Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Political scientists have tended to see the powerful presidency of the 20th and the 21st centuries as being the enemy of strong political parties. But over the past quarter century, presidents – most notably Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush – have been following a more partisan path. They have been relying on their parties more for support, both in Congress and in the electorate, seeking greater partisan control over the executive branch, and even using the media more to mobilize the base than to reach swing voters. George W. Bush is the epitome of a “partisan president”, owing his electoral and legislative victories on overwhelming support from his fellow Republicans, showing little regard for “neutral competence” in administration or policymaking, and cultivating a “new partisan press.” But, ironically, Bush’s partisanship may have proved self-defeating, alienating Democrats and Independents, and leading to a landslide defeat for his party in the 2006 elections.