Democrats and Republicans in 2008--primary and caucus results
See below for maps of the primary and caucus results for both major parties from 1972 to 2008.
PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES:
ELECTION MAPS
This site presents maps of the primary and caucus results for the two major parties 1972-2008. Other sites cover the national elections well, but the primaries and caucuses often present an interesting story in their own right--they're not just over in one night, but are a series of contests allowing multiple campaigns to plot strategy and try to claim momentum. I got interested in the process as a grade-schooler in 1984 due to this "horse-race" aspect of the contest. Back then the maps were on posterboard; for each year I also wrote each campaign HQ, no matter how obscure, for a button (and got on some strange mailing lists in the process). 2004 was the first internet-based running commentary.
The map colors are based on primary and caucus results. Primary vote totals are often reported but except for the Iowa contest most caucus results are hard to find, and sometimes there are several stages in the delegate selection process or even a caucus AND a 'beauty contest' primary. The maps are based on the initial results from when the contest was most competitive. Sometimes a map will be useful in showing the regional strengths and weaknesses of candidates, other times only how hotly contested the nomination was in its first stages. Often by the conventions the obvious frontrunner gains delegates from states that were at first hotly contested. Not every state is of equal importance to the process, as the citizens of Iowa and New Hampshire know (look at those states first).
There is a brief text summary with each map, just to give a play-by-play of the action. These are very cynical and sometimes sarcastic so be warned: I have a lot of fun watching my country's elections but also consider the whole process to be one of natural selection not for intelligence or wise judgment, but for the ability to manipulate the public and media image of the candidate and his opponents. The major political parties are machines for power, nothing more (minor parties that try to come up with original ideas are ignored or crushed by the alliance of Republicans and Democrats). Others complain the media spends more time on the "horse-race" than the issues during the primary season, but since anyone with a TV could probably predict 90% of what a major-party candidate will say, the public perception of candidates and their 'momentum' and ability to appear 'presidential' is a valid focus for the news reporters (who, like physicists, influence the process they are trying to measure).
So, as we wait four years (probably more like two) for the start of the next presidential primary season, enjoy remembering the recent contests with colorful maps!
LINKS (Note: some are 2004 links or historical)
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