Gallup did a voter enthusiasm poll, and the results are either gorgeous or hideous, depending on how you look at them. Essentially, it goes like this:

• In 2004, Democratic voter enthusiasm was at 68% and Republican voter enthusiasm was at 51%. The GOP happened to win that election, sort-of kind of in a squeaker; then again, this poll is of adults, so you can expect a skew towards the Democrats.
• In 2008, the Democrats dropped to 61%… and the Republicans plummeted to 35%. The GOP proceeded to lose that election, and not in a squeaker. It was, in fact, almost a rout.
• And today, in 2012? The Democrats’ voter enthusiasm is 39%… while the Republicans are back to 51%.

Gallup didn’t want to say this, but I don’t mind doing it: yes, that means that the Democratic electorate may be talking up a good game right now … but if John Freaking Kerry was to walk into the room and take command right now a lot of that electorate might be breathing a sigh of relief. Folks were certainly happier to vote for him, back in the day…

Moe Lane (crosspost)

PS: In case you’re wondering; enthusiasm is probably going to pick up in the next few months… but enthusiasm is still lower overall when compared to 2004 and 2008. And note the use of the term ‘overall.’