Some Thoughts on Americans Elect, Polarization and Gridlock
In January I was invited to speak at a roundtable hosted by Americans Elect–a nonpartisan presidential nominating organization. As you may know, Americans Elect (AE) has garnered quite a bit of… Read More
Reforming Polarization and Gridlock: Series on Congressional Reform
For someone who studies congressional development, the past couple years have been frustrating. Many people with noble intentions proposed reforms to remedy our dysfunctional Congress. However, these discussions have almost universally… Read More
Institutional Advancement: Do Dan Boren’s Claims Add Up?
Politico published an insightful article yesterday provocatively titled “Members of Congress: This Job Sucks.” Much of the article centers on and interview with Oklahoma Representative Dan Boren (D). Boren is retiring… Read More
How Air-Conditioning increased Polarization
John Farrell has a take on polarization in the National Journal. It’s a really interesting read and I recommend it, particularly if you are interested in the electoral forces… Read More
Left and Right are Still Important: The Flux of National Debate
Ezra Klein is frustrated with the fluctuation in party positions. His most damaging critique of this dynamic: “Parties — particularly when they’re in the minority — care more about power… Read More
Rick Santorum’s Measurement Problem: The Religious Left
As our national dialogue pivots from jobs and deficits toward religion, birth control and politics, Rick Santorum has positioned himself at the center of said debate. His claim that Obama’s… Read More
Congratulations to Josh and Nate!
I wanted to take a moment for a little Rule 22 self-promotion. Congratulations are in order for a supermajority of this blog. Last week, Josh was awarded the American Political… Read More
Paul Krugman and Congressional Polarization
In Friday’s The New York Times, Paul Krugman addressed what he sees as the disconnect between Republican rhetoric about the welfare state and the distribution of welfare benefits in… Read More
Quick Hit: Highlights from the Blogosphere
If you were suspicious of the claim that 98% of Catholic women used birth control, it turns out you had good reason. Lydia McGrew breaks down the study Democrats used… Read More
Polarization on Obama
Gallup reported this morning that Obama’s ratings are historically polarized. In the 60 years gallup has measured presidents’ approval and disapproval, Obama has received consistently higher approval… Read More