Breakdown:
1. A Pivotal Year: 1964
- Key Idea: The 1964 election was the last time the majority of white voters supported a Democratic presidential candidate.
- Explanation:
- Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat, won against Barry Goldwater, but this marked a turning point in American electoral politics.
- This shift suggests a profound and lasting realignment in white voter preferences, which persists to this day.
2. The Catalyst: The Voting Rights Act of 1965
- Key Idea: The “sin” of the Democratic Party that alienated white voters was their support for the Voting Rights Act.
- Explanation:
- The act sought to end systemic voter suppression of Black Americans, particularly in the South.
- Many white voters perceived this as a direct challenge to racial hierarchies and their political dominance.
3. Racism as a Driving Force
- Key Idea: The abandonment of the Democratic Party by white voters highlights the role of racism in shaping political loyalties.
- Explanation:
- The move away from the Democrats was not about economic policy or broader ideology but about preserving racial privilege.
- The Southern Strategy, employed by the Republican Party, capitalized on this racial resentment to realign white voters.
4. Historical Blind Spot
- Key Idea: Despite its significance, this moment is often overlooked in high school curricula and mainstream historical narratives.
- Explanation:
- A lack of education on this issue has left many unaware of the racial dynamics underpinning modern political alignments.
- This omission perpetuates ignorance about the systemic racism that continues to influence U.S. politics.
5. The Impact on Modern Voting Trends
- Key Idea: The racialized split in voter alignment has shaped every election since.
- Explanation:
- For 60 years, no Democratic presidential candidate has won the majority of white votes.
- Racial resentment remains a potent force in voter behavior and political strategy, influencing policies and discourse.
Conclusion:
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 marked a moral victory for civil rights but triggered a seismic political realignment driven by white backlash. Understanding this history is essential to comprehending modern American politics and the enduring role of race in shaping electoral dynamics. This is a fact that should be common knowledge—but for many, it remains a revelation.