In politics, plurality refers to a voting process in which the candidate with the most votes, whether or not they have a majority, is considered the victor. In the United States, elections for public office, including presidential elections, frequently employ this system. Although plurality may seem like a straightforward idea, it can significantly affect both the results of elections and the political environment as a whole.
Bill Clinton’s successful run for the presidency in 1992 is one famous instance of a presidential campaign that made use of a plurality system. “It’s the economy, stupid,” the campaign’s catchphrase, emphasized Clinton’s attention to economic issues and his proposals for boosting the economy. With 43% of the vote, Clinton won the popular vote against Ross Perot (18.9%) and George H.W. Bush (37.5%), whose message connected with voters.
The motto for Richard Nixon’s 1968 campaign, however, was “Nixon’s the One.” Nixon’s presidential campaign made much of his background and abilities as a leader, establishing him as the most qualified candidate. Despite receiving a majority of the popular vote in the end, Nixon’s win was not without controversy. His campaign was accused by many for employing divisive strategies, such as the infamous “Southern Strategy,” which aimed to win over white votes in the South by leveraging racial tensions.
There are benefits and drawbacks to using plurality in politics. On the one hand, it enables the selection of a clear winner without the requirement for a runoff election or other complex procedures. However, it can also result in circumstances where the victorious candidate does not receive a majority of the vote, which might undermine their legitimacy and capacity to govern successfully.
In general, knowing plurality is crucial to comprehending the political system and the results of elections. Whether using catchphrases like “It’s the economy, stupid” or “Nixon’s the One,” politicians must be able to successfully appeal to people and win the most votes in a plurality system.