What’s ‘Political Dysfunction’?

I know it when I see it.

Democrats Win Key Off-Year Elections

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

Two GOPs

A policy-leaning wing and a political-leaning wing make for an unworkable coalition.

A Different Democracy, Indeed

A trip through comparative democratic reform.

When Does Politics Stop Being Politics?

When we do it, it’s negotiation. When they do it, it’s hostage taking—and terrorism.

Yellen Again Rejects Trillion Dollar Coin

A silly workaround to an infuriating problem that won’t go away.

Omnibus Bill Has Everything But the Kitchen Sink

A 4155-page, $1.65 trillion dollar budget deal has been reached.

What’s the Pattern for Senate Seats in Mid-Terms?

Looking at past Senate elections and some more thoughts on historical patterns.

Biden Warns Democracy at Stake

Is the President governing like he means it?

Another Example of the Competition Narrative

Focusing just on a given election is missing the big picture.

We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Constitution

Is it time to call the whole thing off?

Learning From Joe Manchin

Has the frustrating process of securing his vote taught Democrats anything?

Build Back Better Than Nothing

Joe Manchin has come around on a pared back BBB, surprising just about everyone.

On Senate Reform

A proposal by Jamell Bouie

Independent State Legislature Theory

A theory floated in Bush v Gore could radically change American elections.

The Respect for Marriage Act Versus The Filibuster

Another example of why the filibuster needs to go.

Public Manchin, Private Manchin

One of these things is not like the other.

Democrats Even Madder at Manchin

The West Virginia Senator has pulled away the football yet again.

What’s the Plan, Man?

Another comment on the American presidency and its critics.

Abortion and the Filibuster

Assuming they had the votes, should Democrats carve out yet another exception?

White House Rudderless, Aimless, and Hopeless?

Some Democrats are less than pleased.

Democrats in Disarray, Abortion Edition

Here we go again . . . .

Bipartisan Senate Gun Control Talking Points

Calling it a “deal” is vastly over-selling it.

Replacing Biden in 2024?

From the Cliché File.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on Earth Day prior to signing an executive order strengthening the nation’s forests, resilience to extreme weather events, and local economies, Friday, April 22, 2022, at Seward Park in Seattle. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz) President Joe Biden delivers remarks on Earth Day prior to signing an executive order strengthening the nation’s forests, resilience to extreme weather events, and local economies, Friday, April 22, 2022, at Seward Park in Seattle. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)

The Messaging is Medium

The Democrats have lots of problems. Salesmanship is pretty far down the list.

photo of working, person, military, construction, cutting, team, helmet, build, labor, job, workers, laborer, task, construction worker, sledge hammer photo of working, person, military, construction, cutting, team, helmet, build, labor, job, workers, laborer, task, construction worker, sledge hammer

Why America Can’t Build

Are we too regulated for our own good?

America’s Gun Problem is Here to Stay

The obstacles to fixing the problem are many.

Democrats Don’t Control the Senate

Another day, another disappointment for the party’s legislative agenda.

No, Congress Won’t Create an Abortion Right

At least not right away. But it’s quite possible by 2040.

Supreme Court Overturning Roe (Probably)

POLITICO has obtained what purports to be the 1st draft of the opinion.

Orrin Hatch, 1934-2022

The longest-serving Republican Senator has died at the age of 88.

Supreme Court Confirmations and Political Polarization

The days of unanimous votes are long behind us.

The Senate is Passing Legislation!

Do you believe in miracles?

McConnell Criticizes RNC Censure over 1/6

Better than nothing, but still not enough.

A Modest Step on Voting Integrity

It’s Manchin-approved.

Which Black Woman Will Biden Appoint to the Supreme Court?

The 46th President will follow the lead of the 40th in making a historic appointment.

Stevie Wonder feeling the White House Bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr during a visit to the Oval Office in 2016 by White House Photographer Peter Souza. Stevie Wonder feeling the White House Bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr during a visit to the Oval Office in 2016 by White House Photographer Peter Souza.

In honor of MLK, some dubious tweets & a lesser-known speech

Once again, today marks a day where folks who would never have supported Dr. King decide they should praise him

1+1=3 1+1=3

Pence Likens Election Reform to Capitol Riots

It doesn’t add up.

Why isn’t Biden Magical?

Some pundits have high standards.

Stupid 2024 Fantasies II

Hillary Clinton edition.

2022 is a Midterm Year

In case anyone was wondering (and the GOP’s prospects are good).

Harry Reid, 1939-2021

The longtime Senate leader is gone at 82.

Christmas Eve Tabs

Gotta make space for all the new tabs that we are going to get for Christmas!

The Non-ending Joe Manchin Saga

Is the stalwart of Senate bipartisanship interested in governing?

Warren’s Argument for Court Packing

It’s not compelling.

The Politics of Abortion

What happens if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade?

Defense Bill Stalled Over Amendments

Every now and again, it’s not Mitch McConnell’s fault.

Gerrymandering State Legislatures

Representatives Choosing Their Voters Rather than Vice Versa, Chapter 412.

The House of “Representatives”

The erosion of representativeness continues.