Excessive Partisanship in American Politics Today
Summary of Dr. Bafumi’s seminar on October 4, 2007
This is an era of excessive ideology and partisanship in American politics and government, said Dr. Joe Bafumi, Assistant Professor of Government at Dartmouth College, to an enthusiastic audience of 60 at the Howe Library on October 4, 2007. The meeting was sponsored by the LWV of the Upper Valley.
A very high number of voters today are completely committed to their parties, whatever the issues. This contrasts with 40 or 50 years ago when a greater percentage were uncommitted centrists who made decisions on the basis of positions on issues rather than party affiliations.
The change began in the 1960’s. The Republican Party moved much more to the right, and has been able to capture the Deep South from Democrats. Meanwhile New England has veered towards the Democrats, whereas it used to be majority Republican.
The unfortunate result of excessive partisanship is that more and more citizens, especially younger ones, are “turned off” by campaigns and do not bother to take interest or to vote.
In response to numerous questions, Dr. Bafumi made the following observations. Negative campaigning and mud-slinging often work. Third parties usually are not viable because voters don’t feel they have a chance to win. Charisma is important to many “swing” voters. Personal face-to-face campaigning is very important in an era of partisanship. The media in general does not focus on issues; instead it is filled with “sound bites” and “trap questions.”
Dr. Bafumi further said that reducing the importance of money in elections would be a step forward. So would proportional representation rather than “winner takes all;” however the Electoral College system is difficult to change because it favors small states. He does not like term limits. There is much less voter fraud and corruption than the public believes. The U.S. has too many elections, and campaigns are too long. And people are bored by the lack of new visions and ideas.
Raymond Malley