Swing States and Secret Ballots: Unpacking the Dynamics of the 2024 Election

In this episode of Hangin’ at the Reef, host Jeffrey Rich talks with Dr. Jennifer Walsh, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Chief Strategy Officer at Hawaii Pacific University, about the divisive political climate in an election year. Dr. Walsh discusses the influence of money in politics, particularly in swing states, and the challenges of accurate polling in today's fragmented media landscape. She highlights how partisan identification drives voting behavior, leading to solidified political stances and fewer undecided voters. The episode also covers early voting's impact on elections and family voting patterns, as well as the role of misinformation and social media. Dr. Walsh concludes with insights into key indicators to watch on election night, including early voting trends in Georgia and significant races in Michigan and Wisconsin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.