NBC National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki detailed the sharp divide in voter demographics between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, emphasizing the contrasting groups leaning toward the Republican and Democratic parties.
Following the election results, Democrats were reportedly surprised by Trump’s increasing popularity among key voting blocs such as Black and Hispanic men. While Harris sought to broaden her appeal, she faced criticism for her vague responses in interviews and race-based policy proposals.
Unity on core American values has significantly declined across Republicans, Democrats, and independents since 9/11. On Meet the Press, Kornacki noted that eight out of ten voters believe the U.S. is more “greatly divided” than united. After 9/11, 74% of Democrats and 81% of Republicans felt the country was united on important values. Today, only 19% of Democrats and 15% of Republicans share that sentiment. “It wasn’t always this way,” Kornacki remarked.
Discussing demographic trends, Kornacki explained, “In this election, Trump winning men by 12, Harris winning women by 8, a gender gap of 20 points. Third straight election, the gender gap was at least 20 points. We see it on marriage—married voters heavily for Trump, unmarried heavily for Harris.”
Kornacki also highlighted Trump’s dominance among white voters without a college degree, winning by 34 points, compared to Harris’ narrower 8-point lead among white voters with a college degree.
“This is over 3,100 counties,” Kornacki explained, describing Trump’s strong performance with blue-collar voters, particularly in rural and small-population counties. “Trump cleaned up with voters without college degrees. Look at all that red,” he added, referencing a map of the election results.
He contrasted this with Harris’ strong showing among college-educated voters in suburbs and urban areas, emphasizing the polarization of demographic groups. Kornacki pointed to two precincts as examples of extreme contrasts:
“One is Hyde Park, Chicago,” Kornacki said. “This is upscale. This is where Barack Obama’s from. High median income. Everyone has a college degree, a high school degree. Look at this, more than three-quarters have a postgraduate degree. Harris wins it overwhelmingly.”
“On the other side, take a look at Panther, West Virginia, McDowell County, one of the poorest in the country,” he continued. “Not even half the residents have a high school diploma, and nobody has a college degree. Donald Trump wins this by 92 points. Totally far apart.”
Exit polls from the election revealed that Harris secured 77% of Black male voters nationwide, while Trump received 21%, a two-point increase from 2020, according to Reuters. Trump also won 46% of the Hispanic vote, a 14-point increase from 2020, and gained significant traction among Hispanic men, capturing 54% compared to Harris’ 44%.
