Polarization and Democratic Accountability in the 2020 Presidential Election

Society. 2020;57(5):507-510. doi: 10.1007/s12115-020-00521-3. Epub 2020 Oct 29.

Abstract

In a year marked by a global pandemic, economic collapse, and social unrest, the most striking feature of presidential polling thus far is its consistency. The hyperpartisanship of this polarized era of American politics has made most voters impervious to changing conditions. This raises serious questions about the utility of elections as means of democratic accountability.

Keywords: 2020  election; Biden; Hyperpartisanship; Negative partisanship; Polarization; Presidential election; Trump; White grievance politics.