The nature of American politics 29Table 2.1 The 2004 presidential election
Per cent of votes cast
Bush KerryAll 50.73 48.27
Family income
Less than $15,000 36 63
$15–30,000 42 57
$30–50,000 49 50
$50–75,000 56 43
$75–100,000 57 42
Over $100,000 58 41
Ethnicity
Blacks 11 88
Hispanics 44 53
Asians 44 56
Whites 58 41
Race and gender
Black females 10 90
Black males 13 86
White females 55 44
White males 62 37
Religion
Jewish 25 74
Catholic 52 47
Evangelical 78 21
Church attendance
Never attend 36 62
Attend occasionally 47 53
Attend weekly 61 39
Note
Figures do not necessarily add to 100 because of votes cast for other candidates including
Ralph Nader.
Source: NBC/National Election Pool.
1930s established a distinct relationship between class and party allegiance,
though one that was subject to considerable variation from election to elec-
tion. Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal policies turned the Democratic Party
into the champion of the working man. A majority of manual workers voted
for the Democrats throughout this period and, with the exception of the elec-