1966/2006

"Today’s Republicans would do well to note how long it took Democrats to assimilate the lessons of their 1966 defeats. For the most part, they didn’t attempt to tack back to the center. With some notable exceptions—such as acquiescing in a draconian crime bill in 1968—they kept promoting an expansive vision of government that included controversial planks such as busing, affirmative action, greater welfare benefits, and a focus on the root causes of crime instead of harsh punishment. In 1969, Kevin Phillips described an 'emerging Republican majority.' But instead of stanching the tide of defections to the GOP, Democrats allowed them to continue into the 1970s and 1980s."

In Washington Monthly, David Greenberg compares two midterm elections.