The 14th Amendment, Section 3

Trump betrayed his oath. That should disqualify him from office. That’s the whole point of section 3 of the 14th.

New York Gerrymander May Be Back

A never-ending saga of politicians choosing their voters.

Thoughts on the US Presidential Primary System

The system isn’t very good.

The Last of the Young Guns

We won’t have Kevin to kick around any more.

Trump Can Be Sued for Capitol Riots

So says a unanimous DC Circuit Court of Appeals panel.

On the Median Voter

A David Brooks column inspires some thoughts.

What’s ‘Political Dysfunction’?

I know it when I see it.

A Few Thoughts on the Election and Poll Interpretation

And, not surprisingly, about parties.

Democrats Win Key Off-Year Elections

Abortion, an unrepresentative electorate, and candidate idiosyncracy ruled the off-off-year election.

One Year Out

Looking ahead to November 5, 2024

Ancient Tabs

These have been hanging around for a while.

Politics as Sport

The game is the game.

California’s Next Senator Lives in Maryland!

A mere technicality?

A Different Democracy, Indeed

A trip through comparative democratic reform.

(Last) Sunday’s Discussion Question Revisited

Wherein I finally reveal my answer (spoiler: it is hardly surprising). And, also, wherein despite the goal of brevity, I fail at that goal.

Trump Indicted in Georgia

This makes four.

America’s Forgotten Empire

Our Pacific territories are giving more than they’re getting.

Could Trump Really Be President Again?

It’s not nearly as far-fetched as most of us would like to believe.

The Town Without Elections

Inter-generational power is a thing.

Some Electoral College Thoughts

It really is rife with problems.

Fear of a Third Party

The Electoral College is holding a nation of millions back.

Independent State Legislature Theory Loses in SCOTUS

Good news with a cautionary note.

How Serious of a Threat is a No Labels Candidate?

The panic continues. Is it warranted?

What If Trump is Convicted But Re-Elected?

An extremely unlikely scenario.

Trump, Hamilton, and the Electoral College

Don’t blame the primary author of The Federalist for our current mess.

Unrepresentative Democracy and Child Labor

We’re getting weird policies almost nobody is asking for.

The Theory of the Case Against Trump

Legal analysts are skeptical.

Never Trumpers Never Win

Being against something just isn’t enough.

Another Reason to Dislike the Electoral College

“Red States” and “Blue State”

Trump Remains Odds-On Favorite for 2024 Republican Nomination

As tired as we may be of him, his nominating electorate appears ready for another round.

Weak Parties, Part Gazillion

“The GOP” is not a singular unit.

Pence Subpoenaed by Trump Special Counsel

An aggressive but expected move.

On Polling and Media Narratives

Some thoughts on polling and the news since 2016.

The Chaos is the Point

The anti-McCarthy holdouts have no end game.

Election Reform Through the Back Door

Electoral Count Act reforms are “hidden” in the bipartisan budget bill.

Trump Committed Four Crimes, Say January 6 Committee

The ball is now in Merrick Garland’s court.

Trump Facing Multiple Criminal Charges

The January 6 Committee is expected to make a minimum of three referrals.

What Now for Stacey Abrams’ Model?

Her emphasis on turnout has helped other Democrats but she’s a two-time loser.

Rehnquist and the ‘Independent State Legislature’ Theory

The late Chief Justice was right; his successors are wrong.

Minority Rule Isn’t a Myth

The will of the majority can prevail even in a skewed system.

The Tip O’Neill Era and Why Governing was Easier

A reminder of how things (specifically the party system as a whole) have changed.

Red and Blue States Aren’t Permanent

The margins for 2024 are likely to be slim. But that hides a larger story.

Marginal Differences Magnify Individual Races

We used to (usually) know the results on Election Night because the outcomes were clearer.

Democrats Outperform Expectations

The Needle is Broken

Biden Warns Democracy at Stake

Is the President governing like he means it?

Imagining a Stolen 2024 Election

It’s easy if you try.

Why Not Direct Democracy?

Would bypassing politicians altogether make the system more just?

Fear and Resentment of a Changing America

A revealing comparison of Republican districts that deny and don’t deny the 2020 outcome.

A Basic Theory of Voting Behavior

And a reminder of the role of political parties.