Trust the People: Political Party Coalitions and the 2000 Election

Abstract

The 2000 US presidential election appears to have uncovered a resurgence in American populism that has been dormant since 1896. Further, an examination of elections since 1896 reveals that staunch Republicans & Democrats have shifted roles over the last century. This transformation is especially interesting in light of the obvious electoral coalitions that became apparent following the 2000 election -- coalitions that differ enormously in their policies regarding the economy & moral issues. These differences become especially apparent when the views of the average Democrat & the average Republican are compared with those of the average American. When these stratifications are considered, it is apparent that Bush's victory hinges on the thinking that his political views of the economy & morality are closer to those of the average American voter than were Al Gore's. The 2000 election will prove pivotal for the future of American politics. Because the election itself was so close, the parties retain only a tenuous hold on both the presidency & Congress. Civil rights, foreign policy, & economic issues -- along with presidential performance -- are likely to determine the future political power of each party. 2 Figures. K. A. Larsen