February 15, 2017 by David K. Sutton
Republicans Win Presidential Popular Vote Once In 28 Years
Since 1988, when Taylor Dayne sang “Tell It To My Heart,” Republicans won the presidential popular vote just once. It’s twice if you include 1988. That’s over 28 years!
Even more phenomenal, in those 28 years, Republicans have been in the White House for 12 years, Democrats for 16. And because a Republican (Donald Trump) won in 2016, and because he also did not win the popular vote, his “win” does not add to the popular vote tally for Republicans. It also means by the time the 2020 presidential election rolls around, it will be 16 years for Republicans and 16 years for Democrats.
Think about that for a moment. No seriously, really let that sink in. During a span of 32 years from 1988 to 2020, Republicans and Democrats will have split White House occupancy 50/50, even though Republicans only won the popular vote twice (1988, 2004), while Democrats won the popular vote FIVE times (1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012).
It is near certain Republicans will tell you this is precisely what the Founding Fathers intended and that you should probably “get over it.” But I’m here to tell you that while Republicans might not care, if we continue to hold presidential elections where the popular vote does not decide the outcome, it will fuel discontent, and people will lose confidence in a fragile idea called democracy.
And so Democrats will be thinking, along with Tiffany, about what “Could’ve Been,” and planning their 2020 run by listening to George Michael’s “One More Try,” while enduring “Roll With It” chants from Republicans and Steve Winwood.
As for me, I’ll be tending to my “Shattered Dreams” as prescribed by Johnny, who I hear is none too fond of jazz.
