In the South Carolina Republican primary, voters were asked about the candidate qualities that mattered most to them. The results showed that 37% prioritized a candidate who fights for people like them, while 33% valued a candidate who shares their values. Electability and having the right temperament were each considered important by only 13% of the electorate, indicating a lower priority for these qualities among Republican voters.
Notably, among Trump supporters, a significant 91% stated that they were voting for their candidate, with only 8% voting in opposition to the opponent. In contrast, among Haley supporters, 59% were voting for their candidate, while 40% were casting their ballot in opposition to Donald Trump.
Another striking finding was that 78% of voters had already decided on their candidate before the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries. This early decision-making process showcased a highly committed and locked-in electorate, with voters making up their minds well before the initial primary results were in.
Two key numbers stood out from the exit poll data. The first was the 13% of voters who prioritized electability, specifically the ability to defeat Joe Biden. This figure posed a challenge for Nikki Haley, whose campaign had emphasized this quality. However, the data suggested that many voters believed Donald Trump could indeed win against Biden based on previous general election polling.
The second notable figure was the significant portion of Haley voters who were voting against Donald Trump. This highlighted the importance for Trump not to alienate Haley's coalition, as their support could be crucial in the general election. The high level of enthusiasm among Trump supporters, with 91% voting for him and not against anyone else, indicated a strong backing for the incumbent president.
Overall, the data revealed a deeply committed electorate with clear preferences for candidate qualities and a strong level of support for both Trump and Haley, albeit with differing motivations driving their votes.
