Join historian Jeffrey Engel, the Director of the Center for Presidential History, and Julia Azari, a political science professor, as they dissect the recurring claim that each election is the most crucial yet. They explore pivotal historical elections and their influence on current voter engagement. The duo reflects on the significance of the upcoming election, contrasting the campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, while discussing the emotional toll of election anxiety and the evolving landscape of American democracy.
The recurring claim that every election is the 'most important' obscures the significant ideological differences between candidates vital for informed voter decisions.
Historical examples reveal that elections with clearly defined stakes have historically mobilized voters more effectively than contemporary elections often perceived as ambiguous.
Deep dives
The Perception of Importance in Elections
The notion that every election is the most important one often overshadows the distinct differences between candidates. Historical context suggests that while many elections have indeed carried significant weight, the rhetoric surrounding their importance has become somewhat diluted over time. For instance, discussing both past and current elections reveals a pattern of candidates and commentators claiming imminent crises that necessitate urgent voter turnout. This cyclical narrative can lead to voter fatigue, as it tends to overemphasize stakes that may not be universally agreed upon, challenging the idea that each election is definitively the most critical.
Historical Comparisons with Critical Elections
The discussion draws parallels with pivotal moments in American history, such as the elections during the Civil War and the Great Depression, where the stakes were indeed existential. For example, in 1932, Franklin Roosevelt campaigned on an ambiguous platform in response to tremendous economic hardship, essentially presenting a choice between moving forward or remaining stagnant under Herbert Hoover's policies. These models illustrate how ideological divergences have historically influenced the perceived importance of elections, contrasting with the ambiguous stakes oftentimes presented in modern political discourse. This historic lens emphasizes that while current elections may feel urgent, they are part of a larger narrative of American democracy.
The Role of Voter Engagement in Elections
Voter turnout is significantly influenced by the perceived differences between candidates, with higher engagement observed when clear distinctions exist. Historically, elections that evoke strong sentiments regarding candidates' ideologies or policies can mobilize voters more effectively than those perceived as similar. The current political climate sees candidates framing elections as existential battles, which may resonate with the electorate but risks deepening polarization. Ultimately, while this framing can indeed lead to increased participation, it also poses the question of whether these narratives will translate into meaningful change once the election is over.
It seems as though every election is “the most important election of our lifetime." Historian Jeffrey Engel and political scientist Julia Azari assess whether this is really the one.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
A screen shows "Nov. 5 - the most important day in the history of our country" at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Tempe, Arizona. Photo by REBECCA NOBLE/AFP via Getty Images.