… The debates will be solid political entertainment no matter what, but adding just a little bit of social science to the mix can help reveal hidden aspects and important moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. So here are three simple things you can do to be a more […] Read more »
Seeing the seduction of science
I probably shouldn’t tell you this: I deal partly in science, and the more science-y I make it look and sound, the more persuasive I am. I don’t know that from my own experience — though political consulting is built on anecdotes, they can be totally misleading. I know it […] Read more »
As Middle Class Fades, So Does Use of Term on Campaign Trail
Hillary Rodham Clinton calls them “everyday Americans.” Scott Walker prefers “hardworking taxpayers.” Rand Paul says he speaks for “people who work for the people who own businesses.” Bernie Sanders talks about “ordinary Americans.” The once ubiquitous term “middle class” has gone conspicuously missing from the 2016 campaign trail, as candidates […] Read more »
State of the Union Preview: Best (and Worst) Moments from History
Next week the nation will turn its attention to an annual ritual that, like American politics itself, runs the gamut from inspiring to ridiculous—the State of the Union. The State of the Union was originally called the Annual Message. Although President George Washington gave the first one in person before […] Read more »
In Canvassing, Messenger Is as Important as Message, Study Finds
See also (from May 2015): Author of Study on Changing Views of Gay Marriage Seeks Its Retraction Gay political canvassers can soften the opinions of voters opposed to same-sex marriage by having a brief, face-to-face discussion about the issue, researchers reported on Thursday. The findings could have implications for activists […] Read more »
Obama needs to be the partisan in chief
Every great president since George Washington has also been a great partisan. President Obama, however, has been reluctant to present himself as a partisan, much less as the leader of a party. … In the most noble image of politics, parties would not be necessary; if only people had all […] Read more »