In the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, the GOP may have work to do in pivotal battleground states. A recent poll conducted by NBC News sheds light on the issues that could make or break the Republicans' prospects of winning. While there may be consensus on issues such as the U.S. southern border, the conservative party may need to engage in old-fashioned campaigning on social issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights. This survey of registered voters and Republican primary voters provides insight into the concerns of a substantial portion of the American population.
New Poll Shows GOP May Have Work to Do in Key Swing States in 2024 https://t.co/Am4vD8Ky8z
— RedState (@RedState) June 28, 2023
Unsurprisingly, the ongoing crisis at the southern frontier is a leading concern for both voter categories. The idea of deploying the U.S. military to combat illicit drug trafficking received overwhelming support, with 55% of all voters and an astounding 86% of Republican primary voters in favor. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, who recently outlined his plan to address the border crisis, is gaining popularity among conservatives. His proposition involves the use of lethal force against drug cartels, a stance that resonates with voters who are sick of inaction.
I have no problem with Republicans supporting another candidate as long as they are prepared to fully support the Republican nominee.
Today's RCP Avg is Trump +28 https://t.co/3a3sc51rep— Ultra MAGA Cliff (@CliffPalmer3) June 28, 2023
Republican presidential candidates are trying to convince evangelicals that they can deliver everything former President Donald Trump did without controversies. https://t.co/QuD246uhS2
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) June 24, 2023
NEW: Republican voters are more likely to back candidates who say Donald Trump won the 2020 election, new NBC News poll reveals.
They are also more likely to support candidates who:
➡️ Support bans on gender-affirming care minors
➡️ Back a 6-week abortion ban pic.twitter.com/nRFo2L42F2— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) June 27, 2023
On the other hand, cutbacks to Social Security and Medicare are controversial among all voters and Republican primary voters. This is a delicate issue, given the large number of senior citizens in the United States who rely on these entitlements. Even though DeSantis previously supported increasing the retirement age and privatizing Social Security, he has pledged as a presidential candidate not to affect these programs. And he is sensible to do so, as only 13% of all voters and 19% of GOP primary voters say they would support candidates who seek to alter these essential benefits.
Another contentious position that DeSantis may want to reconsider is the idea of penalizing businesses that express differing views on LGBTQ and other issues, particularly in the case of Disney. Only 12% of those polled said they would support a candidate who threatens such punishments, while an astounding 70% said they would be less likely to support such a candidate. This serves as a reminder that companies that have publicly supported LGBTQ causes, such as Disney, should anticipate potential backlash from conservative consumers. Why should anyone support a company that does not respect their beliefs?
In addition, the continued financial support for the war in Ukraine is not gaining any popularity contests. Forty percent of all electors say they are less likely to support a candidate who continues to use taxpayer funds for the conflict. Among Republican primary voters, the proportion increases to 52%. It is evident that many Americans query the prudence of getting involved in foreign conflicts and would rather see their tax dollars spent on domestic issues. Republicans would do well to take this sentiment into account.
Regarding social issues, 2024 Republican candidates may wish to prioritize voter concerns. A substantial majority (76%) of Republican primary voters would support a candidate opposed to discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in K-8 classrooms. In addition, 46% of all voters and 41% of Republican primary voters would support a candidate who prohibits transgender adolescents from receiving puberty-blockers. These findings demonstrate the desire of conservative electors to safeguard traditional values and conceal young children from controversial topics.
The most intriguing conclusion of the survey, however, is the response regarding abortion. 52% of Republican primary voters would support a candidate who advocates a six-week abortion prohibition. Surprisingly, this position does not resonate with general election voters, especially those in pivotal, must-win states for the Republican party. Only 31 percent of voters in swing states are likely to support a candidate who supports a six-week abortion prohibition, while 55 percent are unlikely to do so. This emphasizes the significance of comprehending regional sentiments and developing a nuanced abortion policy.
Despite these obstacles, Republicans should also pay heed to a previous Gallup poll. In January of this year, Americans cited government and weak leadership as the most pressing problems confronting the country. This indicates that voters are not only concerned about specific issues, but also expect elected officials to provide viable solutions. In crucial marginal states, Republican candidates have the opportunity to address voters' concerns and offer them concrete solutions. They have an opportunity to capture the hearts and minds of the American people if they focus on governance and leadership.
In conclusion, the NBC News poll reveals that the Republican Party has work to do in pivotal states prior to the 2024 election. While there is consensus on issues such as border security, social issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights require deliberation and strategic campaigning. In addition to navigating contentious issues such as Social Security and Medicare, Republicans must ensure that their solutions resonate with voters who rely on these entitlements. Republicans can position themselves for success in 2024 if they comprehend the concerns of the American people and resolve the nation's most pressing problems.