Elections: Engines of government power
We typically consider elections as accountability devices, the time when people can rebuke those in power and replace them with someone else. The people ultimately decide. Less understood, elections are important instruments of government power and authority. In fact the chief reason elections exist at all is because they benefit governments. This interpretation allows us to think more clearly about the role of democratic institutions and citizen participation.
Securing the right to vote – it’s not about protest, equity, and fairness. It’s about War.
Typically we think about the right to vote as something won – something gained through protest and persistent pressure on government. Turns out, that is only a small part of the story. This post details the rest of the story.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill – it’s not really bipartisan!
It’s been called bipartisan for months. It now law. But is it really bipartisan?
An Electoral Majority is not a Governing Majority
Our political system deliberately prevents electoral majorities from dominating government. Is this democracy?
What is Government?
What is government? The answer can clarify how we see political affairs.
The target is now unvaccinated Americans
Biden calls for mandates and blames the unvaccinated minority. Sharp rhetoric, bold actions but politically risky.
Lots of shouting but Democrats (like Republicans) will keep the filibuster
Will Democrats eliminate the filibuster? No. And neither will Republicans. But, filibuster politics does demonstrate the old maxim, “where you sit is where you stand”
Two studies: One on COVID-19 Misinformation. The Other on News Media Coverage of COVID-19
Two recent studies that offer intriguing data on political misinformation
The COVID-19 future
Past measles outbreaks offer guide about our COVID-19 future.
Mass shootings involving political figures
After mass shooting involving members of congress, many people attributed blame to heated partisan rhetoric. Why? Does it matter?
Get on board
The message is clear: Get vaccinated! The data are clear as well. Most people are on board.
As the pandemic hit, most Americans were willing to get vaccinated – then politics happened
Yes, American’s willingness to get vaccinated changed a lot over the past 12 months. See why.
Should we get rid of it? Thoughts on the Electoral College – Part 2
Support for the Electoral College and the popular vote hinge on election outcomes not democratic values.
Should we get rid of it? Thoughts on the Electoral College
Eliminate the College or not? Better the devil we know than the one we don’t.
Considering President Biden’s first job approval rating
Biden’s first job approval ratings offer several interpretations. Which do you prefer?
Beyond the Electoral College
Guest blogger, Paul Schumaker outlines an inventive and compelling alternative to the Electoral College.
With Victory, Biden Claims Mandate – Part 2
In part 2, the analyses moves to House, Senate and state electoral contests. What are the margins? Which party has the advantage? Does a mandate claim make sense?
With Victory, Biden Claims a Mandate
Soon after victory, Joe Biden claimed a mandate for his policies. Winners seem to always do this – claim a mandate. But, is it justified?
Judicial Confirmations and the Senate Majority
Lessons from Amy Coney Barrett confirmation
The pathways to the Presidency and control of the Senate
Check out this elections spreadsheet calculator to examine the different pathways to an Electoral College victory.
Americans are buying more guns than ever before and the gun-owner vote is still ignored.
The run on guns is historic and not a word about it in the news media. The gun owner vote must not matter, right? Look at the evidence and draw your own conclusions.
Four surprising data points to consider as we head down the stretch
Let’s consider several data points not well publicized but could be important in the final weeks.
Spotting Fake News: A Tool Kit
Guest blogger, Ben Rogers from Norfolk State University – and KU PhD, provides a Tool Kit to spot Fake News.
Keys to White House
Allan Lichtman’s Keys to the White House Prediction Model. Since 1984, he’s got it right every time. What does he say for 2020?
The Fundamentals say Biden
What are the fundamentals and why do they favor Biden?
A month to go and the winner is?
With a month to go, see which candidate analysts predict will win the presidential contest and the Senate.
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