Abstract
This research identifies the most important factors that influenced how voters actually cast their votes in the 2016 presidential election. We conducted a canonical linear discriminant analysis of ANES data. Our findings suggest that Obama job approval and evaluations of whether the country was on the “right” or “wrong” track were the strongest determinants of voter choice. Specifically Clinton voters were more likely to approve of Obama and feel that the country was on the right track. In addition, Clinton voters were more supportive of the Affordable Care Act, to oppose the building of a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, to believe that the economy has improved since 2008. Clinton voters also were slightly younger, better educated, and more likely to be non-white.
Highlights
The closeness of the 2016 U.S presidential election, as well as its unanticipated outcome, has led many to ponder what factors influenced voters in this election
In order to identify what were the most important factors which influenced how voters cast their votes in the 2016 presidential election, we conducted a canonical linear discriminant analysis.4The data is taken from the American National Elections Study, a multi-stage stratified cluster sample of US citizens 18 years of age and over
These findings suggest that most voters in 2016 focused on the figure of Barack Obama and a general assessment of the nation’s political future, rather than a specific economic or political issue
Summary
The closeness of the 2016 U.S presidential election, as well as its unanticipated outcome, has led many to ponder what factors influenced voters in this election. Starting with the two factors found to be the most important discriminants of the 2016 vote, there are clear differences in the means between Clinton and Trump voters.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
