For the last several weeks I’ve been trying to correct a meme that has been abroad in the land among journalists, academics, donors and even campaign strategists. In only slightly oversimplified form, progenitors argue that, in this hyperpartisan world, political persuasion doesn’t happen and that the only way for Democrats […] Read more »
The Power of Political Ignorance
Split-ticket voting is quite rare for top offices like president and senator. But those who do choose candidates from different parties on Election Day have at least one thing in common: They know less about politics than people who vote the straight party line. CONT. Lynn Vavreck (UCLA), New York […] Read more »
Could voter turnout hurt Dems in 2014?
Professor Lynn Vavreck and pollster Mark Mellman join Chuck Todd to discuss Democratic voter turnout in this year’s elections. Read more »
Democrats Seek Issue to Buoy Turnout in Midterms
With Tuesday’s primaries reinforcing the strength of the Republican establishment, House Democrats are reassessing their electoral strategy based on a major internal research project that shows their candidates stand a better chance when they portray Republicans as unsympathetic to the economic situation of working Americans while protecting the wealthy. The […] Read more »
Persuading voters plays a role
For several weeks I’ve been exploring an argument increasingly heard in the press and some political circles: Persuasion is wasted effort, at least in a midterm race; increasing turnout is the only way to win. A future column will bring it all together, but here I’ll focus on the impact […] Read more »
America’s election apathy
America, we have a problem. Most of us are no longer interested in elections. … My own polling shows declining interest in elections and campaigns, even in states with competitive primaries and general elections. It’s not just youths who are losing interest. Consider the recent Nebraska primaries that were so […] Read more »