Four Northwestern University professors attempted to explain the recent election results Monday afternoon as part of a panel discussion hosted by the Institute of Policy Research. The title of the panel, “The 2024 Election and Threats to Democracy,” attracted about 80 attendees to Scott Hall, 601 University Pl.
Why did the electorate shift right?
Chloe Thurston, a political scientist; Eli Finkel, a social psychologist, and Erik Nisbet, a communications and policy scholar; spoke as panelists. Laurel Harbridge-Yong, a political scientist, moderated.
Thurston discussed some reasons behind the country’s shift to the right. The Democrats believed this election was about democracy, but the Republicans believed it was about the economy. She asked attendees: Was this a normal election that benefited an abnormal candidate or a referendum on Biden’s economic policies?
Thurston suggested that “even good policies don’t generate positive appreciation.” In her view, “policies don’t accomplish political objectives.” She noted that Biden’s approval rating fell when consumer sentiment did, but his approval rating did not improve even after consumer sentiment increased.
Democracy as subjective concept
Nisbet discussed the concept of democracy, saying it was a subjective, abstract concept and how voters respond depends on their polarized views. He believes democracy failed as the central concept for the Democrats in 2024.
He suggested that not all voters understand what democracy is or believe it’s essential. His research shows that “less educated, younger, less politically engaged, economically disadvantaged voters” who turned out for Trump in 2024 did not respond to concerns about democracy. The idea of “democracy on the ballot” appealed to older, more educated voters.
Nisbet also noted that abortion and reproductive freedom as issues were “neutralized” by Trump and state initiatives. He said that Harris not breaking from Biden hurt her, as did her inability to communicate effectively about the economy.
‘Holy war politics’
Finkel talked about the psychology of individual partisanship and moralized instincts, or “holy war politics,” which could be applied to both parties.
“Moral outrage and humility are impossible to have at the same time,” he said. He also noted how the Republican base has changed. The people who voted for Trump don’t believe he’s a criminal.
“They elected a martyr,” said Finkel.
Trying to make sense of Nov. 5 is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.