When (if ever) will we see another election like (for example) 1976?

[Phony Moderate]

The winning margin was under 10% in 32 states in 1976.

However, in 2008, just 16 states had a winning margin of under 10%.

[Del Tachi]

Never.

Political polarization has made elections like 1960 and 1976 (and to a lesser extent 1992) impossible. 

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

I predict eventual depolarization.

[Del Tachi]

I predict eventual depolarization.

Not until the First Turning at least, what makes you say that?

[Jackson]

Have a liberal Republican run against a conservative Democrat.

[Nichlemn]

I think the main reason for the small margins in 1960/1976 was that it was in the middle of a regional realignment. Elections used to be far more polarised in the Solid South days (check out 1920, the winning margin was under 10% in only three states), then as the South went Republican it "crossed over" into "swing" territory.

[MyRescueKittehRocks]

I predict eventual depolarization.

Not until the First Turning at least, what makes you say that?

So you believe we are in the Fourth Turning?

[Del Tachi]

I predict eventual depolarization.

Not until the First Turning at least, what makes you say that?

So you believe we are in the Fourth Turning?

Yes, obviously.  Now is a time of secular upheaval and strengthening institutionalism.  Its been a 4T since 9/11/2001, but it has really picked up steam after the financial crisis.   

[minionofmidas]

I think the main reason for the small margins in 1960/1976 was that it was in the middle of a regional realignment.

It could happen again, of course.

[Nichlemn]

I think the main reason for the small margins in 1960/1976 was that it was in the middle of a regional realignment.

It could happen again, of course.

Indeed, I wasn't claiming it couldn't. My point was that 1976 was the aberration, not today.