After the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, Donald Trump seems poised to win the Republican nomination by a massive margin. Voter sentiment towards the political establishment might show why.
WHY IT MATTERS – Voter dissatisfaction illustrates, as in 2016, the growing divide between the priorities of Washington’s political elite and those of American voters. Donald Trump has channeled this discontent into his platform, allowing him to persevere in the face of his many controversies.
THE NUMBERS – Ipsos conducted multiple polls, from March 2023 to January 2024, questioning Republican, Democrat, and independent voters on everything from trust in the system to their choices in candidates.
Most voters feel the system does not work for them:
- 70% of Republicans, 78% of independents, and 55% of Democrats agreed with the statement “traditional parties and politicians don’t care about people like me.”
- 54% of Republicans, 71% of independents, and 69% of Democrats agreed with the statement “the American economy is rigged to benefit the rich and powerful.”
- 87% of Republicans, 80% of independents, and 64% of Democrats agreed with the statement “the mainstream media is more interested in making money than telling the truth.”
When presented with the statement “[America] is in a crisis and needs a strong president who should be allowed to rule without too much interference from courts and Congress”:
- 46% of Republican respondents agreed with the statement, compared to 32% of independents and 25% of Democrats.
BOTTOM LINE – The data shows that many of the same sentiments that propelled Donald Trump into office – lack of trust in politicians, the media, and business elites – are stronger than ever.
GO DEEPER – Why are Republicans all in on Trump?