How Democrats have mastered modern elections

Technology and tactics have changed dramatically since Lincoln was training Whig Party leaders, though his strategy for winning elections still applies today.  It’s a timeless roadmap: identify your voters; work on undecideds to grow your voter bloc; and then, get out the vote (GOTV).

Yet beyond technology, the emphasis is very different from Lincoln’s time. Democrats have altered the strategy – and therefore their tactics. Meanwhile, for the GOP, Trump on the ballot seems to be the only counterbalance.