Anti-Incumbent Election?

[Kishkumen]

What is the evidence that this really was an anti-incumbent election? How many incumbents were actually booted out of office? I am ready for the facts, to be told that this is indeed what happened, but I am not satisfied thus far that Democrats can excuse their loss on this basis.

[Res Ipsa]

I think the evidence comes from the other western democracies, where the party in power during that worldwide inflation spike was voted out of office. I think in the US, We tend to hold the President primarily responsible for the state of the economy.

It’s an interesting theory, but I think we’re still reading entrails at this point.

[Dwight]

I think it is too early to tell, but I have seen anecdotal expressions that there seems to be some apathy or votes for Trump that were based on this. I am gobsmacked.

[drumdude]

From what little I've read on the subject (including before this election) anti-incumbent sentiment is typically a powerful force in any election where people are feeling squeezed financially. Inflation did Biden/Kamala zero favors.

[Kishkumen]

I think the evidence comes from the other western democracies, where the party in power during that worldwide inflation spike was voted out of office. I think in the US, We tend to hold the President primarily responsible for the state of the economy.

It’s an interesting theory, but I think we’re still reading entrails at this point.

Thanks. Pod Save the World made the same point about western democracies. I was looking for evidence of a pattern in the US. I agree with you about entrails.

[Kishkumen]

I think it is too early to tell, but I have seen anecdotal expressions that there seems to be some apathy or votes for Trump that were based on this. I am gobsmacked.

Thanks, Dwight. I am unsympathetic to any reasons for Trump votes, but I still am interested to know what they are.

[Kishkumen]

From what little I've read on the subject (including before this election) anti-incumbent sentiment is typically a powerful force in any election where people are feeling squeezed financially. Inflation did Biden/Kamala zero favors.

Yep. Another reason why I have diminishing sympathy for voters. Democrats brought down inflation faster than any other western country, and voters are angry with them. More proof that numbers are too difficult for people.

[Moksha]

I think it came from both Murphy's Law of the Perversity of the Universe and a bit of Cosmic Karma for having done bad deeds in other countries.

[Some Schmo]

Yep. Another reason why I have diminishing sympathy for voters.

I have no sympathy for Trump voters. I am counting on them suffering under Trump's kleptocratic rule. They asked for it. I want them to beg for it like anyone who enjoys being [deleted].

[Some Schmo]

It occurs to me: America has made me into a misanthrope. I don't like people anymore. Most of them are too stupid to associate with. Animals are where it's at. They are no where near as stupid as humans.