Obama's Setback?

" Republicans fighting an uphill battle since President Obama swept into office along with majorities in the house and senate but after last -- Republicans a feeling a bit of relief. The GOP winning key victories in New Jersey and Virginia taking the governor's seats from the Democrats there. Presidential historian Larry 70 -- director of the center for politics at the University of Virginia. Larry you know you talk a lot I listen to -- he -- a lot about the independents and how they always shift elections. This -- the independents what big a -- put this up on the screen if I can't. Look at what happened right there in Virginia 66%. Of independents for Bob -- McDonald. Any New Jersey. Look at how that turned out for Chris Christie 60%. That is a major swing from 2008."

" Absolutely and you know the seasons change attorneys think they do in the weather and they do in politics. And that's a good thing you know people lives including partisans by the way they also shift a bit over time. At least in terms of whether they're likely to turn out or not. Yesterday we saw Republican Party -- get -- fires turn out in very large numbers. In Virginia for example it was one of the largest and most Republican dominated electorates in the modern State's history. So that's part of it I think also why independents do like the idea of checks and balances they don't want one party. To control everything everywhere that's given -- that's kind of a principle given. Two is passed down to us from the founders you know talk about the trends -- because I looked into this whole thing ended to the things that really stood out to me one that young people didn't turn out. And -- that non college graduates. Unlike 2008. Really voted for Republicans. Yes you all the non college graduates have been pretty steady. In their support from Republicans over the years by different margins I think you put your finger on something important though about young people. I'm wondering now looking back 2008 -- the young we're truly identifying with the Democratic Party were they Democrats. I or were they Obama crafts that is where they simply attracted to the persona. Of Barack Obama in 2008. And goodness knows they dropped drastically. In Virginia again they went from twenty some percent of the electorate to only can't. Yesterday. I have -- you know on the -- right I -- students and I love them dearly. But many albums -- said to me this year we you know I voted for president last year that was important this is just governor. I just I disagree with that that's what they say and I -- know why does this -- all day this does not reflect. This public opinion on the president's agenda. Very quickly Larry do you buy that. All it's certainly affects the the president's agenda and reflects on. Look Obama was a factor in both Virginia and New Jersey anyone who denies that I think he's putting their head in the sand. They -- good good nights and bad election -- for both parties last night was a bad night for Democrats in the White House period full stop. -- seven and give Larry good to see it."