Welch Hypothesis - “ we can’t quit 2020 “

Political culture in the U.S. is significantly influenced by the events and decisions of 2020, which continue to impact current governance and public perception. Politicians, particularly those associated with the Democratic Party, are seen as retreating from their earlier positions held in 2019 and 2020, indicating a struggle to distance themselves from the controversial actions implemented during that time. This includes the handling of matters such as policing and COVID-19 lockdowns, where governors from various states, like Minnesota and California, faced criticism for stringent measures that left lasting impressions on constituents. The legacy of 2020 profoundly affects the political landscape, with a pervasive concern that revisiting decisions from that year can provoke negative reactions, highlighting an unshakeable connection to that era in the collective memory of voters.