How much enthusiasm was there in 2012? It seemed a lot like a normal election year as far as excitement was concerned. I wouldn't be surprised if what we saw in 2012 is the new normal.
We'll get more information to see if this is right in the 2013 gubernatorial elections, in the 2014 Senate elections, and in the Democratic Primaries.
Instead of relying on traditional regular voters, Obama had to actually rely on new young voters, Black voters, and Hispanic voters. I'm sure many people in 2012 were first time voters; just like in 2008.
The older, over 30 voters, trended toward republican.
It was Obama's personality that convinced young people and black people to register to vote.
I'm not so sure that another Democrat can get the same high participation rates as Obama.
Generally, there is a pattern in which once someone votes once, they are much more likely to vote in the future. Obama has opened his party up to a large pool of potential voters.
