WHY DO THE REPUBLICANS WIN THE WHITE HOUSE MORE OFTEN THAN THE DEMOCRATS?

In: Presidential studies quarterly, Band 22, Heft 3, S. 481-492

Abstract

BEGINNING WITH 1952, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS WON SEVEN OF 10 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. IN THIS ESSAY, THE AUTHORS CHALLENGE THE ACCEPTED VIEW THAT ATTRIBUTES THIS REPUBLICAN SUCCESS "TO A COMBINATION OF PERSONALITY FACTORS, SUPERIOR CAMPAIGN STRATEGY, AD HOC POLITICAL EVENTS, AND PLAIN GOOD FORTUNE." INSTEAD, THEY ATTRIBUTE THE REPUBLICAN VICTORIES AND DEMOCRATIC DEFEATS TO THEIR DIFFERING MACROECONOMIC POLICIES. THEY CONTEND THAT THE DEMOCRATIC POLICIES ARE BASED ON REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE REPUBLICAN ON CONTROLLING INFLATION. THEY ALSO ARGUE THAT THE DEMOCRATIC POLICIES ON UNEMPLOYMENT GOALS ARE SHORT-LIVED AND ARE FOLLOWED BY INCREASED INFLATION.