The 2024 presidential election reflected a major swing towards Republican leaders and right-wing political values. Professor of Government at Hamilton College Philip Klinkner argues that this is not the first time Americans have shifted toward one political party’s values, and he points to past elections to show that American politics tend to zig-zag.

“It’s easy to overstate the enduring impact of an election,” Klinkner said. “Unforeseen events arise that alter the political landscape in unpredictable ways. The party in power often makes mistakes. New candidates emerge to energize and inspire the defeated party.”