WASHINGTON, USA: A recent AP-NORC poll shows widespread feelings of anxiety and frustration among Americans leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
About 70% of respondents report anxiety, with excitement comparatively low at just one-third. The race is tight nationwide and in swing states, with neither Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, nor Republican Donald Trump holding a clear lead.
In stark contrast, Harris has portrayed Trump as driven by personal motives and revenge, while Trump disparaged Harris as “a trainwreck.” Anxiety has notably increased among both Democrats and Republicans since 2020, when the country was still in the grip of the pandemic. Currently, 80% of Democrats and about two-thirds of Republicans feel anxious, reflecting a slight uptick for both groups. However, independents report less anxiety, maintaining levels similar to 2020.
Although emotions like excitement have seen a slight rise since previous elections, the dominant sentiment remains frustration, felt by roughly seven in ten Americans. While many await the conclusion of this turbulent campaign, the shared hope is that Election Day will bring a sense of closure to an emotionally charged race.
