances.
• 57% voice skepticism toward Democratic outreach efforts.
• 22% view Democratic overtures positively.

In the last 30 days, J.D. Vance has improved his appeal with voters, performing well in the vice-presidential debate and reinforcing his image with prolific media appearances. A month ago, average sentiment toward Vance was 42%, while today it’s close to 50%. Meanwhile, Tim Walz faces a decline in sentiment, hovering around 46% a month ago but dropping to 44% today.

J.D. Vance Takes Down Left-Wing Media

Despite significant critical media coverage and hardball interviews, J.D. Vance is increasing his sentiment with American voters—especially men. His recent comments on immigration and economic nationalism during recent interviews resonate deeply with male voters, particularly those disillusioned by the American economy and job market.

During his interview with The New York Times, Vance explained his views on deporting illegal immigrants and reengaging American men in the workforce, particularly in construction and other blue-collar jobs. Many voters responded positively, appreciating his articulate counter-narrative to popular Democratic messaging of sympathy for immigrants.

NYT reporter Lulu Garcia-Navarro sits in silence as JD Vance educates her on the labor force participation rate relating to illegal immigration.

Garcia-Navarro tried arguing that illegal immigrants can't be deported because America needs them for jobs.

She pointed to the… pic.twitter.com/SiNwyldSwR

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 12, 2024

Male Voter Reactions:

• 64% of men support Vance’s policies on workforce reintegration and immigration.
• 28% express skepticism, viewing his policies as oversimplifications of complex labor dynamics.

Vance's tough stance, especially on construction jobs, earns him praise from blue-collar voters. His comments that American men could fill labor gaps if immigrants were deported plays positively with that group. Around 70% of male voters agree with Vance’s immigration approach, seeing it as a necessary step to reclaim job opportunities for native-born workers.

Only 25% raise questions around the feasibility of these plans. They suggest many American men are unwilling to take on lower-wage, physically demanding jobs, which are often filled by immigrants.

• Overall, Vance’s approval in the last week has remained steady, with a slight uptick on jobs, housing, and border security.

"Only a Handful” of Venezuelan Gangs

Vance’s discussion with Martha Raddatz on ABC News further elicited conversation around immigration and crime. Raddatz downplayed reports that Venezuelan gangs have taken over apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, sparking a firestorm of backlash from voters.

Raddatz: "The incidents were limited to a handful of apartment complexes... A handful!"@JDVance: "Do you hear yourself? Only a handful of apartment complexes were taken over by Venezuelan gangs and Donald Trump is the problem and not Kamala Harris' open border?"

🔥 pic.twitter.com/VY4Ai35YJk

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 13, 2024

Those who believe the media routinely downplays crime associated with illegal immigration are rallying behind Vance, who criticized the way Raddatz framed the issue. Critics, though fewer, accuse him of stoking xenophobic fears to gain political traction.

MIG Reports Analysis

• 76% of male voters agree with Vance’s position on border security, expressing concern that illegal immigration is exacerbating crime.
• 84% distrust mainstream media outlets, which they accuse of downplaying these issues to support Democratic policies.
• 57% of male voters remain skeptical of Democratic outreach efforts.

Raddatz attempted to dismiss Vance’s concerns saying only “a handful” of apartment complexes are plagued by migrant gangs. Male voters in particular express outrage, with many reiterating that any level of crime linked to illegal immigration is unacceptable. The sentiment of “Make America Safe Again” routinely appears in these discussions, further aligning Vance’s policies with a growing base who feel ignored by media and the left.

Democrats Panic About Male Voters

Democrats, meanwhile, show signs of panic over men drifting away from their platform. Recently, multiple efforts have been rolled out aimed at engaging this demographic. Unfortunately, the results have been underwhelming.

Obama’s Comments to Black Men

Former President Obama addressed black men directly, urging them to support the Democratic ticket, particularly Kamala Harris. But this message has largely fallen flat. More men are voicing their views that Democratic policies are out of touch with their economic and security concerns.

Black men seem to have taken to TikTok to slam Obama for his remarks last night. pic.twitter.com/zGtD0AMEcp

— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) October 12, 2024

Harris Campaign Ad

The Harris campaign also released an ad targeting men, attempting to redefine what it means to be “man enough.” Unfortunately, only 22% of male voters responded positively. Many reactions criticized the ad, claiming it failed in its attempt to resonate with male identity. Men cite a lack of authenticity in the messaging, perceiving it as a failure to understand their priorities.

I present to you the cringiest political ad ever created. pic.twitter.com/P0JMI1caNS

— Champagne Joshi (@JoshWalkos) October 11, 2024

Tim Walz’s Hunting Photo Op

Next, the campaign trotted out VP candidate Tim Walz, attempting to court rural and working-class male voters. The staged hunting-themed photo op generated a tidal of memes about Walz, whose proficiency with a gun came across as lacking. Around 60% of voters describe the event as insincere and staged. The photo op drew comparisons to John Kerry’s infamous hunting stunt during the 2004 election, which also failed to resonate.

Tampon was REALLY struggling today pic.twitter.com/KG3zQfAKOJ

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 12, 2024

On October 11, a cargo train robbery in Chicago sparked significant online discussion, with many concerns emerging, from public safety to economic stability and governance. The discussions intertwine layered responses that highlight growing anxiety, frustration, and polarization in American communities.

🚨#BREAKING: Dozens of people are actively looting and breaking into a cargo train ⁰⁰📌#Chicago | #illinois⁰⁰At this time, an estimated 50 to 150 people or more are actively looting and breaking into a cargo train on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. Police have been… pic.twitter.com/SwDIOnSE90

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) October 11, 2024

Cities Aren’t Safe

Public safety is a top discussion theme with 60-65% of reactions across different demographic groups reflecting negative sentiment.

Americans view the robbery as emblematic of rising crime in urban environments. This exacerbates fears about the breakdown of law and order. Many commenters link the event to overall urban violence and decline. There are heightened feelings of vulnerability, particularly among older populations and those living in urban areas. Americans insist on the need for increased vigilance in the wake of the robbery, with some saying they are altering their daily routines in response to the incident.

Political Problems

Political accountability is another dominant topic, with around 60% of comments expressing criticism of local and national leaders for failing to uphold community safety.

Voters blame politicians, particularly those aligned with liberal policies, accusing them of failing to address crime effectively. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among conservative voices and those advocating for law-and-order. Progressives focus on systemic factors, citing economic inequality and the need for community investment, rather than punitive measures following incidents like this.

Top Issues for Urban Americans

Economic Factors

Around 40-50% of comments express economic anxiety, with some linking crime to inequality and some fearing long-term repercussions for local economics.

The economic impact of the robbery is a significant concern, especially regarding how crime affects businesses and the local economy. Discussions about the robbery frequently mention the destabilizing effects of organized crime on small businesses, the logistics industry, and local commerce. Reform vs Reckoning

Some advocate for increased law enforcement and harsher penalties. Others call for systemic reforms to address poverty and inequality. This polarization is greater among urban residents who express more anxiety than their suburban counterparts.

We The People, Can’t

In addition to concerns about safety and governance, many point to growing distrust in government and law enforcement ability to handle crime effectively. Roughly 70% of commenters express frustration with ineffective policies. Many say these policies prioritize political agendas over community safety. This frustration feeds into disillusionment with institutions, spurring demands for systemic change.

Overall, Americans talk of a fractured society grappling with questions about security, governance, and justice. The robbery, while a singular event, has become a focal point exemplifying anxieties about the future of urban life in America. Voters want accountability, demanding politicians and law enforcement officials take decisive action to restore trust and security.

A viral post on X discussing the state of decay across many elements in American life received more than 46 million views. The commentary on American life, which some call a “competency crisis,” resonates with people across the country.

I'M SHOCKED.

After living in Japan for over two years, I recently visited the USA with my wife. It made me realize that the USA is dysfunctional in so many ways and has such a low-quality standard across the board.

Here are the things I noticed:

— Nathan Lands — Lore.com (@NathanLands) October 11, 2024

MIG Reports analysis shows Americans are grappling with perceptions of systemic dysfunction, institutional failure, and declining competence. Discussions reveal embedded anxieties about leadership, governance, and the future of the country.

Public sentiment on topics like efficiency, service degradation, and operational decline includes distrust, frustration, and a desire for more effective leadership.

Distrust in Government

Across multiple crises, the common thread of distrust in government dominates American discussions. There is perceived inefficiency in economic management and government failure to address key national concerns. Many Americans express profound skepticism toward leadership.

• In discussions about the "efficiency crisis," 34% of comments highlight a lack of faith in political leaders from both major parties. Many view government actions as ineffectual or disingenuous.
• In discussions about “institutional failure" 78% of Americans are frustrated with current leadership, particularly regarding rising living costs and the government's inability to manage public resources effectively.
• Distrust extends to concerns over “systemic dysfunction,” where 60% say governmental institutions are either corrupt or incompetent.
• The pervasive lack of confidence in leadership underlines a broader societal shift where citizens feel increasingly disconnected from their representatives.

Economic Hardship and Anxiety

Economic concerns feature prominently in discussions about institutional failure, service degradation, and operational decline. Many Americans directly attribute economic instability to government mismanagement, particularly regarding rising living costs and inadequate disaster responses.

• In discussions about "Institutional Failure," 70% of comments cite economic hardship as a direct result of government policies. Most people feel the government's reported economic successes, such as low unemployment, do not match reality.
• In discussions about “service degradation,” 22% emphasize economic anxiety as a key concern. People mention fears of a "1929-style depression."
• In discussions about "operational decline," 45% focus on the increasing cost of living, feeding resentment toward political elites.

Polarization and Disillusionment

Political polarization and disillusionment are central to the discourse on governance and systemic decline. Many Americans feel the country is more divided than ever, with the discourse about leadership featuring an "us versus them" mentality.

• In discussions of “systemic dysfunction,” 35% of comments reflect the growing political divide. Many view those with opposing political views as a threat to societal stability.
• In discussions about the "competency crisis," 40% express frustration with the two-party political system. People accuse Democrats and Republicans of failing to address the needs of ordinary Americans.
• “Distrust in institutions” is high, with 50% questioning the integrity of political leaders. Some discuss the belief that elections are rigged or manipulated.
• Disillusionment with the political process fosters a climate of cynicism, where many Americans feel neither party offers meaningful solutions to the country's problems.

Desire for Leadership and Accountability

Amidst the frustration and disillusionment, there is a clear desire for strong, effective leadership to address crises.

• 28% say they hope for progressive leadership, particularly from Kamala Harris, who they believe can advocate for marginalized communities.
• 75% want assertive leadership that can implement decisive and strong actions to resolve national crises.
• Among both groups, there is a consistent call for accountability in leadership.
• Around half of the discussion expresses urgency for political change, emphasizing the need for citizens to vote to prevent future failures.

Emotional and Social Impacts

Americans are not just concerned with governmental inefficiencies—they are emotionally affected by the perceived failures of their leaders.

• Discussions about “service degradation” show 32% are disappointed in leadership, particularly over inadequate responses to natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.
• Many feel the government's inability to meet their needs has led to widespread social division.
• People feel emotional strain, expressing fear about safety, financial stability, and the future of the country.
• This emotional toll is compounded by a sense of isolation, as people notice social divisions are deepening, with neighbors turning against each other based on political beliefs.
• Despite this, there is also an undercurrent of resilience, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in overcoming institutional failures.