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November 5, 2008
Contrasts
I would argue that the 2004 election was the high water mark of the George W. Bush presidency. It reinforced Karl Rove's goal of cementing a permanent Republican majority, and in the president's first press conference following the election, he boasted about his mandate -- his political capital. Going so far as to pull the "no follow-up questions" dick move with the press -- as if the press hadn't already been ridiculously deferential to that point anyway.
President-elect Obama's victory margin is twice (so far) that of George W. Bush's in 2004. Three percentage points for Bush in 2004, six points for Obama in 2008. And a significantly wider margin in the electoral college.
Given the natural advantages of being George Bush (white, establishment family, the name, the incumbant 'war president') and the natural disadvantages of being Barack Obama (you know the list), this margin of victory is even more significant and remarkable.
Adjusting for these factors, this six point victory feels like 60 points.
Filed under: Barack Obama || Bush || Election 2008 || Karl Rove || Republicans
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Posted By Bob Cesca | November 5, 2008 9:01 AM
Comments
"I would argue that the 2004 election was the high water mark of the George W. Bush presidency."
The delicious Cesca irony strikes again. I can't wait to read your book!
Posted by: CycloCynic ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.bobcesca.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 5, 2008 9:47 AM
It's like watching the Berlin Wall fall all over again. How did I get lucky enough to live to see both?
Posted by: Matt Osborne at November 5, 2008 12:42 PM
