Political Climate and Manager Perceptions: A Study of Rotarian Opinions During the 2024 Presidential Campaign

Manager forecasts of economic conditions, perceptions of support, economic concerns, and proposed governmental expenditures are examined across periods when President Biden, Vice President Harris, and President Trump are the leading contenders in the 2024 presidential campaign cycle. Rotarian forecasts of economic health over the coming year dipped and recovered, with expectations regarding personal economic prosperity rebounding the most. Rotarians’ perception of support supplied by local residents bounced back while the perception of elected officials declined over the 10-month period. Although healthcare, public education, and housing remained high-level concerns, worries regarding taxation and public safety rose from April 2024 to January 2025. Rotarian willingness to support fire and police protection increased, while expenditures in other areas were reduced, resulting in a decline in aggregate local government expenditures. This longitudinal study sheds light on managerial perceptions across political landscapes.