The Case of the Missing White Voters (7 Millions White Voters Stayed Home)

RCP ^ | 11/8/12 | Sean Trende

[LdSentinal]

One of the more intriguing narratives for election 2012 was proposed by political scientist Brendan Nyhan fairly early on: that it was "Bizarro 2004." The parallels to that year certainly were eerie: An incumbent adored by his base but with middling approval ratings nationally faces off against an uncharismatic, wishy-washy official from Massachusetts. The race is tight during the summer until the president breaks open a significant lead after his convention. Then, after a tepid first debate for the incumbent, the contest tightens, bringing the opposition tantalizingly close to a win, but not quite close enough.

The Election Day returns actually continued the similarities. George W. Bush won by 2.4 percent of the popular vote, which is probably about what Obama’s victory margin will be once all the ballots are counted. Republicans in 2004 won some surprising Senate seats, and picked up a handful of House seats as well. The GOP was cheered, claiming a broad mandate as a result of voters’ decision to ratify clear, unified Republican control of Congress and the presidency for the first time since 1928. As Bush famously put it, “I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it.”

[TheThirdRuffian]

I guess the founder of FreeRepublic is a “drama queen” to you, as well, then.

[Alaska Wolf]

I guess the founder of FreeRepublic is a “drama queen” to you, as well, then

Apparently all you do is guess. The founder of the forum hasn't posted to me.

[downtownconservative]

Romney was not Obama. The country could recover from Romney. The country will not in my lifetime, recover from Obama.

Thanks again for your amazing lack of eloquence and foresight!

[Dr. Scarpetta]

You’re right. The country will never recover from obama, especially older people who will die from rationing healthcare.