Reasons Behind The Change Of Asian American Votes In The 2012 American Presidential Election

20 years ago, Asian Americans were strong supporters of Republican Party, but now they fall into the arms of Democratic Party. What on earth have contributed this chang? This thesis is a study of Asian American votes in 2012 American general election. Based on data and materials collected from various resources, it tries to analyze Asian American votes. By comparing their party affiliation in the past and 2012 election, I find that they are no longer strong Republican supporters. Rather, they are more independent. What on earth that results in such a change? This is the question that will be addressed in the paper. The reasons are from three aspects. The first one is the presidential candidates. When analyzing their attitude towards some key issues, it is evident that they are more concerned whether the favorable policies can pass or not. Obviously, the immigration policy, the health care reform and the economic policies that Obama put forward can better fit the Asian Americans. The second reason is from Asian Americans themselves. Asian American organized groups and new immigration are two important factors. One the one hand, Asian American political groups have organized a series of act activities to mobilize Asian American voters to give their votes to the candidate that can meet their needs. On the other hand, new immigrants have totally changed the demographic characteristic of Asian Americans. Due to short residence in America and other factors, it is hard for them to form a stable partisanship. Instead, they care more about policies. The last one is from the two parties. The polarization between the two parties have alienated voters from their parties. Besides the lack of effort to cater to Asian American votes also leads to the change.