As we wait for results, one thing that has stood out to me from the preliminary exit polls is just how underwater McAuliffe’s favorability numbers are compared to Youngkin’s. Per the preliminary exit polls, 45 percent of voters said they see McAuliffe favorably versus 52 percent unfavorably. By contrast, Youngkin is viewed much better — 53 percent see him favorably versus 43 percent who see him unfavorably.
It’s early yet, and these numbers will change, but what are some explanations for why we’re seeing such a stark favorability gap so far?