One thing I've noticed re: the US midterms is how well a number of African American Democratic caandidates are doing, including in very white districts. For example, Illinois 14: nytimes.com/interactive/20…
I wonder if there is an anti-prejudice norm effect here. My colleagues @ScottBlinder , Elisabeth Ivarsflaten and I have found that many white voters are strongly motivated to demonstrate a commitment to oppose prejudice. Backing a black candidate is a good way to do that
@ScottBlinder Of course, its not the only factor in play, but I do wonder if the very divisive context of the Trump presidency might make this motivation more powerful, as a way to push back or take a stand against a perceived rise in intolerance and division
@ScottBlinder It will be interesting to dig through the results after next Tuesday and see if there was particularly high college educated and/or young white voter turnout in places where a black Democrat was on the ballot. Might point to an anti-racism norm effect.
