The vast majority of Americans will make their choice in November based on identity and cultural issues. Most of the remainder will decide based on their perceptions of the state of the economy. Does that mean the rest of the issues just don’t matter?
In a close election, no. Wedge issues–the kind that cause some voters who would normally support one party to split a ticket, or to change sides–can be decisive in swing states and districts. As a result, they deserve considerable attention.
My next two posts will consequently address wedge issues first from the GOP perspective, and then the Democrats. In each case, I will be identifying the issues that are of concern and how the party in question will try to paper over them.