Many of us are wondering if this last year — one of the most tumultuous and consequential in American history — and the last four years of constant political turmoil were ‘outliers’ or if they represent the new normal. A challenge for those of us who have covered politics for […] Read more »
Virginia and New Jersey Governors 2021: A First Look
Key Points• Virginia Democrats are trying to win three consecutive gubernatorial races, a feat the party has not accomplished since the 1980s.• Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) is the favorite for his state’s Democratic nomination, though he faces a diverse field.• In a move that’s ruffled some feathers on their […] Read more »
McLaughlin Poll Shows Democratic Party Neither Healing Nor Unifying Country
In our just completed national survey of 1,000 likely voters, the polarization of the American electorate has not ended with the elections of 2020. Instead, in spite of all the promises and rhetoric political division and disunity continues into 2021. Ironically, President Trump has left a recovering economy and historic […] Read more »
How the Senate decided impeachment
What can the impeachment vote tell us about the forces at work as our elected representatives grapple with key issues? … Republicans possessed of extensive Senate experience claimed a secret ballot would have produced just ten votes to acquit, suggesting at least 33 sacrificed their own judgment to something. Without […] Read more »
Democrats’ Only Chance to Stop the GOP Assault on Voting Rights
The most explosive battle in decades over access to the voting booth will reach a new crescendo this week, as Republican-controlled states advance an array of measures to restrict the ballot, and the U.S. House of Representatives votes on the federal legislation that represents Democrats’ best chance to stop them. […] Read more »
Why the GOP can’t quit Trump
… Understanding why MAGA, also known as the Republican base, supports Trump, reveals why the GOP can’t break away from him: They are intensely loyal to Trump, motivated by status threat, and convert their anxiety and commitment into votes. If any Republican tries to do disavow Trump, they will face […] Read more »