As we wait for the campaign to pick up steam and for Donald J. Trump’s trial to begin, here are some quick notes to wrap up the week.
Joe Lieberman and the butterfly ballot
This week, we bid farewell to Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic senator who was Al Gore’s running mate in the 2000 election. The infamous “butterfly ballot” in Palm Beach County played a significant role in the outcome of that election, with many voters mistakenly casting their votes for Pat Buchanan instead of Mr. Gore.
After the election, it became clear that the butterfly ballot led to thousands of votes for Buchanan that were intended for Gore. This unusual pattern of voting was unique to Palm Beach County and had a decisive impact on the election results.
The upcoming trial of Donald J. Trump on hush money charges could be the next significant event in the political landscape.
Reader Question: How big will the turnout be in 2024?
Early indicators suggest that voter turnout in the upcoming election may be lower than in previous years. Factors such as lower turnout in primaries and midterms, dissatisfaction with the candidates, and fewer voters expressing certainty about voting all point to a potential decrease in turnout.
Thing on the internet
Check out the Cook Political Report’s analysis of pivotal House races from 1984 to 2002, highlighting one race from each year. It’s a quick and interesting read, especially for political enthusiasts.
