The road to demokarathy. The best of American elections

Stories from the u.s. election

1800 Election: Transition of Power

The 1800 election marked the first peaceful transition of power in the new republic. Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams in a tense race that ended in a dispute over vote-counting rules. This event set a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power, which is a cornerstone of American democracy.

1828 Election: Birth of "People's" Democracy

Andrew Jackson, nicknamed "Old Hickory," symbolized a shift from elitist politics to a more democratic approach when he was elected president in 1828. His campaign attracted broad sections of the population, especially the working class and farmers, making it the first to actively use political rallies and the press for campaigning.

1860 Election: Abraham Lincoln and the Preservation of the Union

The 1860 election was decisive for the United States. Abraham Lincoln, running for the Republican Party, opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories. His victory led to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War but also laid the groundwork for the abolition of slavery and the nation's reconstruction.

1896 Election: "Gold Standard" vs. "Silver"

William Jennings Bryan, a young Democrat, advocated for the use of silver alongside gold as currency backing, which attracted farmers and workers. His famous "Cross of Gold" speech became a classic in American political rhetoric, although he lost to William McKinley, who supported the gold standard.

1912 Election: Progressivism on the Rise

Teddy Roosevelt, after an unsuccessful attempt to win the Republican nomination, formed the Progressive Party, or the "Bull Moose Party," and ran for president. His vigorous campaign, despite his defeat, raised issues of reform, including social justice and business regulation.

1932 Election: The Great Depression and FDR

Franklin D. Roosevelt made the 1932 election notable by proposing the "New Deal" in response to the Great Depression. His victory over Herbert Hoover marked the beginning of a new era in economic policy and social welfare, fundamentally changing the role of government in the daily lives of Americans.

1948 Election: Truman's Miracle

Harry Truman, seemingly without a chance against Thomas Dewey, who many considered the inevitable winner, conducted one of the most energetic campaigns in history, traveling across the country by train and speaking to thousands. His victory became one of the greatest surprises in American politics.

1960 Election: Television Debates

The 1960 election was the first where television played a pivotal role. The debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon are remembered not just for their content but for the appearance of the candidates. Kennedy, looking fresh and polished, was perceived by many as having won the debates over Nixon, who, despite a good radio performance, looked tired and in need of a shave. These debates demonstrated how crucial the visual aspect is in modern politics.

1964 Election: LBJ and the "Great Society"

After Kennedy's assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson continued his policies and won the election with a huge margin, promising to create a "Great Society." These elections led to significant social reforms, including the fight against poverty and racial inequality.

1980 Election: Reaganomics

Ronald Reagan won the election by proposing reforms known as "Reaganomics." His victory marked a shift in policy towards conservatism, tax cuts, and economic deregulation, which became a pivotal moment in American economic history.

1992 Election: Bill Clinton and "The Economy, Stupid!"

Clinton used the issue of the economy to defeat incumbent president George H.W. Bush. His campaign focused on the slogan "The Economy, Stupid!", reminding voters of the importance of domestic issues.

2000 Election: The Florida Crisis

The 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush is remembered for the disputed results in Florida, where the vote margin was minimal. The intervention by the U.S. Supreme Court, which halted the recount, determined Bush's win. This moment underscored the importance of every vote and the complexity of the electoral system.

2004 Election: The Iraq War and "Swing States"

George W. Bush defeated John Kerry in a contentious election where significant attention was given to the influence of the Iraq War. The election demonstrated the importance of "swing states" (states with undecided electorates), especially Ohio, in determining the winner.

2008 Election: Obama and Hope for Change

Barack Obama became the first African American president, which was itself a historic moment. His campaign with the slogans "Hope" and "Change" inspired millions of Americans, especially the youth, to vote. The 2008 election showed that America is capable of choosing leaders who reflect its ethnic and cultural diversity.

2020 Election: Pandemic and Mail-in Voting

The 2020 election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump took place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an unprecedented increase in mail-in and early voting. These elections highlighted the flexibility of the American electoral system in adapting to extraordinary circumstances, as well as demonstrated the importance of voting accessibility for all citizens.

About the Latest Election

Trump and Musk's Dance:

One of the standout memes was a video where Donald Trump and Elon Musk supposedly dance together. Although it was a montage from various sources, it became a symbol of unexpected alliances and the entertainment side of the elections. The video quickly spread across social media, eliciting both laughter and discussions about how politics and pop culture intersect.

Garbage Trump:

A meme emerged online featuring an image of Trump's portrait on garbage bins with the caption "Time to throw out the trash." This meme reflected some negative sentiments towards the candidate but also exemplified how memes can influence perceptions of politicians.

Disappearing Harris:

After Biden withdrew from the race, Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate, and a meme appeared on social media where Harris "disappears" from photos with Biden, symbolizing the unexpected shift in electoral dynamics. This meme played on the theme of "where has Harris gone?" and her less visible role before her official nomination.

Zoomers' Signatures:

There were jokes about many young Americans not knowing how to sign their names or their signatures not matching the registration, supposedly leading to invalid votes. While an exaggeration, it mocked the bureaucratic aspects of the U.S. electoral system.

"Fuck You" at the Polling Station:

A story about a woman who, when asked to remove a t-shirt featuring Trump at a polling place, responded with "Fuck you," took off her shirt, and voted in her bra, became a symbol of protest against expression restrictions. This incident, although met with mixed reactions, highlighted the emotional tension of the elections.

"Why Didn't You Leave Sooner, Old Man?"

After Harris was nominated instead of Biden, memes often featured phrases playing on Biden's age and his decision not to run, underscoring the element of surprise and comedy in the political scene.

Comments on X about the Elections:

Posts on X (formerly Twitter) were full of sarcasm and humor. Some joked that Trump won "despite being supposed to be in jail," others discussed how vote counting had turned into a show, while some commented on the elections from the perspective of global implications, making jokes that "U.S. elections are a new kind of sport."

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