Voters’ definitions of “change” vary greatly between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump supporters, influencing their choices in the upcoming election
In the lead-up to November’s election, “change” has become a critical issue for voters. A recent NBC News poll revealed that respondents have differing views on what “change” means, especially when it comes to presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
When asked what kind of change they were looking for, many voters mentioned “normalcy,” “a better direction,” “secured borders,” “help with inflation,” and “less division.” For some, these concepts are tied to the notion of transformation, while for others, it’s about a return to more traditional or stable policies.
Harris, the sitting vice president, and Trump, a former president, both claim to offer change, but each faces challenges. Two-thirds of voters believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, and most express concerns about rising inflation and stagnant incomes.
According to the September poll, Harris leads Trump by 9 percentage points when voters are asked who better represents change. Forty-seven percent of respondents chose Harris, while 38% favored Trump. However, opinions diverge when voters are asked about their concerns regarding the candidates’ potential future policies. Forty percent of respondents feared Harris would continue the approach of President Joe Biden, while 39% were concerned Trump would repeat the actions of his first term.
Further polling reveals even more complexity in defining change. Harris supporters highlighted the importance of qualities like “competency,” “less division,” and “normalcy.” Many also expressed a desire to move beyond Trump’s political influence. Concerns around women’s rights were also frequently mentioned as important factors in the change Harris supporters seek.
