Partisan voting is back. It is fed by new issues that fall on the left/right ideological continuum. These are likely to be social, religious and racial issues. This trend has led to an increase in rationalization and, therefore, a weakening role for retrospection. Voters are less willing to vote based on past performance but more willing to offer evaluations that, even if untrue, rationalize their partisan predispositions and vote choices.

This is one of my three dissertation papers. It is the basis of my job talk. Any thoughts, citations, etc. are appreciated.