Foreign Policy Matters: Election Priorities
Domestic Issues Overshadow Foreign Conflicts in 2024 Voting Decisions
When Americans head to the polls this November, which issues will carry the most weight? New Council survey data find majorities of Republicans say the economy (76%), inflation (75%), and immigration (69%) will play the greatest role in their voting decisions, while Democrats prioritize protecting US democracy (69%) and abortion policies (63%). Independents are also focused on domestic concerns, pointing to the economy (54%) and democracy (51%) as the issues that will most influence their votes.
Foreign policy, however, seems to have taken a backseat. No more than a fifth of all partisan groups say the Russia-Ukraine war or the conflict between Israel and Hamas will impact their vote choice a great deal.
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The Data Dimension
Americans are similarly focused inward when it comes to the federal budget. New Council survey data show majorities want to expand spending on domestic programs, including Social Security, healthcare, education, and public infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the public is somewhat divided over how much should be spent on defense and foreign aid.
What We're Watching
- Middle East escalation: New Council polling finds a majority of Americans oppose sending US troops to defend Israel if it were attacked by Iran or its neighbors.
- Immigration divides: Republican concerns over immigration have reached an all-time high in Council polling dating back to 1998, putting GOP supporters largely at odds with the views of other Americans.
- US-South Korea ties: As tensions grow in the Indo-Pacific, Council data show most Americans say the security relationship with South Korea does more to strengthen US national security than weaken it.
Ask an Expert
How do factors like race and age play into Americans’ views on foreign policy?
Join the Council and New America on August 21 as we discuss recent survey research and explore how Americans of diverse backgrounds think about the US role in the world ahead of the 2024 election.
Register for more details.
