Last month, I examined the exit-poll data to answer the question How did Joe Biden win the presidential election? I distilled six “hard truths” that help explain his victory. Drawing on those findings, I want to turn to a related question: What lessons does his victory hold for how he […] Read more »
Majority of Americans Blame Trump, White Supremacy for Capitol Riot
In the aftermath of the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol that was stoked by calls to fight to keep Donald Trump in office, 60% of Americans say that harsh and violent language in politics contributes “a lot” to violent actions in society. An additional 30% say it contributes […] Read more »
Trump’s American Carnage: Frank Luntz
Frank Luntz is a strategist and pollster who has worked on behalf of the Republican Party for nearly three decades. The following interview was conducted by FRONTLINE’s Jim Gilmore on Jan. 12, 2021. It has been edited for clarity and length. This interview is being published as part of FRONTLINE’s […] Read more »
The Big Questions Driving Politics in 2021
After all the tumult and twists and turns of 2020, it seems a bit risky, if not downright ridiculous, to speculate about the things that will drive our politics in the upcoming year. But, there are some issues that I think are going to play important, if not staring roles […] Read more »
Voters won’t believe that policies are good unless we treat them like consumers
… Everyday consumer experiences — the minutia of buying, thinking about buying and being asked to buy — are a constant of our lives. But their ordinariness does not preclude these experiences from having political consequences. On the contrary, their very status as commonplace activities makes them politically influential. What […] Read more »
The Anti-Semitism of Christian Nationalists Thanks to QAnon
Just over two weeks ago, ardent Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to stop the counting of the Electoral College votes and overturn the presidential election. A number of observers have combed through and identified the wide array of political symbols on display among Insurrectionists, including a large […] Read more »