The most important “most important election”?
Today, Explained
Deep Dive
Why do people often claim that every election is the most important one in their lifetime?
Candidates and advertisers use this rhetoric to motivate voters and increase engagement, but it's also a reflection of the increasing polarization and existential stakes perceived in modern elections.
How does the ideological distance between candidates influence the perceived importance of an election?
A wider ideological gap between candidates can make an election feel more critical, as it represents a stark choice between fundamentally different visions for the country.
What historical election does the 2024 election resemble in terms of its perceived importance?
The 2024 election is compared to the 1932 election during the Great Depression, where the ideological distance between candidates and the existential threat to democracy were similarly high.
Why was the 1932 election considered so pivotal in American history?
The 1932 election was crucial because it marked a shift in government intervention during the Great Depression, with Franklin Roosevelt promising more action and a break from Herbert Hoover's policies.
How did the 1860 election contribute to the Civil War?
The 1860 election saw Southern Democrats threatening secession if they lost, which they did when Abraham Lincoln won, leading to the Civil War.
What role did the 1800 election play in American democracy?
The 1800 election, where Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, established the precedent for a peaceful transfer of power between opposing parties, a cornerstone of American democracy.
How does historical perspective provide comfort or anxiety about current political tensions?
History shows that the U.S. has faced existential crises before and survived, but it also underscores the responsibility of citizens to work hard to maintain democracy, which can be both reassuring and daunting.
Why might the argument that this is the most important election ever be effective in increasing voter turnout?
Highlighting the significant differences between candidates and the existential stakes can motivate voters who perceive the election as a critical choice, thereby increasing turnout.
Did Donald Trump's presidency fundamentally alter American democracy?
Yes, Trump's presidency saw a failure in the peaceful transfer of power and significant legal challenges to electoral processes, which are core aspects of democracy.
How might Kamala Harris's presidency differ from Trump's in terms of policy and governance?
Harris is expected to govern more similarly to Obama and Biden, reflecting a leftward shift in the Democratic Party but not fundamentally altering American democracy in the way Trump's presidency did.
- Every election cycle, candidates claim it's the most important.
- This narrative is not new; it was also true four years ago and eight years ago.
Shownotes Transcript