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Why did a large amount of Democrats vote for Reagan in 1980?

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Reagan's electoral victory in 1980 cannot be attributed solely to swing voters or independents. Carter did lose some of the Democratic vote in 1980. In 1976, the Republicans won 20% of the Democratic vote, but by 1980, the Republicans had won 27% of the Democratic vote. read more

Carter did lose some of the Democratic vote in 1980. In 1976, the Republicans won 20% of the Democratic vote, but by 1980, the Republicans had won 27% of the Democratic vote. This increase of 7 percentage points was a 35% increase over the Republican's vote share among Democratic voters, when compared to the 1976 presidential election. read more

Many of these characteristics were more important to the voters' identities than party affiliation. Reagan appealed to all these sentiments, while Democrats were more identified with opposing positions and contrasting groups. Plus, the economy of 1980 was a shambles (due in large part to policies driven by Democratic leaders). read more

Notes: Survey by CBS News and the New York Times. Sample of 15,201 voters as they left voting booths on Election Day, November 4, 1980. “Don’t know” and “other” responses not included. read more

In 1980, only 48% of union households voted for the Democrats, while 45% of union households voted for Reagan and 7% voted for third-party candidate John Anderson. Thus, a majority of union households voted against Carter, even though because of Anderson's third-party campaign, they did not vote all for Reagan. read more

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How Groups Voted in 1980
ropercenter.cornell.edu

How Reagan won in 1980
www.washingtontimes.com