The 20 million voters who supported Ross Perot's 1992 run for the White House are a powerful and volatile bloc. And if the polls are correct, Perot could be an even stronger influence in 1996. The determined Perot faithful have the desire and the clout to effect significant changes in the American political system. But what do we know about these millions of voters who have invested so many of their hopes and dreams in a colorful Texas billionaire whose campaign was limited to infomercials, books, and high-toned political debate? Do the Perot voters demonstrate any specific political, social, economic, educational, professional, religious, or geographic characteristics Are there gender, age or ethnic features that describe Perot's ground-swell of support?
Here is the first serious analysis of Perot voters and their impact on the future of American politics. Albert J Menendez draws on county voting data in every state, precinct data in select locales, and exit polling conducted on Election Day to reveal the widespread appeal of Perot's message. No other third-party candidate has tapped the wells of disaffection on both the right and the left, or has so effectively garnered the support of such diverse constituencies. This in-depth look at the Perot power base provides important insights into the depth of his appeal and what it means for the political future of America.
ALBERT J. MENENDEZ, a statistician formerly employed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the associate director of Americans for Religious Liberty and the author of many books, including Visions of Reality: What Fundamentalist Schools Teach and The December Wars: Religious Symbols and Ceremonies in the Public Square.
277 pages
ISBN 1-57392-044-4