Obama Speaks The Cold Hard Truth About Why Democrats Get Clobbered In Midterms

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At a Florida fundraiser President Obama explained that Democrats keep losing in midterms because Republicans successfully discourage women, young people, and Hispanics from coming out to vote.

According to The Hill:

President Obama complained Thursday that Democrats “get clobbered” in midterm elections, blaming a “toxic” atmosphere in Washington for suppressing key Democratic constituencies.

“The challenge is that our politics in Washington have become so toxic that people just lose faith,” Obama told a group of top Democratic donors gathered at the home of former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning. “They say, ‘Y’know what, it doesn’t matter, I’m not that interested, I’m not gonna vote.’ And that’s especially true during the midterms.”

Obama noted that young, female, black and Hispanic voters were more likely to vote in elections with a presidential contest.
“Suddenly a more representative cross section of America gets out there, and we do pretty well in presidential elections,” Obama said.

“But in midterms, we get clobbered, either because we don’t think it’s important or because we get so discouraged about what’s happening in Washington that we think it’s not worth our while. And the reason today is so important, and the reason that I’m so appreciative for all of you being here is because we’re going to have to get over that. This is a top priority.”

Democrats understand the disease, but what is the cure? By talking about issues like jobs, equal pay, and the minimum wage, Democratic candidates are trying to give their voters a reason to come out and vote. They are trying to encourage voters to show up at the polls by demonstrating that they just have just as much at stake in a midterm election as they do in a presidential year.

If Democrats could get their entire base to turnout, they would do just as well in the midterms as they do in presidential elections. Many of the critical midterm elections in 2010 were close. Governors races were decided by a few points in many states. Democrats don’t need their whole base to turnout. They need a bigger turnout.

The president was correct. If key Democratic constituencies choose to stay home on Election Day in November, Democrats will get clobbered again. Democrats are trying to give their voters a reason to show up at the polls. It’s up to the voters to get the job done.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association