All of this suggests that while citizens became more comfortable with President Bush after September 11 and thought him to have the requisite leadership skills, they continue to harbor doubts about his priorities, loyalties, interests, and policies. Thomas E. Mann bushcitizencomfortable share on social
In addition to the decline in competition, American politics today is characterized by a growing ideological polarization between the two major political parties. Thomas E. Mann additionamericancharacterize Change image and share on social
I don't believe in a golden mean; I don't believe you find policy wisdom between two polar points. I don't dismiss that possibility, but I look at the platform that's so ideologically based, that's so dismissive of facts, of evidence, of science, and it's frankly hard to take seriously. Thomas E. Mann basedismissdismissive share on social
Presidents are elected not by direct popular vote but by 538 members of the Electoral College. Thomas E. Mann collegedirectelect Change image and share on social
Further-more, partisan attachments powerfully shape political perceptions, beliefs and values, and incumbents enjoy advantages well beyond the way in which their districts are configured. Thomas E. Mann advantageattachmentbelief Change image and share on social
Redistricting is a deeply political process, with incumbents actively seeking to minimize the risk to themselves (via bipartisan gerrymanders) or to gain additional seats for their party (via partisan gerrymanders). Thomas E. Mann activelyadditionalbipartisan share on social
A healthy degree of party unity among Democrats and Republicans has deteriorated into bitter partisan warfare. Thomas E. Mann bitterdegreedemocrat Change image and share on social
While Republican voters have remained universally supportive of their President, Democrats and Independents are returning to a more naturally critical stance. Thomas E. Mann criticaldemocratindependent Change image and share on social
Partisanship particularly increased after the 1994 elections and then the appearance of the first unified Republican government since the 1950s. Thomas E. Mann 1950sappearanceelection Change image and share on social
The increase in straight-ticket party voting in recent years means that competitive congressional races can tip one way or the other depending on the showing of the candidates at the top of the ticket. Thomas E. Mann candidatecompetitivecongressional share on social