South Carolina Democrats are winning the "enthusiasm gap"

By Lee Bandy
SouthCarolina Insider

(3/23/08)South Carolina Democrats are on a high.

For the first time in years, they are winning the “enthusiasm gap” between Democratic and Republican voters in this year’s presidential campaign.

The gap manifested itself in the state’s Democratic presidential primary which was won handily by U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois against U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.

Since then, Republicans have been forced to sit on the sidelines and play second fiddle to their political adversaries. No one, including the media, seems to be all that interested in the GOP’s chances.

Democrats, meanwhile, have won the “bragging rights” in the state for 2008, outdistancing Republicans in almost every category.

The gap is evident in polling data, crowds at campaign rallies, voter turnout and campaign contributions.

Official surveys showed an overwhelming number of primary voters more enthusiastic about voting for a Democrat this year than in any previous presidential election.

Voters showed less interest in Republican candidates.

Since Day One, S.C. Democrats have replaced Republicans on the front pages of the state newspapers.

Look at the results of the two primaries.

On Jan. 26, Democrats had a record turnout in South Carolina, a solidly red state. Over 530,000 voters chose to participate in that primary election.

In the week prior to that, 431,196 voters chose to cast ballots in the Republican primary.

The Democratic advantage in turnout represents a big change from the 2000 presidential primaries, the last time both parties had competitive nomination races, noted Emory University political scientist Alan Abramowitz, in an article written for the Crystal Ball, a political newsletter published by the University of Virginia.

Normally, when Republicans and Democrats have competing primaries in the South, Republicans win the bragging rights.

But not this time.

South Carolina Democrats proved that with the right candidates and a boatload of money, they could alter the political landscape in the state.

The leading Democratic candidates raised far more money from individual contributors than their GOP counterparts.

Like the Democratic advantage in primary turnout, the Democratic advantage in fund-raising represents a reversal of the situation that existed during the 2000 presidential campaigns.

The enthusiasm gap between the parties is real and important, said Abramowitz.

Much of it can be attributed to the quality of the candidates offering for office.

Let’s face it. The Republicans were not enthused about any of their candidates. None produced any real excitement.

The Democrats’ enthusiasm advantage is quite visible. They are upbeat.. They won’t carry South Carolina. They know that. But their joyful demeanor contrasts sharply with the down-in-the-mouth Republicans who aren’t happy with their choice.

“The historic level of interest and enthusiasm we’ve seen here in South Carolina is consistent with what our party is experiencing all over the country,” says Carol Khare Fowler, state Democratic chairwoman.

“The message voters are sending is clear - they’re energized and ready to work hard to put a Democratic in the White House.”

Since the Jan. 26 primary, the S.C. Democratic Party has received hundreds of phone calls and email from Democrats who want to get involved.

Republicans are downcast. They know their presumptive nominee, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, will win South Carolina regardless of the Democratic candidate.

But the White House?

It’s not in the cards this year.