In Part 1, we introduced the concept of social capital, which refers to connections between people that generate trust, norms of reciprocity, and participation in civic life. In general, people that join groups and interact regularly in social networks are cooperative, obliging, and inclined to do things for others. We suggested this community-mindedness would beContinue reading “Social Capital and Social Distancing – Part 2”
Author Archives: Mark Joslyn
Social Capital and Social Distancing – Part 1
Post by Alexandra Middlewood and Mark Joslyn Professor Middlewood teaches American government, political behavior and gender politics at Wichita State University. She recently published a paper on Gun Ownership and Women’s Political Participation. In the classic, Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam described the decline of social capital in the United States. He defined social capital as, “…features ofContinue reading “Social Capital and Social Distancing – Part 1”
Gun Sales and Voter Choice – A Potential Connection?
Coronavirus fears have emptied supermarkets. Now, they are depleting gun stores. Gun buyers anticipate civil unrest caused by the extended health crisis and a looming economic collapse. Amid the uncertainty, they turn to guns. According to FBI figures, 3.7 million background checks were conducted last month, which translated to roughly 2 million guns sold. TheContinue reading “Gun Sales and Voter Choice – A Potential Connection?”
Loathing and Leadership
“As the president fiddles, people are dying. The president, his denial at the beginning, was deadly. The truth is a weak person, a poor leader, takes no responsibility. A weak person blames others.” Speaker of the House Pelosi commenting on President Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. “Crazy Nancy Pelosi, you are a weak person. Continue reading “Loathing and Leadership”
Obama and Trump. Different but Similar – Part 2
As demonstrated in the last post, the grip of partisan politics seemed to take hold of the Obama administration near the completion of his first year. Obama’s monthly approval ratings crept down toward 50%, and by years end dropped below majority support. That trend continued, and in the subsequent months Obama established several records forContinue reading “Obama and Trump. Different but Similar – Part 2”
Obama and Trump. Different but Similar – Part 1
Barack Obama, a youthful 47-year-old former constitutional law professor and community organizer, campaigned on hope and change, and in 2008 became the first African American elected president. His speeches were persuasive, eloquent and at times inspiring. Obama charmed audiences, large and small, and his demeanor projected poise and stability. His inauguration, held in the depthsContinue reading “Obama and Trump. Different but Similar – Part 1”
Trump Celebrates 49% Public Approval
In the final Gallup poll of March, President Trump’s public approval tied his previous high of 49% and improved 5-points from another Gallup survey fielded two weeks before. Trump quickly highlighted the achievement. He also touted a 60% public approval of his handling of the pandemic. And on twitter, Trump bragged about the lofty televisionContinue reading “Trump Celebrates 49% Public Approval”
From a “Do Nothing” to a “Can Do” Congress
Why does nothing happen in Congress? With legitimate frustration, people regularly ask me this question. It does seem we frequently have a “Do Nothing Congress”, a phrase made popular by Harry Truman during his successful 1948 campaign. In fact, observers noted late last year the lapses of the current Congress, distinguishing itself as oneContinue reading “From a “Do Nothing” to a “Can Do” Congress”
Will Americans Rally?
A mid-January 2020 Gallup poll showed President Trump’s approval rating at a personal best of 49 percent. Record high Republican (94%) and Independent (42%) support made it possible. By contrast, Democrat approval was a mere 7%. Obviously, the massive 87-point gap between Republican and Democratic approval received attention. In fact, the gap surpassed the previousContinue reading “Will Americans Rally?”
consider the politics 