reply to post by Grumble
I am not understanding why though through the past observation of voting trends both you and OP have separated and cherry picked just the election
results, without looking at the many other numerous factors that were involved in each and every one of those elections that was occurring. Yet, you
give yourself an exit route if those patterns cease to remain by recognizing conditions.
1964 Election: The country experienced their president assassinated just one year prior. John F. Kennedy set the country on a course and people
generally thought that course was sound. Why would they vote in a new president that could possibly taint the dream that JFK. Hence, LBJs decided
win in 1964 against a staunch conservative, Barry Goldwater.
That is just one example at looking at just a microcosm of what was going on during just one of the listed election periods the OP presented. But by
looking at the whole picture, its not just about moderate v. left/right that dictate the election outcome.
Generally the country doesn't swing far from center in regards to overall National level politics. Never was supposed to actually. The major swings
were supposed to occur where people had the most stake in and effect at. Which was the state and municipalities.
Given that, when dramatic policies are put into place, such as the Patriot Act or the new Health Care Act, they represent major shifts in policy that
people are opposed to, one way or the other. Such policies will invigorate and drive the unspoken bases of a political party into action.
Then finally we must look at the cultural of today and the politics of today. One, we have over 50% of the country
receiving more money back
from the Federal Government than what they are paying in taxes. Two, we are, I believe seeing an insurgent revival of states and the People trying to
stem the tide of Nationalization. The centralization of the Federal Government has overstepped what the People have been willing so far to allow. As
more previously uninterested persons become more involved in the election process because of whatever reason that may be, it could throw a loop in the
perceived pattern shown by the OP.
