J.D. Vance Destroys the Democratic Plan to Court Male Voters

October 15, 2024
Culture Election Analysis Presidential Race

J.D. Vance Destroys the Democratic Plan to Court Male Voters image

Key Takeaways

  • Despite Democratic efforts to reach out to male voters, J.D. Vance resonates much more with this important group.
  • Vance’s media appearances and comments on illegal immigration appeal to men, gaining 76% support for his border security stance.
  • In contrast, only 22% of men are responding positively to concerted efforts by the Harris campaign to appeal to them.

Our Methodology

Demographics

All Voters, Men

Sample Size

30,000

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. 

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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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