President Reagan defeated President Carter. Carter would most likely have won if the 8 to 10 percent of voters who were then extreme Democrats and independents had supported him. If his life as former President, and his handling of the Panama Canal as President is any indication, he was a person of character and would not have devastated the Federal Communications Commission. The next President will not only appoint to the Supreme Court, but will be deciding on the shape of the internet. I can easily imagine young Bush taking away a free internet on the excuse to protect us from pornography or from kids learning to make speed.
Repression is sold as practical.
If Texas is any example, get ready for a surreal practicality that Bush will bring, like locking people up for a joint of pot, like they do in Texas. While the intellectual elite of our country try hard to make it a better world, many have the luxury of principals over practicality. It is a principal that goes over like a lead balloon with middle and lower income voters. Universal healthcare is the best example of a great workable plan that functions well in Canada, but is not popular in this country. It never seemed practical to voters.