Middle of the Road
Moderation – seems to be a dirty word in today’s politics. It was not always this way, think President Eisenhower.
Politics is for seniors
Politicians are getting older. Just how old and what does that mean for young voters.
Chart of the week ending 5/12/2023
Typically, the news media present comparisons of median household income between Whites and Blacks, or perhaps Whites and Hispanics. In general, racial comparisons dominate media coverage. While important, there are of course more than two groups that comprise our nation’s population. In fact, approximately 30% of the population is neither Black nor White. This chart,…
Promises Made, Promises Broken
Political compromises are an important feature of a well functioning political system. Our Constitution is in fact a series of compromises. But compromises require concessions and politicians often break promises in order to close the deal. This can be frustrating to voters but its crucial for agreements.
Strike three or ball four?
A ball or strike? Judges decide and they all possess ideological biases that determine the call.
Biden’s reelection campaign
Not many want him to run again, but Joe Biden will run again and like most incumbents will win the party’s nomination easily.
Independents or Partisan Leaners
Recent data show substantial increases in the share of people that identify as Independents. Is it real? Let’s take a look.
The Iron Law of Successive Elections
Will Democrats lose House seats? Of course, that’s never been in doubt. Read on and find out why a newly elected president nearly always loses House seats in midterm elections.
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…
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?
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
consider the politics 