The 2016 Presidential and Congressional Elections
In this session, we discuss how the 2016 presidential election defied convention wisdom in many ways, and to what extent are these elements likely to occur again. We also explore the likelihood of the 2016 election affecting the future of our government.
David Magleby, Brigham Young University
The 2016 presidential election defies conventional wisdom in many ways. To what extent are these unusual elements likely to occur again? For several election cycles partisan control of the U.S. Senate has been uncertain going into the general election with 8–12 battleground races. How did 2016 compare to recent cycles in candidate recruitment, campaign spending, and other factors. Finally, how might the 2016 election affect the future of our government?