How did George H.W. Bush lose in 1992?

[sg0508]

1) Economy just came out of a recession and 1991 and the recovery wasn't in swing yet (didn't start until post 1994 until Clinton).

2) Raised taxes and thus a lot of the GOP base

3) Perot cost him several states (OH, CO, MT, NH, NJ, etc)

4) Pat Buchanan's Culture War speed further alienated moderates

5) Clinton ran a good campaign.

[sg0508]

That Culture War speech by Buchanan was a killer as it alienated a lot of moderates.  States like DE, NJ and CT, where Bush was polling ahead of Clinton prior, were deficits soon after.

That speech absolutely destroyed Bush.  If you want, go on youtube and listen to the acceptance speeches in 1992 and you'll hear the different tones

[sg0508]

Yes but the thing about moderates is that if they truly are moderate it means they don't pay much attention. If they paid closer attention they'd know themselves better politically. Meaning by election day, the "moderates" forgot who Pat Buchanan was.

No, it means they agree with both parties on some issues.