In the 2020 United States Presidential election, New Hampshire proved to be a crucial battleground state that both Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Republican incumbent Donald Trump were vying for. Trump had narrowly lost the state in 2016 by a mere 0.36 percentage points, and was hoping to flip it in his favor this time around.
One of the key issues that may have worked against Trump in New Hampshire was his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the President received strong support from his base for his initial response to the outbreak, his refusal to consistently wear a mask and downplaying the severity of the virus ultimately may have cost him crucial moderate votes in the state.
Mask-wearing became a highly polarizing issue during the election season, with Trump often seen without one and even mocking Biden for regularly wearing a mask. This stance may have turned off moderate voters in New Hampshire, who were looking for a leader who took the pandemic seriously and followed recommended health guidelines.
Additionally, Trump’s inconsistent messaging and mixed signals on COVID-19 may have eroded trust in his leadership among independent and moderate voters in the state. While some may have appreciated his efforts to reopen the country and jumpstart the economy, others may have been turned off by his dismissive attitude towards the severity of the virus and his reluctance to promote mask-wearing as a preventative measure.
In contrast, Joe Biden made COVID-19 a central focus of his campaign, emphasizing the importance of mask-wearing, social distancing, and following the advice of public health experts. This approach likely resonated with moderate voters in New Hampshire who were looking for a leader who could effectively navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Ultimately, Trump’s weakness with moderates in New Hampshire may have been his refusal to prioritize public health and safety over other political considerations. As the state continues to grapple with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, voters may have been looking for a candidate who could offer a clear and consistent plan for addressing the crisis.
In the end, Biden narrowly won New Hampshire by a margin of 7.3 percentage points, capturing all four of the state’s electoral votes. While Trump’s loss in the state can’t be attributed solely to his stance on mask-wearing and COVID-19, it likely played a significant role in his inability to secure the support of moderate voters. Moving forward, it will be important for political leaders to prioritize public health and safety in order to earn the trust and support of voters in New Hampshire and beyond.
