General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The imminent backlash of the Democratic Left. [View all]Drunken Irishman
(34,857 posts)Sucks to be you.
2012 demographic breakdown:
http://www.cnn.com/election/2012/results/race/president
Vote by Ideology:
25% Liberal
41% Moderate
35% Conservative
2010:
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2010/results/polls/#USH00p1
Vote by Ideology
20% Liberal
38% Moderate
42% Conservative
Okay, so, I was wrong by one point. There was a three-point difference between moderates in 2010 and 2012. However, that doesn't change the fact there was a five-point difference between liberals in 2012 and 2010. Math is not hard. 5 > 3. Had liberals voted at the same rate they did in 2012 back in 2010 and the election is dramatically different - with Dems holding on to some close seats (including, potentially, Russ Feingold).
So, my point stands. Liberals show up in presidential elections at a higher rate than midterms.