Voting Behaviour/Turnout Flashcards
Solid red states
TX, GA, KS, SC
Solid blue states
MA, NY, CA, IL
Swing states
OH, FL, CO
Voted for winner in every presidential election in 20th Century (ex 1956, 2008, 2012)
Missouri
Voted for winner in last 13 presidential election
OH
How many times Obama and Romney visited Ohio in 2012
35
Party labels of Democrats
More liberal Less affluent and minorities More interventionist Until 1960s, party of South Liberal and progressive voters
Party labels of Republicans
More conservative Wealthier WASPs Limited government Free market, business, social/fiscal conservatism Wealthy, white, rural voters
How many times since 1952 the party with most support from own identifiers has won
12/16
2004: Kerry 89%, Bush 93%
2008: Obama 89%, McCain 90%
2012: Obama 92%, Romney 93%
Stats on Bush Factor (2008/2012)
2008: approval ratings historic low of 27% on Election Day
67% disapproved voted Obama
2012: 53% still blamed Bush economy
Two Term Itch
Only twice since Civil War has president from same party as two-term been elected (1876, 1988)
Since 1796, only 9/31 presidents have lost re-election
Reverse Coattails Effect
Majority disapproved of Obama’s job performance - 9/10 voted R
4/10 “express opposition to Obama”
Supporters lost - Tom Perriello (D-VA)
Democrats under performed in 83% of CDs compared to 2008
Independents
42% self-identify as indy
Since 1980, chose winner in 7/9 presidential elections
2008: Obama 52% v McCain 44%
Wealth gap
2008: Obama increased support in every income group
- 10% in less than $15k
- 17% in more than $200k
Race
Much more important in US than UK
1980: whites 88% electorate, 2012: 72%
2008: 43% white voted Obama
African-Americans
Solid blue 12.6% population 2008: 95% Democrat 1980-2008: never less than 83% D All 32 majority AA CDs Democrat
Southern states Obama won in 2012
VI, FL
Importance of Latino vote
Swing voters 2% electorate in 1992, 15.8% 2010 2004: 43% R 2008: 31% R, 66% D 2012: 27% R, 71% D