Through pandemic, protests, and polarization, Americans went to the polls in 2020, one of the most contentious elections in American history. Continuing an R&L tradition now entering its fourth decade, Divided We Stand book provides the most comprehensive and authoritative account of the national election, as well as congressional and state elections. From the nominating process to the insurrection designed to stop the ratification of the electoral college vote, Andrew E. Busch and John J. Pitney Jr. revisit the campaigns and results through the short lens of politics today and the long lens of American political history. With its keen insights into the issues and events that drove the 2020 elections, Divided We Stand: The 2020 Elections and American Politics will be an invaluable resource for students and all political observers seeking to understand a historic election that will continue to resonate throughout American politics for many years to come.
Andrew E. Busch is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. John J. Pitney Jr. is professor of government at Claremont McKenna College.
Preface
Chapter 1: Disruptor, Disrupted: The Trump Presidency
Chapter 2: The Epic Journey of Joseph Robinette Biden: The Democratic Nomination
Chapter 3: Disease, Disorder, Downturn: The Interregnum
Chapter 4: Blue Over Red: The General Election
Chapter 5: The Imperfect Tie: The Congressional and State Elections
Chapter 6: A Republic, If You Can Keep It: Election Aftermath and the Future
Index
Divided We Stand is a marvel. I didn't think it was possible to stand above the fray and write a dispassionate, fair minded treatment of the elections, but Busch and Pitney have done it. They show a remarkable ability to present a comprehensive, shrewd, well written account of these troubled elections without descending into partisan rancor. It should be a staple of any course that deals with contemporary American politics.
Busch and Pitney deliver a superlative analysis of 2020's many political convulsions. Employing lucid prose, incisive explanations and impressive scholarly balance, the authors provide essential reading for those seeking a clear comprehension of America's tense and perplexing politics.
3/15/22, Real Clear Politics: Andrew Busch wrote a commentary about mail-in ballots and election legitimacy.
Link: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2022/03/15/mail_voting_and_election_legitimacy_147335.html
11/3/21, RealClearPolitics: Author Andrew Busch wrote a piece related to the book that discusses how to protect our institutions from partisanship.
Link: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2021/11/03/why_we_must_protect_key_institutions_from_partisanship_146676.html
9/24/21, RealClearPolitics: Andrew Busch wrote a commentary on the parallels between the recent events in Kabul and those in Saigon during the Vietnam War.
Link: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2021/09/24/consequences_of_failure_the_politics_of_saigon_and_kabul_146457.html
10/23/21, Public: Andrew Busch wrote an article about third parties and their potential impact on the 2024 election.
Link: https://public.uk.com/2021/10/23/can-third-parties-make-a-difference-in-2024/
11/4/21, Real Clear Politics: Andrew Busch wrote a commentary about the importance of keeping partisanship out of elections
11/28/21, Public: Andrew Busch wrote an article about the 2022 midterms.
Link: https://public.uk.com/2021/11/28/will-2022-midterms-be-the-next-great-crisis-backlash/