Just some numbers to think about

I have no idea if they matter, but I thought I would look at the total vote of the Liberals and NDP and the gap between the two parties.

• Election Lib+NDP   Lib-NDP
• 2008     44.44       8.08
• 2006     47.71      12.75
• 2004     52.41      21.05
• 2000     49.36      32.34
• 1997     49.51      27.41
• 1993     48.12      34.36
• 1988     52.30      11.54
• 1984     46.83       9.21
• 1980     64.11      24.57
• 1979     57.99      22.23
• 1974     58.59      27.71
• 1972     56.25      20.59
• 1968     62.33      28.41
• 1965     58.09      22.27
• 1963     54.76      28.28
• 1962     50.54      23.40 NDP ran in 218 of 265 seats

Before the 1962 election the CCF did not run full slates.

So what trends can I see?

• From Diefenbaker to Mulroney the Liberals lead the NDP by at least 20 points and the two combined topped 50% in each election and 60% twice
• Since the 1984 election, the two elections where the combined NDP and Liberal vote exceeded 50% were in 1988, the best result in seats for the NDP, and 2004 when Jack Layton dramatically increased the NDP vote.
• The margin between in the Liberals and NDP was smallest in 1984, 1988, 2006, and 2008.  All of them elections won by the Conservatives.
• In 16 elections, Three of the six closest results between the NDP and Liberals have been since Jack Layton has been leader.  
• In 16 elections, three of the five widest margins between the Liberals and NDP were during the interregnum between Broadbent and Layton

So what does this all say to me?  I am not sure yet, thoughts, comments?