Lately, I have read and watched a surprising number of Democratic elites – politicians, pollsters, pundits and media folk – confidently promise victory. The narrative goes something like this. November marks the end of Donald Trump’s four-year reign. Joe Biden needs only to select a running mate, receive formal nomination, and run aContinue reading “Victory in November?”
Author Archives: Mark Joslyn
The Impact of Age
Last week, Florida released a comprehensive report that summarizes many key Covid-19 statistics – including the number of hospitalizations.[i] Since the beginning of the pandemic, state hospitalization figures have been difficult to locate – some do not release the numbers. Let’s take a look at some of the key findings from Florida. FloridaContinue reading “The Impact of Age”
Is There A Silent Majority?
In the late 1960s, President Nixon popularized the term silent majority. Nixon defined the silent majority as mainstream Americans who did not join protests against the Vietnam War nor participate in public discourse. Preoccupied with a vocal minority, the news media overlooked the silent majority. President Trump believes there is a silent majority asContinue reading “Is There A Silent Majority?”
The Democrats are United
In the last post, analyses of presidential approval ratings revealed two Republican factions. A large group that strongly approved of President Trump and a smaller group that offered moderate support. What about the Democratic Party. Are they united? Or, are there divisions that Republicans could exploit? Disapproval of Trump Recall the presidential approval question: “DoContinue reading “The Democrats are United”
Republican Approval of Trump: Not as High as You Think
President Trump often celebrates extraordinary high approval ratings from Republicans. Just this week, Trump wrote, “96% approval rating in the Republican Party. Thank you!” Political analysts attribute the high approval to Trump’s laser-like focus on the Republican base. Over the past 3 and half years, Trump advanced business friendly deregulation policies, significant tax-cuts, appointment ofContinue reading “Republican Approval of Trump: Not as High as You Think”
Will protestors vote?
After witnessing several weeks of protests – and sometimes violent clashes with police, I am curious whether that energy translates into votes. Most protestors are in their late teens and 20s, an age that typically does not show well on Election Day. Will summer protests deliver young voters in November? Young protesters vote TheContinue reading “Will protestors vote?”
Joe Biden’s Dilemma
Will Joe Biden side with the surging progressive wing of his Party? Or, will he follow the moderate course of recent Democratic nominees? He promised to decide by early August. How to select a VP Research shows nominees balance the ticket. They look for a running mate that unifies the party and boosts chancesContinue reading “Joe Biden’s Dilemma”
George Floyd’s death – an isolated incident or sign of broader problems?
It happened yet again. Captured on video, the killing of another African American man at the hands of police. The fatal encounter sparked waves of protest and violence across American cities. While a majority of Americans support on-going protests, partisan disagreement lingers over the extent of the problem. Are deaths the result of isolated actionsContinue reading “George Floyd’s death – an isolated incident or sign of broader problems?”
A Delicate Balance – Individualism and Government Power – Part 2
At the start of the pandemic, the strong hand of government eliminated social and economic freedoms, striking a new balance between individualism and government power. Today, as social and economic activity restarts, partisan tensions reappear and are growing. This signals a return of individaulism. Can the individualistic spirit thrive in this new enviornment? Can itContinue reading “A Delicate Balance – Individualism and Government Power – Part 2”
A Delicate Balance – Individualism and Government Power
A Delicate Balance – Individualism and Government Power The coronavirus pandemic exposes the delicate balance between individual liberties and government power. At the onset, when government officials pursued policies that prioritized public health – lockdowns and social distancing – the public complied. After all, the severity of the disease was unknown. And footage from ChinaContinue reading “A Delicate Balance – Individualism and Government Power”
