Why People Might Have Voted for Joe Biden and Against Donald Trump

As a former political science student, my interest in understanding voter behavior is not just theoretical. I do both—vote for Joe Biden and against Donald Trump. The question of whether people are voting for Biden or against Trump may seem mutually exclusive, but they can indeed coexist for different reasons. I'll explore the nuances of this voter mentality, the reasons behind my personal choice, and the broader context of political experiences that may influence voter behavior.

Personal Background and Voter Experience

My journey into understanding politics began with my first college degree in Political Economy. However, after gaining a deeper understanding of the field, I decided it was not the path for me. Instead, I pursued a second degree in chemistry and spent my career in labs. The environment in scientific research is much more civil and focused on evidence-based decision-making, compared to the political arena.

Despite my career in science, I still have a strong interest in politics. I vote for the candidate based on their policies, rather than purely for their party affiliation. I strongly supported Joe Biden for both his policies and his experience in politics.

Partisan Voting Behavior

It's a common misperception that people vote for the individual candidate based on their capability or likeability. In reality, many Americans vote for the party rather than the candidate. In both 2016 and 2020, the primary factor for many voters was the party nominee, not the individual. When Donald Trump ran as the Republican nominee, he garnered significant support despite his personal traits and past actions. Conversely, if he were to run as a third-party candidate, his support would likely be much lower.

Similarly, Democrats often vote for the party rather than the individual candidate. In 2016, many progressive Democrats were unhappy with Hillary Clinton being the nominee, favoring Bernie Sanders instead. This dissatisfaction led to some voting for Trump in protest, supporting third-party candidates, or even not voting at all.

In 2020, we saw a more complex scenario. Many people who traditionally vote Republican chose to vote for the Democratic candidate, including Biden, to show opposition to Trump's policies or actions during his term. This shows that people can align their votes more with their negative perceptions of one candidate than purely positive feelings towards another.

Factors Influencing Voting Decisions

When considering the reasons for Biden's victory, there are multiple factors at play:

Experience in Politics: Biden is often seen as the most "experienced" President in modern times. This experience can be a significant factor in swaying voters, especially when facing a controversial candidate like Trump. Policies: Biden's policies are often the primary driving factor for his support. He represents a measured, experienced approach that appeals to many voters. Perception of Trump: The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was a critical factor. Many voters believe that Trump did not take the virus seriously enough, leading them to support Biden as a safer choice during a global crisis.

It's worth noting that my unofficial poll suggests that the majority of people voted to avoid Trump rather than to support Biden. This indicates a deep dissatisfaction with the actions and leadership of the previous administration, which can heavily influence one's decision to choose a different candidate.

The Connectivity Between Voting and Political Character

Polling data from several sources shows that there's a significant overlap between voting against Trump and voting against his perceived character and leadership. Many Republicans I've spoken to admit they voted for Biden more out of a desire for better moral character than an enthusiastic endorsement of his policies.

This perspective suggests that the fight against political figures often transcends party lines, focusing on individual qualities and perceived ethical standards rather than ideological alignment.

Voter fraud remains a contentious issue in the United States. Still, the focus of this discussion is on the broader context of why and how people vote for or against specific candidates. Understanding these factors helps us grasp the complex dynamics at play in voter behavior and election results.