Educated Voters: A Democratic Trend and Its Underpinnings
It doesn't take rocket science to understand why college-educated people often lean towards Democratic candidates. This article explores the reasons behind this trend, debunking common myths and shedding light on the complex relationship between education, ideology, and voting behavior.
Myth vs Reality: Educated Voters and the Democratic Party
The assumption that college-educated individuals invariably vote for the Democratic party is a myth. Many educated folks have turned their focus towards finding solutions to economic issues and policies that have been hurting the nation. They seek authenticity, honesty, and trust, which are often lacking in political rhetoric. This shift towards the Democratic party is not solely driven by party membership but by the policies and ideologies that align with their values.
The Dichotomy of Party Policies and Ideologies
The Democratic Party is often associated with policies aimed at advancing the public good. These include issues such as healthcare, social welfare, and environmental protections. On the other hand, the Republican Party frequently promotes policies that favor corporations and land ownership, such as tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation.
Historical Trends vs Current Realities
In the past, there was a more pronounced divide between college-educated voters and advanced-degree holders. College graduates tended to vote Republican, while those with advanced degrees leaned towards the Democratic party. However, this trend has recently shifted. Since the last election, even college-educated voters have shown a preference for the Democratic party, while advanced-degree holders remain firmly Democratic. This change can be attributed to the policies and records of the respective parties, as well as the broader political climate.
Ronald Reagan: A Cultural Signpost
One of the most significant political shifts in the modern era occurred in the 1980s, thanks to Ronald Reagan. His appeal to the middle class, promises of small government, and criticism of big government welfare programs helped to solidify the deck in favor of the Republican party among college-educated voters. However, the pendulum has now swung back. College graduates are favoring the Democrats, especially in the wake of the Trump era, which was marked by a lack of adherence to truth, promotion of fear, and the polarization of society.
The Role of Higher Education Institutions
A common narrative posits that higher education institutions are heavily biased towards the Democratic party. While it is true that many college administrations and staff lean left, this bias is not uniform. In fact, numerous prominent academics from Ivy League institutions, like Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz of Harvard Law School, have abandoned their long-standing support for the Democratic party. Examples of these include:
Elon Musk, who studied Physics and Economics at the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania and was a moderate Democrat, has now aligned himself with Donald Trump. Tulsi Gabbard, who was a Democratic Presidential candidate and majored in International Business, has also distanced herself from the party.These individuals, along with many others, have found that the party has shifted far to the left, aligning more closely with socialist-Marxist ideologies that they find antithetical to their beliefs.
The Perils of Partisanship
It is not just the right-wing who criticizes the left. Many professors and higher education administrators have expressed their dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Democratic party. At Harvard and other top schools, for instance, many faculty members consider former Vice President Kamala Harris a "blithering idiot" and former President Joe Biden a "dementia patient." While they may not support Donald Trump, they believe he is the lesser of two evils in the upcoming election.
Conclusion
The shift in voting behavior among educated individuals is a complex phenomenon that is driven by a variety of factors, including party policies, ideological alignment, and broader societal trends. While it is clear that educated people are more likely to lean towards the Democratic party, this does not imply that they are blindly supportive of the party. Instead, it reflects a growing disillusionment with the status quo and a desire for genuine change.