What drove voter behavior leading up to the 2020 election? What issues divided us, and how did these divisions manifest across different groups? The authors explore these questions, examining how Donald Trump addressed these issues during his presidency and reelection campaign. Building on their previous works, they highlight the unique aspects of the 2020 presidential race while also addressing the fundamental elements common to all presidential elections. Utilizing data from The Nationscape Project, which includes 500,000 interviews conducted throughout the year prior to the 2021 inauguration, the authors aim to provide a data-driven analysis of the campaign's key factors. Their argument will be shaped by this data, with chapters dedicated to the major ideas influencing voter turnout and candidate support, as well as how these ideas correlate with party affiliation and vary among subgroups defined by age, education, race, gender, and region. The narrative will weave in the unfolding election events, supported by firsthand reporting, observations, and interviews with voters. The authors also seek to explain the circumstances that almost allowed Trump to secure a second term, despite the challenges of his presidency.
