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Election 2010: A Wild Ride from Start to Finish
October 5, 2010
One of Florida’s leading political analysts, Susan MacManus, shared her insights into the upcoming midterm elections, particularly the unusual nature of Florida’s Senate and Gubernatorial races.
MacManus regularly appears in the national press, including CNN, National Public Radio and The New York Times, and is known as one of the essential expert sources for journalists and others writing about politics in the Sunshine State. She has been a professor, author and columnist for more than two decades.
Currently serving as a distinguished professor at the University of South Florida, MacManus shared her thoughts and predictions about one of the most contentious election cycles in modern Florida’s history.
In addition to looking at leading state campaigns, MacManus also discussed national trends and hot-button issues, including the rise of the Tea Party movement, immigration and unemployment.
As in other states, independent voters in Florida will help decide if the Republicans take control of the House or the Senate away from President Barack Obama’s majority Democrats, according to MacManus.
“They have very different opinions,” MacManus said of independent voters in a recent interview. “It’s really hard to just say one size fits all.”
“Many younger voters have been taught that educated people don’t vote by party, they vote by the person,” MacManus said. “Others — immigrants didn’t grow up in a place where there were parties like we have — they can be a very diverse part.”