Focus group participants who didn’t vote in the high-turnout presidential election largely had fond memories of the Trump-era economy.

Among these voters, Harris gets a boost because they believe she would protect abortion rights, and some have broader hopes that electing the first female president could send a strong message to the country. But she’s weighed down by a number of important factors: a dim diagnosis of America’s economy, negative views about life during President Joe Biden’s administration and a lack of familiarity with her, which has bred ambivalence and distrust.

It’s different for Trump, one of the best-known political figures on the planet. Some of these voters believe his conduct during his time in office has disqualified him in their eyes, and even some of his supporters fear he’d focus more in a second term on fighting his enemies than on governing.

Still, a majority of the 12 participants in two sessions — part of the NBC News Deciders Focus Group, produced in collaboration with Syracuse University and the research firms Engagious and Sago — are leaning toward Trump for the oldest reason in politics: It’s the economy.

  • @[email protected]
    4•2 months ago

    I don’t think those people will be the tipping point. Any of them who think “Harris won’t help” certainly cannot think that trump will. perhaps they won’t vote at all. I suppose not voting is a strategy that has proven itself to work, time and time again. Leaving the decision to fate, I guess. Knowing that the absence of their vote will truly change things. Take that, Harris.

    • NoneOfUrBusiness
      3•2 months ago

      Take that, Harris.

      Literally yes. Democrat turnout has been the deciding factor in elections for decades now. When democrat voters stay home, Democrats lose the election.