Explore 24: Veteran Vote
Military Alum Up For Grabs
For most of the 20th century, the men and woman who fought and defended this country in the armed services had a bond with the Republican Party in part due to the party’s strong allegiance to defensive issues, an active foreign policy, and ensuring America’s role at the head of the table in the world as a leader in foreign affairs. However, there was a shift in 2020 when Joe Biden became the best-performing Democrat this century, criticizing the leadership and style of former President Trump for his unconventional approach to foreign policy, challenging the norms of the past. Vice President Kamala Harris is trying the same messaging that worked against Trump in 2020, hoping for the same result while trying to establish her own credentials on defense issues.
Percentage of Total Voters Who are Veterans
2004 18%
2008 15%
2012 No Data Available
2016 13%
2020 15%
There is a pretty even split between veterans and non-veterans that could change even more in November. The percentage of veteran voters has remained steady this century.
Veteran Voters
In 2018, many veterans ran for Congress on the Democratic ticket. They were elected on the platform of continuing the policies of the last half century, including supporting NATO, trying to dismantle nuclear weapons from the Cold War, and uplifting Democratic governments worldwide. They argue that for the first time in a century, it’s Republicans who are expressing isolationist views and that America shouldn’t be involved in every problem in the world, with the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Asia. The newer veterans want the U.S. to be active in foreign affairs as we enter the second 25 years of the 21st century.
Non-Veteran Voters
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are making a play for the military vote by choosing running mates who are veterans, with Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for the Republicans and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the Democrats, explaining how wearing the nation’s uniform shaped their professional lives. One of the biggest issues with veterans and military leaders is waiting for Harris to reveal her thoughts and policies worldwide and whether they differ from President Biden’s. They also wonder if Trump will change his philosophies from his first term.
Here are some items worth watching
-Battleground states with heavy military installations (North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona)
-Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have high veteran population voters for whom the Vance and Walz V.P. picks are targeted.
-Where does Foreign Affairs rank in important issues?
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