POL 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 19: George W. Bush
Document Summary
Polarized: divisive, dominated by a narrow range of issues, does not allow for large electoral mandates. Begins in the aftermath of the close narrowly divided and bitter 2000 election to explain the largely cultural difference between the states that were won by al gore and george w bush. Lower % of higher education: not dumber but people with higher degrees go to wherever the jobs are. Higher % of regular religious service: higher % of christians. Major urban centers/cities: where the elite go to congregate. Higher % of advanced degrees: higher standard of living, crazy rent prices, elitist. Red/blue state paradigm the basis for the 2004 election. Resources flow into the states that were most narrowly decided in 2000. Democratic needed to expand the map as much as possible. Candidate targeted purple states: create more swing states, downplay cultural differences. Had the advantage of president george w bush. A resounding win for president obama in a polarized electorate.
