I think we need to be careful with some of our
conclusions, after taking a close look
at this PEW poll.
91 percent of young blacks voted for Obama; 98% of young black women were part of that
number (“young” being 18 thru 29 years
of age). While this is higher than
average, this vote actually represents a
“Democrat” vote more than a “black for black” vote. The black voter has voted “Democrat” for
three decades and in huge percentages.
Democrat turn-out was down 13% over and
against 2008 numbers. What I am saying
is this: Obama managed to lose 8 million
votes between 2008 and 2012. He did not
win because he is a master at campaigning.
He won because the GOP did not make its case --
period.
Secondly, proof of
that last conclusion is seen in the fact that 7% of the GOP vote went to
Obama (about 5 million votes or, enough to have turned the election) . More than this, the “independent” vote is pictured by PEW as
having gone to Obama in major numbers.
If a true picture (what is an
Independent according to PEW?), there is
great hope for the GOP in the coming election cycles. But it cannot continue to do business as
usual.
One thing for certain,
the notion that “Independents” hate campaign trash talk is nothing more
than a myth. The McCain/Romney crowd
still believes in the myth, and refuses
to be harsh and attacking in its campaign presentations -- and
they continue to lose election.
Point of post: the
lessons of the 2012 election cycle can be encouraging, if viewed with
commonsense and a certain objective honest. Understand that McCain/Palin took in 1.5 million more votes and won the Mormon vote in larger numbers than did Romney.
Elections are about kicking butt, and it is time we learned that
lesson.
