The Bitter End: The 2020 Presidential Campaign and the Challenge to American Democracy

The year 2020 was a tumultuous time in American politics, with a global pandemic, protests for racial justice, and a razor-thin presidential election outcome. The Bitter End explores the long-term trends and short-term shocks that shaped this dramatic year and what these changes could mean for the future. It demonstrates that Trump's presidency intensified partisan politics and identity politics, and presidential elections have become calcified, with less chance of big swings in either party's favor. The pandemic showed that even as Bidens win came at a time of heightened party loyalty, there remained room for shifts that shaped the elections outcome.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The year 2020 was a turbulent and highly divisive period in American politics, marked by significant events that had far-reaching consequences. It began with the onset of a global pandemic that disrupted life as we know it, led to widespread protests for racial justice, and culminated in a closely contested presidential election that ended in an attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The book "The Bitter End" delves into the long-term trends and short-term shocks that shaped this dramatic year and explores their potential implications for the future. Authored by John Sides, Chris Tausanovitch, and Lynn Vavreck, the book demonstrates that the presidency of Donald Trump intensified the partisan politics of the previous decades and the identity politics of the 2016 election. Presidential elections have become increasingly polarized, with less chance of significant swings in either party's favor. Republicans remained loyal to Trump, despite his many scandals, a recession, and the pandemic, which helped keep the election close.

However, even in a narrowly divided electorate, small changes can have significant consequences. The pandemic was a prime example of this, as Trump's push to reopen the country even as infections mounted led to increased support for Joe Biden. The authors explain that, paradoxically, even as Biden's win came at a time of heightened party loyalty, there remained room for shifts that shaped the election's outcome.

The events of 2020 highlighted the deep divisions within the country, rather than bringing people together to face national challenges such as the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the Capitol riot. These challenges only reinforced existing divisions and further polarized the political landscape.

"The Bitter End" provides a detailed account of the tensions and crises that characterized the year 2020, offering a comprehensive analysis of the events that shaped this pivotal period in American politics. The book sheds light on the dangerous direction in which the country is heading and serves as a warning to all who care about the future of our democracy. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of American politics and the challenges that lie ahead.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 135 x 204 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691243733