ABSTRACT
The 2012 elections are best understood when described within the historical context in which they were conducted. Beginning with the 1968 election, it seemed as though the Democrats were severely disadvantaged in presidential elections. The overwhelming victories of Nixon, Reagan, and George H. W. Bush were only briefly interrupted by Carter’s victory in the wake of Watergate. Republican success in Congress was slower to be realized. Republicans achieved a majority in the Senate only in 1980 (and lost it six years later); House Republicans would have to wait an additional 14 years to become a majority.
