The racial polarization of American politics

[Leviathan]

And it is only going to get worse. In 1976 whites went for ford over carter 48 - 52. Blacks and Hispanics went for carter 83 - 17 and 84-16 respectively. The thing is, in 76 whites were almost 90% of the electorate, blacks were 9 and Hispanics a mere 1%

Whites have voted more and more republican in every election since then. In 2012 whites went for Romney 39 - 59, while black and Hispanics went for Obama 93 - 6 and 71 - 27 respectively. Whites have voted more and more republican in only represent of the electorate.

I fear that as the white percentage of the electorate declines, they will vote more republican, creating a clear racial division in the partisan landscape. The map above tells it all, republicans can command a majority of white voters even in liberal California.

[Indy]

Hmm. So, the less white voters there are, the more they will vote Republican?

[Mr.Bill]

Most of the division between the parties now are social issues. Gays, abortion, immigration, etc.. BUT as many of the older white Republicans die off, and younger Republicans who are more socially open minded Republicans will take over the GOP, so the party will have to change, or die. So the division may not be that important in the future.

As was mentioned in another thread, 70% of Republicans under 30 are for gay marriage.. The current Republican party can't continue, it's going to have to change over the next 5-15 years or die.

[Leviathan]

[Leviathan]

[Mr.Bill]

I agree taxes is an issue... But don't dismiss the social issues, or 'wedges' currently being used to keep older white voters in the GOP camp..

[Leviathan]

I'm not dismissing it, but it cuts both ways. Plenty of young white democrats that are with republicans fiscally but are blue because of social issues. Were the GOP to moderate they could pick up droves of these voters and probably will.

[The dane]

How does the Republican party get enough votes without the social issues ?

Their strategy since Reagan has been simple: Fiscal policies for the rich and social policies for the poor. If they don't have the social policies, then what do they have to attract to attract poor/middle class voters ?

[gla22]

[eynon81]

so what's gonna happen when Hispanics become white?