In 2008 52% were pretty stupid.
“In 2008 52% were pretty stupid.”
In 2008 56.8% of the voting age population went to the polls and 52.9% of those who voted selected Barack Obama/Joe Biden. Obama was therefore elected by 30% of the voting age population. 63.6% of eligible voters turned out, with 33.6% of eligible voters voting for Obama. It is noteworthy that 2/3 of the voting age population and eligible voters either voted against Obama or didn’t care enough to cast a vote. High voter apathy results in modern presidents being elected by a minority of citizens who can vote.
95% of the black voters cast ballots for Obama. 55% of the white voters cast votes for McCain. 67% of Hispanics voted for Obama. 62% of Asian voters went for Obama.
66% of the under age 30 vote went for Obama. 54% of under 30 white voters went for Obama. 71% of first time voters went for Obama. The voter turnout % for young black voters was greater than the turnout for any other racial group for the first time in history.
The voter turnout rate for white voters dropped from 67.2% in 2004 to 66.1% in 2008.
Unless there is an unprecedented increase in voter turnout, (i.e. the apathetic citizens actually go to the polls) whoever wins in 2012 will be elected by about 33% of those eligible to vote. Based on demographics, more of the apathetic voters belong to minority groups that tend to vote Democrat, explaining why Democrats do not want voter ID requirements at polling places. Their strategy on election day is to bring bus loads of apathetic citizens to the polls, some of whom are not registered.
With respect to 52% of the voters being “stupid” I’d prefer to say they voted in their self interest. For a voter who is dependent on government checks to maintain his/her lifestyle it would be stupid not to vote for the candidate promising to spread the wealth around. One might say the members of the taxpaying class who failed to turn out to vote were the stupid citizens.
For Obama to win in 2012, all he needs is lower white turnout and a slight improvement in minority turnout. Expect to see busloads of voters at the polls in November, brought in by Democrat, union, and community organizations. Will Romney and Ryan be able to excite enough apathetic taxpayers to vote in 2012 to counter the Obama’s powerful ground game? If Republicans cannot find a way to increase turnout, or find a compelling story to attract minorities and young voters, demographics and apathy will ensure Democrat victories in future national races.