The Bitter End

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The year 2020 was marked by significant upheaval in American politics, including a global pandemic, protests for racial justice, and a contentious presidential election. This period culminated in an attack on the U.S. Capitol aimed at overturning Joe Biden’s victory. The Bitter End delves into the long-term trends and immediate shocks that influenced this pivotal year and their implications for the future. John Sides, Chris Tausanovitch, and Lynn Vavreck argue that Trump’s presidency exacerbated the partisan divisions established in previous decades and intensified the identity politics that emerged during the 2016 election. Presidential elections have become increasingly polarized, diminishing the likelihood of substantial shifts in party allegiance. Despite numerous scandals, a recession, and the pandemic, Republicans remained loyal to Trump, keeping the election closely contested. However, in a narrowly divided electorate, even minor changes can lead to significant outcomes. For instance, as Trump advocated for reopening the country amidst rising infections, Biden's support grew. The authors highlight that Biden's victory occurred during a time of strong party loyalty, yet there was still potential for shifts that influenced the election. Ultimately, 2020 revealed that rather than uniting to confront national issues like the pandemic and the Capitol riot, these challenges deepened existing divisions. This account provid