The Magnitude of the 2008 Democratic Victory: By the Numbers

Abstract

This essay explores the scope of the Democratic Party's victory in the 2008 elections by comparing it to other U.S. elections since 1896. Three conclusions are drawn from the analysis: (1) that Obama's personal victory, though significant, was far from being massive, or even unusual, by historical standards; (2) that the Democratic congressional victory of 2008, relative to the midterm election of 2006, falls in the upper range of congressional victories in a presidential year; (3) that the Democrats' victory becomes more impressive in light of its reversal of the 2004 election, which represented the high-water mark for Republicans since 1928. The essay also briefly considers whether and in what sense the Democrats' victory might have inaugurated a party realignment.

Recommended Citation

Ceaser, James W. and DiSalvo, Daniel (2008) "The Magnitude of the 2008 Democratic Victory: By the Numbers," The Forum: Vol. 6 : Iss. 4, Article 8.
DOI: 10.2202/1540-8884.1279
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol6/iss4/art8