Do election victories really give presidents a 'mandate'?

By Domenico Montanaro

Published December 19, 2024 at 4:15 AM EST

Presidents often claim their election victories give them a mandate. How true is that in this hyperpolarized era — when President-elect Trump didn't win 50% of the vote?

Domenico Montanaro

Domenico Montanaro is NPR's senior political editor/correspondent. Based in Washington, D.C., his work appears on air and online delivering analysis of the political climate in Washington and campaigns. He also helps edit political coverage.

See stories by Domenico Montanaro

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