Collision 2012: Obama vs. Romney and the Future of Elections in America

Balz (chief correspondent, Washington Post; coauthor, The Battle for America 2008) traces the 2012 Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns. He discusses the 2010 mid-term election results, which were disastrous for the Democrats, as well as the Democratic Party's resurrection in 2012, when it was able to cast itself as the responsible choice for the middle class, owing to the Obama reelection committee's reinvented message on spending cuts and modest tax increases. The section on the Republican Party begins with its response to the rise of the Tea Party. This internal realignment elevated aspiring leaders such as Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum, drawing media attention but resulting in a disjointed party message. Balz follows the Republican candidates and eventual nominee, Mitt Romney, through the primaries and general election. Unfortunately, he does not include any significant discussion of Ron Paul's impact on the campaign or the party's platform. The next section focuses on the general election, including discussion of the national conventions and running- mate selection process. The continuing Republican struggle with internal factions and strong dissenting views translated into an Obama victory. Throughout, Balz incorporates insights from past and present campaign organizers, political experts, and the candidates themselves.