The Real Feel, the first real-time human sentiment platform for businesses and government agencies, reveals exclusive insights into Americans' emotions during Election Week and reactions throughout one of the most anticipated and emotionally charged events of the year. Capturing U.S. sentiment data through public polling, AI, and data analysis, The Real Feel provides a look into how Americans felt about the outcome, with reactions ranging from relief and excitement to anger and frustration across different demographic groups (Figure 1).
According to The Real Feel’s 2024 Election Week data, as of Wednesday, November 6, the national mood score stood at 6.5 out of 10, slightly below the typical range of 6.6 to 7.3 observed over the past five weeks (counted as Sunday to Saturday). In the days leading up to Election Day and its results, 13% of Americans expressed positive feelings, while 72% reported heightened unease. Post election, the overall sentiment dropped to 6.2 with mixed emotions. This is based on a daily sample size of 1,000–1,500 Americans (Figure 2).
The data also confirms sentiment differences by political affiliation. Both parties were concerned while awaiting the outcome; however, as the results trickled in, we saw Republicans sharing their eagerness that former President Donald Trump would secure the presidency. To little surprise, the Democrats’ mood score dropped 17.6% (from 6.8 to 5.6) from the start of Election Day to shortly after results were announced, while the Republicans’ sentiment rose 13.2% (from 6.8 to 7.7) (Figure 3).
Following Trump's victory in the Presidential Election, Republicans primarily reported feeling calm, excited, and optimistic for the future. One person wrote, “I feel this way because Trump won the [election] and will turn this country around; we will be able to afford things and live again!” (Mood: 10, Excited, Female, 18–29, West Virginia). In contrast, Democrats largely reported feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety about what lies ahead. One individual stated, “We now have a dictator coming back to the White House. Couldn't be much worse.” (Mood: 2, Angry, Non-binary, 60+, North Carolina).
For gender, White men aged 30–44 reported the highest mood score across demographic groups at 7.2. Despite feeling some election-related anxiety, they expressed excitement and hope for the outcome. One respondent wrote, “well the long awaited election is here and we are hoping for the best that's why i am excited i can't wait to see the winner” (Mood: 9, Excited, California). In contrast, White women aged 18–29 felt more uncertain, scoring their mood at 5.8, expressing concerns not only about the result but also about the consequences. As one woman noted, “...I really don’t want trump to win and there might be lots of violence if he doesn’t” (Mood: 5, Anxious, Oregon). These insights highlight both the divides and shared feelings among Americans (Figure 4).
Across age groups, people aged 18–29 notably saw a boost in their mood scores leading up to Election Day, with ratings between 6.0 and 6.3. This age group has consistently reported the lowest mood scores prior to Election Week; last week (October 27 to November 2) they rated their mood the lowest at 5.9. One woman stated, “I feel ok because Trump won the election, and I’m really not happy about it” (Mood: 5, Ok, Female, Florida). In contrast, older age groups were much more vocal when expressing their anger (Figure 5).
Beyond the election, The Real Feel captures general emotions as well as the challenges weighing on Americans. Major themes include financial hardship, career-related stress, and the ongoing quest for work-life balance, with many Americans hoping for positive changes in these areas.
The sentiment data serves as a powerful tool for organizations and businesses looking to engage with the public more meaningfully. By understanding the emotional landscape of their communities, brands, political campaigns, and policymakers can create strategies that resonate authentically with Americans during pivotal moments.
“Our goal at The Real Feel is to give businesses, organizations, and government agencies a direct window into the public’s emotional state, especially during high-stakes moments like this election,” said Lisa Hu, founder of The Real Feel. “This election has underscored the importance of connecting with Americans on a human level, understanding the emotional undercurrents that shape perspectives and priorities.”
For more information, please visit The Real Feel at https://www.therealfeel.ai.
About The Real Feel
Founded in 2024, The Real Feel is the first real-time human sentiment and insights platform for people and businesses. By capturing and analyzing sentiment data in real time using polling and AI, we enable individuals to track their feelings and provide businesses with detailed, anonymous insights to inform better decisions. Our diverse customer base includes data and marketing intelligence companies, financial institutions, tech firms, brands, agencies, government institutions, and media organizations. For more information, visit therealfeel.ai.
