Explore 24: South Carolina Recap
Wasn’t Haley Supposed to Have Home-field Advantage?
The South Carolina Primary was supposed to set the stage for Nikki Haley’s comeback. Still, it turned into another big win for Donald Trump as he continued his momentum toward a rematch with Joe Biden. In looking at exit polling conducted by Edison Research and commonly used by the major news networks, some interesting data points can show exactly how the electorate feels.
Party Identification
69% Republican
21% Independent
4% Democratic
6% Something Else
-Not enough middle-of-the-road voters for Haley to make a serious dent in Trumps margin
Top Issues
37% Immigration
33% Economy
11% Foreign Policy
10% Abortion
-Immigration continues to be on top of voters’ minds in the primary. If the crisis continues to be covered extensively, this could be a winning issue for Trump
In-depth social issues- South Carolina is an overwhelmingly conservative state, and more in-depth polling shows.
Undocumented Immigrants Should Be
68% Deported
29% Offered a Chance to Stay
Federal Law Banning Abortion
53% Favor
42% Oppose
In World Affairs, the U.S. should take
30% More Active Roll
49% Less Active Roll
18% About the Same
-This point is shocking because South Carolina is one of the top military states in the country and usually has sent hawkish representatives to Congress who defend the multiple military installations in the state. The state’s senior Senator Lindsey Graham’s position has evolved with his recent statements on aid to Ukraine and Ukraine’s need to take a back seat to the southern border.
Family Financial Situation
60% Holding Steady
22% Getting Ahead
16% Falling Behind
-For those who say the economy is falling apart. This data point contradicts those 82% who said they are either steady or getting ahead.
Education breakdown
Do you have a college degree
57% No College
43% Yes College
Other points of interest
72% of Voters think Trump is mentally fit for office
Did Joe Biden win in 2020
65% No
32% Yes
If convicted, can Trump still be a productive president
65% Yes
32% No
Are you a part of the MAGA movement
49% No
45% Yes
Are you a Born-Again Christian
66% Yes
34% No
Trump Coalition
84% Very Conservative
73% No College Degree
72% White Evangelical
70% Republican
90% Want someone who is a proven fighter
87% Who said Biden didn’t win the election
81% Immigration top Issue
78% Favors Abortion Ban
Haley Coalition
70% Moderate
66% Voters who decided this month
57% First-Time Voters
53% Independent
Overall, South Carolina gave us no real surprises, but the state’s conservative base is changing with the rise of isolationism, who remain very socially conservative. With Super Tuesday right around the corner, will Haley be able to continue to gain traction anywhere is her long shot campaign or will Trump continue to win across all demographics.
