Help me argue the "Protest Vote" meme with a European friend...

[smirkymonkey]

I have been emailing him back and forth explaining why the Democratic victory was not simply due to a protest vote for various reasons (voter turnout, liberal candidates and referendums winning handily vs. conservative dems, etc...) but he smugly keeps responding that the ONLY reason for our victory was that it was a protest vote plain and simple and that nothing has really changed in this country politically.

He used to live in NY for a few years (he's Irish, living in Spain) and considered himself a Democrat, but I don't think he knows the meaning of the word since he talks like a republican and spouts right-wing talking points. I told him that the "protest vote" excuse was something republicans keep telling themselves to make them feel better. See an excerpt below:

"It's all a protest vote as the Dems head for the
centre. The Dems are out of touch with middle
America
and had to do something to rid themselves of what
was
perceived as arrogant urban baggage. As of now
they
have to tread very lightly with any social or
economic policies. It is quite obvious that in
terms
of the liberal social agenda America has no
stomach
for it."

I was being polite in my arguments, but now I am basically looking for the ultimate smackdown - any takers?

[rosesaylavee]

1. With some people

actions speak louder than words. Let him see what happens when we take over in January.

[Selatius]

2. To be fair, America has never been a socially liberal country

As far as economic policy though, they can be very left-leaning. FDR would probably be considered a Social Democrat even by European standards. Johnson could probably fit the same bill, but Viêtnam overshadowed his legacy.

[smirkymonkey]

3. I do think in part it was a protest vote, but not entirely.

His response was just so cynical it angered me and the "arrogant urban baggage" thing really pissed me off.

His point is basically that nothing has changed and that it will be business as usual, and I think his focus has been too much on social issues (abortion, gay rights, etc.) which to me is not the take-away message from this election. Despite being percieved as liberal on social issues, we still won. So obviously things like the war, the economy, heathcare and education have figured in more heavily this time around.

[Selatius]

4. Yeah, war, the economy, and health care are why they left the Repubs

It's not that they radically changed their views on abortion or gay marriage, but the fact remains people put those lower on the list of priorities compared to putting food on the table and paying the bills that come due each month. On those issues, the Repubs offered nothing but tax cuts to the rich, and polls showed Repubs are seen as the party of Big Business, not the party of workers. What made it worse for the Repubs was corruption, hypocrisy, and a war few are willing to die for.

[Odin2005]

6. IMO thu US is generally Communitarian: socially conservative, economically left-wing.

[Finder]

5. I disagree with his points but agree it was a protest vote. n/t