The Invisible Democratic Majority

[n2doc]

A new study finds broad support for the party among the general public in 2014, even as it was resoundingly defeated at the polls.

by
RUSSELL BERMAN


In 2002, two pundits prophesied an Emerging Democratic Majority, built on America's increasing ethnic diversity. After the GOP triumph in the 2014 elections, one of them recanted, instead proclaiming an Emerging Republican Advantage. But what if the predicted Democratic majority already emerged, but just never bothered to show up and vote?

A study released Tuesday by the Pew Research Center found that, over the course of 2014, American adults were far more likely to identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party than the Republican Party, by a margin of 48 to 39 percent. But in November, GOP candidates for the House of Representatives garnered millions more votes than their Democratic rivals, amassing a cumulative advantage of 51 to 45 percent. A decisive Democratic edge in the general population translated to a distinct Republican advantage at the polls.

Democrats still found some solace in longterm demographic trends: Republicans may enjoy the support of older, white Americans, but Democrats remain strong among young people and ethnic minorities, who will make up an ever-increasing share of the population in coming years. The GOP's advantage, they assumed, would be temporary, and an enduring Democratic majority would indeed emerge over time.

Yet the depth of the Democratic losses in November cast doubt on that rosy thinking. For one, Republicans captured so many seats—both on the federal and state levels—that they can write their current advantage into electoral districts that will last a decade. And more ominously, a higher percentage of Millennials—that most crucial element of the future Democratic base—voted GOP than in the past. That's what led John B. Judis, looking at the voting choices made by white and middle-class Americans, to repudiate his prophesy of an emerging Democratic majority, and to declare in National Journal the onset of a Republican advantage.

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http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/04/democrats-dont-vote/389898/?UTM_SOURCE=yahoo

[ffr]

1. What we need are Dems who shout how proud they are to be liberals

AND stand up for democratic values.

Any Republis who dares put me down for being a liberal, has me in their face. I AM PROUD TO BE A LIBERAL. Who wouldn't be??? You'd have to be ashamed of Republis values. Just look at any Republis. Embarrassing!

We need elected Dems to stand up for our values and stand behind their voters. Be strong and hold your head up high. It's just that simple.

[Historic NY]

2. What we need are voters to come out.

[WillyT]

3. K & R !!!