Opposing simple election integrity measures like voter ID is counterproductive because it fuels public suspicion. This behavior makes the party appear as though it has something to hide, undermining trust regardless of the actual intent.

Seemingly mundane debates over gas-powered leaf blowers expose deep partisan divisions in local communities. Left-leaning areas tend to ban them citing noise and pollution, while conservative-led states pass laws protecting them, framing the issue around property rights and small business freedom.

Voting data from the NYC mayoral election reveals a stark divide. Residents born in the city largely rejected the socialist candidate. However, his victory was secured by overwhelming support from people who had lived in the city for less than 10 years, suggesting newcomers are more receptive to radical policies than longtime New Yorkers.

The U.S. political landscape is increasingly adopting authoritarian rhetoric and tendencies. However, this shift comes without any of the supposed upsides of authoritarianism, such as hyper-efficient infrastructure or public order. The result is a dysfunctional "authoritarianism without the good stuff."

Seemingly irrational political decisions can be understood by applying a simple filter: politicians will say or do whatever they believe is necessary to get reelected. This framework decodes behavior better than assuming action is based on principle or for the public good.

Politicians use divisive identity politics, focusing on powerless minorities, as a strategic distraction. By demonizing groups like immigrants or trans people, they redirect public frustration away from their failure to address fundamental economic problems like stagnant wages and unaffordable housing.

The U.S. Census counts every person, not just citizens, to allocate House seats and electoral votes. This creates an incentive for politicians to increase their state's population with non-citizens, as their mere presence increases that state's political power in Washington D.C., regardless of their voting eligibility.

Ford's refusal to bail out New York wasn't purely a fiscal decision. It was a strategic political move to outflank Ronald Reagan on the right ahead of the 1976 Republican primary. This shows how national political calculations can directly and severely impact municipal-level crises.

A welfare state with low barriers to entry incentivizes immigration for economic benefits. This can lead to systemic fraud and weakened voter laws as politicians cater to this new bloc to gain and retain power, even if it harms the state's long-term stability.