Midterm Elections 1982 and 2010

1. Midterm Elections 1982 and 2010 1982 2008 High turnout for Obama 2008 Worst recession since Great Depression 1929-31 Unemployment over 9% Obama’s satisfaction rating 23% Tea Party and Right in the ascendency • Strong popular vote for Reagan 1980 • Worst economic recession since 2nd World War • Unemployment over 7% • Reagan’s satisfaction rating 24% • Rightist ‘Moral Majority’ faded

2. Key differences post elections Post 1982 Post 2010 Obama’s electoral success in 2008 based on high turnout (63%) Obama’s economic/fiscal policy reactive to recession not of his making USA’s economic recovery in doubt in medium term Much hostility to Obama’s healthcare reforms Perception that economic policies have made no difference Pursuit of ‘American Dream’ espoused by Tea Party out of keeping with severe recession or role of USA in globalised economy. Unclear whether or not Republicans can afford to swing too far to Right Can Obama ‘switch’ to foreign policy? • Strong economic backing for Reagan’s economic policy although it had contributed to recession 1980-82 • Rapid economic recovery after 1983-84 engineered by Reagan and monetary policy • Administration’s objectives set out clearly • U.S budget deficit expanded to record levels by 1988; Reagan unable to reduce deficit • ‘Moral majority’ proved to be a vehicle for election not an influence on policy • USA remained economic powerhouse with global political influence • Foreign policy success for Reagan