I’ve been working on a post election article for the Newton TAB that surveys Presidential election results in Newton since the old Newton Graphic began compiling returns in 1888. I’m focusing on three elections that I believe were small but durable indicators that change was coming to the Newton electorate. The absence of available ward and precinct results from several years because of reporting requirements and Covid19 restrictions on accessing data is a frustrating qualifier.
The highest total vote and percentage victory for any Presidential candidate since 1888 was Hillary Clinton’s showing in 2016. The best percentage win for Republicans was 1924 when Calvin Coolidge swamped John W. Davis.
I believe Joe Biden will easily exceed Hillary’s total vote in Newton and will likely even top her percentage total as well. I see tremendous energy among Democrats while some of my friends who voted for Trump in 2016 plan to either vote for Biden or sit the election out. Still, it wouldn’t take all that many new Trump voters to bring Biden’s overall percentage vote down. One thing is clear. Democrats have a solid grip on national, local and most statewide elections here and that is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future.
Here’s the deal, Biden wins, Trump crawls back under the proverbial rock (assuming the rock lets him) and then we get to work on Biden’s malarkey.
Someday, many Trump voters who no doubt sincerely believe that he has the qualifications and character to be President will hang their heads in abject shame for supporting this cretinous, heinous, worthless human being who has no redeeming qualities. Of course, Trump’s fellow racist, bigots, psychopaths, sexists, misogynists, narcissists, pathological liars, low information voters, those that share some or all of Trump’s 7 deadly wins – pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth – and those, like Trump, who are incapable of empathy, will never come around.
Here’s hoping he sets a lot of records tonight.