Random Thoughts

Dr. Hillygus’s lecture was by far one of the most entertaining out what we have already heard this quarter. It was very well organized, and packed tight with a ton of information and interesting facts. Her use of images really helped her presentation, and the delivery of all that information. Unfortunately, with so much information being thrown at me I found it hard to hold onto anything except a handful of randomness.

The Truth of Bradley Effect: People with negative racial attitudes don’t vote for any Democrat.

First of all, I found the statement that Palin actually de-excited Republican voters to stop my train of thought on a dime. If that is indeed factual, then is quite a hit for the Grand Old Party to take. What was supposed to attract Hilary supporters away from the Democratic Party, might have actually sent away fellow Republicans. That is a bad position since party members are the most likely to vote for the party. It is doubly bad since Republicans are already in a relatively unexcited state because of the circumstances of the election. The combination of economic turmoil, and being the incumbent party already put them in a tough place. Palin might have gotten the GOP the gender card, but that might have lost them the election.

Two weeks in an eternity. Those in Canada can relate, but so can quarter students.

Another note that I took was that the voting history of senators are held against them. I have never thought of that, because I had always been under the impression that governors are usually elected simply because they can be seen as mini-Presidents that would make the transition well.

Independents are mostly made up of partisans who disagree with the party, for example a pro-choice Republican.