What motivates someone like the hairdresser to go to the polls? What makes an educated businessman skip voting? THAT is the mystery.
Even if my hairdresser only voted 20% of the time, if she is going to vote, what are her criteria for candidates and what motivates her to the polls?
I think it a mistake that voters respond more to positive messages. Hate is a very underestimated motivator, and I think the democrats have understood that and capitalized upon it.
No you and I are on the same page. Those are the $64,000 questions.
My issue is with the pundits who have this tidy 1/3-1/3-1/3 model with the same people dutifully pulling the lever each time and everything swings on these high and mighty middle voters who change their minds now and then. The non voting 50%, to them, is the same individuals each year who are totally irrelevant. It just isn't that simple.