Democrats are Livid About Crossover Voters Supporting Trump
October 26, 2024Key Takeaways
- Up to 30% of voters who did not support Trump or Biden in 2020 are discussing supporting Trump, versus only 15% for Harris.
- Democrats are reacting emotionally to moderates, Independents, and disaffected Democrats talking about voting for Trump.
- While Trump has often been thought to have a support “ceiling,” surprising movements suggest he is gaining a number of new voters.
Our Methodology
Demographics
Swing Voters, Democrats
Sample Size
16,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
3 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
More voters are saying the Democratic campaign is in a panic, scrambling to find any avenue to reach the dwindling number of voters still up for grabs. Voters, pundits, and analysts are all discussing the unexpected trend showing Donald Trump gaining significant traction with surprising new groups.
Moderates, Independents, and disillusioned Democrats are increasingly saying they intend to vote for Trump. This shift leaves the Harris campaign scrambling to adjust.
Voter Shift Analysis
MIG Reports data of all political conversations online suggests a possible likelihood of:
- 30% of voters who did not vote for either Trump or Biden in 2020 saying they’re now leaning toward Trump.
- 15% of the same group of non-supporters say they're considering Harris.
These projections foreshadow serious concerns for the Harris campaign and among Democratic voters. Those were previously disillusioned with both Trump and Biden may be feeling motivated to turn out—and early voting numbers seem to confirm the growing energy and enthusiasm in this election. MIG Reports data shows around 45% of those who sat out in 2020 are breaking 2:1 for Trump.
Democrats are Horrified at Increasing Trump Support
As some moderates, Independents, never-Trump Republicans, and disillusioned Democrats shift their support, Democrats express disbelief and concern. MIG Reports analysis shows the top reactions among Democrats include:
Frustration at Voter Priorities
New Trump voters expressing their fledgling support for him draws incredulity from Democrats. Those on the left emphasize issues like abortion and “preserving democracy” as priorities all voters should rally behind.
Disbelief and Anger
Some Democrats are outraged at how former critics of Trump are now turning favorably toward his message. They vehemently assert that defecting Republicans claiming to vote for Harris are wiser than disillusioned swing voters opting to vote Trump.
Alarm Over Economic Messaging
Even among Party loyalists, there is concern about focusing on social issues over a clear economic plan. They say perceptions that Biden and Harris have failed on inflation and job security is pushing voters toward Trump.
Disillusionment with Harris’s Leadership
Many Democrats are questioning Kamala Harris’s leadership, particularly on border security and economic reform. There’s a growing sense that Harris’s style isn’t resonating with the base or potential swing voters.
Economic Concerns Fuel Voter Migration
The most significant driver behind Trump’s new support is dissatisfaction with the economy under the Biden-Harris administration. Voters across party lines say they’re unhappy with:
- Rising inflation
- Higher cost of living
- A lack of economic leadership
For many, Trump’s record on the economy—especially pre-COVID—is a time of great nostalgia. They recall lower inflation, tax cuts, and job growth under his administration. Despite Harris’s emphasis on social issues, voters are prioritizing immediate economic stability. Democrats, especially moderates, acknowledge the economy will be a deciding factor in 2024.
Harris’s Leadership Under Fire
Kamala Harris’s lack of leadership also draws sharp criticism, even from within her own party. Key concerns include:
- Her failure to address border security
- Unsatisfactory national security and foreign policy measures
- Inaction on economic challenges
Disillusioned moderates and Independents are shifting to Trump because they feel Harris lacks the vigor needed to lead decisively and with authority. Many view her as disconnected from the concerns of working-class and middle-class Americans, essential voter groups in battleground states.
Religious and Cultural Disconnect
Harris has also faced backlash for her recent comments on religious and cultural issues. One notable incident occurred during a rally where, in response to a crowd member shouting “Jesus is Lord,” she said, “You’re at the wrong rally.”
Voters who prioritize their faith, especially Christians, say this kind of response pushes them toward Trump. They view him as making religious freedom a core issue. Many religious voters say:
- Trump aligns more closely with their values.
- The Democratic Party is increasingly hostile to people of faith.
This disconnect further solidifies Trump’s appeal to religious and culturally conservative voters.
Cross-Party Support for Trump Worries Democrats
What alarms Democrats most is Trump’s growing appeal across party lines. Moderates and Independents who previously rejected Trump are reconsidering him because:
- They see him as a stabilizing force, particularly on national security and immigration.
- Harris’s campaign has failed to offer a compelling alternative.
- Strong anti-establishment sentiments are opposing the Democratic establishment.
- New GOP promises of reform in areas like immigration, taxes, and health.
For many voters, the choice is less about supporting Trump enthusiastically and more about rejecting Harris. This presents a structural problem for Democrats, who are losing critical segments of the electorate to a candidate they once believed was capped by a “ceiling” of support.
The Fabled Trump Ceiling May be Cracking
For years, analysts have operated under the assumption that Trump has a ceiling of support. That assumption is now under threat.
With new voters flocking to Trump, particularly from groups which have historically leaned Democratic, the former president’s support could exceed expectations. If Democrats don’t adjust their strategy quickly—especially by addressing economic and cultural concerns—they may find themselves losing not just swing voters, but key parts of their base as well.
New votes leaning toward Trump isn’t about enthusiasm for his personality, but largely dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership. This election hinges on who can better connect with voters’ economic and cultural anxieties—and right now, Trump has the edge.