Larry Sabato

Why Are Dem Voters Now Less Motivated Than Republicans?

Eric Kleefeld | November 30, 2009, 4:32PM

Prof. Larry Sabato, University of Virginia

So what should we make of the recent Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll, showing that Democratic voters are much less motivated than Republicans are to vote in 2010? Prof. Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia gave us some perspective -- and said that even if the Democrats pass major programs like health care, it won't necessarily be enough to turn things back around.

"Well, look first let's stress it's a year ahead of the election, so a lot can change," Sabato cautioned. "The second point I'd make is, this is not terribly unusual. This is the norm for off year elections."

"Now why does this happen?" Sabato also explained "The opposition has a great advantage in off-year elections. Their numbers tend to be frustrated and angry about A-B-C, D-E-F. There are a lot of reasons why they're angry. The supporters of a president inevitably become somewhat disillusioned by the process of governing."

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