{"posts":[{"content":"If Trump runs in the 2024 primaries, how will other Republicans running both try their best to defeat him as well as not anger the party that supports him?","created_at":1613302731.0,"id":"ljgh6h","n_comments":51,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ljgh6h/if_trump_runs_in_the_2024_primaries_how_will/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It seems like a difficult position to be in where the strongest argument against him is that he's absolutely bananas, yet to say that is offensive to the majority of voters. To pander to their love for him is to make a case for why he and not other candidates should be nominated. It seems like other primary contenders are between a rock and a hard place.","upvotes":20,"user_id":"ExiledDuckling"},{"content":"Might a US constitutional convention be a viable alternative to regulation of social media, which seems to rely on technological competency many (and especially politicians) lack?","created_at":1613309287.0,"id":"lji86e","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.5,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lji86e/might_a_us_constitutional_convention_be_a_viable/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Having watched the impeachment proceedings over these days, so much evidence focused on the question of where social discourse takes place and its attendant affects. This question was filtered through the first amendment and the \"man on the street\" argument. While it may have been easy to discount the \"man on the street\" in the past, social media has created new and mutilple streets that are often dependent on algorithms and psychological profiles, in addition to ideological preferences. Given that civil society and presumed political discussion have gone through so many unforeseeable transformations, can we imagine a convention to address and amend constitutional language?\n\nMight a constitutional convention be a viable alternative to regulation of social media, which seems to rely on technological competency many citizens (and politicians) lack?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"that_is_illogical"},{"content":"What is the future of HR-127","created_at":1613306927.0,"id":"ljhlb8","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.43,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ljhlb8/what_is_the_future_of_hr127/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[HR-127](https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/127/text) is a bill introduced to the house written by Representative Shiela Jackson Lee(D-Texas). It\u2019s contents intend to create a licensing requirement for the ownership of firearms, create a publicly available registry, and outlaw .50 caliber ammunition and standard capacity magazines. \n\nGun rights advocates have criticized it for a number of things especially the minimum penalties for being caught with a unlicensed firearm being significantly higher than the penalties for crimes such as rape, armed robbery, and attempted murder of the second degree. As well as concerns the publicly available registry would act as a shopping list for thieves trying to get their hands on firearms. \n\nThis comes as the Democratic Party has taken control of the legislature and the executive branch. It is unlikely for the bill to pass the senate as the filibuster is still in place and there are many conservatives democrats. \n\nWhat is likely to be the result of this bill even if it doesn\u2019t pass? Will it have any effect on the 2022 election? What is the possibility that parts of it get turned other legislation?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"thomas_j_h"},{"content":"Is the Lame Duck necessary?","created_at":1613338341.0,"id":"ljofy6","n_comments":178,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ljofy6/is_the_lame_duck_necessary/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The British are able to install a new government and prime minister within about a week after an election. The U.S. \"Lame Duck\" session is a holdover from 200 years ago. Should the U.S. shorten the time between election and installation?","upvotes":523,"user_id":"Goinwiththeotherone"},{"content":"Old Question, New Numbers: How Uneven Can Our Representation Get?","created_at":1613278041.0,"id":"lj8vpq","n_comments":139,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lj8vpq/old_question_new_numbers_how_uneven_can_our/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The US Senate is now split 50/50 Democrats and Republicans. Current Democratic Senators received 83,475,785 votes; current Republican Senators received 63,746,004. (Sources: each state's Secretary of State/State Board of Elections website, or Wikipedia when those were bad. You really want 99 links? \\[Only Georgia's had two on the same page.\\])\n\n​\n\nIf you split the populations of states with R and D Senators (Maine, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin), the 50 Democratic Senators represent approximately 176,598,792 / 55.3% of the population; the 50 Republican Senators approximately 142,996,005 / 44.7% of the population. \n\n​\n\nYes, these numbers are not supposed to be even, and yes, the Senate was designed to protect the rights and interests of more rural populations. \n\n​\n\nBut the questions are: \n\n1. How uneven can it get before there is a crisis of legitimacy? \n2. Is the 60-vote filibuster necessary in light of the existing structural difference?\n\n​\n\nNotes: As the 2 Independent Senators caucus with the Democrats, they were included as Democrats in these figures.\n\nNotable: in the two California elections, the second place finisher/loser was not a Republican, but another Democrat. Counting those votes as also being for a Democrat (although not a winning one) would add approximately 9.7 million more votes to the Democratic figures above.","upvotes":40,"user_id":"anislandalone"},{"content":"Future of the Conservative part (or parties) after Trump?","created_at":1613262798.0,"id":"lj3s5v","n_comments":45,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lj3s5v/future_of_the_conservative_part_or_parties_after/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There's a lot of talk of Trump running again in 4 years, but being in his late 70s, that seems like a stretch. \n\nBut suppose Trump dies of old age between now and 2024. What would that do for his followers? Is there another pick that is rising up behind him? Would they be more radical or less radical (which might help bring the conservatives together)? \n\nIf the conservative side splits, what would that do for future elections? Would any splinter group have a shot at winning any seats? Or would they be completely forgoing their chance at office? \n\nI'm not too familiar with how things went with the dixicrats back in the day, but they had some traction, right? Strom Thurmond was a dixicrat and held office for decades, didn't he? Does that prove that a conservative third party is a viable possibility?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"hambakmeritru"},{"content":"Former President Donald Trump has been acquitted by the Senate in his second impeachment trial. What are the ramifications going forward (for politics, near-term elections, etc)?","created_at":1613279592.0,"id":"lj9f3k","n_comments":979,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lj9f3k/former_president_donald_trump_has_been_acquitted/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[The vote broke down to 57-43 in favor of conviction, short of the two-thirds majority, with seven GOP Senators voting to convict: Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania](https://www.npr.org/sections/trump-impeachment-trial-live-updates/2021/02/13/967098840/senate-acquits-trump-in-impeachment-trial-again)","upvotes":1287,"user_id":"vanmo96"},{"content":"Given that all four presidential impeachments in U.S. History have been acquitted in the Senate, would turning over the burden of conviction to the Supreme Court remove the political divisiveness of the process?","created_at":1613278384.0,"id":"lj8zwo","n_comments":127,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lj8zwo/given_that_all_four_presidential_impeachments_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The U.S. Constitution states:\n\n> The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.\n\nHowever, [all four Presidents have been acquitted by the Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_impeachment_efforts_for_presidents_of_the_United_States), and the most recent acquittal of former President Trump for the incitement of an insurrection has been considered controversial among many.\n\nToday, when a Senator votes to convict, the consideration of their political career is drastically influential in how they choose to vote, and voting guilty or not guilty makes the difference in whether or not their constituents would be willing to reelect them to the Senate. However, with an event as controversial as incitement, this may feel like proper consequences for one's actions are not being accounted, and that the notion that the President is above the law is true.\n\nIf this power to try all impeachments was transferred to the Supreme Court, in which the Judges are responsible for voting and containing the same 2/3s requirement to convict, would this remove the political burden currently carried by the Senate?","upvotes":80,"user_id":"lilfruini"},{"content":"What should the European Union do in a possible event of a second migrant/refugee crisis?","created_at":1613232625.0,"id":"liwfuy","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/liwfuy/what_should_the_european_union_do_in_a_possible/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"While the new Biden administration recently stopped deporting undocumented immigrants, [the European Union at the end of last year renewed the migrant deal with Turkey that ended the first refugee crisis and has thus far prevented more than **3.5 million** refugees currently residing in Turkey from crossing into Europe via the latter's land and maritime borders with the EU since March 2016. As part of the extension of this deal to 2022, Turkey will receive almost **$600 million** in addition to roughly **$7 billion** it has already gotten from the EU.](https://www.euronews.com/2020/12/23/eu-to-spend-hundreds-of-millions-more-on-refugees-in-turkey)\n\nHowever, the massive escalation of tension between Greece and its regional allies against Turkey in the Cyprus dispute and the Aegean dispute that has been ongoing since last year has a very high chance of putting the migrant deal in real jeopardy if tension continues to intensify into this and the next years. In addition to its long-term occupation of Northern Cyprus as well as other foreign interventions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus, Turkey has been aggressively pressing its maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims in the Aegean Sea against the claims of Greece and Cyprus and due to all these, the relationship between EU and Turkey has hit a new low. Turkey has shown that it is using the migrant deal as a major leverage against its opponents in Europe. [In fact, Turkey tested the European response in what some has called \"hybrid warfare\" and \"weaponization of migrants\" by temporarily opening its EU borders between February and March of last year and the Turks had quite a field day judging from various statements from Turkish government officials.](https://apnews.com/article/42a117912dd5a6a7ba407298a89563f3) I am willing to bet that Germany, Spain, and Italy blocked the efforts by France and Greece to impose EU sanctions on Turkey a few months ago mostly because Turkey is hosting most of the world's current refugee population (along with its economic ties and the Turkish diaspora).\n\nWith Greece, France, Cyprus, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, and the warlord Khalifa Haftar of Libya forming a major united strategic and military alliance against Turkey, the regional situation could worsen to the point where before we have a serious open violent conflict, Erdogan gets tired of hosting so many refugees and numerous more Europe-bound migrants and completely renegades on the migrant deal. If that were to happen, a second migrant crisis would definitely take place as more than million of refugees including children attempt to cross over into Greece in order to continue onto the rest of the EU especially through the Aegean Sea to many Greek islands in rafts. The scale of this new crisis will undoubtedly be much more serious compared to the first since [various NGOs have been waiting](https://www.ekathimerini.com/257683/article/ekathimerini/news/operation-points-to-ngo-smuggling-role) for such a moment to arrive for [them to facilitate migrants crossing the borders with full backing from Turkey](https://www.tovima.gr/2020/09/22/society/nees-apokalypseis-gia-ti-drasi-mko-poies-paranomies-entopistikan/) despite [ongoing intense efforts to crack down on them by Greek authorities](https://www.ekathimerini.com/246872/article/ekathimerini/news/greece-gives-ngos-10-days-to-register-or-face-ban).\n\nIn the years since the first migrant crisis, however, Europe has become much less welcoming of migrants in general. Central European countries especially Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland still have no intention of sharing the burdens of hosting migrants. France, Spain, and Croatia continue their deportation efforts. Countries that used to welcome refugees have changed their stances. Both social democrats, [Prime Minister of Denmark has aims to have her country accept zero asylum seeker](https://www.thelocal.dk/20210122/danish-prime-minister-wants-country-to-accept-zero-asylum-seekers) while [the Prime Minister of Sweden said that there is large connection between migration and increase in crime rate](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/lofven-ser-sociala-spanningar). Meanwhile, [Greece has been pushing back and abandoning migrants at sea.](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/14/world/europe/greece-migrants-abandoning-sea.html)\n\nThe future is uncertain and this question might seem a bit too speculative but it is highly unlikely that these millions of migrants will stay in Turkey indefinitely. The Turkish government has no intention of resettling them in Turkey and they don't seem to want to go back to war-torn places like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan either. So if given the option, they are going to head towards Europe especially if the least dangerous unlawful route through Greece reopen.\n\n**If a new migrant crisis were to take place with Turkey's official backing, how should the European Union respond?**","upvotes":9,"user_id":"GalahadDrei"},{"content":"Biden overturned Trump's attempt at negating counts on Illegal Immigrants for District representative purposes. Should they be counted?","created_at":1613221679.0,"id":"litsrx","n_comments":237,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/litsrx/biden_overturned_trumps_attempt_at_negating/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Trump during his presidency had an executive order to try to remove the counting of illegal immigrants when it came to dividing states into congressional districts. After Biden came into office, he reversed that with one of his own executive orders so that the count could remain as it was. But should the illegal immigrants be counted in this way? If they are not allowed to vote, should they still be contributed to the district division that gives voter representation?","upvotes":108,"user_id":"MRattas"},{"content":"Are trans athletes the focal point of the next big culture war?","created_at":1613194417.0,"id":"lilca8","n_comments":100,"percentage_upvoted":0.4,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lilca8/are_trans_athletes_the_focal_point_of_the_next/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Recently the right has been increasingly focused on issue of trans people taking part in sports and the perceived \u201cunfairness\u201d of it. It\u2019s possible that this is largely to have something for right wing media to talk about and get angry about as they avoid talking about the impeachment and Biden, but it\u2019s gone far enough that bills are being advanced in state houses such as in Utah. \n\nIt\u2019s obvious that there is wide antipathy to trans people but there aren\u2019t a lot of \u201csoft spots\u201d for media and politicians to hit them on without simply being nakedly bigoted. Bathrooms were a big one. Military service was one. And even though it\u2019s a much rarer case there\u2019s sports. Sports is an easy one to dig in on, to talk about how \u201cunfair\u201d it is for someone with a larger male frame to switch genders and compete in women\u2019s sports. \n\nIt\u2019s not a question of if they\u2019re going to try it because they are trying it, but will it work? Is this enough of a red meat issue to keep a base fired up and distracted for at least two years? How can the left and center navigate these attacks while still protecting the rights of trans people?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"shawnhopkins"},{"content":"Is impeachment of Trump a hill worth dying on for Democrats?","created_at":1613193582.0,"id":"lil1oz","n_comments":199,"percentage_upvoted":0.54,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lil1oz/is_impeachment_of_trump_a_hill_worth_dying_on_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[When Trump was impeached the first time his approval numbers actually went up not down.](https://news.gallup.com/poll/271691/trump-approval-inches-support-impeachment-dips.aspx) \n\nHere we are a second go around and it's becoming clear that each side will vote mostly along party lines. Trump is likely to be acquitted. \n\nMy questions are as follows:\n\n**1) Is acquittal helpful or harmful to Democrats politically?**\n\n**2) Is it worth the political capital/time spent on impeachment given that most politicians likely know what the end result will be even before things come to a vote?** Time in power is finite, and a political calculus is made when a party chooses to spend its time on this vs. other issues like legislation, nominations, etc.","upvotes":7,"user_id":"SativaSammy"},{"content":"Is $50,000 of student debt forgiveness a good idea?","created_at":1613188439.0,"id":"lij7jt","n_comments":1198,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lij7jt/is_50000_of_student_debt_forgiveness_a_good_idea/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many Democrats in Congress have been floating the idea of a 50k student loan forgiveness as a possible stimulus. For Federal Student Loan holders up to $50,000 would be removed from your balance. It dies not apply to private student loans. \n\nNow considering this will cost about $1T and be America\u2019s 2nd largest expenditure after SS/Medicaid this year I think it\u2019s quite interesting. It would wipe out the remaining balance for 36 million Americans.","upvotes":745,"user_id":"1maco"},{"content":"If/when Biden closes the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, what would the future of the Naval Base itself be?","created_at":1613181535.0,"id":"liglw1","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/liglw1/ifwhen_biden_closes_the_guantanamo_bay_detention/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm obviously asking the question as a novice - out of a somewhat ignorant position. I don't know too much about any existing plans around the base itself, and I don't know how Biden and the Democrats look at the base itself. If they want to keep it around, or not.\n\nWhat I wonder is: could the base perhaps be closed, and the land returned in an ordered fashion to Cuba - if nothing else as a sign of goodwill? Or would such an action cause too much uproar among the Republican representatives (and maybe also quite a few Democrats)?\n\nI'm also thinking about the more and more likely reality of Puerto Rico becoming an actual state - would it not be beneficial both economically and geopolitically to relocate whatever activity taking place at the Guantanamo Bay to newly built or already existing infrastructure there? Are there perhaps arguments against such a relocation, or is having a base on Cuba itself so important that it would be foolish to close it down?\n\nI can't participate in the discussion myself too much, but it would be interesting to see what others would argue.","upvotes":9,"user_id":"Lusakas"},{"content":"Is Xi Jinping\u2019s position tenable?","created_at":1613146552.0,"id":"li6so6","n_comments":324,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/li6so6/is_xi_jinpings_position_tenable/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Over the past couple of months, China has been acting aggressively towards its neighbors. It had problems not only with India but also with Japan, Nepal, and Taiwan. It has also been posturing aggressively towards Hong Kong. There are rumors that the position of Xi Jinping within the CPC is deteriorating. Is there any credibility to the story?","upvotes":510,"user_id":"Talk2DocAnisha"},{"content":"What is the strategy behind the GOP shifting from \u201cRepublican classic\u201d policies to following those of Trump and his supporters?","created_at":1613143687.0,"id":"li679c","n_comments":136,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/li679c/what_is_the_strategy_behind_the_gop_shifting_from/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It seems like this choice (to appease Trumpers) will either lead to a fractured party (as moderate members form a new party) or to a weakened minority party (as moderate members ally with the Democrats). Given the confidentially-shared, often-reported Republican distaste for Trumpism, this is truly vexing.\n\nTrying to come up with a motive, I can only think of the following:\n\n1. A desire to stay in power that overrides any disagreement with Trumpism, driven by: \na. The idea (or rationalization) that getting voted out will lead to someone with even further right views replacing them. \nb. Fear of personal/family safety. \nc. Coercion of some sort.\n2. Agreement with Trumpism.\n3. A sense of duty to constituent majority POV that overrides existing policy/opinion.\n\nMaybe this is more psychology than political science. But I'd appreciate hearing arguments on how the Republican Party is thinking about this and why they continue to pursue Trumpism when it's clearly not healthy for their party.","upvotes":58,"user_id":"yeahgoestheusername"},{"content":"What\u2019s better for the United States?Having a lot of allies or Having a powerful military?","created_at":1613112646.0,"id":"lhx4bm","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.55,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lhx4bm/whats_better_for_the_united_stateshaving_a_lot_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So hopefully the moderators will allow me to post this. \n\nI wanted to fill you in so the compare and contrast would be more understandable. But when Donald Trump was in office he offered a style of US diplomacy. I\u2019m sure you guys remember him saying everywhere even to our closest Allies in Europe even in North America \u201cit\u2019s going to be America first.\u201d With things like threatening to pull out of Alliances like NATO demanding \u201cNations pay their fair share.\u201d This direction also included in my opinion an overinflated Military Budget I believe it\u2019s at $730 billion this also meant that he only cared about protecting American interest overseas rather than the interest of our Allies. Do you believe this is effective diplomacy compared to the original Status Quo? \n\nHere I\u2019ll give an example of continuing the Status Quo would look like.\nSo as you know China has had an extremely Rapid Rise over the last couple of years President Xi has stated that his ambitions for China go beyond becoming the leading Economy in the world but also expanding China's military to be on par with the United States if you will. \nSo my idea comes from the same \u201ccontainment field\u201d that NATO had against the Soviet Union and even Russia today. Japan, South Korea, and America (maybe even India) can lead an effort in the Pacific to form a \u201ccontainment field\u201d around China to deter China from becoming expansionist as it\u2019s shown with Hong Kong and now looking at Taiwan. Also working with nations to stifle China from influencing nations to become dependent I guess you could say for example the situation in Australia even though they\u2019re great Allies thy are still stuck between siding with America militarily and China economically, America should especially begin trying to begin to influence certain African Nations in my opinion too just as China has.\n\nNow, of course, there\u2019s a lot more going on around the World than just China but I wanted to get your guy's opinion and which is the best course of action for a future time. \n\nHaving a lot of allies and creating new ones in the Pacific or Having a powerful military? \n\nEdit: I've been debating with myself about it for a while and I still think there's a clear-cut answer Diplomacy is such a situational thing anyway.","upvotes":1,"user_id":"profeserX"},{"content":"What the redistribution of the workforce could mean for US politics.","created_at":1613111690.0,"id":"lhws31","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lhws31/what_the_redistribution_of_the_workforce_could/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Most high paying jobs have historically been based in blue areas. As many of these F500 companies make the move to remote work it stands to reason that people will move out of the high cost living areas and into more inexpensive, maybe red areas. \n\nWhat effect can we expect this redistribution to have on electoral college votes as the popular majority redistributes?","upvotes":5,"user_id":"Crowdcontrolz"},{"content":"Should the US officially introduce a separation of constitutionally enabled and obliged?","created_at":1613104839.0,"id":"lhu63a","n_comments":41,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lhu63a/should_the_us_officially_introduce_a_separation/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I currently watch Raskin's explanation that Trump, after swearing an oath, is not under the full protection of the 1st amendment and that this is a unique position he is in.\n\nHis arguments remind me of a constitutional principle that exists here (Germany), the separation of constitutionally enabled and obliged. To explain what I mean: In Germany, a person cannot be obliged to uphold the constitution while being enabled by the constitution with its right at the same time, as it would create a conflict in the duty to serve and the right to be served by the constitution. This has the result that an official while acting in the office and using the tools of the office has no right of free speech, has a resttricted freedom of religion and no right to strike. The official has still a right to life for example, as this right impacts the person over the office.\n\nThe result is that any official has to use separate means of communication if they want to use their free speech, but non they have due to the office. Not the spokesperson of the office, not the websites, not a twitter account he uses to make public announcements, nor speeches he did using the signs of his office in front of the official building.\n\nI have learned that in the US, any official generally has his full free speech (with the exception of what Raskin just argued), leading to situations where officials use the means of office to spread their personal convictions. Would the US benefit from introducing this hard separation where the usage of free speech of officials, using their office's means, would not be covered by the US constitution's protections, and if yes, how likely would you consider this to be accepted as an idea?","upvotes":46,"user_id":"MisterMysterios"},{"content":"Could a new center right Conservative Party find success?","created_at":1613086589.0,"id":"lhn78e","n_comments":636,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lhn78e/could_a_new_center_right_conservative_party_find/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Much has been said about Trump branching off to form his own \"Patriot Party\". The consensus being this would greatly help Democrats and Harm the conservative movement. With this Civil war in the republican party going Reuters has reports of Never Trumpers gathering together to consider forming their own party.\nhttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-party-exclusive/exclusive-dozens-of-former-republican-officials-in-talks-to-form-anti-trump-third-party-idUSKBN2AB07P\n\nAs I see it a new center right party would lose in the short term but in the long run could steal voters from democrats. Without the stigma many minorities have against the GOP and no longer having to be worried about being primaried by Trump loyalists many members of this new movement could appeal to a large cross section of Americans. Is this new party feasible?","upvotes":841,"user_id":"billy492"},{"content":"How does the philosophy around foreign policy and conflict intervention for the US change or stay the same with the Biden administration?","created_at":1613080907.0,"id":"lhl8y8","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lhl8y8/how_does_the_philosophy_around_foreign_policy_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It seems like people who think about politics are never satisfied with US foreign policy the same way they might be for domestic agendas. In my opinion, there have been few, if any, good options in the Middle East since the Bush administration. The JCPOA was perhaps the main success depending on your point of view. \n\nI see the broad philosophies of foreign policy for people as follows: Bernie Sanders style isolationist, liberal interventionism in line with CIA, conservative hawkishness, and just general support for less intervention and more diplomacy (though people wouldn't identify these ways).\n\nDo you think it is possible for the Biden administration to satisfy a considerable amount of people with US involvement in conflicts?\n\nIf anything, what do you think Obama or Trump got right in the Middle East which could've gone worse?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"tomunko"},{"content":"What is the ideological/intellectual history of Trumpism?","created_at":1612996397.0,"id":"lguucl","n_comments":714,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lguucl/what_is_the_ideologicalintellectual_history_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've noticed that people who are normally apolitical have become very vocal Trump supporters over the past 4 years, which does make me think that it is an ideological force to take seriously.\n\nBut could it be considered an extension of the pre-existing form of \"Mainstream\" Republican ideology (despite the cracks that formed when Trump first sought office), or is it its own branch of political thought? And if it's the latter, what could be said to be its ideological/intellectual predecessors?","upvotes":568,"user_id":"UnitedStatesofApathy"},{"content":"Georgia Republicans introduced a package of bills Monday to change how voting is done in the state.","created_at":1612859868.0,"id":"lfqc5e","n_comments":140,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lfqc5e/georgia_republicans_introduced_a_package_of_bills/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Republican state senators introduced a package of bills on Monday to ban automatic voter registration, ballot drop boxes and no-excuse absentee voting in Georgia.\n\nhttps://www.ajc.com/politics/ga-bills-would-end-no-excuse-absentee-voting-automatic-registration/OBTWL3M6MJH25MI56XGNNUODPY/\n\nThis comes after high voter turnout that helped Biden and the Democrats capture close victories in the state. How will these rule changes affect future elections? How likely are these measure to pass the state\u2019s legislative body? Could Democrats fight against this by passing the John Lewis Voting Right Laws?","upvotes":72,"user_id":"wondering_runner"},{"content":"What are thoughts on tying Minimum Wage to MSA median income?","created_at":1612897806.0,"id":"lg0mhz","n_comments":68,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lg0mhz/what_are_thoughts_on_tying_minimum_wage_to_msa/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Looking at the Minimum Wage debates, one of the points driving opposition to increasing minimum wage lies in the difference in the Median Income of the participant. For example, in a low Median Income area $15/hour is a higher pay than the average person (In Lawton, OK for instance the Median Income translates to 11.53). But in a high Median Income area $15/hour seems exceptionally low (in San Francisco, CA the median income translates to about $25/hour).\n\nThis results in people from low Median Income areas concerned that the rise will destroy businesses, while in high Median Income areas they worry it doesn\u2019t do enough.\n\nWhat if we instead tied Minimum wage to 75% Median Income of a MSA or $8/hour whichever is higher. Adjust it yearly by MSA to account for inflation.\n\nEdit: Should use Statistical Are, and not MSA to account for non MSA populations.","upvotes":26,"user_id":"humilityismygoal"},{"content":"Does modifying Section 230 to make websites more legally liable for their content inevitably stifle 1st Amendment protected speech?","created_at":1612916692.0,"id":"lg6yks","n_comments":383,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lg6yks/does_modifying_section_230_to_make_websites_more/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Right now there's a lot of debate about modifying or even repealing Section 230 just to stop misinformation or illegal content online. It's worth mentioning that the last modification to Section 230, SESTA/FOSTA, led to the deplatforming of many innocent people and that pair of laws are now under scrutiny in federal court by judges who don't sound supportive of it. American federal courts are inclined to overturn laws that result in broad censorship, such as when SCOTUS whittled the entire Communications Decency Act down to just Section 230.","upvotes":324,"user_id":"StuffyGoose"},{"content":"What Would Adapting the US Government Spending, Taxation and Money Printing to the standards described in Modern Monetary Theory look like?","created_at":1612864366.0,"id":"lfrqxl","n_comments":258,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lfrqxl/what_would_adapting_the_us_government_spending/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"While unlikely to occur in the near future, it seems as though some of the principles underlying modern monetary theory are gaining traction in the United States, in particular among younger people.\n\nVery quickly, since this post is not so much about the grounds of the theory itself but the implementation of it. \n\nFrom Wikipedia: \n\nMMT's main tenets are that a government that issues its own\u00a0fiat money:\n\nCan pay for goods, services, and financial assets without a need to first collect money in the form of taxes or debt issuance in advance of such purchases;\n\nCannot be forced to default on debt denominated in its own currency;\n\nIs limited in its money creation and purchases only by\u00a0inflation, which accelerates once the real resources (labour, capital and natural resources) of the economy are utilized at\u00a0full employment;\n\nCan control\u00a0demand-pull inflation[13]\u00a0by taxation which removes excess money from circulation;\n\nDoes not compete with the private sector for scarce savings by issuing bonds.\n \n\nTL;DR As the printer of its own currency the United States can essentially use fiscal policy for whatever program(s) it desires while shifting from the idea that Taxation is a means to provide revenue to the government to a means of reducing inflation. \n\nI would leave the debate upto the economists but I imagine the legitimacy of the idea plays a role in the implementation. \n\nHow would the United States go about changing this as a financial system? Surely no individual President or congress could decide this, it would have to be somewhat of a paradigm shift since deviation from the idea could lead to massive hyper inflation and stagflation.\n\nWhat does a legitimate plausible movement towards MMT practices look like, and are we likely to see it within the next century?","upvotes":459,"user_id":"Neilson5"},{"content":"Where will Myanmar politics go?","created_at":1612650941.0,"id":"ldyrgd","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ldyrgd/where_will_myanmar_politics_go/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Myanmar's military kept government pioneers, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, over allegations of extortion in a year ago's races. A one-year highly sensitive situation was proclaimed, with armed force boss General Min Aung Hlaing in control.","upvotes":63,"user_id":"Uddin-talks"},{"content":"Virginia just became the 16th state to legalize marijuana. How quickly could marijuana be legalized at the federal level?","created_at":1612616661.0,"id":"ldqf22","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ldqf22/virginia_just_became_the_16th_state_to_legalize/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There are now 16 states that fully legalized recreational marijuana use and 35 states where medicinal use of marijuana is legal with doctor's prescription. \n\nI understand that this isn't the same thing as same sex marriage. But how quickly would or could the federal government legalize marijuana? Would there be any political consequences for the Democrats if they pushed hard for it?\n\nAlso, what is the rationale or logic behind why US representatives and senators are still against legalizing marijuana? I would imagine that with so many states legalizing either fully or partially, that the constituents of these elected officials would prefer that it be legalized at the federal level, too.","upvotes":68,"user_id":"infinit9"},{"content":"Is there a better way to regulate the minimum wage?","created_at":1612619693.0,"id":"ldr5xl","n_comments":204,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ldr5xl/is_there_a_better_way_to_regulate_the_minimum_wage/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Given that we've been stuck on $7.25/hr for over a decade (1) and the president is saying the increase likely won't make the cut on the relief bill (2), I'm wondering if it makes sense to ask for a one-time increase. Seems we're likely to end up with the same problem in 12+ years from now still having $15/hr as the minimum.\n\nInstead, perhaps we should be proactive by tying the minimum to a growth metric. It doesn't have to be GDP, but as a crude example, if we divide GDP by population we get an average (not median) wage: \n\n$21T / 328M = $64k annually, $30 hourly\n\nAnd given that $15 seems to be what is plausible in the present, we could then say that the federal minimum is not $15 but is instead 50% of that $30 average. As GDP grows (or shrinks), we no longer have to wait for congress to decide it's time to play catch-up, because the minimum would go up 1% for 2% increase in GDP every year.\n\nSo what are the ramifications of such an approach? How would it interact with inflation, population changes, and cost of living? Is there a better metric or method towards achieving something like this? And is it plausible that a bill for it could pass? Thanks yall.\n\n(1) \nhttps://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history\n\n(2) https://www.npr.org/sections/biden-transition-updates/2021/02/05/964646837/biden-doesnt-think-15-federal-minimum-wage-hike-will-survive-covid-19-relief-bil?ft=nprml&f=1001","upvotes":89,"user_id":"njc121"},{"content":"Would the simultaneous formation of major far-left and far-right parties be able to break the stranglehold of the two-party system on US politics?","created_at":1612626201.0,"id":"ldsm29","n_comments":283,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ldsm29/would_the_simultaneous_formation_of_major_farleft/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The spoiler effect is one of the most commonly cited reasons for continued dominance by the two-party system\u2014i.e. far-left people hesitate to run outside the Democratic Party because it risks handing the election to the Republican and vice versa. \n\nIf the left edge of the Democrats (the Squad, Bernie, maybe Warren) and the right edge of the Republicans (MTG, Lauren Boebert, Matt Gaetz, maybe Roy Moore) both split off from their parties simultaneously and formed two relatively strong and more politically extreme parties, could this new four-party system create a counterbalance that would overcome the spoiler effect? Or would the structural advantages of first past the post continue to remain with the Democrats and Republicans? \n\nThe most obvious problem I see is legislative committees; there's currently AFAIK no system for giving a third party committee seats, even if they won a substantial portion of legislative seats. What other structural obstacles would stand in the way of a four-party system succeeding?","upvotes":435,"user_id":"decapitant"},{"content":"How should western countries and the citizens of Myanmar respond to this week's military coup?","created_at":1612578155.0,"id":"lddjpj","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lddjpj/how_should_western_countries_and_the_citizens_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[https://moot.pinecast.co/episode/09a189cc/an-interview-with-a-myanmar-citizen-their-military-coup](https://moot.pinecast.co/episode/09a189cc/an-interview-with-a-myanmar-citizen-their-military-coup)\n\nThis podcast episode is a firsthand interview with a Myanmar citizen about the coup. The interviewee's mother was active in the 1988 revolution. On Monday, the military staged a coup of the government following this year's democratic elections. Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD party won a substantial percentage of the vote, and the military demanded that they postpone first the elections, then the new appointments. On Monday, the military threw a decade of democracy out the window and took over instead.\n\nSince this episode was recorded two days ago, the Myanmar military has shut down Facebook, Twitter, and other means of communication. \n\nHow do you think the UN and western nations should respond? How might other nations and/or the citizens of Myanmar force the military to reinstate a democratic government?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"aregalsonofabitch"},{"content":"What does the playing field look like for the 2022 Senate races with retiring incumbents?","created_at":1612589472.0,"id":"ldhu9l","n_comments":202,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ldhu9l/what_does_the_playing_field_look_like_for_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Three notable incumbent Republican senators, have recently announced or confirmed that they are planning to retire ahead of the 2022 Senate races. These include Sen. Burr (R-NC), Sen. Toomey (R-PA), and Sen. Portman (R-OH). Each of these races could be considered competitive.\n\nWhile it is still early days for these races, several candidates have filed to run or announced they are planning to run for those seats. These include:\n\n**North Carolina:** State Senator Jeff Jackson and former State Senator Erica Smith have both entered for the Democratic nomination whereas former US Representative Mark Walker is seeking the Republican nomination.\n\n**Ohio**: This field remains fairly open, with executive Mark Pukita and pilot Michael Leipold being two of the only declared candidates for the Republican nomination. Incumbent representative Tim Ryan is speculated to be planning a run for the Democratic nomination but has not yet announced.\n\n**Pennsylvania**: Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman filed exploratory committee paperwork recently to run for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, HSBC whistleblower and former candidate Everett Stern has filed paperwork.\n\nWith the primaries many months away, a lot can happen to any of these candidates; incumbents may even, however unlikely, decide to un-retire. What's the state of the field for these races? Any other potentially competitive races to watch?\n\nEDIT: Apparently [Richard Shelby](https://www.al.com/news/2021/02/ap-sources-alabama-senator-richard-shelby-has-indicated-he-wont-run-again.html) (R-AL) may also retire, although it is unclear how competitive that race could be.","upvotes":303,"user_id":"Viscous_Crescendo"},{"content":"Can the Democrats enact their agenda without killing the Filibuster?","created_at":1612578693.0,"id":"lddrpa","n_comments":73,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lddrpa/can_the_democrats_enact_their_agenda_without/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"according to (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster_in_the_United_States_Senate) :\n> \"The Senate rules permit a senator, or a series of senators, to >speak for as long as they wish, and on any topic they choose, >unless \"three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn\"[1] \n>(currently 60 out of 100) vote to bring the debate to a close by >invoking cloture under Senate Rule XXII.\n\n\nBut there are exceptions including budget reconciliation which allows a bill to be passed yearly by simple majority and judicial Nominations.\n\nIn addition to this legislation is never delayed to a significant extent unless there is a specific deadline. Most of the Democrats agenda can just wait for any filibustering to be finished and then pass a simple cloture vote. Minimum wage, gerrymandering, DC statehood, an infrastructure plan and more can seemingly all still be passed. Why therefore do people want to use the nuclear option?","upvotes":46,"user_id":"billy492"},{"content":"Should US move to a wage formula over a flat $15 minimum wage?","created_at":1612526663.0,"id":"lcyyux","n_comments":37,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lcyyux/should_us_move_to_a_wage_formula_over_a_flat_15/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the current movement to $15 minimum wage that will seemly pass through congress and be signed into law. Would you support or be against a move to a formula based on county level standard of living and why?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"Pirat6662001"},{"content":"What do you think about legislating our way through demographic changes?","created_at":1612562973.0,"id":"ld7vji","n_comments":9,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ld7vji/what_do_you_think_about_legislating_our_way/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hi all,\n\nI'm more of a classic republican/conservative. I tend to prefer small government solutions but I'm not up in arms over many social issues (more live and let live, but not in the libertarian sense of elimination of driver's licenses). However, this one befuddled me as Romney put up a measure to compensate adults for having children, up to a point.\n\nWe have really cut back on immigration over the past decade, starting with Obama and escalating with Trump. Some economics, some policy. Immigrants have more kids but by second generation the birth rate is right back to where their peers are at.\n\nAt the same time, we have joined the other rich countries with a birth rate falling below replacement. That means we stop growing and our elderly will surpass our youth. Things like social security taxes rely on the youth paying in. We won't see the real consequences for a few decades but it's one of those issues that needs to be solved ahead of the consequences. That is, if we think the consequences are negative.\n\nSo what does everyone think?\n\nDo we reverse immigration policies?\n\nDo we pay people to have kids?\n\nDo we change/add other family policies?\n\nDo we do something else?\n\nDo we do nothing and embrace a lower growth society?\n\nSomething else?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"BostonPanda"},{"content":"What would be the effect of repealing Section 230 on Social Media companies?","created_at":1612574292.0,"id":"ldc0kq","n_comments":396,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ldc0kq/what_would_be_the_effect_of_repealing_section_230/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The statute in [Section 230(c)(2)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/230) provides \"Good Samaritan\" protection from civil liability for operators of interactive computer services in the removal or moderation of third-party material they deem obscene or offensive, even of constitutionally protected speech, as long as it is done in good faith. As of now, social media platforms cannot be held liable for misinformation spread by the platform's users. \n\nIf this rule is repealed, it would likely have a dramatic effect on the business models of companies like Twitter, Facebook etc. \n\n* What changes could we expect on the business side of things going forward from these companies? \n\n* How would the social media and internet industry environment change? \n\n* Would repealing this rule actually be effective at slowing the spread of online misinformation?","upvotes":386,"user_id":"TEmpTom"},{"content":"What are the consequences of Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene being stripped of her committee assignments?","created_at":1612523331.0,"id":"lcxz07","n_comments":52,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lcxz07/what_are_the_consequences_of_rep_majorie_taylor/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[The House has voted to strip Majorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments.](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/04/house-to-vote-on-dropping-marjorie-taylor-greene-from-committees.html)\n\nWhat does this mean, exactly, and why is it seen as a significant punishment?","upvotes":26,"user_id":"Rowsdower11"},{"content":"Do you think Democrats backing down from $2000 checks to all in favour of $1400 means-tested checks will cost the Democrats the House in 2022 and the Senate in 2024?","created_at":1612575624.0,"id":"ldcjtr","n_comments":130,"percentage_upvoted":0.43,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ldcjtr/do_you_think_democrats_backing_down_from_2000/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I don't understand it. Democrats control the executive, the House and the Senate. They could have passed $2000 stimulus checks just like they have just passed the budget without support from the GOP.\n\nHere's a Georgia election ad with $2000 printed on a US Treasury check: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqqxbRDW4AEJvJ5?format=jpg&name=large\n\nAnd here is Joe Biden calling for $2000 checks on January 10 this year: https://www.twitter.com/joebiden/status/1348430675238678528?lang=en\n\nDo you think this is a fatal mistake or that voters won't care because of lesserevilism?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"starfishempire"},{"content":"Do you feel that the key to more election wins for the U.S. Democratic Party in the Midwest/Deep South/rural areas is to elect more center-right or conservative Dems in the vein of Joe Manchin?","created_at":1612522621.0,"id":"lcxqsl","n_comments":492,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lcxqsl/do_you_feel_that_the_key_to_more_election_wins/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\\*nominate, as opposed to elect. my bad.\n\nLess than 15 years ago, deep South Arkansas had two Dem senators; both lost their re-election bids the next time their seats were up because their state shifted more conservative.\n\nWest Virginia governor Joe Manchin ran for Senate in 2010 and won despite WV being a rather conservative state; he's generally viewed as the most conservative Democratic senator at present. He hasn't been having great difficulty when he's been re-elected.\n\nReliably Republican Louisiana elected a Democratic governor by the name of Jon Bel Edwards 5 years ago and the impression I get is that he's generally seen as a conservative Democrat as well. He won re-election without great difficulty by the looks of it. Louisiana does not seem to be undergoing a long-term demographic shift either.\n\nDo you think that the Southern/Midwestern state Democratic Parties could have more success against Republicans if they leaned more towards Manchin or Edwards-type center-right conservative Dems as opposed to more left-leaning moderate Dems?","upvotes":225,"user_id":"MoneyHungryOctopus"},{"content":"Will the Vice President have a role in the impeachment trial?","created_at":1612492523.0,"id":"lcmhk4","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.54,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lcmhk4/will_the_vice_president_have_a_role_in_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"While the final vote on the article will require 67 senators to convict, procedural votes, like votes on introducing evidence or witnesses into the trial, only require a simple majority. With the 50-50 split in the Senate, procedural votes will likely result in ties. Will Vice President Harris be compelled to cast tie-breaking votes? Will she need to be in the Capitol during the trial because of the likelihood of tie votes? What will be the political implications of a vice president from a different administration becoming involved in a former administration's impeachment process?","upvotes":1,"user_id":"Dorsia_MaitreD"},{"content":"What States will have large voter demographic shifts in a decade or more from today?","created_at":1612454779.0,"id":"lcax6p","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lcax6p/what_states_will_have_large_voter_demographic/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We have seen some huge shifts in voting trends between the 2016 and 2018 elections as well as the 2020 election. For instance, we know the following:\n\n+Joe Biden won with the fewest counties\n\n+Joe Biden received the most votes in history \n\n+Donald Trump received the most votes for a Republican candidate in history\n\n+Republicans ended up dominating most state legislatures across the country\n\n+Florida, once again, \"flipped\" to a red state.\n\n+2020 Election has the highest turnout in recent history. \n\n**More specifically state-wise:**\n\n+California voted even more Democratic, with Joe Biden winning by a margin of 5 million votes and dominating the state legislature and assembly. \n\n+Arizona, a state that has not been blue since the Clinton era, narrowly did so. Nevada stayed blue from 2016.\n\n+In Texas, the margin that voted for Trump from the 2016 to the 2020 elections decreased by about 200,000, with Trump winning by 600,000 votes roughly as opposed to 800,000 in 2016\n\n+Young voters voted heavily democrat\n\n+A noticeable portion of the elderly voted Democrat, where they had a history of reliably voting Republican \n\n+Members of the military voted in favor of Biden in key states breaking the traditional trend of voting Republican\n\n\nCombining this information with news that thousands are now \"leaving\" the Republican party and changing party affiliations, I wonder what this means for future voting cycles. \n\nSo I ask the following:\n\nWjat states are to flip and reliably stay that way? Will states that have once had a tradition of voting R or D stay that way, such as TX or CA? What are the implications for the Republican party who seem to be losing supporters in light of recent events? Will this voting trend continue to 2022 midterms (in 2018 Democrats outvoted Republican candidated by over 9 million votes)? \n\nDuring the Georgia runoffs, Republicans seemed to habe lesser turnout than in the general election - could this affect Republicans seeing as Trump seems to drive GoP turnout?\n\nWith the introduction and potential passing of HR 1 \"For the People\" Act, how will this effect future generations?\n\nSources:\n\n[Republican party defections](https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/California-GOP-defections-accelerated-after-15919586.php)\n\n[2018 Midterms (CNN)](https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/26/politics/2018-midterms-democratic-wave/index.html)\n\n[2016 General Election (NY Times)](https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/president)\n\n[2016 State legislature spread ](https://ballotpedia.org/State_legislative_elections,_2016)\n\n[2018 state legislature spread ](https://ballotpedia.org/State_legislative_elections,_2018)\n\n[2020 state legislature spread](https://ballotpedia.org/Election_results,_2020:_State_legislative_chambers_that_changed_party_control)\n\n[2020 Texas General Election Results](https://www.cnn.com/election/2020/results/state/texas)\n\n[US Presidential voting history 1976-2020](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/u-s-presidential-voting-history-by-state/)\n\n[2016 Texas General Election](https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/texas)\n\n[HR 1 \"For the People\" Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text)","upvotes":12,"user_id":"drogers5606"},{"content":"Can the US Buy Iran's Nuclear Stockpile?","created_at":1612435995.0,"id":"lc5otj","n_comments":5,"percentage_upvoted":0.6,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lc5otj/can_the_us_buy_irans_nuclear_stockpile/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Could the US return to the agreed nuclear deal with Iran by buying their stockpile of enriched Uranium?\n\nThis idea is grounded in reality, having [been done before](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megatons_to_Megawatts_Program) with Russia from 1992-2013.\n\n \n\n\nObviously, relationships have cooled significantly since that time between the West and Russia, with heavier sanctions than ever before. Would such a strategy be possible - why or why not?","upvotes":2,"user_id":"Jhushx"},{"content":"Why has the Israeli left declined so dramatically, and where does it go from here?","created_at":1612496319.0,"id":"lco0up","n_comments":55,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lco0up/why_has_the_israeli_left_declined_so_dramatically/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For the first thirty years after the creation of the State of Israel, the office of Prime Minister was continuously held by members of the Labour Party and its predecessors. Beginning in the 1970s, Likud became a formidable political force, but Labour still remained competitive. Since 2001, however, Israel has had a succession of right-of-centre governments, and the Labour Party now usually only wins a handful of seats. While other left-of-centre parties have emerged, Israeli politics are currently dominated by the right. What explains the dramatic decline of the Israeli left, and can anything be done to reverse this trend?","upvotes":73,"user_id":"RedmondBarry1999"},{"content":"Should we eliminate income thresholds for benefit eligibility so that more Americans benefit from social programs?","created_at":1612506276.0,"id":"lcrzgr","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lcrzgr/should_we_eliminate_income_thresholds_for_benefit/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Most social programs in the US have some sort of income cutoff in order for you to be eligible. \n\n[The Pell Grant is typically offered to families making less than $26,000 a year.](https://collegefinance.com/financial-aid/income-limits-for-pell-grants-in-2020-understand-your-eligibility) It is sometimes offered to higher income families, albeit at a reduced rate and a less likely chance of being approved.\n\n[The U.S Senate is currently debating on whether or not to introduce more stringent income thresholds for stimulus check eligibility.](https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/04/manchin-collins-stimulus-checks-465924)\n\n[A single individual making less than $2,382 a month is eligible for Medicaid.](https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility/) If you make $2450 a month, you're likely ineligible in most states. You may get where I'm going with this...\n\nMany claim this disenfranchises citizens and makes it politically tough to sell expanding these programs because the taxpayer may never benefit from any of these programs they're paying into.\n\nMy question is, what do we do about income thresholds? Do we raise them significant amounts? Do we change eligibility to be based on something else? Do we eliminate thresholds entirely? What is the best path forward so that more Americans benefit from government legislation and less people feel left behind?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"SativaSammy"},{"content":"Who\u2019s your favorite for the republican nominee in 2024?","created_at":1612491882.0,"id":"lcm8rs","n_comments":338,"percentage_upvoted":0.72,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lcm8rs/whos_your_favorite_for_the_republican_nominee_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Who is your favorite for the republicans in 2024\n\nAssuming trump doesn\u2019t run again, of course. Below are a couple of my picks in order of likelihood, excited to hear yours as well!\n\n1) Ron desantis - Florida governor, former congressman, Trump ally, leader on conservative priorities including immigration (e-verify), legislation in reaction to blm and big tech.\n2) Nikki Haley - many view her, positively or negatively, as an opportunity to return to a more compassionate GOP that could bring suburbanites and women back into the fold, focus on the economy, and reject isolationism.\n3) Ted Cruz - needs no introduction but still pretty popular among conservatives despite being embarrassed by Trump in 2016.\n4) josh Hawley - ambitious first term senator from Missouri, may be too toxic after supporting cap hill riot in January.","upvotes":44,"user_id":"turtisolajuwan"},{"content":"Do you think more Americans might be open to the idea of Universal Basic Income, after receiving stimulus checks during the pandemic?","created_at":1612488334.0,"id":"lckun1","n_comments":551,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lckun1/do_you_think_more_americans_might_be_open_to_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obviously many Americans have been struggling during Covid, many Americans still struggle even when there isn't an ongoing global pandemic.\n\nDespite how you feel about the amount of money given in the stimulus checks (too much? too little?) They seem to have been popular among both Democrats and Republicans. When Trump called for 2k checks, much of his base and constituents supported him.\n\nDo you think the fact that many Americans received stimulus payments will open up a new and serious discussion about Universal Basic Income and perhaps some people who were once against the idea might begin to warm up to it?","upvotes":761,"user_id":"KevinStoley"},{"content":"Does Sen. Romney's proposal of a per child allowance open the door to UBI?","created_at":1612483503.0,"id":"lciwsg","n_comments":609,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lciwsg/does_sen_romneys_proposal_of_a_per_child/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Senator Mitt Romney is reportedly interested in proposing a child allowance that would pay families a monthly stipend for each of their children. \n\n​\n\n[https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mitt-romney-child-allowance\\_n\\_601b617cc5b6c0af54d0b0a1?guccounter=1&guce\\_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNvLw&guce\\_referrer\\_sig=AQAAAK2amf2o86pN9KPfjVxCs7\\_a\\_1rWZU6q3BKSVO38jQlS\\_9O92RAJu\\_KZF-5l3KF5umHGNvV7-JbCB6Rke5HWxiNp9wwpFYjScXvDyL0r2bgU8K0fftzKczCugEc9Y21jOnDdL7x9mZyKP9KASHPIvbj1Z1Csq5E7gi8i2Tk12M36](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mitt-romney-child-allowance_n_601b617cc5b6c0af54d0b0a1?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNvLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAK2amf2o86pN9KPfjVxCs7_a_1rWZU6q3BKSVO38jQlS_9O92RAJu_KZF-5l3KF5umHGNvV7-JbCB6Rke5HWxiNp9wwpFYjScXvDyL0r2bgU8K0fftzKczCugEc9Y21jOnDdL7x9mZyKP9KASHPIvbj1Z1Csq5E7gi8i2Tk12M36)\n\n​\n\nTo fund it, he's proposing elimination of SALT deductions, elimination of TANF, and elimination of the child tax credit. \n\n​\n\nSo two questions: \n\nIs this a meaningful step towards UBI? Many of the UBI proposals I've seen have argued that if you give everyone UBI, you won't need social services or tax breaks to help the poor since there really won't be any poor. \n\n​\n\n​\n\nDoes the fact that it comes from the GOP side of the isle indicate it has a chance of becoming reality?\n\n​\n\nConsider also that the Democrats have proposed something similar, though in their plan (part of the Covid Relief plan) the child tax credit would be payed out directly in monthly installments to each family and it's value would be raised significantly. However, it would come with no offsets and would only last one year.","upvotes":1114,"user_id":"twim19"},{"content":"Is New START manifestly in the national security interest of the United States?","created_at":1612421032.0,"id":"lc0jns","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lc0jns/is_new_start_manifestly_in_the_national_security/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" \n\nPresident Joe Biden announced that the United States would seek a five-year extension on the New START treaty without additional provisions.\n\nNew START is an agreement for nuclear arms reduction between the United States and Russia, establishing a limit on deployed strategic warheads.\n\nThe New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty or New START is the last nuclear treaty between the two countries and was set to expire Feb. 5. Renewing the agreement was one of the first national security challenges facing President Joe Biden\u2019s administration.\n\nIn 2018 and 2019, Trump Administration officials had indicated that they were reviewing the treaty and assessing whether it continued to serve U.S. national security interests before deciding whether the United States would propose or accept a five-year extension.\n\nPresident Trump and others in his Administration suggested that the United States replace New START with a trilateral \u201cnext generation\u201d arms control agreement that would capture all U.S., Russian, and Chinese nuclear weapons.","upvotes":8,"user_id":"tenno4all"},{"content":"Would the Iraq war have happened if Al Gore had won the 2000 US presidential election?","created_at":1612422384.0,"id":"lc11km","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lc11km/would_the_iraq_war_have_happened_if_al_gore_had/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"My apologies if this has been asked before or if it's the wrong place. I'll happily see myself out if that's the case.\n\nI was a young child when the Iraq war began in 2003, though I was old enough to remember 9/11. My understanding is that the former wouldn't have happened if not for the latter, though I don't understand the connection between 9/11 and Saddam Hussein. Didn't the Wahabbists who perpetrated those attacks originate out of Saudi Arabia?\n\nFor all of my life that I can remember, Iraq has been a war-torn country. I'm given to understand that one of the most destabilising events (if you can call it that) in the whole region has been the US invasion in Iraq, and the management thereafter. It always makes me wonder if there was another way.\n\nWould the Iraq war have happened if Al Gore had been elected president?\n\n(I'm fully aware that I'm just asking for opinions, as there's no way to know what would have happened with certainty.)","upvotes":8,"user_id":"shiroyagisan"},{"content":"What are the chances that Indian Government will Repeal Farm Bills","created_at":1612400585.0,"id":"lbs93g","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbs93g/what_are_the_chances_that_indian_government_will/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Government of India enacted 3 Farm Bills, allowing the capitalists, financiers to carry out contract farming, let the farmers sell their produce outside of their respective states/provinces and finish MSP (Minimum Support Price) for their agricultural yields by the government, allow hoarding of grains purchased by the middlemen unlimited quantity for unlimited time, deny the farmers to go to court if any dispute.\n\nThe farmers are protesting, and since last more than 100 days are sitting on N Delhi border, with their tractors, families as Government of India have created barricades and deployed massive numbers of police and paramilitary forces!\n\nNow, many international personalities have come openly in support of the farmers, like Rihana, Greta Thunberg, Meena Harris, Amanda, etc. Will Indian Government give in?","upvotes":60,"user_id":"GlobalCitizen12345"},{"content":"How far could progressive Democrats advance their agenda in the next 2-4 years, if they went all-out, ignoring what might happen in 5 years.","created_at":1612403548.0,"id":"lbtgxb","n_comments":556,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbtgxb/how_far_could_progressive_democrats_advance_their/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How much of what they accomplish would/could be undone on day one if a Republican were elected in 2024 & how much would be more or less permanent?\n\nAlso, for the sake of the question, How far could they advance their agenda EVEN if they play as dirty as possible.\n\nGerrymandering? Senate representation discrepancies? Stacking courts? etc...","upvotes":838,"user_id":"morkani"},{"content":"Who would preside over the trial of a Vice President's impeachment? The Constitution does not expressly say the Chief Justice would preside as it does for president and the VP is the president of the Senate. Would he preside over his own trial?","created_at":1612410360.0,"id":"lbwbe8","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbwbe8/who_would_preside_over_the_trial_of_a_vice/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Constitution states:\n\n>The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on\nOath or Affi rmation. When the President of the United\nStates is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no\nPerson shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two\nthirds of the Members present.\n\nSo if the Chief Justice presides over the president, who presides over the impeachment of the vice president?","upvotes":74,"user_id":"historymajor44"},{"content":"What would Socialism look like it America?","created_at":1612409013.0,"id":"lbvrod","n_comments":116,"percentage_upvoted":0.47,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbvrod/what_would_socialism_look_like_it_america/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Bernie Sanders as well as a few other politicans that I know of support the idea of America becoming a Socialist nation.\n\n My question is: What would a socialist government look like in America?\n\n Would it be like the Chinese government or would it be different? If it would be different then how? \n\nWhat makes one socialist country's government system better or worse for it's citizens? \n\nWhat are are the benefits and downsides to Socialism in America?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"KratomDrinker727"},{"content":"Is there validity to the argument that the Paris Accord is just a transfer of wealth to China and India?","created_at":1612350021.0,"id":"lbdwmx","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbdwmx/is_there_validity_to_the_argument_that_the_paris/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A common argument against the Paris Accord is that it\u2019s a massive financial commitment from the US to thirds world countries. \n\nhttps://www.nrdc.org/stories/paris-climate-agreement-everything-you-need-know\n\nCould we be successful in reducing emissions of developing nations without a large financial payment? \nGiven the financial commitments of developed nations, is it reasonable to ask for firm commitments in reductions from the less developed countries?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"Tony14828"},{"content":"What sort of effects can we expect Evangelical political activity to have on our electoral landscape moving forward?","created_at":1612382481.0,"id":"lbm2b5","n_comments":95,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbm2b5/what_sort_of_effects_can_we_expect_evangelical/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Throughout the past few election cycles, we have seen misinformation propagated by prominent Evangelical leaders based on political motivation.\n\nProminent Evangelical leaders such as John MacArthur, who claimed that \"there was no pandemic\" based on the spurious evidence that \"only 6% of COVID deaths were actually from COVID\".\n\nWe've seen Franklin Graham compare the perceived 'betrayal' of Donald Trump by GOP leaders refusing to overturn the election to that of Judas and Jesus.\n\nWe have seen Robert Jeffress call Evangelicals who chose not to support Trump \"morons\".\n\nThis is by no means an exhaustive list, but just intended to flavor the discussion with well-known examples of Evangelical political activism.\n\nWe have heard that Evangelicals will lose influence as their share of the population shrinks (https://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/). \n\nHowever, their share of the voting populace remains strong (https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/11/07/how-religious-groups-voted-in-the-midterm-elections/ and http://www.christianitydaily.com/articles/8710/20161206/faith-played-huge-role-election-2016-barna.htm)\n\nRecently we have also seen Evangelical publications express concern over perceived spread of conspiracy theories being propagated: \nhttps://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-conspiracy-theories/\n\n\nWhat sort of effects can we expect Evangelical political activity to have on our electoral landscape moving forward?","upvotes":79,"user_id":"NotAPogarlic"},{"content":"How the West will response?","created_at":1612387244.0,"id":"lbnd1j","n_comments":3,"percentage_upvoted":0.44,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbnd1j/how_the_west_will_response/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"International economic forum in Davos has become undoubtedly one of the most important events of international and European agenda in January. In this regard the speech of Russian president V.Putin deserves a special attention, as it was his first speech at such influential platform after 12 years\u2019 pause.\n\nThe Russian president touched the issues of world security system degradation, weakening of international institutions, growing number of regional conflicts, the impossibility to set up unipolar world order, the risks of unilateral use of military force, the possibility of global \u201ctotal war\u201d, the increasing influence of digital platforms on the international policy etc. V.Putin also expressed some messages, which were directly addressed to the whole West and showed some possible changes of Russian external policy in this regard.\n\n\u201c*It is absolutely clear that the world can not follow the path of establishing the economy which benefits one million persons or even golden billion*\u201d. These words of Putin were definitely addressed to the US and EU members, indeed \u2013 it is challenge of their geopolitical, economic and cultural leadership reached by these countries by developing high technologies, fair competition alongside the indisputable respect for the rights of citizens, high standards of social support.\n\nPutin denies that concept of world order, having no alternative to offer instead. In fact he rather threats collective West with \u201c*The use of trade barriers, illegitimate sanctions, financial, technological and information restrictions is a game without rules that critically increases the risks of a unilateral use of military force*\u201d.\n\n\u201cIllegitimate sanctions\u201d mentioned above are referred to the sanctions imposed by the international community against Russia as the result of multiple and brutal violations of international law committed by Russia, still all these sanctions were set up to make Russia return to dialogue and to stop these violations.\n\n**The message of Putin for world society is obvious \u2013 Russia will continue its confrontation with the West and even reinforce it.**\n\nPutin\u2019s speech can be treated as the the next chapter of his Munich speech in 2007 and it was for the first time since the Cold war\u2019s end that Russia has started catious confrontation with the West. Over time this confrontation was becoming more aggressive. Direct aggression against Georgia (Sakartvelo) in 2008, against Ukraine in 2014, support of absolutely illegitimate dictatorship regimes in Syria and Venezuela were backed up by a massive and extensive propaganda network presented in media landscape. Aggressive actions of Russia on the international arena marked the new chapter of hybrid war against the West.\n\nThe confirmation of Putin\u2019s thesis of possible worsening of international conflicts was another significant event that took place almost simultaneously with Putin\u2019s speech. Though it was less highlighted by world medias, it is directly connected with the warning Putin addressed to the West. It was \u201cRussian Donbass\u201d forum held in Donetsk city in the East of Ukraine, occupied by Russian-backed separatists.\n\nThe prominent Russian propagandists joined this event: Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of the Russian state channel RT, NTV channel presenter Tigran Keosayan, the editor-in-chief of \u201cMoscow speaks\u201d radio channel Roman Babayan. The Russian state Duma deputy Andrey Kozlenko and senator Kazbek Taysaev were also presented there as official guests from Russia. All these people shared round table with the \u201cleaders\u201d of unrecognized \u201crepublics\u201d D.Pushilin and L.Pasechnik\u2026. It is absolutely obvious that such event, with Russian officials presence, could not happen without the approval of top Russian officials and of V.Putin personally.\n\nThe result of that 2 days long propaganda show was publication of \u201cDoctrine of Russian Donbass\u201d, which contained some extremely dangerous tendencies not only for Ukraine, but for the Europe. One of the goals declared in this document is \u201c*to establish control of DPR/LPR over all territories of former Donetsk and Lugansk regions*\u201d. Such rhetoric fully contradicts with Normand and Minsk format of negotiations aimed at peaceful settlement of military conflict in Ukraine, it also contradicts with official obligations of Russia to support the re-establishment of Ukrainian control over Donetsk and Lugansk regions.\n\nThe recovery of \u201cNovorossia\u201d term means the current actualization by pro-Russian separatists of the aim to occupy the whole left bank of Ukraine: \n\u201c*The fate of neighboring regions of Novorossia being under control of Ukraine yet, is important for the future of Donbass. The secession of these regions from Ukraine and termination of Ukrainian state in its current form, the creation of Russian state \u2013 the successor of Ukraine could greatly improve the prospects of Donbass and could improve international recognition of DPR/LPR as well as using resources of former Ukraine*\u201d.\n\nIn the early 2014 the term of \u201cNovorossia\u201d was widely used by Russian propagandists and meant the occupation of the whole Left bank of Ukraine, creation of \u201cpuppet republics\u201d there. The firm reaction of Ukraine left no chance for this plan to be implemented.\n\nThere are also two tendencies which attract the attention. The first one is that Russia is not going to join Donbass de jure. The second one is that Kremlin opts for the \u201cAbkhaz\u201d scenario of conflict development in Donbass, which means the integration de facto (mass issue of \u201cDPR/LPR\u201d passports and then \u2013 issue of Russian passports) and maintenance of the conflict as a tool of pressure upon Ukraine. However in contrast of \u201cAbkhaz\u201d scenario, Russia is ready to resume escalation of conflict anytime, even if it means direct military aggression.\n\nThe seriousness of change of terms and narratives of pro-Russian separatists should not be underestimated, as it is about the plan of dismemberment of sovereign country-the member of the United Nations. Such dismemberment would be accompanied with an active warfare, the massacre of civilians, chaos and anarchy in Europe's east.Ukraine today is perfect example of the way Putin\u2019s cautions can be implemented regarding possible escalation of regional conflicts. Putin challenged the West. The question is how the West will response.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Alex82smirnov"},{"content":"Why did the \"Silent Generation\" (nearly) get skipped over for President?","created_at":1612350973.0,"id":"lbe7gd","n_comments":62,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lbe7gd/why_did_the_silent_generation_nearly_get_skipped/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After looking at the timeline of past Presidents of the US, it seems glaringly obvious that a strange occurrence happened that no one seems to discuss the reasons behind: why did the \"Silent Generation\" (born between 1928 and 1945) get completely SKIPPED OVER with representation as President... until recently when Joe Biden (born in 1942) became President?\n\nLooking into this further, it seems that three specific criteria happened that led to this unique situation. 1- the \"Greatest Generation\" (born between 1901 and 1927) were OVERLONG in their stay as being President, starting as early as 1961 with John F. Kennedy (born 1917), winding down with the already old at the time Ronald Reagan (born 1911) at the age of 69 in 1981 and ending with George Bush Sr. (born 1924) in 1992. 2- the \"Baby Boomer\" generation (born between 1946 and 1964) came into power VERY early with Bill Clinton (born 1946) being only 46 in 1993. And 3- at no point since Clinton took office in '93 has their been a \"Silent Gen\" candidate (Democrat or Republican) that has been able to win the vote for President: only Boomers have been in power since then... for nearly 30 years.\n\nMost \"generational shifts\" tend to happen in 20-25 year increments, which makes sense based on birth rates and approximately when certain generations would get involved into politics, however the Greatest Generations long stay in power into the 90's along with the Boomer Generations earlier than expected and long sustained foothold on the Presidency seems to have completely overshadowed (and nearly forgotten until Biden) an entire generation. Given this understanding, sometime during the late 80's and throughout the 90's, a Silent Gen President SHOULD have been in power the whole time... but it seems that wasn't the case.\n\nWhat are the reasons for this?","upvotes":94,"user_id":"AlabastorGorilla"},{"content":"What are the chances that Trump creates Trump News Network?","created_at":1612326897.0,"id":"lb5p47","n_comments":641,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lb5p47/what_are_the_chances_that_trump_creates_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Given Trump's public and increasingly drastic disputes with Fox News, Trump's pre-2016 plans to make his own news network, his dismissal and warnings of mainstream media, and his recent ban from every major social media platform, will Trump decide to make his own Trump News Network?\n\nIf Trump does decide to make his own news network, would that be used as a platform for him to launch a 2024 campaign in the absence of his Twitter campaigning?","upvotes":856,"user_id":"ar243"},{"content":"What do you guys think about 159 Bogazi\u00e7i University students getting detained for protesting Erdogan-appointed rector? Protesting has become a crime in this country. Is recovery even possible?","created_at":1612252868.0,"id":"lai7k0","n_comments":120,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lai7k0/what_do_you_guys_think_about_159_bogazi\u00e7i/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know this might not be a great discussion post headline but please...\n\nWe are the youth of this country and we are falling. I am a Bo\u011fazi\u00e7i University student & there were snipers waiting for us near the school's gate today. All we wanted was to protest peacefully against dictatorship. Our friends have been arrested for no apparent reason. According to lawyers who volunteered to help them, there are students who have been severely injured at the police stations. Hear us.\n\nHear me. I could be arrested and beaten up today. Hell, that can happen any moment, and has happened to several friends in the middle of the night. I feel like there is no hope left. Is there?","upvotes":654,"user_id":"nowatrueredhead"},{"content":"If the new state of Douglas Commonwealth is created, can anyone legally register residence and vote in the reduced District of Columbia?","created_at":1612230587.0,"id":"la98ln","n_comments":49,"percentage_upvoted":0.68,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/la98ln/if_the_new_state_of_douglas_commonwealth_is/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In order to avoid the \"Federal district\" mandate, The D.C Statehood bill intends not to include White House, Capitol and more into the \"new\" D.C State. Consequently, District of Columbia still exists in a different, smaller form and a repeal of U.S 23rd Amendment is not required. The real issues is, can the reshaped district have legal residents and if not, how will the district's electoral votes be awarded?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"akleleep"},{"content":"New Hampshire v Massachusetts. Can a state collect income tax from remote working nonresidents employed in the state?","created_at":1612239988.0,"id":"lad51v","n_comments":121,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/lad51v/new_hampshire_v_massachusetts_can_a_state_collect/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I read this op-ed in the Wall Street Journal today. First time I\u2019ve seen this issue in the news.\n\nhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/a-multistate-remote-tax-brawl-11612132785?st=j8tbgf4pa0hwru2&reflink=article_copyURL_share\n\nTo sum it up, NH is suing MA for their 5% statewide income tax, which includes nonresidents that work remotely for companies located in Massachusetts. Although NH does not have an income tax, this issue could determine if citizens can pay income taxes twice to two different states for remote work. For example, if someone had to pay both Vermont income taxes and Massachusetts income taxes. Five other states also tax nonresident remote workers.\n\nNH argues that its residents are paying MA taxes, although the workers are not using the state\u2019s public services. \n\nOther states like Connecticut and New Jersey provide tax credits to offset this cost due to many of their residents working in New York. However, due to the rise in remote work, these states are now paying $1.5 billion in these credits to New York for 2020.\n\nSupreme Court precedent, says states can only collect taxes that are \u201cfairly apportioned\u201d and \u201cfairly related to the services provided by the State\u201d within their borders. The Court in Wayfair (2018) allowed states to collect sales tax from out-of-state retailers. But the actual sales tax is owed by the resident, not out-of-state business.\n\nThis may be an issue raised to the Supreme Court. What\u2019s your opinion?","upvotes":136,"user_id":"gummybronco"},{"content":"Why has opposition to Covid measures become more of a conservative cause?","created_at":1612221635.0,"id":"la5gfx","n_comments":746,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/la5gfx/why_has_opposition_to_covid_measures_become_more/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Covid measures have impacted everyone, regardless of politics. But a noticeable trend throughout this event has been that the opposition to Covid measures has been more pronounced among right leaning populations and politicians around the world, especially in the US. I would like to get some insight into why this particular stance has been adopted by conservative and right leaning populations?","upvotes":852,"user_id":"Prefect1969"},{"content":"DC has some of the strictest Gun Laws in the US. Do you think that this wound up saving lives during the recent uprising at the US Capitol?","created_at":1612226105.0,"id":"la7c0m","n_comments":337,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/la7c0m/dc_has_some_of_the_strictest_gun_laws_in_the_us/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As most people know and Wikipedia states \" **Gun laws in the District of Columbia** regulate the sale, possession, and use of [firearms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firearm) and [ammunition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammunition) in the U.S. federal district of [District of Columbia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia).[\\[1\\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_District_of_Columbia#cite_note-1) Firearm laws in the District rank amongst some of the most restrictive in the United States. \"\n\nWe all saw confiscation of guns before the rallies. I am curious if both sides agree that the events of Jan 6th were way less deadly because of the handgun ban. In my experience there are some \"no-restrictions on the 2nd Amendment\" type of people that I would love to hear if you think these DC bans resulted in more deaths, or no change in the deaths.","upvotes":65,"user_id":"ilsvm11"},{"content":"What Good Justifies the Existence of Short Selling?","created_at":1612166673.0,"id":"l9pqya","n_comments":69,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l9pqya/what_good_justifies_the_existence_of_short_selling/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The normal buying and selling of stocks and other securities serves a common good in capitalizing businesses providing liquidity. But what societal good is provided by short selling to justify the effort for creating and policing markets for that purpose? Would the world be better if it simply was illegal?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"cafevirtuale"},{"content":"Should Section 230 be modified so more tech companies have \"Supreme Courts\" like Facebook's?","created_at":1612125648.0,"id":"l9bk64","n_comments":24,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l9bk64/should_section_230_be_modified_so_more_tech/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There's been a lot of bipartisan complaints about censorship or misinformation online but not a lot of great ideas about how to fix it. Eliminating Section 230 altogether would eliminate internet message boards, but what if it were modified to classify tech companies as publishers if they didn't have some sort of check (like an internal judicial branch) on how they moderate content?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"StuffyGoose"},{"content":"Is the Iowa Caucus going first still a good method for choosing nominees? Should it be kept or reformed?","created_at":1612194460.0,"id":"l9xx4f","n_comments":294,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l9xx4f/is_the_iowa_caucus_going_first_still_a_good/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"DNC leaders met this week, and one of the topics up for discussion was the Iowa Caucus, and the nominating process as a whole. The whole Iowa Caucus debacle in 2020 shined a spotlight on it's failings, but it had been critiqued before for a number of reasons--such as the failings of the caucus system as opposed to the a primary, and the mostly rural, white Iowa being accused of not representing the Democratic party base. Proponents say that Iowa's small population and lack of a major media market allows lesser known candidates to make their mark, and that the Iowa Caucus going first is a longstanding tradition that need not be changed.\n\nDo you think the current system should be kept largely as it is? Or should it be reformed in some manner--or overhauled completely?","upvotes":465,"user_id":"Please_PM_me_Uranus"},{"content":"Have Republican voters become more anti-immigration, or were Republican candidates before Trump not reflecting the voters views?","created_at":1612053201.0,"id":"l8pcv8","n_comments":645,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l8pcv8/have_republican_voters_become_more/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"According to polls, Americans as a whole have gotten more supportive of immigration throughout the years. Yet political rhetoric from Republicans has gotten more anti-immigration. There is a famous video of Reagan and Bush discussing amnesty for illegal immigrants in 1980 (I\u2019m on my phone so it\u2019s hard to post a link, it\u2019s easy to find on YouTube). They were saying things that would be unthinkable for Republicans today. George W Bush was also pro-immigration and diversity. If Americans are becoming more pot-immigration, how did Trump become so popular with Republicans?","upvotes":467,"user_id":"bo_mamba"},{"content":"How exactly did America go from Obama to Trump?","created_at":1612073000.0,"id":"l8wxxs","n_comments":66,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l8wxxs/how_exactly_did_america_go_from_obama_to_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"British guy here, so apologies if this is a ignorant/obvious answer. However, I\u2019m currently reading Obama\u2019s \u2018A Promised Land\u2019. In the book he comes across as a very humble and progressive person who genuinely seemed to want to bring meaningful change to America? This leads me to ask of how/why exactly did America go from Obama to Trump? What social and political factors happened in this time period that saw this shift to a polar opposite? I always put it down to Hilary Clinton being the democratic nominee at the time, however, even after the election just gone it showed that there was still a lot of support for Trump. Is it a case of national populism playing its part like it is here over in Europe or is there something deeper that I am missing?","upvotes":31,"user_id":"K_E94"},{"content":"What effect do you think Mitch McConnell blocking the $2000 stimulus bill had on the Georgia run-off elections?","created_at":1612062718.0,"id":"l8t3lp","n_comments":29,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l8t3lp/what_effect_do_you_think_mitch_mcconnell_blocking/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" In late December 2020, Donald Trump called for $2000 stimulus payments to be made to Americans. This passed in the house but was blocked by Mitch McConnell in the senate. Polls showed 5/6 Americans supported these payments. How much do you McConnell blocking these payments affected the Georgia Senate run-offs?","upvotes":32,"user_id":"Arturus243"},{"content":"How to fix the economy?","created_at":1612021835.0,"id":"l8gve2","n_comments":102,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l8gve2/how_to_fix_the_economy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The pandemic has caused economic devastation for many people in this country. The unemployment rate in this country is around 6.7 percent. The underemployment rate is around 12 percent. Millions of people are at risk of being evicted. Everyone knows the economy is broken. With that being said,\n\n1. What do you see the future of the US economy look like? Will many of these jobs return or are we in a new economy and this economic reality is the new future like Andrew Yang and others have said?\n2. Besides the stimulus checks, what else does the federal government need to do to repair the economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.?\n3. We are entering a new age of automation that is going to take the jobs from people like Truck Drivers, Call Center Workers, Retail, etc. The coronavirus has only sped up the process of automation. What do we need to do to alleviate the losses brought on by automation and also prepare people for a drastically different economy going forward?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"StrikingAttempt1554"},{"content":"Should there be a yacht tax? Where house boats such as yachts are taxed on the basis of their assessed value, similar to properties?","created_at":1611974246.0,"id":"l80ael","n_comments":72,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l80ael/should_there_be_a_yacht_tax_where_house_boats/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Right now in most places if you own property, you need to pay property taxes on it, which are based on the assessed current value of that property.\n\nHowever yachts, which are typically owned by the very wealthy, are not subject to any property taxes, as they're not property in that sense.\n\nHowever since there's plenty of president for taxing a standing asset, in the form of property taxes, would it be a good idea to tax yachts with some sort of federal boat tax?\n\nBecause right now living off of a luxury yacht seems like a way to dodge around property taxes.","upvotes":60,"user_id":"scwizard"},{"content":"What are the possible consequences of delaying Biden\u2019s AG nominee?","created_at":1611992361.0,"id":"l88068","n_comments":107,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l88068/what_are_the_possible_consequences_of_delaying/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Ten days into the Biden Administration and we do not have a confirmed AG. Other Senate confirmed positions at DOJ are also not filled. How worried should Americans be about a rudderless DOJ? Do Trump holdovers still have the power to undermine Biden?","upvotes":552,"user_id":"revbfc"},{"content":"Will Ivanka Trump challenge Marco Rubio for his Senate seat in the 2022 Florida Senate election?","created_at":1611975472.0,"id":"l80ttk","n_comments":90,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l80ttk/will_ivanka_trump_challenge_marco_rubio_for_his/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, have moved to from New York to Florida after her father, Former President Donald Trump, left office. \n \nWhile all three of Trump's children from his first marriage (Don Jr., Eric, and Ivanka) are reportedly [considering running for office,](https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/15/ivanka-trump-political-future-459758) Ivanka has drawn significant attention as the Trump child with the best shot. All this occurs with incumbentSenator Marco Rubio being up for reelection in 2022. \n \nWill Ivanka attempt to primary Rubio? Will she win? What does an Ivanka Trump bid for Senate mean for Florida Democrats?","upvotes":44,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"How can closer connections between national parties and members of the European Parliament be reached?","created_at":1611940350.0,"id":"l7o4ic","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l7o4ic/how_can_closer_connections_between_national/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What would be a solution to reach closer connections between national parties and members of the European Parliament? I was personally thinking about some sort of rule to make sure that small parties are connected as well, but I was wondering what you guys would think.","upvotes":302,"user_id":"gregorymchill"},{"content":"How do you think, if Hitler had not expanded his \"activities\" over board and kept it all domestic, would other countries care to stop him?","created_at":1611893568.0,"id":"l77dhs","n_comments":65,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l77dhs/how_do_you_think_if_hitler_had_not_expanded_his/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's my first post here. \nAnd it may seem like a rhetorical question. \nBut I really want to hear some opinions, because my knowledge and awareness is not enough to understand how all it was going on then and now.\n\nI care to ask because I kinda see a few similar figures in the modern world and wonder if humanity has institutions and instruments to help the weak.","upvotes":23,"user_id":"oihjksdf"},{"content":"Is cloture necessary/how can cloture be avoided?","created_at":1611882987.0,"id":"l72smo","n_comments":49,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l72smo/is_cloture_necessaryhow_can_cloture_be_avoided/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It is my understanding that most legislation in US history has been passed without a cloture vote, and that in fact since 2000 the frequency of cloture has risen by leaps and bounds, whereas previously it was a seldom used part of the process.\n\nCloture, and it's requirement of a 2/3rds vote, is how a party that controls neither chamber of congress or the presidency can still refuse to let any legislation pass. This is the \"filibuster\". \n\n\nHowever, if the vast majority of legislation in our nation's history, even fiercely contested legislation, never saw a cloture vote, then clearly there must be ways to avoid/go around cloture. \n\n\nHow can that be done, or to phrase this another way, why can that seemingly not be done now when it was clearly done so often in the past?","upvotes":11,"user_id":"Jimithyashford"},{"content":"What would the 2020 presidential election Map look like if Covid-19 never left China?","created_at":1611836135.0,"id":"l6npl4","n_comments":70,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l6npl4/what_would_the_2020_presidential_election_map/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Shutdowns, rules, and restrictions tied to Covid-19 disrupted the way of life of every American, and I don\u2019t think anybody would argue that if Covid-19 never left China, the calendar year of 2020 would look extremely different. \n\nBefore this disruption, things in politics were at an odd point. Investigations about Russia didn\u2019t end up holding much weight, and following that, the few month long impeachment trial ended just before things came to a screeching halt. Had this virus not infiltrated the nation, we may have seen a time where Trump was not under constant attack, and may have had a grace period to pass more policies that could have pleased moderates.\n\nWithout Covid to constantly bring up, what would the Democratic party have been able to attack Trump on that would build the most convincing case against his re-election?\n\nWhat would the electoral map look like on the morning of November 4th, 2020 in a world without Covid-19 in the USA?","upvotes":42,"user_id":"threaljmotm"},{"content":"Why instead of locking political opponents for life is it better to lock them for short periods?","created_at":1611816356.0,"id":"l6gmve","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l6gmve/why_instead_of_locking_political_opponents_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Some time ago, in one of the political science videos, I have heard that dictators no longer prefer to lock/kill their political opponents. Instead they prefer to lock them for short periods, say for example 3 weeks, multiple times across the year as its more effective. \n\nAs an example for such tactics I can bring Navalny, russian politic, opponent of Putin.\n\nFrom one side, locking a person multiple times across the year, for short amounts can be a nuisance and possibly would interfere with planned actions/public speaking etc, but at the same time, using modern technology and people, whom they trust the organization, those damages can be easily mitigated.\n\nI was unable to figure out why this would make sense on my own, so i hope community would help me better understand political tactics of modern dictators.\n\nThank you!","upvotes":18,"user_id":"chekh"},{"content":"Why have Americans gotten more liberal on most social issues, but are largely unchanged on abortion rights?","created_at":1611834975.0,"id":"l6ncar","n_comments":1618,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l6ncar/why_have_americans_gotten_more_liberal_on_most/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Over the past several decades, Americans have become more progressive on a host of social issues at an incredible pace: they are far more accepting of gay marriage, supportive of marijuana legalization, and opposed to the death penalty -- to name a few.\n\nOne major issue stands out as a notable exception, however: abortion. Since the 1970s, American's attitudes on abortion rights have remained [largely unchanged](https://news.gallup.com/poll/1576/abortion.aspx). Pretty consistently, about half of Americans think abortion should be legal under some circumstances, \\~25% think it should be legal in all circumstances, and 15-20% think it should never be legal (I presume the remainder are unsure. If you look at the link, the stability in these attitudes is remarkable.\n\nWhy have Americans' attitudes on abortion remained largely unchanged while they've shifted tremendously on other social issues?","upvotes":1006,"user_id":"Adodie"},{"content":"Secret Vote in Impeachment Trial","created_at":1611809543.0,"id":"l6e4n4","n_comments":75,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l6e4n4/secret_vote_in_impeachment_trial/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It is possible for the Senate to enact a rule for the impeachment trial that will allow for a secret ballot to be cast to determine the outcome. This can be done with a simple majority vote. How might this influence the outcome?","upvotes":77,"user_id":"MackTO"},{"content":"What are the implications of the supreme court dismissing the two emoluments cases against trump?","created_at":1611785551.0,"id":"l65asl","n_comments":32,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l65asl/what_are_the_implications_of_the_supreme_court/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The supreme court decided a few days ago to dismiss two cases against Trump alleging that he illegally profited from his office. They appear to have dismissed the case on the basis that Trump is no longer in office and so it's a moot point.\n\nRelevant AP article: [https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-ends-trump-lawsuits-df42ef0eec5fa57edf3e294234051d88](https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-ends-trump-lawsuits-df42ef0eec5fa57edf3e294234051d88)\n\nDoes this have any implications for the impeachment trial if it does succeed in the senate? Are there other cases like this where the court decided not to hear them because the public official was no longer in office? Does this set any precedent that allows public officials to essentially \"run out the clock\" in future cases like this?","upvotes":53,"user_id":"Inevitable-Ad-9570"},{"content":"What is the most desired outcome of the second impeachment trial of President Trump for each party?","created_at":1611789652.0,"id":"l66nij","n_comments":116,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l66nij/what_is_the_most_desired_outcome_of_the_second/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Do the Republicans want a unified (vote along party lines) acquittal to try to frame the impeachment as another partisan attack? Do they want an acquittal to ensure Trump's support for future elections?\n\nDo the Democrats want a conviction to hold the former President accountable for his action? Are they okay with an acquittal as long as it divides the Republican party?\n\nWhat does each party want as the result? Do you think that what they want aligns with what they should want?","upvotes":40,"user_id":"dredged_chicken"},{"content":"How can gerrymandering be reduced and be made less political?","created_at":1611792445.0,"id":"l67p8r","n_comments":395,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l67p8r/how_can_gerrymandering_be_reduced_and_be_made/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For example could we just reframe districting as an optimization problem. Given the population distribution or the voter locations could we make the districts so as to minimize the sum total of boundaries, or minimize the average distance from the center, or ... \n\nSimply put this should be a sophomore math optimization problem not a political fight.\n\nHow best to remove the politics from districting?","upvotes":681,"user_id":"endlessbull"},{"content":"Does the media need an oversight body?","created_at":1611798497.0,"id":"l6a6ao","n_comments":59,"percentage_upvoted":0.61,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l6a6ao/does_the_media_need_an_oversight_body/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Our constitution protects the press from being punished from publishing facts and investigative journalism. This was meant to allow the press to work for us and not the government. Something put in place for the people to be informed and no one to be punished for informing us of what the government is doing. \n\nPolls today show that there is a mistrust of all our news outlets. Do we need an oversight body or something else to help restore the faith of people in the press or not? How would that work if we had one in place? Would guidelines to abide by help?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"Ariel0289"},{"content":"North Carolina State Senator Jeff Jackson has Announced He's Running in 2022 for the Senate, What are his Chances ?","created_at":1611703948.0,"id":"l5gblr","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l5gblr/north_carolina_state_senator_jeff_jackson_has/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article248608500.html Democrats have come close in all of the recent North Carolina senate races but haven't won since Kay Hagan flipped a seat in 2008. What are Jeff Jacksons odds of breaking the streak ?","upvotes":35,"user_id":"AcceptableWay"},{"content":"What strategies increased youth voter turnout in the 2020 election and how can we keep this momentum going?","created_at":1611730583.0,"id":"l5q17t","n_comments":284,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l5q17t/what_strategies_increased_youth_voter_turnout_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\\~55% cast a vote in the 2020 presidential election, compared to only \\~44% in 2016\n\nYoung people were also politically engaged in 2020. About 1 in 4 donated to a campaign (24%) or registered others to vote (23%), close to half (45%) tried to convince their peers to vote, and two thirds spoke with friends about the election and politics. \n\nSource: [https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/election-week-2020#youth-voter-turnout-increased-in-2020](https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/election-week-2020#youth-voter-turnout-increased-in-2020)","upvotes":848,"user_id":"TurnoutNation"},{"content":"How do we figure the evolution of Americans by generation, and the \"major\" big events of their teens and youth, impacted their politics? Can we roughly forecast the evolution of American politics by looking back at their evolution in the past century?","created_at":1611725566.0,"id":"l5o9eh","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l5o9eh/how_do_we_figure_the_evolution_of_americans_by/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How do we figure the evolution of Americans by generation, and the \"major\" big events of their teens and youth, impacted their politics? Can we roughly forecast the evolution of American politics by looking back at their evolution in the past century?\n\nI've been noodling with this chart for some time. Obviously, some of this is subjective, especially for **Defining Events**. We can argue over which to go for, but I went with the \"biggest\" that would have the \"broadest\" in my mind cultural exposure between TV, news, and peers, or directly impacting you in life.\n\nThe age/generation breakouts are subjective but basically how we collectively do bucket ourselves for generations. \n\nThe **\"General Political\"** is from basically every study, or poll that I can recall, and I've never really heard anyone dispute any take like this for each generation. Before any conservative trots out that \"one study\" that said \"Gen Z\" is conservative on account of \"some more opposition to abortion\"... It was one study, in one region, and that doesn't mean that the generation is magically going to break right, so please don't beat that dead horse. \n\nObviously, these are broad strokes for **ages and brackets**. My thinking:\n\n* Child: 8-12 or so. The period where you start to understand more of the world, how your parents, peers and close adults frame and present it, and you start to really absorb it.\n* Teens: 13-18, maybe up to 20. The formative years where you move from a kid to closer to what you'll be going forward.\n* Adulthood: 20-45 or so. There's numerous reputable studies that the events in this window on average have the greatest and most impact on you, especially through the mid/late 20s as our brains finally finish main development and we become who we'll be.\n* Middle age: 45-60~\n* Senior: Nebulous, but around 55-65, maybe +/- up to 5 or so. Not to retirement age, but you've been through a full life more or less by now.\n* Elderly: retirement age and above.\n\nHere's the table. \n\nWhat can we glean from this?\n\nBorn | Generation | Child | Teen | Adult| Middle-age | Senior | Elder | Age now | General political | Defining teen/early adult events\n---|---|---|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----\n1920s | Silent | 1930s | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 100s | Conservative | Depression, WW2\n1930s | Silent | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 90s | Conservative | WW2, post-war, civil rights, Cold War\n1940s | Greatest/Boomer | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 80s | Conservative | Civil rights, Vietnam, Cold War\n1950s | Boomer | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 70s | Conservative | Vietnam, Legendary recession, Reagan, Cold War\n1960s | Boomer | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020s | 60s | Conservative/Liberal | Cold war, 90s boom era\n1970s | Gen X | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020s | ~~*n/a*~~ | 50s | Liberal/Conservative | Culture wars, widespread internet starts, 9/11 attack, War on Terror\n1980s | Gen X, Gen Y/Mill | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020s | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | 40s | Liberal | 9/11, three wars, common internet, Great Recession\n1990s | Gen Y/Mill | 2000s | 2010s | 2020s | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | 30s | Progressive | Culture wars (again), Great Recession, wars, COVID\n2000s | Gen Z | 2010s | 2020s | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | 20s (up to) | TBD, lean Progressive | Culture wars, Trump, COVID\n2010s | \u00af\\\\\\_(\u30c4)_/\u00af | 2020s | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | ~~*n/a*~~ | 10s-ish | \u00af\\\\\\_(\u30c4)_/\u00af | Trump, COVID","upvotes":16,"user_id":"MessedUpDuane"},{"content":"What is the future of the European Union?","created_at":1611710014.0,"id":"l5ihf6","n_comments":181,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l5ihf6/what_is_the_future_of_the_european_union/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The EU as such has been dealing with perpetual crises for more than a decade now yet it still stands, although riddled with internal fractures, paralysis and imbalances. The UK as one of its largest and most powerful member state has left and it seems Brexit has been the only recent issue where the EU actually stayed united till the end.\n\nOn the economy:\n\nThe Eurozone survived the sovereign debt crisis, but you can hardly say it looks very healthy. The economic difference between the North and the South has widened and not closed, putting their governments into conflict again and again. Covid has ravaged the Eurozone, prompting the ECB to continue with record amounts of quantitative easing under PEPP, which is not exctly ideal monetary policy. The government debts of the South are continuing to be a major issue and the fundamental problem of having a common currency but resisting the path of a united fiscal policy for the Eurozone remains unsolved. Things like the European Fiscal Compact and the European Stability Mechanism are all a bit loose and do not really fix it.\n\nThe Eurozone is in the process of enlargment with Bulgaria and Croatia joining ERM II last year but it seems a bit\u2026hasty to enlarge a zone that hasn't solved the rather deep problems with the existing members.\n\nThe implementation for a true Capital Markets Union has also been delayed and delayed, having had the initial idea since at least the early 2000s. Brexit seems to have restarted the ambition, but it remains to be seen if the EU actually makes any progress on this, if they haven't in all the previous years.\n\nOn the institutions:\n\nThe half-baked state of the EU shows in the fact that EU competences are limited yet it tries to do ever more. The fight between further transfer of competences to Brussels vs a more national approach is ongoing and hasn't stopped in intensity. Some argue that the EU needs true reform in terms of fundamental EU treaty changes but the direction of treaty changes are usually deeper integration, not shallower and require unanimity. Lisbon was the last treaty change, just in time for the '08 crisis. But even then, the Lisbon treaty struggled to be passed in Ireland, it needing 2 referenda. The proponents of further integration have an uphill battle to fight because I'm not sure there is a lot of appetite for treaty changes yet they are needed if the European integration process wants to continue on solid grounds.\n\nThe UK leaving was the ultimate symbol of disagreement, but the UK isn't the only one that has long held reservations for further federalisation and Brussels powers. Populist governments around the EU are preventing what they see as further loss of national sovereignty and in fact a lot of countries have been trying to wrestle back powers in areas, where the EU does not have clear assigned competences. The clashes between the ECJ and various constitutional courts of member states have not stopped and in cases like Poland and Hungary, clashing with Brussels institutions quite openly.\n\nOn foreign policy:\n\nThe immediate neighborhood of the EU is riddled with conflict, some of its member states' own making in the past, some because there is just a conflict of interest. Yet the state of the EU doesn't allow it to have as much power as it needs. The EU needs to create its own security architecture with its neighborhood but I do not see this changing anytime soon from the current situation as the EU is not just disunited internally on foreign policy questions, but also unable to pose as a serious security actor due to a lack of united military and policing force as an EU institution. True military unity in the EU is unlikely to happen anytime soon as various member states have completely different ideas in terms of military policy and objectives. Some member states are non-NATO, some are by declaration neutral in their foreign policy, thus making their military a non-factor.\n\nThe EU does have Frontex, yet it is largely an organizational superstructure ontop of national border enforcement, with very little power to actually enforce anything on its own. National police/guards etc are where the true sovereign powers for the member states territory lie. The EU as such has been very divided and weak when dealing with the refugee issue from the Middle East, with multiple member states at each others throat, acting on their own and contradicting each other and unable to do much to alleviate the conflicts in its own Mediterranean neighborhood like Turkey, Libya, Algeria and Syria.\n\nEnlargement of the EU is ongoing within the context of the Balkans, but in terms of the large foreign policy issues, the Balkan expansion will not change much on the foundational level.\n\nThe situation of the EU as is seems to be very complicated to me, filled with squabbles and problems with no immediate solutions which in turn keeps the EU from following a clear path foward.\n\nWhat do you think the future of the EU will look like?","upvotes":294,"user_id":"slightlylong"},{"content":"Is it better to leave a Party or try to lead it?","created_at":1611653941.0,"id":"l534bv","n_comments":64,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l534bv/is_it_better_to_leave_a_party_or_try_to_lead_it/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"An aide for Kevin McCarthy is quoted as saying that the GOP [is eating $#!t for breakfast, lunch and dinner](https://www.axios.com/kevin-mccarthy-criticism-trump-impeachment-295d5309-8f5a-40ce-a97b-5aee436db191.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=organic&utm_content=1100), given the fallout over Trump loyalists backing a failed effort to overturn the election, the Capitol insurrection, QAnon's influence over the base, and \"moderate\" Republicans who disagree with the Democratic Party, but voted for Biden because of a dislike of Trump and his supporters. Last week, Brookings, Cato, and Manhattan all reported that nationwide GOP registration has consistently dropped since 2016, with a noted spike in requests for changes coming after the Jan 6 riots.\n\nTheoretically, if these \"moderates\" leave the GOP, that leaves more far-right voters in the party to nominate and support extreme candidates. Staying would at least force other voices to be considered, even if they don't win, or it could give rise to a new positioning in that party, which could shift away from the fringe/extremist elements of their platform.\n\nShould people who feel alienated by their party leave it, or stay and try to influence it?","upvotes":78,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"If the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine or another future vaccine is conclusively shown to be less effective than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, how would this impact the Biden distribution plan and public relations campaign?","created_at":1611641870.0,"id":"l4z4ba","n_comments":20,"percentage_upvoted":0.64,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l4z4ba/if_the_astrazeneca_covid19_vaccine_or_another/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We are fortunate that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are essentially identical in terms of effectiveness (>90%), but say another one ends up being more in the 70% range \u2013 how should it be determined who gets the \"good one\" and who gets the \"bad one\"? Should it be random? What sort of backlash could states and the federal government face if they did encourage and/or make deliberate efforts to get some groups to receive one vaccine over another? Or would most Americans not care?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Pineapple__Jews"},{"content":"Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) just announced that he won't be running for a third term. How do you think this will impact the 2022 midterms? Does his decision say anything about the state of the GOP?","created_at":1611621041.0,"id":"l4re0r","n_comments":356,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l4re0r/sen_rob_portman_roh_just_announced_that_he_wont/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Politico](https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/25/rob-portman-wont-seek-reelection-462146) broke the news that the former Ohio Representative, and Bush-era Trade Rep and OMB Director won't be seeking a third term in the Senate, citing \"partisan gridlock\" as the main motivation for his foregoing reelection.\n\nPortman isn't part of the most vocal people in the Senate, but he's considered to be one of the more effective legislators in the chamber and was often seen as a potential swing vote despite voting with Trump 88% of the time, per [538](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/).\n\nOhio has been trending red over the years, so I think Portman would have had a good shot at winning reelection after winning in a landslide in '16 despite polls showing a close race.\n\nConsidering how GOP-friendly Ohio has become in the past few years, do you think Portman's retirement will put his seat in play? If so, who do you think is likely to run for his seat (both GOP and Dem)?\n\nIs this further proof of Trump's grip over the GOP? Is there a chance Portman was concerned over a potential primary challenge?\n\nLastly, do you think this has any bearing on Portman's vote in Trump's Senate trial?","upvotes":1172,"user_id":"AT_Dande"},{"content":"How likely is Puerto Rico/DC statehood?","created_at":1611588111.0,"id":"l4ilul","n_comments":173,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l4ilul/how_likely_is_puerto_ricodc_statehood/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the last referendum, Puerto Ricans voted in favor of statehood and the Democrats have now gained control of Congress. There is there issue of the filibuster but I think I read [somewhere ](https://theweek.com/articles/960235/statehood-dc-puerto-rico-only-needs-50-votes) that statehood could bypass the filibuster and need only a simple majority. Biden is going to be very busy in the first few months handling urgent business so I think statehood might have to wait but I think it is on the agenda.","upvotes":36,"user_id":"gohawks1201"},{"content":"Ballot Initiatives/Referendums","created_at":1611565327.0,"id":"l4c98a","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l4c98a/ballot_initiativesreferendums/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I was hoping to have a serious discussion/hear some opinions on their thoughts on the existence of ballot initiatives. Overall they seem to have broad support from both US conservatives and liberals and I never hear anyone really question them. \n\nBallot initiatives/referendums are a form of direct democracy in which citizens can directly vote on a law and bypass the state's legislature. They sprang up during the Progressive Era and now are present in nearly every state, both liberal and conservative alike.\n\nWhile I personally enjoy the outcomes of some initiatives, overall I question if these are a good idea in principle. I was re-reading Federalist 10 yesterday and some passages really stuck out to me. For those who haven't or aren't familiar with Federalist papers, they are a series of essays written by founding fathers James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton for the purpose of trying to convince the public of the benefits of the US constitution prior to its ratification. In No. 10, they are discussing how to constrain faction and advocate that republicanism (representative government) is superior to democracy (citizens voting on laws directly). They are pretty scathing in their critique of democracy. They argue that democracies can \"admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction\", warn it leads to tyranny of the majority, and tend to be \"incompatible with personal security, or the rights of property, and have, in general, been as short n their lives, as they have been violent in their deaths.\". \n\nThey argue that representative government is crucial because representatives are \"to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice, will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations.\"\n\nTo me, it seems fairly clear that the founding fathers were strongly against individuals directly voting on law (or vote directly for senators, but thats another discussion). Overall, they seem to really fear that the majority on whatever opinion would just be able to trample on the rights of the minority. In No 10 they particularly worry about it in terms of property but it really applies to any opinion (religious/ethnic/racial/orientation/pro dog/favorite color/etc). \n\nArticle 4 Section 4 of the US constitution guarantees that every state in the union shall have a republican form of government. To me, when reading the words of these founding fathers, I really question whether ballot initiatives or referendums are really constitutional at the state or federal level. It acts to undermine representative government. While checks have since been put in place to protect minority rights (state and federal bill of rights), it doesn't change the fact that voting directly on the law is not consistent with our form of government. \n\nWhat are your thoughts? Do you support these measures in principle? I always felt that if anyone, conservatives would agree with getting rid of them. \n\nPlease keep this constructive and keep the political divisiveness out of it. Also, for full disclosure, I identify center-left politically and I'm a physician and in no way an expert in this field. If anyone here went to law school or is an expert in the area or just is well read on it, please correct me if I misinterpreted this section.","upvotes":10,"user_id":"Cicero1787"},{"content":"Now that the Trump presidency is over, what do you believe to be some of Trump\u2019s crowning accomplishments (both short term and long term) and why?","created_at":1611564129.0,"id":"l4bvyz","n_comments":67,"percentage_upvoted":0.53,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l4bvyz/now_that_the_trump_presidency_is_over_what_do_you/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Very curious to see what people believe his accomplishments are during his four years in office. This can be from all sides of the aisle, I know there are things he did that both Dems, GOP, Independents, and other third parties can appreciate.","upvotes":3,"user_id":"jz20rok"},{"content":"The current administration is often referred to as the \"Biden-Harris administration\" by itself and the news media in general. This doesn't seem to be the norm for presidential administrations, e.g. Obama-Biden, Trump-Pence were not common. Does this indicate a shift in the role of VP for this admin?","created_at":1611565596.0,"id":"l4ccfd","n_comments":187,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l4ccfd/the_current_administration_is_often_referred_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the White House press briefings, \"Biden-Harris administration\" seems to be the preferred term when referring to the admin as a whole and this appears to echo across the news media and political theater in general.\n\nAs a comparison, when searching Google with quotations:\n\n* \"Trump-Pence administration\" returns 53,500 results\n\n* \"Obama-Biden administration\" returns 387,000 results\n\n* \"Bush-Cheney administration\" returns 117,000 results\n\n* \"Clinton-Gore administration\" returns 40,500 results\n\n* \"Biden-Harris administration\" returns 1,850,000 results\n\nThe quantity for some of the older administrations may be attributed to reduced prevalence of online articles and political commentary but the difference in quantity between the current administration and the most recent two is far too substantial for increased internet usage to account for alone.\n\nJohn Adams referred to the Vice-Presidency to be \"most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived.\" and that belief seemed to have persisted in Washington across successive administrations with Thomas R. Marshall and John Nance Garner also having choice words about their feelings for the office.\n\nDo you think that this change in terms is indicative of a change in the role of Vice-President within the current administration compared to those before it? Or is it a more superficial/symbolic decision? It seems to be a conscious decision in any case as it was not a a very common way to refer to previous administrations, either by themselves or by the news media.","upvotes":233,"user_id":"He_Does_It_For_Food"},{"content":"Should the ACA be further revised now that it has been law long enough to see flaws between what was intended and how if functions?","created_at":1611556935.0,"id":"l49li6","n_comments":440,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l49li6/should_the_aca_be_further_revised_now_that_it_has/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This specifically applies to the 30 hour work week insurance fine part, but does not assume there are no other possible changes to look at.\n\nThis part of the ACA says any employer must offer healthcare options to any employee that works more than 30 hours a week on average, or the employer is fined.\n\nBefore this an employee could work up to 40 hours as long as they had one week/pay period per quarter below the 30/60 hour point.\n\nThis was an effort to increase the number of employees who were eligible for insurance through their work.\n\nIn reality this pushes some employers to limit an employee to 30 hours...cutting their work hours by up to quarter, and possibly causing some people to need a second job.\nThis is a burden on some employees rather than a benefit.\n\nThere is precedent for changing the ACA. Fines for individuals who did not comply were questioned by lawmakers and ultimately removed after the law was in place. This did cause a case to go the the Supreme Court to try and repeal the whole of ACA, but was struck down. This means it is likely possible for some parts of this bill to be further evaluated.","upvotes":613,"user_id":"shadowkitten87"},{"content":"To what extent would social psychologists be of value to a Biden administration?","created_at":1611484821.0,"id":"l3qop3","n_comments":53,"percentage_upvoted":0.62,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3qop3/to_what_extent_would_social_psychologists_be_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hi everyone,\n\nI was talking with my wife tonight about this, and she suggested I post here. We've been talking a lot about the current political climate and the recent ideas of impeachment, both pro and con. The idea came up that after the recent election and the ensuing discussion over the value of impeachment. This also led to some questions about how to actually unite the country, rather than focus on punishing the president. (Although you could arguably do both at the same time)\n\nIf the true desire is to unify the country, how do politicians decide what the best path forward is for unification? We were wondering if actual social psychologists (or some other professional who does this work) should be responsible for advising the nation forward. Rhetoric is one thing, but how do you craft a message unless you understand the extent of damage that has been done to a whole segment of society?\n\nWe've never had this kind of misinformation and gaslighting (in our memories, at least) and those who most dogmatically supported the past president, don't just disagree with the current administration, but refuse to acknowledge his legitimacy. This leads me to believe that we need experts who have dealt with large communities of people who believe in different realities, and experts who understand trauma, Stockholm syndrome, and gaslighting on a macro scale, not just as concepts, but with communities of people experiencing them, not just individuals.\n\nI wonder how many actual psychologists who are experts in social psychology actually advise the president on how to use language, acts, and cues to let those who have been lied to and somewhat abused know that we have compassion and understanding, and would like to help heal. It seems like a very difficult thing to do, but I do not know if the current administration is dealing with this as a social issue, rather a criminal one, or even if that is a good approach, to be honest.","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Camelcrushers"},{"content":"Should federal pardons be regulated?","created_at":1611515325.0,"id":"l3xjhi","n_comments":360,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3xjhi/should_federal_pardons_be_regulated/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Pardons are a heavily used power by U.S. Presidents that let them completely set aside the punishment for a federal crime of a person and are granted to the president by Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution. \n\n\nNote: This is not questioning the existence of the action to pardon people (as another post does), but with what extent of power a president should be able to use it.\n\nEdit: thanks for the award!","upvotes":784,"user_id":"thmonline"},{"content":"What is the future of the NRA?","created_at":1611514645.0,"id":"l3xe3y","n_comments":72,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3xe3y/what_is_the_future_of_the_nra/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The NRA needs no introduction in today's political climate. They spend millions of dollars every year on lobbying and election campaigns. However, 2020 has been rough on the NRA. They have been bleeding money because of an onslaught of lawsuits brought against them costing them millions in lost revenue. The NY AG Letitia James has brought lawsuits against the NRA claiming they violated their Non-Profit Status and used NRA funds for personal use and as such is calling for the disillusion. The NRA tried to get a judge to dismiss the claim, but the judge refused.\n\nThe NRA recently had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to try and restructure the company. Even with this attempt to restructure the company, the future still looks very bleak as these lawsuits will take years to settle. So, what will the NRA look like in the future. More specifically\n\n1. How much influence will the NRA have in politics with a decline in revenue due to costly lawsuits?\n2. What other changes could you see happen inside the NRA? \n3. How does the NRA's troubles affect the Gun Control Debate going forward?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"StrikingAttempt1554"},{"content":"Immigration and Economics","created_at":1611508520.0,"id":"l3w7e8","n_comments":44,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3w7e8/immigration_and_economics/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Note: while this question primarily refers to US politics, it can also be applied to countries outside the US.\n\nA common pro-immigration argument is that immigrants are good for businesses and the economy. If a US citizen earns $10/hr and a Mexican citizen earns $1/hr for the same job, why would businesses push for increased migration into the US instead of outsourcing? Basically, in which ways do businesses benefit from immigrants coming to the US?\n\nThis question focuses on immigrants seeking blue-collar jobs, but white-collar jobs are also worth mentioning. Why hire an immigrant on American soil when given the opportunity to hire, for example, remote workers from abroad?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"BanachTarskiWaluigi"},{"content":"Should Biden Hand Over Trump's Tax Returns?","created_at":1611439571.0,"id":"l3cnpv","n_comments":92,"percentage_upvoted":0.58,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3cnpv/should_biden_hand_over_trumps_tax_returns/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Judge gives Biden admin 2 weeks to choose position on House's Trump tax return suit ](https://news.yahoo.com/trump-office-biden-administration-decides-023859025.html)\n\nThe House plans to renew its subpoena for Trump's tax returns. I'm not sure under which authority the House will sue. I see a few challenges for Biden as he continues to have to balance accountability and unity.\n\n1) House has clear oversight authority of the executive branch and there are many laws that require the Treasury to turn over tax information upon request by the House. We know that the Trump treasury didn't comply because...they just didn't want to.\n\n2) the House could have legitimate interest in drafting anti-corruption legislation and thus would need Trump's returns in order to see how the power and office of the Presidency may allow for shady activities.\n\n3) HOWEVER if Biden releases these and then the returns get leaked, the GOP will never forgive him. Any and all good-will from the right will be lost.","upvotes":7,"user_id":"Basicallylana"},{"content":"Joe Biden's first actions as President have been reversing the decisions of the Trump administration (Paris Accord Re-entry, Potentially Restoring Net Neutrality, etc.). How common is this in US history, and how likely is this to continue if a Republican wins the next presidential election?","created_at":1611449437.0,"id":"l3fncp","n_comments":97,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3fncp/joe_bidens_first_actions_as_president_have_been/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For the historically uneducated, is it typical for the political parties to go back and forth on different legislation? Will this tug-of-war continue if the Republicans retake the Executive branch in 2024?","upvotes":80,"user_id":"BoysenberryFaygo"},{"content":"What can be done to begin addressing the myriad issues facing American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) communities?","created_at":1611435618.0,"id":"l3bobn","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3bobn/what_can_be_done_to_begin_addressing_the_myriad/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"AIAN communities have a higher unemployment rate than the [national average](https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2019/article/american-indians-and-alaska-natives-in-the-u-s-labor-force.htm), lower life expectancy, poorer health (and less likely to have insurance), less wealth, higher incarceration rates, higher rates of alcoholism and drug abuse.\n\nThe Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota (home to the Lakota) is the eighth largest reservation in the US, and the poorest. Twenty to thirty thousand people live there, and the unemployment rate hovers around 80%. Half the population lives below the national poverty line. Oglala Lakota County (which is contained entirely by the reservation) has the lowest per capita income of any county in the US - at just [under](https://www.re-member.org/pine-ridge-reservation.aspx) $9,000 (the per capita income for the US is about $63,000).\n\nI'm no expert on Native affairs - but it seems hard to accept that the US government isn't the cause of a huge percentage of these problems. \n\nWe've seen massive social movements (the push for gay marriage, trans rights, Black Lives Matter, etc) over the last several years. Why haven't AIAN communities gotten the traction of some of these movements, and what are some important steps the Biden administration could take to address some of these issues?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"ethnicbonsai"},{"content":"Did Neoconservatives Find a Way to Advance their Agenda During the Trump Administration?","created_at":1611429760.0,"id":"l3afn5","n_comments":6,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3afn5/did_neoconservatives_find_a_way_to_advance_their/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's no doubt that Fmr. President Trump advertised himself to be apart from the neoconservative [movement](https://www.politico.eu/article/neocons-declare-war-on-donald-trump-us-election-2016-presidential-campaign-republican-president-news/) that has gripped the Modern Republican Party and a swath of Democrats as well. \n\nFmr. President Trump backed up his campaign promises with [troop](https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/12/05/congress-moves-block-us-troop-withdrawal-afghanistan-and-germany.html) withdrawals and a softer approach to North Korea. \n\nThat being said, his administration took an extremely hard line towards Iran by abandoning the nuclear deal, killing Qasem Soleimani, and [massive](https://www.vox.com/2020/12/1/21755390/trump-uae-f35-israel-weapons-sale) arms sales in the middle east. \n\nFurthermore, Trump Administration Officials [launched](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/02/14/pompeo-pence-kushner-in-poland-for-middle-east-summit/2867885002/) a campaign to isolate Iran and encourage some sort of confrontation. \n\nAnd finally, this has culminated with Sec. of State Mike Pompeo [accusing](https://www.wsj.com/articles/pompeo-accuses-iran-of-allowing-al-qaeda-to-set-up-headquarters-11610469984) Iran of allowing Al Qaeda to set up, much like the Bush Administration insinuated with Iraq. \n\nDid neocons meaningfully advance their agenda under Trump or not?","upvotes":12,"user_id":"Walter_Sobchak07"},{"content":"What do you think the Biden administration will accomplish with guns?","created_at":1611400915.0,"id":"l341wq","n_comments":63,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l341wq/what_do_you_think_the_biden_administration_will/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Major Gun reform legislation arguably hasn't been pass since Bill Clinton was President. With Democrats now holding the House, Senate and Presidency what can we expect?\n\nSome gun control measures are very popular such as support for universal background checks being 90% but with the large increase in guns sold and new gun owners, do you think Democrats will go for it or focus on other issues like Covid-19 relief and healthcare.","upvotes":14,"user_id":"RuggedBeliefSystem"},{"content":"What are the most useful frameworks to analyze and understand the present day American political landscape?","created_at":1611445530.0,"id":"l3edfr","n_comments":401,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l3edfr/what_are_the_most_useful_frameworks_to_analyze/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As stated, what are the most useful frameworks to analyze and understand the present day American political landscape?\n\nTo many, it feels as though we're in an extraordinary political moment. Partisanship is at extremely high levels in a way that far exceeds normal functions of government, such as making laws, and is increasingly spilling over into our media ecosystem, our senses of who we are in relation to our fellow Americans, and our very sense of a shared reality, such that we can no longer agree on crucial facts like who won the 2020 election. \n\nWhen we think about where we are politically, how we got here, and where we're heading, what should we identify as the critical factors? Should we focus on the effects of technology? Race? Class conflict? Geographic sorting? How our institutions and government are designed?\n\nWhich political analysts or political scientists do you feel really grasp not only the big picture, but what's going on beneath the hood and can accurately identify the underlying driving components?","upvotes":531,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Is Anarchism, as an Ideology, Something to be Taken Seriously?","created_at":1611372261.0,"id":"l2uxt2","n_comments":817,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l2uxt2/is_anarchism_as_an_ideology_something_to_be_taken/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Following the events in Portland on the 20th, [where anarchists came out in protest against the inauguration of Joe Biden](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/oregon-s-democratic-party-offices-vandalized-amid-post-inauguration-protests-n1255118), many people online began talking about what it means to be an anarchist and if it's a real movement, or just privileged kids cosplaying as revolutionaries. So, I wanted to ask, is anarchism, specifically left anarchism, something that should be taken seriously, like socialism, liberalism, conservatism, or is it something that shouldn't be taken seriously.\n\nIn case you don't know anything about anarchist ideology, I would recommend reading about the Zapatistas in Mexico, or Rojava in Syria for modern examples of anarchist movements","upvotes":725,"user_id":"jamestar1122"},{"content":"How will Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempted impeachment of Joe Biden affect the Republican Party going forward?","created_at":1611324027.0,"id":"l2hgcf","n_comments":101,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l2hgcf/how_will_marjorie_taylor_greenes_attempted/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For those who are not familiar with Marjorie Taylor Greene she is a Republican Representative from Georgia's 14th district. She has openly voiced support for many conspiracy theories like QAnon, PizzaGate, and even called the Parkland School Shooting at \"False Flag\" shooting. She has recently made headlines today by filing articles of impeachment against Joe Biden. Basically Hunter Biden and Ukraine was her justification. \n\nAnyway this shocked me considering that Joe Biden hadn't even been president for 48 hours. She has been condemned by many high ranking republicans in the past. That leaves the question, what, if anything will come from this more specifically \n\n1. Why do you think she decided to this? Why so early?\n2. What impact will this have on Marjorie Taylor Greene as a representative, Could she be censured for this? Will this hurt her reputation among Republicans?\n3. What impact will her actions have on Republican Party going forward? Especially as they attempt to rebuild after their 2020 losses.","upvotes":71,"user_id":"StrikingAttempt1554"},{"content":"Labels, miscommunications, and Nazis","created_at":1611263958.0,"id":"l1yals","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":0.41,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1yals/labels_miscommunications_and_nazis/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"TIL: The only difference between the *name* of a neo-nazi party in America and rose twitter... is the word \"national\". \n\n> [National Socialist Party of America - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Socialist_Party_of_America) \n> \n> [Socialist Party of America - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialist_Party_of_America) \n\n​\n\nIt doesn't help when you look up information on socialist movement either\n\n> [National Socialist Movement (United States) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Socialist_Movement_(United_States)) \n> \n> [Socialist Movement - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialist_Movement) \n\n​\n\nThis is further complicated by google search image algorithms, which don't differentiate between the two. So if you google \"socialist movement of America\", you get wikipedia articles basically talking about the democratic socialists of America, and then images of neo-nazis. Which brings me to my questions:\n\n​\n\n1. How has this miscommunication and poor group labeling, confused the American conversation around \"socialist\" policies? \n2. Are older/less engaged individuals hearing/reading about the \"socialist\" politicians in America and mistakenly thinking they mean the old national socialist neo-nazi party? \n3. Have you ever stumbled upon this difference? I feel like I've never heard anyone talk about how close these names are, and how easy they would be to confuse if you didn't know better. \n4. Finally, do you think this is hindering the \"socialist\" movement in America going forward? It's a complicated problem to have your movement share a name with neo-nazis, but it's probably to late to embrace a different ideological label.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"BaileyWarr3n"},{"content":"Is it fair to measure the \u2018legacy\u2019 of an outgoing President by how quickly it can be dismantled by the next president?","created_at":1611256065.0,"id":"l1wf9f","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1wf9f/is_it_fair_to_measure_the_legacy_of_an_outgoing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Without turning this into a discussion about the merits of Trump, it seems that Biden managed to reverse almost all of Trumps \u2018accomplishments\u2019 in less than a day, with the exception of his tax plan\n\nIs this a fair way to measure the legacy of presidents? I\u2019m a fairly young Canadian so admittedly don\u2019t know a ton of US history pre Obama. And for Obama it seems like his biggest legacy piece, the ACA is pretty well cemented given that Republicans unsuccessfully tried to overturn it more times than the 2020 election","upvotes":14,"user_id":"Berly653"},{"content":"What happens if the Senate is unable to reach a power sharing agreement?","created_at":1611274724.0,"id":"l21lmz","n_comments":113,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l21lmz/what_happens_if_the_senate_is_unable_to_reach_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Basically the title. The future of the filibuster is holding up the agreement. So what happens if they can\u2019t agree?\n\nCan Democrats pass an organizing resolution by Schumer making a point of order that the organizing resolution only require a 50% vote for cloture. When the chair overrules him based on the rules, he appeals the ruling of the chair. Then the senate votes to sustain the appeal by a simple majority vote, thus nullifying the rule. This is how McConnell got rid of cloture for SCOTUS nominations.","upvotes":31,"user_id":"SpartyOn32"},{"content":"What will become of Donald Trump's legacy?","created_at":1611270562.0,"id":"l208ad","n_comments":80,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l208ad/what_will_become_of_donald_trumps_legacy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Now that Donald Trump is out of the White House, I'm extremely curious to know what his legacy will be among historians, academics, and the general public. Before he announced his candidacy in 2015, he was already world-famous as a businessman and TV personality, having built that reputation over four decades, but now that he's served four years as the most powerful man in the world, that image of him is all but gone. You might compare him to Ronald Reagan or Arnold Schwarzenegger, but neither of them had as quick nor as dramatic a change as Trump had. Will his now five decades of business serve as just a footnote in the history books? What will the public think when they see him in The Apprentice? How will his obituary read when he dies? What will become of Donald Trump and his legacy?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"MisterBetter"},{"content":"If the UK is divisible, is Scotland also divisible?","created_at":1611258948.0,"id":"l1x1zj","n_comments":8,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1x1zj/if_the_uk_is_divisible_is_scotland_also_divisible/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The same question also applies to the likes of Ireland, Quebec, and Catalonia.\n\nThe principle and ideal of a right of a people to self-determination gained international profile for the first time during the last years of the First World War when it was coincidentally encouraged as a right in the same time period by both Woodrow Wilson and Vladimir Lenin, the former in his Fourteen Points and the latter in Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia. However, this new international principle was problematic right out of the gate. Not only was self-determination ridiculed by many prominent statesmen at the time, it is inherently problematic on its own by being very vague on how it was supposed to be applied practically to real life situations. For example, Wilson never intended for non-White people to possess such a right and while Lenin created autonomous republics for major ethnic minorities that became the basis for minority autonomous entities in many post-Soviet states and China today, he never allowed any of the nationalities of the Soviet Union to exercise a right to secede. However, one of the biggest issues with self-determination is the fact that it does not imply any kind of limitation on what could constitute a people or nationality who would have the right to determine their international status. **Where does self-determination end? Could a single city or town declares independence? Could a single person does that from their basement and form a micronation?**\n\nIn spite of the challenges it has faced, self-determination has been the main rallying cry of separatist and secessionist movements around the world ever since. Unsurprisingly, many of them have ran into the main issue stated above:\n\n* **Ireland**: When Ireland (Republic of) gained independence from the British Empire after a war, one of the principle terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty that recognized its independence is that the UK will get to keep Northern Ireland since most people there wanted to remain in the UK as confirmed by [the 1973 referendum with 58.7% turnout and 98.9% voting to remain part of the UK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_Northern_Ireland_border_poll). Obviously, ton of Irish nationalists never accepted the Partition and wanted to achieve a united Ireland by any means necessary. This sticking point became the one of the main causes for the Irish Civil War and the Troubles.\n\n* **Quebec**: During the 80s and the 90s when the question of Quebec independence was a major issue in Canadian politics, [the idea that regions of Quebec could secede themselves and remain within Canada in the event that the Yes side won the referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_of_Quebec) became very popular among the opponents of independence. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau even once remarked \"Si le Canada est divisible, le Qu\u00e9bec doit \u00eatre aussi divisible.\" (If Canada is divisible, Quebec must also be divisible.). Losing both the First Nations territories in the north and anglophone areas would cause Quebec to lose most of its land area. Canadian Parliament later passed the [Clarity Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarity_Act) in which any secession will only legally happen under the conditions set by the Canadian government.\n\n* **Catalonia**: After the Catalan regional government held an illegal independence referendum against court orders and declared independence in contravention of the Spanish Constitution in 2017, the unionists and constitutionalists came up with the concept of [Tabarnia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabarnia) basically saying that if Catalonia were to secede from Spain in a referendum, then the areas that vote No should be able to remain within Spain. The Occitan-speaking region of [Val d'Aran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabarnia) had also stated its wish to remain in Spain.\n\nThis same question also applies to **Scotland** especially since the regional SNP government has been demanding permission to hold a second independence referendum from London. [In response, the Shetland Islands Council voted in favour of exploring options for political and financial independence from Scotland.](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-council-vote-gives-boost-to-shetland-islands-push-for-independence/)\n\nIn the event of Scottish independence, do areas that vote against it especially Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, and the areas along the border with England have the right to remain within the UK? How small an area should the right to self-determination end at?\n\nEdit: formatting","upvotes":19,"user_id":"GalahadDrei"},{"content":"Should we primarily rely on private companies or the government to regulate public speech? How much regulation is needed?","created_at":1611283424.0,"id":"l24p2i","n_comments":55,"percentage_upvoted":0.57,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l24p2i/should_we_primarily_rely_on_private_companies_or/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Free speech has been a right that the US has greater appreciated. There have been very little limitations to what can be said from both the private sector and the government. The government has typically only focused on preventing incitement of immediate danger and protection for those of certain statuses. The private sector has shown to have be more aggressive with their regulation.\n\nSo far we have relied primarily on companies to regulate our content. This gained global attention when Twitter and other companies banned Trump. The result was overall positive with a reduction of conspiracy theories being reported on Twitter. The danger of trump\u2019s speech was arguably clear. Many suggest that the end result of the capital riots was almost a certainty due to his language. However, many question whether we should rely on companies to be the ones who are regulating the speech of trump and others.\n\nSo where do we go from here? Is it better to continue this reliance on private companies for regulation or are the critics right and that we should have legislative solutions for these dangerous rhetorics? Both have their pros and cons. If there is legislation from the government, how will it be enforced while clearly identifying dangers without overzealously stepping on first amendment freedoms? If we rely on companies, how can we mitigate the risks of fringe platforms like gab or parlor which have little to no regulation?","upvotes":4,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"What should the fate of the filibuster be in the new Democratic-held Senate?","created_at":1611285736.0,"id":"l25jv8","n_comments":161,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l25jv8/what_should_the_fate_of_the_filibuster_be_in_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Much of the discussion around the filibuster seems so polarized--*get rid of it* versus *retain it*--that I feel another option is going overlooked:\n\nRetain the filibuster, but change it back to require an actual talking filibuster--which is how the parliamentary tactic worked for most of U.S. history.\n\nIt was only [relatively recently](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster_in_the_United_States_Senate#The_two-track_system,_60-vote_rule_and_rise_of_the_routine_filibuster_(1970_onward\\)) that Senators have not been required to speak on the Senate floor and may block legislation via \"virtual filibuster,\" where all they need to do is communicate the *intent* to filibuster a bill in order for it to be blocked.\n\nBy requiring that Senators actually perform a talking filibuster to block legislation, it would be a return to the norms of the Senate that existed before, and could be sold that way rather than as a \"radical departure\" for Senate procedure. Requiring a talking filibuster would mean that Senators could delay, but not torpedo, legislation with majority support under 60 votes. It would allow Senators to register their objections without grinding government to a halt.\n\nWhat do you think would be an appropriate reform to the Senate filibuster? Get rid of it entirely? Keep it as it is? Or are there other middle-ground approaches you might suggest? How practicable do you think the return of the talking filibuster would be? Are there any issues with that approach that I may have overlooked (obviously, they did have some reason for allowing virtual filibusters at one time...)?","upvotes":48,"user_id":"goodbetterbestbested"},{"content":"[Foreign Policy] What countries would you regard as the Top 3 priority/preferred partners for the Biden admin and ones that they will invest most time and resources into?","created_at":1611298900.0,"id":"l2a46d","n_comments":32,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l2a46d/foreign_policy_what_countries_would_you_regard_as/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This in itself is a very good overview of the changes needed for UK-US relations - https://rusi.org/commentary/time-new-uk-us-relationship - but it brought me to the point of increasing angst of the UK losing its utility to the United States (see shift of geopolitics to Indo-Pacific region and Brexit) and finding itself down the \"pecking order\" of US preferred partners, see quote -\n\n> The UK and the US will always retain a closeness of political and military language, and (perhaps) a similar outlook on the world. But London should not think it has a preordained preferred partner status over that of, say, Australia, Japan, France or India. Each of those countries possess more relevant regional expertise and military forces arguably more attuned to the upper end of great power competition\n\nWhich has me thinking, is France now a considerably more important relation to the United States due to its clout in the European Union as well as Mediterranean? Or is it Germany that finds itself in a Top 3 instead of France due to greater EU and economic influence? Does Japan find itself at the top spot because of its proximity to China, influence in the Indo-Pacific and sizeable economy as well as robust Navy/Air Force?\n\nSo who you think will be the 3 most important partner relations for the Biden admin and the ones that they will have to zone in on to further deepen relations?\n\nThanks!","upvotes":20,"user_id":"ZaaZooLK"},{"content":"President Biden just announced that he would cancel the Keystone XL pipeline permit via executive order. What are the pros and cons of this decision?","created_at":1611302790.0,"id":"l2bd5k","n_comments":920,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l2bd5k/president_biden_just_announced_that_he_would/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Recently on social media I\u2019ve seen some praise and backlash regarding Biden\u2019s Keystone XL pipeline decision. While I understand that the oil industry is negatively impacted by this decision, I also know that environmental activists and Native American groups are celebrating this. Was this a wise political move, and what effects will it have on the U.S. energy industry and foreign relations with Canada?","upvotes":1436,"user_id":"pnwseanerd"},{"content":"Are the models of the Florida Republican Party and the Georgia Democratic Party the future of US National Politics?","created_at":1611289789.0,"id":"l270fi","n_comments":63,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l270fi/are_the_models_of_the_florida_republican_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The neighboring states of Georgia and Florida certainly have upended the expectations of the political spectrum in the last few years. With Florida voting in Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Rick Scott in 2018, and continuing to vote for Trump in 2020, the Florida GOP appears to have it's cards a winning strategy for the sunshine state, leading to devastating losses for Dems. Just to the North though, the Georgia Republican Party right now is bad shape, with infighting between Donald Trump and Brian Kemp causing chaos, and the work of Stacey Abrams, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock upending Georgia's political future. These twin states of the South show promising leadership and development in the Sun belt for both parties to improve upon, likely leading to an arms race in 2022 and 2024 between the leadership of these two states and applying their successes to other sun belt states.\n\nMy questions moving forward would be:\n\n1) Assuming Abrams runs for Governor and wins in 2020 for Georgia, what players in the Georgia elections have promising career prospects for offices like the presidency, VP, or cabinet positions? Or will their influence be kept to a local level due to the nature of Georgia's demographics?\n\n2) In the post Trump era, are GOP candidates like Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, or Ron DeSantis going to continue to gain influence among the Republican Party in the coming years? Or are Florida Republicans not going to be viable at the national level?\n\n3) Which model is likely to be more successful in the long term for winning other elections in the Sun Belt and Nationally: the grassroots turnout model of the Georgia Democrats, or the economic and social conservatism model of the Florida Republicans?","upvotes":76,"user_id":"SomeMockodile"},{"content":"Will mask wearing be the issue that drives the 2022 elections and beyond?","created_at":1611293800.0,"id":"l28f4l","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.43,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l28f4l/will_mask_wearing_be_the_issue_that_drives_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden campaigned and largely won on a platform of a return to normalcy and good governance. For many, that meant a return to a life pre-Trump and pre-pandemic. With Trump gone, the most potent symbol of current state of \"not normal\" is the widespread use of masks for the Coronavirus pandemic.\n\nFor some, mask wearing has become a political lodestone whereby it may signify future electoral consequences for lawmakers. Meaning that disenchantment with the current state of affairs may lead to a backlash against Biden and Democrats in 2022 and 2024. And this would be symbolized political by the persistence of mask mandates well into 2021 and 2022.\n\nDo you think that if by the spring/summer of 2022, mask mandates or mask wearing generally is still in effect there will be a tide of discontent that will imperil Democrats in the mid-term elections that November?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"TaylorSwiftian"},{"content":"Is it time for the Federal government model to have a major reform?","created_at":1611230066.0,"id":"l1qehu","n_comments":84,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1qehu/is_it_time_for_the_federal_government_model_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As time goes on, and the world population increases, the human race has been subjected to changing the way they've governed themselves. From chiefdom to monarchy then empires and eventually republics. Whats the next step? and is the world soon to find out. Currently the US is the worlds leading superpower in a majority of categories yet its government still has flaws like properly representing the entire population of the country, and having the election system dominated by only 2 parties both of which are heavily opposed to each other and fond of complicating policies.\n\nI'd like to discuss what works and what doesn't in the comments, as well as think about where the future of government systems go on from here","upvotes":13,"user_id":"RezzDawg"},{"content":"[USA] If you were to create \"Independence Clause\" legislation for your state, what would you include?","created_at":1611219336.0,"id":"l1n67a","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1n67a/usa_if_you_were_to_create_independence_clause/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Declaration of Independence begins:\n\n>**The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,** When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.\n\nand continues:\n\n>...Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security...\n\nand finally, there is the promised declaration of causes (such as quartering troops, imposing taxes without consent, and suspending legislatures) for the Declaration.\n\nBut let's say you wanted to get ahead of the problem, and create legislation to *preemptively* declare some causes that would automatically trigger your state to declare independence. What are some \"injuries and usurpations\" you would include?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"Vandechoz"},{"content":"Can Biden unify the country?","created_at":1611245267.0,"id":"l1u45x","n_comments":1529,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1u45x/can_biden_unify_the_country/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden has been calling on this country to unify and heal the divide, but with the far right and far left dominating the headlines, is there any chance that he could do it himself, or does he have a better chance of at least getting both sides to side down and talk to each other? How far do you think he would go (in terms of listening and compromising with his opponents) for unity?","upvotes":527,"user_id":"Direction_Dull"},{"content":"What are the political views & political issues of the US Military","created_at":1611245266.0,"id":"l1u45s","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.75,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1u45s/what_are_the_political_views_political_issues_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many people arrested after the capitol riot on January 6th were military veterans. I know many in the GOP pride military service and some of the few military members I know are very ideologically conservative. However, an organization as large as the US Military has around 2 million members either in active duty or in the reserves the political views and opinions has to be more complex than that. That being said, what are the political views of US soldiers, and in particular what issues do they care most about?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"StrikingAttempt1554"},{"content":"Should presidents be able to pardon people?","created_at":1611217171.0,"id":"l1mh7l","n_comments":73,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1mh7l/should_presidents_be_able_to_pardon_people/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We've had presidential pardons for as long as we have been a country. Many of which have been good. Such as, arguably, Obama's pardons for many people with low-level drug offenses. While many of them are bad, such as some of Trump's recent pardons or even Clinton's pardon for his half-brother. So my question is, is it okay for one person to have the right to absolve anyone of pretty much anything? Is there a better way we can do this?","upvotes":17,"user_id":"Lfaruqui"},{"content":"Kamala Harris has been called out for her controversial past as DA and AG quite a few times. Looking back at her carrier as a prosecutor, was she hurting her community by being \u201ctop cop\u201d or just doing her job?","created_at":1611212228.0,"id":"l1kt53","n_comments":216,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1kt53/kamala_harris_has_been_called_out_for_her/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Kamala Harris has fined and jailed parents under truancy charges which disproportionately effects low income families, withheld evidence which led to a wrongful conviction, and was know as a \u201ccandidate of mass incarceration\u201d. Are her actions justified?","upvotes":139,"user_id":"sandyscheeks420"},{"content":"Is age-based vaccine distribution constitutional?","created_at":1611185185.0,"id":"l1bbme","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.56,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1bbme/is_agebased_vaccine_distribution_constitutional/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Surely a mandate along the lines of \"due to their higher risk and the undue burden they place on our healthcare systems, persons aged 65+ are forbidden from flying and face stiffer penalties for violating mask laws\" would be struck down by the courts for violating the equal protection clause.\n\nBut prioritizing vaccine distribution based on age -- and in some cases even race -- is unchallenged despite the difficulties it's causing with the rollout.\n\nAm I misinterpreting the law or are people just looking the other way on this one?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"estart2"},{"content":"Can the Scientific Method me used to form and evaluate political opinions on a specific subject? If so, how?","created_at":1611182162.0,"id":"l1acwa","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1acwa/can_the_scientific_method_me_used_to_form_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" \n\nConsidering that a large part of the experience of forming or evaluating a position on a subject in modern politics involve assessing whether a claim is baseless, a conspiracy theory has merit, a news report or article by someone with a vested interest in the matter can be trusted, a statistic is accurate, a piece of data is biased, someone is telling the truth or misleading through speech.\n\nCan the Scientific Method help the average citizen eliminate their bias, intuition and cognitive assumptions and develop an objective methodology to evaluating political positions on specific subjects? Is there literature on the matter that can be recommended to that end?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"Brazilian_Hamilton"},{"content":"Who should be the next Republican leader ?","created_at":1611191403.0,"id":"l1dfhv","n_comments":365,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1dfhv/who_should_be_the_next_republican_leader/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Democrats and republicans who want healthy opposition, who would you like to see as the next Republican representative? . Democrats - is there someone who , if they won, wouldn't be the worst thing in the world ? (Someone like Trump Jr. Would be even more polarising, for example. Whereas, senator Mc Cain was a hell of a decent guy, whether you agreed with his politics or not). European here by the way.","upvotes":75,"user_id":"LizzardBizzard"},{"content":"[Megathread] Joseph R. Biden inauguration as America\u2019s 46th President","created_at":1611186205.0,"id":"l1bnkr","n_comments":1343,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l1bnkr/megathread_joseph_r_biden_inauguration_as/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden [has been sworn in](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/20/us/biden-inauguration) as the 46th President:\n\n> Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, taking office at a moment of profound economic, health and political crises with a promise to seek unity after a tumultuous four years that tore at the fabric of American society.\n\n> With his hand on a five-inch-thick Bible that has been in his family for 128 years, Mr. Biden recited the 35-word oath of office swearing to \u201cpreserve, protect and defend the Constitution\u201d in a ceremony administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., completing the process at 11:49 a.m., 11 minutes before the authority of the presidency formally changes hands.\n\n\nLive stream of the inauguration can be viewed [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-qYgs_yOXA&ab_channel=BidenInauguralCommittee).\n\n\n\n\n---\n\nRules remain in effect.","upvotes":2003,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"What consequences will the Capitol Siege and coming Impeachment Trial have for the Republican Party and US Politics Generally?","created_at":1611149309.0,"id":"l12nfv","n_comments":111,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l12nfv/what_consequences_will_the_capitol_siege_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Capitol Siege and talk of the coming Impeachment Trial have consumed the news lately, and have elicited various reactions from leaders in the Republican party. I\u2019m excited about the potential for long term changes in the parties that might result from this.\n\nWhat do you believe will be the consequences of these events for the Republican party, and also the balance of power they have against Democrats?\n\nFor example, do you believe this will foment divisions or splits in the Republican party (weakening them) or will they find a way to come together or even become stronger? Do you think the composition of the party\u2019s members will remain the same? Or will some people leave or perhaps fail to be reelected? Will there be a new breed of Republican? Will the ideology of the Republican party change permanently, or remain the same? Will the Republican party be weakened or strengthened by this, overall? And Democrats?\n\nWhat will be the long term consequences of the Capital Siege and (likely) coming Impeachment Trial for US politics, especially the Republican party?","upvotes":48,"user_id":"redratus"},{"content":"What is the route cause of corruption in our government and what can be done to prevent it from continuing?","created_at":1611136621.0,"id":"l0z0wy","n_comments":44,"percentage_upvoted":0.75,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0z0wy/what_is_the_route_cause_of_corruption_in_our/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many people complain that our politicans are corrupt, but in what way? How has this corruption manifested itself? How has this corruption influcenced U.S. politics? And most importantly how can we put an end to the corruption?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"KratomDrinker727"},{"content":"What positive things were accomplished by Trump's administration?","created_at":1611135896.0,"id":"l0ytfr","n_comments":243,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0ytfr/what_positive_things_were_accomplished_by_trumps/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Politics and party's aside. Despite all the negatives that are plastered by legacy media. We know his crap, his big fails, and just plan 'foot in mouth' moments that made so many scream and others facepalm.\n\nBut as a moderate, I don't believe most people can separate the man from the policies that were beneficial to either us and the world.\n\nSo prove me wrong.\n\nCan you find a positive from Trump's single term presidency?","upvotes":37,"user_id":"igillyg"},{"content":"Trump is considering forming a new political party. How would this impact US politics?","created_at":1611136693.0,"id":"l0z1p0","n_comments":278,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0z1p0/trump_is_considering_forming_a_new_political/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Initial reports suggest it would be called [the Patriot Party](https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-impeachment-biden-inauguration/card/90pPMzFPqr5fMzg1Bkbs)\n\nSince the formation of the Republican Party from the ashes of the Whig Party, political factions have been more or less constant for over a century and a half. There was a short-lived Progressive party (1912), but it didn\u2019t have much of a presence beyond Theodore Roosevelt. There are the Reform, Libertarian, and Green parties, but aside from being potential spoilers, they have not sent anyone to federal office. \n\nIf Trump formed a new political party, would it be a short-lived personality party, a longstanding spoiler (ala Reform, Libertarian, or Green), or could it replace the existing Republican Party?","upvotes":150,"user_id":"Thalesian"},{"content":"How much of an opposition to Putin still exists in Russia? Can we even find out?","created_at":1611132531.0,"id":"l0xr7n","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0xr7n/how_much_of_an_opposition_to_putin_still_exists/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The return of Navalny to Russia has galvanized some hope that the current Russian President might not be the immovable figure of power he\u2019s been made out to be, whether by himself, his peers in the Russian oligarchy, or his own supporters.\n\nBut the \u2018iffy\u2019 state of reliable media out of Russia makes it somewhat difficult to estimate just how much potential exists in the country for an opposition movement to organize against Putin\u2019s government, or indeed if opposition exists at all.\n\nTo that end, is there any way viewers in America and in other western nations can get some idea as to where opposition to Putin stands, if it even exists, and whether or not their supporting of said movements is a good idea?","upvotes":56,"user_id":"AlternativeQuality2"},{"content":"Just how effective do you expect Biden will be in fighting climate change?","created_at":1611112299.0,"id":"l0qtbl","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0qtbl/just_how_effective_do_you_expect_biden_will_be_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden has stated time and time again that fighting climate change is one of his top priorities, and he's set some pretty ambitious goals. My question is, given that much (non-budget related) legislation will be obstructed as much as possible by McConnell & Co., what are specific things Biden can get done?\n\nI'm particularly interested in whether he has the power to remove subsidies for big polluters, giving the subsidies instead to renewable energy companies and electric car manufacturers.","upvotes":18,"user_id":"sneakymeeks"},{"content":"Do you think MLK was in favor of rioting? Why or why not?","created_at":1611106098.0,"id":"l0okd9","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.38,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0okd9/do_you_think_mlk_was_in_favor_of_rioting_why_or/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In light of a wonderful holiday celebrating the life of Dr. King and what the Civil Rights Movement stood for - I often see many comparing his legacy and how it relates to today's movement for racial injustice. A seemingly natural discussion for people to have no doubt.\n\nWhile we're taught in school that Dr. King advocated for peaceful, organized protesting, I've come across increasingly more individuals saying that's actually not entirely the case. Quotes such as \"a riot is the language of the unheard.\", statements from his children, and of course his eventual assassination appears to have shifted that dialogue. It seems to have become a counter-argument/conversation to people using his words as a means of getting across that rioting is not an entirely effective way to support a cause. Not my opinion, but just what I happen to observe.\n\nI'm interested in how people interpret Dr. King and his positions in the modern era as it looks like an argument can be made either way for what he truly believed in and how he may feel about racial injustice today.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"CallMeDerek2"},{"content":"What are the arguments against ranked choice voting?","created_at":1611105632.0,"id":"l0oe8u","n_comments":43,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0oe8u/what_are_the_arguments_against_ranked_choice/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm Australian and when I've voted I rank candidates based on how much I like them. It's quite weird to me that the USA doesn't do this.\n\nSo what are the arguments against it?\n\nHowever, I think people pushing for this should understand that we still have a two-party system, massive corruption, a biased media and political corruption. This will not come close to fixing most of your problems.","upvotes":27,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"Effect of increased government debt?","created_at":1611064247.0,"id":"l0dhsv","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.47,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0dhsv/effect_of_increased_government_debt/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The new administration seems to be interested in fiscal policies that will increase the budget deficit (student loan forgiveness, stimulus packages, expanded government healthcare, etc.). What will be the short and long term effects of this? If these fiscal policies will not increase the budget, how do you for see the next administration offsetting the costs?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"gsumm300"},{"content":"How adversarial will the news media/press be in the Biden administration?","created_at":1611061953.0,"id":"l0cw6u","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.59,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0cw6u/how_adversarial_will_the_news_mediapress_be_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The news media/press was considerably hostile to Trump since 2015 and throughout his presidency. Most of the news and opinion articles were not friendly to him as compared with his immediate predecessor, Obama. Multiple investigative pieces were launched about Trump include on Russia, racism, his taxes, etc. and several won awards for their reporting. Regardless of what you think of Trump as a president, the press was very aggressive with him.\n\nWill the mainstream media continue to be as nosy and tough on Biden or will it revert to a more soft, gauzy and even laudatory style now that Democrats will be in charge of Washington for the next few years?","upvotes":5,"user_id":"TaylorSwiftian"},{"content":"Executive Power","created_at":1611116182.0,"id":"l0s6uf","n_comments":5,"percentage_upvoted":0.64,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0s6uf/executive_power/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Over the past few administrations, both democrat and republican, we have a seen a gradual expansion of executive power. Should a priority for the Biden Administration be limiting executive power? Should the democrats try to use limiting executive authority as a bargaining chip to accomplish their agenda?","upvotes":4,"user_id":"LegallyDrunkPodcast"},{"content":"Should calls to overthrow the election be considered illegal \u201ccampaign activity\u201d if they were made by tax-exempt 503(c)(b) organizations prior to certification of the election?","created_at":1611116462.0,"id":"l0saal","n_comments":227,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/l0saal/should_calls_to_overthrow_the_election_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A number of churches around the country openly called for the presidential election to be overthrown prior to the US Senate officially certifying the results. It seems that in years past, it was commonly accepted that campaigns ended when the polls closed. However, this year a sizable portion of the population aggressively asserted that the election would not be over until it was certified, even going as far as to violently interfere with the process.\n\nGiven this recent shift in the culture of politics, should calls to over-turn the election made by 501(c)(3) organizations prior to January 6th be considered \"campaign activity\" - effectively disqualifying them from tax-exempt status? Alternatively, if these organizations truly believed that wide-spread voter fraud took place, I suppose it could be argued that they were simply standing up for the integrity of our elections.\n\nI know that even if a decent case could be made if favor of revoking the tax-exempt status of any 501(c)(3) organization that openly supported overthrowing the presidential election results, it is very unlikely that it any action would ever come of it. Nonetheless, I am interested in opinions.\n\n(As an example, here are some excerpts from a very politically charged church service given in St. Louis, MO on January 3rd, during which, among other things, they encouraged their congregation to call Senator Josh Hawley in support of opposing the certification. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N18oxmZZMlM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N18oxmZZMlM)).","upvotes":1307,"user_id":"WeekendHoliday5695"},{"content":"There is lots of talk of the Republican Party splintering apart. How will this affect the Libertarian Party?","created_at":1611017002.0,"id":"kzy9le","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.63,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzy9le/there_is_lots_of_talk_of_the_republican_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After Trump's magic spell broke and people realized that he is not some infallible conqueror, there has been a lot of talk by his former Republican base, even congressmen, of abandoning his party because it no longer stands for anything meaningful.\n\nJustin Amash already switched to the Libertarians some time ago, and it wouldn't seem too unlikely for other anti-Trump Republicans to follow suit. Is this actually a plausible scenario? Are we more likely to see Libertarian elected officials after Trump, or not?","upvotes":2,"user_id":"Levictual0"},{"content":"Americans of the Internet, What do you think about the news that president elect Joe Biden is supposedly making it a priority to meet with UK Prime Minster Boris Johnson","created_at":1610922214.0,"id":"kz7a2n","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.75,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kz7a2n/americans_of_the_internet_what_do_you_think_about/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Question is reasonably self explanatory. Do you think most Americans engage with or take interest in, the political sphere in the UK. Moreover, how do you think the overall political power of the UK is perceived from across the Atlantic?\n\nSources: \n\nhttps://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.cityam.com/joe-biden-planning-to-visit-uk-in-first-trip-outside-north-america/amp/\n\nhttps://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/16/biden-boris-decide-destiny-world-bury-hatchet-double-visit-uk/amp/\n\nEdit: Add sources","upvotes":13,"user_id":"Cute-Pollution"},{"content":"Tax law and policy is always at the forefront of debate. Particularly, tax rates among middle class, the \u201c1%\u201d, and corporate tax rates. I\u2019m curious on anyone thoughts on an incentivized corporate tax rate.","created_at":1610962908.0,"id":"kzk7e6","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzk7e6/tax_law_and_policy_is_always_at_the_forefront_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Corporate tax rates in the US are among the highest in the world, even with the 2017 cuts. But I\u2019m welcoming anyone\u2019s thought on if an incentivized program for the potential for a corporation to pay more to their employees and reduce their corporate tax burden if their employees were to receive x % of y metric. I\u2019m not sure what that y metric would be. \n\nDoes anyone think this is feasible?\nIf so, what variables should be in place per industry?","upvotes":17,"user_id":"proximodorkus"},{"content":"What is your opinion of US hegemony?","created_at":1610963657.0,"id":"kzkeu3","n_comments":109,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzkeu3/what_is_your_opinion_of_us_hegemony/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Some quick facts:\n\n* The USA has over 600 military bases (possibly 800) in around 30 countries\n* The USA has invaded 5 countries in the last 33 years (Panama, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan and Syria) whilst bombing an additional 7 (Iran, Bosnia, Sudan, Yugoslavia, Yemen, Pakistan, Libya)\n* The USA supplied 73% of the world's dictatorships with some kind of military aid in 2015\n\nThese are indisputable facts.\n\nThe question is, is this a good or a bad thing, or something else? What is your reasoning for your opinion on this? Is it worth discussing? Should it be discussed more or less (considering we only have a limited amount of time to even discuss politics since we're all going to... you know)","upvotes":40,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"\"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.\" - MLK jr. How close do you think that America is to becoming a nation without racial discrimination?","created_at":1610965122.0,"id":"kzkuxn","n_comments":589,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzkuxn/i_have_a_dream_that_my_four_little_children_will/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Racism has long been one of the most controversial topics of debate in America. In recent days, with the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many more, many people have raised questions about things like the police, our government, and even our nation as a whole, asking if those institutions are racist, if we as a country are racist. \n\nPeople see racism in America differently. Some say that the very institutions in America are racist, that we need to defund the police - defunding for the most part meaning reform, but some people do want to take money out of the police force. Some think thats unnecessary, and that we just need to get rid of the bad few. Where do you stand on this issue? Do you think the police force needs any reformation?\n\nSome people(from what i've seen) seem to think that other races can be less racist than others, and see caucasian people as the main offenders of racial discrimination, others say that all races can discriminate equally. What do you think about these viewpoints? Which do you agree with more? And what are your other thoughts on this subject. \n\nOne widely discussed topic that stems from race is the idea of white privilege. People see white privilege as an advantage that caucasian people have because of their skin color. People say it helps them get ahead in life. A distinction to make is that when a lot of people talk about it, they don't mean that white people have never struggled and don't have to work to get to where they are today, but that they have an advantage from birth. What are your thoughts on this? If you do think that it actually happens, what do you think we can do to combat it? If you don't, what do you think causes this perception, and how can we combat it?","upvotes":848,"user_id":"Braeden3141"},{"content":"What will US-Canada relations be like during the Biden administration?","created_at":1610967190.0,"id":"kzlgnk","n_comments":100,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzlgnk/what_will_uscanada_relations_be_like_during_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I don\u2019t think it is particularly controversial to say that US-Canada relations during the past four years have been rather rocky. Do you think Biden and Trudeau will be able to mend this relationship? What issues are likely to arise?Also, given Harris\u2019 personal connections to Canada, is it likely that she will play a substantial role in relations between the two countries?","upvotes":146,"user_id":"RedmondBarry1999"},{"content":"With 20 years of creating and fighting terrorists and sectarian factionalism overseas, what are some lessons that can be applied to today's domestic terrorism and sectarianism at home in the US?","created_at":1610928496.0,"id":"kz9337","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kz9337/with_20_years_of_creating_and_fighting_terrorists/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's becoming increasingly clear that the domestic extremism and radicalization is a threat to the US and will need to be faced head on. \n\nThe US has a lot of experience trying to contain this kind of breaking down of society, as well as targeting radicalizers. Of course, there's a wide consensus that some of many of US practices created rather than hindered these issues. \n\nHere is an article of general Stanley Mcchrystal who headed up Iraq and Afghanistan for the US where he discuses similarities in the MAGA movement and Isis and Al Qaeda (AQI) : https://news.yahoo.com/attack-on-us-capitol-was-the-beginning-of-an-american-insurgency-counterterrorism-experts-warn-100000381.html\n\nSo, what are lessons that the US can learn from Afghanistan, Iraq, and syria etc. To not only contain physical threats, but also ease tensions and prevent further radicalization?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"seeasea"},{"content":"In 2013, the US Senate passed major immigration reform with bipartisan support. It died in the House. Could a bill of similar content pass in 2021?","created_at":1610940030.0,"id":"kzcvxd","n_comments":69,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzcvxd/in_2013_the_us_senate_passed_major_immigration/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It surprises me that the Senate passing of the Immigration Act of 2013 isn't discussed more online.\n\nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Security,_Economic_Opportunity,_and_Immigration_Modernization_Act_of_2013\n\nInteresting sections:\n\n* Pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants\n* Point-based immigration system\n* H1B reform\n* New W visa for lower-skilled workers\n* Green Cards for International STEM students\n* Increased border security\n\nThe bill passed the Senate with all Democrats and 14 Republicans voting Yea. Boehner refused to vote on it in the house, and the bill died. Could a bill of similar content pass now?","upvotes":81,"user_id":"Mr-Frog"},{"content":"Looking back on the Reagan presidency in the modern day, what are the main takeaways from his policies and governing?","created_at":1610951081.0,"id":"kzgkmy","n_comments":156,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzgkmy/looking_back_on_the_reagan_presidency_in_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Ronald Reagan took office 40 years ago on the 20th, and his administration dominated the American psyche in the often hailed and fondly looked-back-on eighties decade in American history. Now that it has been four decades since he first entered this country and undoubtedly changed it in major ways, how do we view his time in office now in 2021? \n\nDuring a raging global pandemic, a president who has been impeached twice, a new president incoming during a time of turmoil, and an economy in tatters, what are the main takeaways from Reagan's presidency? What did he do right and what did he do wrong? Are the choices he made then affecting us now or just a distant memory? What are the things we have learned and improved on since he left office and what are the things we have lost and failed more on since? Were the eighties actually the way they were because of him, or because of other reasons? Were the eighties different than we view them now? Was he a great or flawed president?","upvotes":110,"user_id":"SquishyMuffins"},{"content":"How have conceptions of personal responsibility changed in the United States over the past 50 years and how has that impacted policy and party agendas?","created_at":1610944499.0,"id":"kzedwj","n_comments":221,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzedwj/how_have_conceptions_of_personal_responsibility/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As stated in the title, how have Americans' conceptions of personal responsibility changed over the course of the modern era and how have we seen this reflected in policy and party platforms?\n\nTo what extent does each party believe that people should \"pull themselves up by their bootstraps\"? To the extent that one or both parties are not committed to this idea, what policy changes would we expect to flow from this in the context of economics? Criminal justice?\n\nLooking ahead, should we expect to see a move towards a perspective of individual responsibility, away from it, or neither, in the context of politics?","upvotes":537,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Does the US legal system care if criminals show remorse and should it?","created_at":1610942571.0,"id":"kzdqj3","n_comments":9,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kzdqj3/does_the_us_legal_system_care_if_criminals_show/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know judges have cared if criminals show remorse, but is that in the actual law? Should the presence/lack of remorse even matter when determining whether someone is guilty and how long they\u2019re sentenced for?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"MilkyWay01"},{"content":"What are the flaws with and Main arguments against democracy","created_at":1610912920.0,"id":"kz53b3","n_comments":98,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kz53b3/what_are_the_flaws_with_and_main_arguments/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I Come from sweden, viewed as a pretty free and good country but we have a lot of flaws too. We have a history of monarchy and in recent days i have began do doubt if democracy is really always the best option for a nation. \nSo what are your thoughts?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"kalledussin1700"},{"content":"Can NATO solely impose sanctions to Iran, without US? How strong that sanction could be?","created_at":1610883293.0,"id":"kyygfd","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kyygfd/can_nato_solely_impose_sanctions_to_iran_without/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I always hear to talk about US sanctions to Iran because of their nuclear program. However, I rarely hear about NATO sanctions, as a whole, based on the fact that \u201cin theory\u201d could be a a program that affect not only US but also all NATO allies. There are any? or just US sanctions have far more weight in comparison to NATO sanction?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"MAIRXVI"},{"content":"Who has been the best president of your lifetime and why?","created_at":1610874979.0,"id":"kyw24n","n_comments":146,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kyw24n/who_has_been_the_best_president_of_your_lifetime/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I was born at the end of the 80s so I only properly lived through 4 presidencies - Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump. \n\nWhile not perfect, I consider Obama to be the best president of my lifetime since more liberal policies were passed under his administration than under Clinton and he handled the 2008 Recession well.\n\nStill trying to decide if Bush or Trump is the worst - while Bush\u2019s international policy was disastrous, if Trump manages to singlehandedly trigger Civil War II (in addition to nearly a half a million Americans dying due to COVID which could have been prevented) he may go down as the worst US president of all time.\n\nWho\u2019s your best/worst?","upvotes":33,"user_id":"Kezhen"},{"content":"What would be the result of increasing the minimum wage all at once rather than over a period of time?","created_at":1610870545.0,"id":"kyupmx","n_comments":44,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kyupmx/what_would_be_the_result_of_increasing_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I keep reading that the current discussion is to slowly increase minimum wage to $15/hour by 2024. However, products have increased price regardless of minimum wage changing- so why wait to increase minimum wage? What would happen if we just woke up and it was $15?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"FewLooseMarbles"},{"content":"Did Trump Fundamentally Change America, or Merely Expose Who We Really Are?","created_at":1610868724.0,"id":"kyu5hh","n_comments":887,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kyu5hh/did_trump_fundamentally_change_america_or_merely/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Political commentators and politicians on the left often responded to some of Trumps more controversial decisions/actions by saying, \u201cthis isn\u2019t who we are as Americans. This doesn\u2019t represent our values.\u201d I heard this line repeated several times over the last four years and remember it vividly in the wake of Charlottesville and the policy of childhood separation at the border. \n\nIs there any merit to the argument that Trump didn\u2019t really change much in America, but brought out dormant feelings a lot of people had but never showed in public? Have we always been this way?","upvotes":1884,"user_id":"JFGAM"},{"content":"What will the effect of Gen Z be on US Politics?","created_at":1610815419.0,"id":"kyfers","n_comments":223,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kyfers/what_will_the_effect_of_gen_z_be_on_us_politics/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Every Generation has major events happen that shapes their political views going forward. Baby Boomers grew up in the Post War Economic Boom, their young adult lives were shaped by the Vietnam War and The Civil Rights Movement. Gen X had the fall of the Berlin Wall/ Fall of Communism and grew up in the economic recession and later economic boom of the 80s. Millennials young adult life was shaped by 9/11 and later the Crash of 08 and recession afterwords. I am a member of Gen Z and the Coronavirus and this political mess of 4 years is arguably the major events that will affect my generation (as of now). My generation is starting to reach voting age and soon they will become a large voting block within the next 5-10 years or so. In your opinion what will the effect of Gen Z be on US Politics?","upvotes":160,"user_id":"StrikingAttempt1554"},{"content":"California voted on several major ballot propositions last November. What do their results mean for the politics of the state and the rest of the country?","created_at":1610812758.0,"id":"kyevj5","n_comments":89,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kyevj5/california_voted_on_several_major_ballot/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the eyes of the rest of the US, California has a widespread reputation of being a liberal stronghold. This reputation is not unfounded. Not only does the California Democratic Party have dominated the state politics for a decade, California has been reliably Democrat in presidential election since 1992 with its juicy 55 electoral college votes called in Biden's favor mere minutes after the polls closed in the latest election. However, reality is not so black and white and this reputation is perhaps the most inaccurate in terms of how California voters have voted in their state's ballot propositions.\n\nLast November, while the entire country was focused on the presidential election result, California also voted on several major ballot propositions. Here are the most notable ones and their results:\n\n* **Proposition 15** would have amended the limitations on property taxes imposed by the infamous 1978 Prop 13. **Failed** despite the fact it only applied to large commercial properties and did not affect homeowners.\n\n* **Proposition 16** would have repealed 1998 Prop 209 and allowed affirmative action in public institutions and sector. **Failed** by a larger margin than Prop 209's Yes vote.\n\n* **Proposition 21** would have allowed local governments to impose rent control. **Failed** by almost 20% despite taking place during a major economic recession.\n\n* **Proposition 22** would legally define all app-based and delivery drivers as \"independent contractor\". **Passed** easily in a huge victory for Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Instacart, and Postmate. Also comes with the requirement that the legislature needs 7/8 majority to ever amend it.\n\n* **Proposition 23** would have outlawed discrimination by dialysis clinics against patients based on sources of payments. **Failed** by the largest margin out of all ballot propositions this year.\n\n* **Proposition 25** would have abolished cash bail system. **Failed**.\n\nOverall, based on official endorsements, the California Democratic Party only won 4 (Props 14, 17, 20, and 24) out of 13 referendums held this year.\n\nWhat do these results mean for politics in California and the rest of the US?\n\nEdit: formating","upvotes":69,"user_id":"GalahadDrei"},{"content":"How likely is that marijuana becomes decriminalized or legalized on the federal level during Biden's first term?","created_at":1610797732.0,"id":"kybakg","n_comments":90,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kybakg/how_likely_is_that_marijuana_becomes/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The house voted in December to deciminalize weed. What are the odds that the bill or new similar bill gets passed in the senate and signed by Biden? If it does, how long will it take for most states to legalize it? Specifically, a state like Florida, Texas, or Georgia. If dispensaries can use banks, I think financial incentive for a state like those three will be too big to pass up.","upvotes":79,"user_id":"iamjackscolon76"},{"content":"Will Joe Biden's inauguration help or hurt his perceived legitimacy?","created_at":1610780524.0,"id":"ky67q1","n_comments":24,"percentage_upvoted":0.14,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ky67q1/will_joe_bidens_inauguration_help_or_hurt_his/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The presidential inauguration ceremony is an iconic fixture of the American political system that signals both the peaceful transfer of power, and transition of the President-elect from political candidate to president of a united nation. Typically, the event is used to demonstrate unity and acceptance of the electoral process.\n\nWith the inauguration of President-elect Biden only days away, it seems the country is in an unprecedented situation. About [half](https://www.vox.com/2021/1/11/22225531/joe-biden-trump-capitol-inauguration) of Republican voters still believe Joe Biden should not be inaugurated, and claims of election fraud have plagued political discourse since his election.\n\nWill the inauguration serve to reinforce Biden's legitimacy, or will the [unusual nature](https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/15/world/meanwhile-in-america-january-15-intl/index.html) of the event further fuel conspiracy theories and similar notions of illegitimacy?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"PrudentWait"},{"content":"What is driving us to insurrection?","created_at":1610777883.0,"id":"ky5cq2","n_comments":1244,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ky5cq2/what_is_driving_us_to_insurrection/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The US Capitol rioters expressed a level of fury seldom seen. A Capitol Police officer was beaten to death. The crowd shouted, \"Kill him with his own gun!\" What brought on this level of anger?\n\n The participants live in arguably the richest country on Earth. Many bought tactical gear, t-shirts, flags, weapons. No government official questioned them about these purchases. Much of it was probably bought on credit. They freely arranged and paid for travel to D.C. No one stopped them at the border. No one asked for their papers. They recorded everything they did on smartphones, instantly linked to online accounts on which they freely posted their thoughts, videos, and pictures. No censor stopped them from doing this, although many host companies have since reacted. If they got hungry, they had their choice of restaurants or grocery stores brimming over with an embarrassment of choices. They gathered freely in the capitol city and marched to their deed with no hindrance. \n\nNothing but freedom, choice, wealth, abundance. What is the oppression that is driving the anger? There is a now cliched video of a caller to Rush Limbaugh, nearly crying and exclaiming, \"You and Trump are all we have left!\" Why --- what was taken from them? This is storming of the Bastille level rage. Why?","upvotes":1566,"user_id":"reficius1"},{"content":"Is The Dutch Government Stepping Down Due To Incompetence An Example For Other Nations?","created_at":1610753989.0,"id":"kxwyyn","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kxwyyn/is_the_dutch_government_stepping_down_due_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"**The third Rutte cabinet stepped down today after growing pressure and outrage caused by a** [**devastating report**](https://www.tweedekamer.nl/nieuws/kamernieuws/eindverslag-onderzoek-kinderopvangtoeslag-overhandigd) **on childcare allowance affair with the Dutch tax authority where parents were wrongly accused of fraudulent behavior. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the resignation was made known to King Willem-Alexander after a 2,5 hour meeting with the Council of Ministers.**\u00a0\n\nThe c[urrent affair](https://den.social/l/politics/isZLlNbXF2/dutch-government-collapsed-after-scandalous-childcare-allowance-affair/) is about 20 - 30K parents in debt and distress for many years due to the Dutch IRS / Tax Authority chasing them for falsely being flagged as 'fraudulent' with the childcare allowance. There was discrimination in the system as well, targeted towards ethnical differences or people being seen as more likely to commit tax fraud if they had more than one nationality. These parents are receiving 30.000 euro compensation and possible more at a later stage if they had more damage.\n\nIn short, if the government labeled you as a fraudster, you were trapped in a legal injustice system causing great debt and stress, and as the victim you had to prove to the system that you didn't commit fraud, instead of the government needing to prove that you are indeed a fraudster or not (which they weren't).\n\nRutte acknowledges parents have suffered from great injustice due to a failing policy. The first priority will be financial compensation for the parents and improvements for the future. In the future Rutte wants to prevent injustices like this by building a new allowance system. Signals of failures should lead to action more quickly, and all information provision leading to any and all changes in the political system and laws will be made public and transparent by default.\u00a0\n\nWhen it comes to the provision of information to the Parlement and journalists, Rutte wants to change things fundamentally, so issues similar to this can be prevented moving forward. Rutte ensures that all parents will be compensated as soon as possible, despite the government stepping down now.\u00a0\n\nIn the press release a journalist also asked about algorithms and automated labeling of data, for example people with two nationalities were by default already labeled as a higher risk for tax fraud. People are numbers instead of people. Civil servants are just 'doing their job', e.g. following systems and algo's instead of looking at things case by case in a human approach. The Prime Minister explained that this is also part of ongoing investigations.\n\nCan you imagine your entire government stepping down as a result of incompetence in some area? What type of scandal would be sufficient for you to tell your entire government to step down? Would this restore faith in politicians, or it is merely symbolic? Are victims helped by a government stepping down?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"hodlDRGN"},{"content":"Should Nancy Pelosi, for Practical Reasons, Delay Sending the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate?","created_at":1610763918.0,"id":"ky0hkp","n_comments":53,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ky0hkp/should_nancy_pelosi_for_practical_reasons_delay/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"One thing learned from the prior impeachment is that the Speaker of the House is under no obligation to immediately transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.\n\nAt the start of a new Administration the Senate must confirm Cabinet Members and other high level positions: a total of at least 757 of them.\n\nThere are urgent legislative priorities that have gone unaddressed, such as COVID relief.\n\nThere is a 60 'legislative days' timer running on the Congressional Review Act that could allow congress with a simple majority vote to invalidate late-breaking Trump Administration regulations.\n\nWe saw from the first impeachment that the Senate cannot do anything else whatsoever during the trial. So, should these practical priorities take precedence over a desire for swift accountability for Trump?","upvotes":41,"user_id":"cafevirtuale"},{"content":"Could pardoning the U.S. Capitol insurrectionists backfire on Trump and lead to charges of treason?","created_at":1610715927.0,"id":"kxnkt7","n_comments":81,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kxnkt7/could_pardoning_the_us_capitol_insurrectionists/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The acting U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., Michael Sherwin, is [setting up a \"strike force\" to pursue felony cases](https://www.npr.org/2021/01/13/956285582/federal-strike-force-builds-sedition-cases-against-capitol-rioters-will-it-work) tied to sedition and conspiracy against the insurrections who entered the U.S. Capitol.\n\n​\n\n* The [U.S. Code relevant to these charges defines seditious conspiracy](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2384) as \"conspir\\[ing\\] to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States\" ([18 U.S. Code \u00a7 2384](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2384)).\n* The Constitution [defines treason](https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artIII_S3_C1_1_2/) as \"adhering to \\[the\\] enemies \\[of the United States\\], giving them aid and comfort.\" ([U.S. Const. art. III, \u00a7 3](https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artIII_S3_C1_1_2/))\n* The US Code defines the penalty for treason as \"death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.\" ([18 U.S. Code \u00a7 2381](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2381))\n\nWith those definitions, would Trump open himself up to a legitimate charge of treason by pardoning the accused Capitol insurrectionists; and therefore lose the ability to run for office again in the future (and potentially prison or death?)","upvotes":61,"user_id":"yoohoo202"},{"content":"Do you believe there are differences between \u2018Freedom of Speech\u2019 and \u2018Freedom of Reach\u2019?","created_at":1610720833.0,"id":"kxosw0","n_comments":197,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kxosw0/do_you_believe_there_are_differences_between/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I\u2019ve heard this comparison recently and thought it neatly summarized two sides of the philosophical debate for technology platforms. Given our laws lag behind technology, have we become accustomed to a capability that is not an inherent right? Or is visibility of your speech through social media as protected as your right to type it? \n\nBonus question - Does your answer change if the internet were a public utility?","upvotes":24,"user_id":"coolytix"},{"content":"What choices will the Democratic Party make and will they retain control moving forward?","created_at":1610695895.0,"id":"kxhqvc","n_comments":75,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kxhqvc/what_choices_will_the_democratic_party_make_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The virus is going to die down, and people will be getting back to normal life. That positive change will be good for the Dems, as they have been put into a great position with their trifecta in all parts of the government. It is a positive period for the party and the choices they make with their current position will affect what happens in future elections. \n\nWhat will the Dems do with this trifecta and what will they put forward in the next few years? Will they retain control in 2022 and 2024? How will they handle their current position? How will their choices now compare to similar periods for them in the past?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"SquishyMuffins"},{"content":"Biden is seeking to raise the minimum wage to $15/hr in his first covid relief bill. Does this have any chance of passing the senate?","created_at":1610692674.0,"id":"kxgnmq","n_comments":1046,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kxgnmq/biden_is_seeking_to_raise_the_minimum_wage_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[https://thehill.com/policy/finance/534319-biden-to-seek-15-minimum-wage-in-covid-19-proposal](https://thehill.com/policy/finance/534319-biden-to-seek-15-minimum-wage-in-covid-19-proposal)\n\nI am pretty sure a budget reconciliation can't be used for this, so it would require the votes of at least 10 GOP members, who have consistently voted against minimum wage increases for the past 10 years. Does this also mean he may have to nuke the filibuster?","upvotes":2244,"user_id":"Anish-is-a-god"},{"content":"Should the Pardon power be revoked by an Amendment?","created_at":1610692649.0,"id":"kxgncp","n_comments":111,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kxgncp/should_the_pardon_power_be_revoked_by_an_amendment/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The potential to abuse the pardon power of the Presidency is something critics often cite as the principle threat against equality under the law. Current events seem to suggest that those fears are justified with Trump pardoning co-conspirators in crimes he was involved in. This means that the President is in fact above the law as there is a certain path to evading justice for any crime the President commits. \n\nAn example would be where the Vice President commits a crime for the President, the President pardons the Vice President, the President resigns instead of facing impeachment, and the former Vice President pardons the resigned President for any crimes committed in office.\n\nThis is counter to the 14th Amendment providing equal protection under the law and the bedrock principle of justice that no person may be their own judge. It is clear that the Pardon power is not meant to be used in a corrupt manner. But, since it carries the risk of destroying society in the most egregious cases, should it be abolished?","upvotes":54,"user_id":"dave_the_wave2015"},{"content":"Should impeachment be allowed if its voted purely partisan?","created_at":1610668119.0,"id":"kx86t8","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.29,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kx86t8/should_impeachment_be_allowed_if_its_voted_purely/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Looking back at impeachments of presidents you will see that Nixon's impeachment had partisan support. Impeachment of Clinton and Trump were both voted almost purely down party lines. Does this ability to impeach with only one party agreeing to it lead to an abuse of power or is it something we should keep in place?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Ariel0289"},{"content":"Whats the difference between the 2017 election objections and 2021 election objections?","created_at":1610664420.0,"id":"kx6zhr","n_comments":72,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kx6zhr/whats_the_difference_between_the_2017_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2017 several Congress members raised objections to certify the 2016 election results. In 2020 the same thing happened. What are the differences where one did not call for the resignation of those who objected and today people call for the resignation of those who did object in 2021? \n\n**In 2017:** According to a C-SPAN recording of the joint session that took place four years ago, the following House Democrats made objections: ([Source](https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-did-democrats-object-more-states-2016-republicans-2020-1561407))\n\n1. **Jim McGovern (D-Mass.**) objected to Alabama's votes. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) objected to Florida's votes. \n2. **Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.)** objected to Georgia's votes. \n3. **Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.)** objected to North Carolina's votes. \n4. **Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas)** objected to the votes from North Carolina in addition to votes from South Carolina and Wisconsin. She also stood up and objected citing \"massive voter suppression\" after Mississippi's votes were announced. \n5. **Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)** brought up allegations of Russian interference in the election and malfunctioning voting machines when she objected following the announcement of Michigan's votes. \n6. **Maxine Waters (D-Calif)** rose and said, \"I do not wish to debate. I wish to ask 'Is there one United States senator who will join me in this letter of objection?'\" after the announcement of Wyoming's votes.\n\n**In 2021:** When the joint session to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election resumed... Republicans from the House and Senate made objections to votes from several states.\n\n1. **\"Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and Sen.** [**Ted Cruz**](https://www.newsweek.com/topic/ted-cruz) **(R-Tex.)** signed an objection to Arizona's electoral votes for Biden\"\n2. while the objection to Pennsylvania's votes were \"lodged by **Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.).**\"\n3. **Mo Brooks (R-Ala.)** objected to Nevada's votes.\n4. **Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)** objected to Michigan's votes.\n5. **Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)** objected to Wisconsin's votes.\n6. **Jody Hice (R-Ga.)** objected to Georgia's votes, but the objection was denied because senators had withdrawn their support following the riot.","upvotes":16,"user_id":"Ariel0289"},{"content":"How much blame does party leadership, Republican rank-and-files, and Trump each get for the deterioration of the GOP?","created_at":1610581944.0,"id":"kwj5nt","n_comments":129,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwj5nt/how_much_blame_does_party_leadership_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's easy to see the GOP is split: party leadership like McConnell and Cheney went against Trump, and then there's Trump and his following. Each are at each other's throats. \n\nMcConnell reportedly want to cut Trump loose, and Cheney wants to return the GOP to the platform of Romney 2012, or the like (conservatism, not right populism). However, Trump's many fiascos keep getting the GOP into hot waters. However, it is these same folks, and regular republican names, that propped Trump up through his term. So how much blame does party leadership, Republican rank-and-files, and Trump each get for the deterioration of the GOP?","upvotes":38,"user_id":"survivspicymilk"},{"content":"Will India's rise be able to combat China if collaboration with the United States stays strong?","created_at":1610553913.0,"id":"kwc3f7","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwc3f7/will_indias_rise_be_able_to_combat_china_if/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It is no secret that India is an up and coming global superpower. With a fast growing economy and a population set to surpass China in a few years, India is a force to be reckoned with. China has been trying to grow it's influence across the world. Could India's rise as an economic powerhouse help the United States combat Chinese dependency for both factory goods and a consumer base to buy American Products? Also, could a rising India counter China's influence?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"StrikingAttempt1554"},{"content":"What is the probability of a Trump pardon? What are the similarities and differences between the Ford-Nixon pardon? Was the Nixon pardon the right decision?","created_at":1610610279.0,"id":"kwt80d","n_comments":115,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwt80d/what_is_the_probability_of_a_trump_pardon_what/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After the Watergate Scandal and President Nixon\u2019s resignation, President Ford pardoned him.\n\nhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardon_of_Richard_Nixon\n\nIt was unpopular at the time, likely leading to his 1-term in office. But in hindsight, pubic opinion has somewhat shifted in support of the decision.\n\nhttps://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-nixon-pardon-in-retrospect\n\nWhile Trump\u2019s offenses and Nixon\u2019s offense are unique, is there a similarity between the two situations? \n\nIs there incentive for Biden to issue a pardon? Could a more compassionate position be beneficial in unifying a divided nation?","upvotes":32,"user_id":"superassholeguy"},{"content":"Why did so many people testify about election fraud in the 2020 election?","created_at":1610580769.0,"id":"kwir10","n_comments":42,"percentage_upvoted":0.35,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwir10/why_did_so_many_people_testify_about_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Every election has cases of fraud. The 2020 election is no different. This is the first time so many citizens and poll watchers came forward to tell us about things they witnessed as being fraud, irregularities or possibly being either. Many signed affidavits to it and many spoke in public hearings to tell us what they witnessed. What lead this to happen? Was it all political bias, issues with election laws, election security, lies from Trump, something else, or a combination of things?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Ariel0289"},{"content":"[Megathread] Trump Impeached Again by US House","created_at":1610610527.0,"id":"kwtat7","n_comments":1328,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwtat7/megathread_trump_impeached_again_by_us_house/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"From [The New York TImes](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/us/incitement-of-insurrection.html):\n\n>The House on Wednesday impeached President Trump for inciting a violent insurrection against the United States government, as 10 members of the president\u2019s party joined Democrats to charge him with high crimes and misdemeanors for an unprecedented second time.\n\nThe Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has told the press he does not plan to call the Senate back earlier than its scheduled date to reconvene of January 19, meaning the trial will not begin until at least that date. Please use this thread to discuss the impeachment of the President.\n\n---\n\nPlease keep in mind that the rules are still in effect. No memes, jokes, or uncivil content.","upvotes":1737,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"What will happen to the far right after Trump is out of office?","created_at":1610579131.0,"id":"kwi6t7","n_comments":69,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwi6t7/what_will_happen_to_the_far_right_after_trump_is/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The far right has become more active and more mainstream under Trump. Hate, against many minority groups (BIPOC, LGBTQ, religious minorities) has become normalized and more common as the far right has entered the public sphere more and more. In addition, the formerly-niche QAnon conspiracy theory has become mainstream and encouraged even more right-wingers to become public about their beliefs. \n\nThe Capitol riots were planned and executed by members of the far right. They attacked and breached the US Capitol for the first time since the War of 1812 in an unprecedented act of insurrection because of Trump (and to a lesser extent his allies such as Giuliani).\n\nSlowly, the far right\u2019s access to platforms is disappearing. Parler is being removed from stores and Amazon revoked their web server. Trump has been removed from several social media sites. \n\nTrump will soon be removed from office. He won\u2019t have the position of power that appealed to so many. So what will happen to the far right?\n\nQuestions:\nWhat will happen to the far right in future elections? They\u2019ve denounced traditional conservatives (Romney) as \u201cRINOS\u201d so will the far right form their own party and primary candidates?\n\nWill they become more openly violent and hateful? Or will they slowly dissipate as Trump loses public access and power?\n\nWill far right candidates running against traditional conservatives win elections? Or will the GOP civil war only help the democrats?","upvotes":28,"user_id":"hystericalbirb2"},{"content":"What are the advantages and disadvantages of having an unelected legislative chamber?","created_at":1610592005.0,"id":"kwmtca","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwmtca/what_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The British Parliament consists of an elected House of Commons and an unelected House of Lords. There are 792 members in the House of Lords- 92 of which are hereditary peers and 26 of which are Lords Spiritual. Lords Spiritual are bishops of the Church of England. Lords are appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Lords serve for life. The House of Lords is second to the Chinese National People\u2019s Congress in terms of membership. The House of Lords can delay legislation (including money bills) but not block it. See the Parliament Acts. The Salisbury Convention states that the Lords do not block legislation in the government\u2019s manifesto. The government which sits in the House of Commons usually doesn\u2019t have a majority in the Lords.","upvotes":13,"user_id":"Mad_Chemist_"},{"content":"[Megathread] U.S. House of Representatives debate impeachment of President Trump","created_at":1610587421.0,"id":"kwl4s3","n_comments":1093,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kwl4s3/megathread_us_house_of_representatives_debate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"From the [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/13/us/trump-impeachment):\n\n> The House set itself on a course to impeach President Trump on Wednesday for a historic second time, planning an afternoon vote to charge him just one week after he incited a mob of loyalists to storm the Capitol and stop Congress from affirming President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.\u2019s victory in the November election.\n\nA live stream of the proceedings is available [here](https://www.c-span.org/event/?507879/house-vote-impeach-president-trump&live) through C-SPAN.\n\nThe house is expected to vote on one article of impeachment today.\n\nPlease use this thread to discuss the impeachment process in the House.\n\n---\n\nPlease keep in mind that the rules are still in effect. No memes, jokes, or uncivil content.","upvotes":1293,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"What would have been the advantage of slowing down the certification of electoral votes?","created_at":1610543527.0,"id":"kw9oix","n_comments":90,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kw9oix/what_would_have_been_the_advantage_of_slowing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On the 6th, in a call to Alabama Senator Tuberville, Giuliani said, \"I'm calling you because I want to discuss with you how they're trying to rush this hearing and how we need you, our Republican friends, to try to just slow it down so we can get these legislatures to get more information to you, I know they're reconvening at 8 tonight, but it ... the only strategy we can follow is to object to numerous states and raise issues so that we get ourselves into tomorrow -- ideally until the end of tomorrow.\"\n\nWhat would have been the advantage of slowing down the certification of electoral votes? \n\nIf the event is delayed, would it move the decision into the hands of the Republican controlled Senate?\n\n\nhttps://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/mike-lee-tommy-tuberville-trump-misdialed-capitol-riot/index.html","upvotes":42,"user_id":"KPac76"},{"content":"Do you think that US-China Relations would better in the future or would be more laborious?","created_at":1610494460.0,"id":"kvtvnq","n_comments":20,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvtvnq/do_you_think_that_uschina_relations_would_better/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Trump attempts to cement his legacy of being tough on China during his final weeks in office. Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe calls China \u201cthe greatest threat to America today,\u201d while the Commerce Department adds dozens of Chinese companies, including the country\u2019s biggest chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), to its trade blacklist. The State Department tightens visa rules for around ninety million members of the Chinese Communist Party. It also sanctions more Chinese officials, including fourteen members of China\u2019s legislative body, over abuses in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and elsewhere. Additionally, the White House bans U.S. investments in Chinese companies it says have ties to the People\u2019s Liberation Army. Chinese officials vow retaliation against these and other actions the Trump administration takes.","upvotes":8,"user_id":"usman3049"},{"content":"To what extent has have recent events related to the US election been the result of the global pandemic, as opposed to political division?","created_at":1610543144.0,"id":"kw9kve","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kw9kve/to_what_extent_has_have_recent_events_related_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There is a popular opinion that as America has become more polarized, we are heading into unchartered territory as increasing percentages of the population lose faith in the democratic process and resort to violence.\n\nOn the other hand, America has always had a cultural divide and has always had significant parts of the country holding racist and far-right views.\n\nIt could be that the intensity of anger we see today is more directly related to the temporary hardship imposed due to the pandemic. What this could mean is that by late 2021, the US might find itself in a state of economic prosperity and with individual freedoms restored, and as a result the intensity of anti-government views will recede again.\n\nDo you think the political divisions we see today will recede in a year\u2019s time if the pandemic is behind us, or will they get worse?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"calumin"},{"content":"Should Congress expel members who refused masks?","created_at":1610529194.0,"id":"kw5jqo","n_comments":145,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kw5jqo/should_congress_expel_members_who_refused_masks/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"When members of Congress were escorted to secure locations during the insurrection at the Capitol, some refused to wear masks, and it is now being reported that three members have been diagnosed with Covid-19, and may have been infected during that event.\n\nArticle I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the US Constitution states:\n\n> Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.\n\nDoes the behavior of these members warrant expulsion? Should Congress attempt to expel them? Could a two-thirds majority be attained? Would party loyalty outweigh any desire to punish their behavior?","upvotes":347,"user_id":"antizeus"},{"content":"Why are third-parties so much more successful in the UK? (Compared to the US)","created_at":1610516793.0,"id":"kw1jxg","n_comments":68,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kw1jxg/why_are_thirdparties_so_much_more_successful_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Despite both having systems built on first past the post voting, third parties in the UK receive a much larger vote share compared to the US. In the UK they received [24.3%](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_United_Kingdom_general_election) of vote share compared to the US's [1.7%](https://www.bbc.com/news/election/us2020/results) in the latest election. Now I understand that many of these third parties in the UK are geographically concentrated parties which aides in gaining votes such as the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cyrmu. But, even without the geographically concentrated ones, third parties get a significant vote share. For example, the Liberal Democrats received [13%](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_United_Kingdom_general_election) of the vote share (whilst being rewarded with only 1.7% of the seats) conversely, the US libertarian party could only dream of those numbers. What factors. specifically in how the electoral systems work, lead to this disrepancy between both democracies?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"YolkyBoii"},{"content":"How have America's relationships with key allies and adversaries changed over the course of the Trump presidency? How has America's standing in the world changed over the past 4 years?","created_at":1610502955.0,"id":"kvwqo7","n_comments":462,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvwqo7/how_have_americas_relationships_with_key_allies/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Here is [a timeline](https://www.cfr.org/timeline/trumps-foreign-policy-moments) from the Council on Foreign Relations detailing some of the key foreign policy actions taken during the Trump administration.\n\nSome of the notable items include:\n\n* Travel Ban\n\n* Leaving the Paris Agreement\n\n* U.S.-China Trade War\n\n* Withdrawal From Iran Nuclear Agreement\n\n* U.S. Embassy Moves to Jerusalem\n\n* Trump Meets Kim\n\n* A New NAFTA\n\n* Baghdadi Killed\n\n* WHO Withdrawal Notice\n\n* Arab-Israeli Normalization Deals\n\n\n---\n\nHas President Trump fulfilled his campaign promises with respect to foreign policy?\n\nWhat have been the Trump administrations greatest foreign policy accomplishments? What about mistakes?\n\nHow have relationships with key allies and adversaries changed over the course of the Trump administration?\n\nHow has America's standing in the world changed during the Trump administration?","upvotes":879,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Is it still safe to assume the American political system is stable?","created_at":1610490940.0,"id":"kvsse5","n_comments":106,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvsse5/is_it_still_safe_to_assume_the_american_political/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The following is *not* a fully encompassing list of the crises the United States faced in 2020:\n\n1) A week ago, there was a coup attempt against the US Congress. \n2) Since November, the current US President has perpetuated conspiracy theories alleging that the election was fraudulent, with many national representatives perpetuating this myth. \n3) This past summer, the US saw the largest wave of mass protests in history which included riots in almost every major city. \n4) The US economy is in the worst shape since the Great Recession, with some measures suggesting it is in worse shape.\n5) The US had a massive cyber security failure which hit every part of its government.\n6) The US is the most politicized it has ever been\n7) A massive pandemic has hit the country that has left over 300,000 dead.\n8) Congress has yet to take any major action to address many of the above.\n\nIs it still safe to consider the US government stable? What does the future have in store for the US?","upvotes":71,"user_id":"TipsyPeanuts"},{"content":"Why are residents of Alberta, Canada so well off?","created_at":1610459775.0,"id":"kvlqre","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":0.64,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvlqre/why_are_residents_of_alberta_canada_so_well_off/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Alberta's economy is very well off, with a very high GDP per capita (likely due to the role of natural resources in the economy). But why are residents so well off? Median household income is very high, and cost of living as well as poverty rates are both very low. Does Alberta have a superior welfare program than other provinces? What is the reason for the economic well-being of Albertans?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Unlucky_Outside"},{"content":"Will Trump become as reviled as the Bushes were at the end of their term in office? And can he recover as they did?","created_at":1610458385.0,"id":"kvle5a","n_comments":89,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvle5a/will_trump_become_as_reviled_as_the_bushes_were/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 1993 and 2009, both HW Bush and GW Bush left office pretty unpopular with the public because of what they perceived to be failed presidencies. For Bush the Elder it was the 1991-1992 recession and the \"No New Taxes\" broken pledge. For Bush the Younger it was the financial crisis/recession of 2008 and the unpopular Iraq War. Polling during their transitions showed them both in the mid-30s in approval.\n\nTrump, until recently, still had strong support among his base, Republicans generally and had 75 million reason to look for a brighter future. However, in the aftermath of the Capitol Hill riots and the Senate losses in Georgia, Trump has seen his popularity decline and most political elites shunning him, even his closest advisors have distanced from him like VP Pence.\n\nAfter Trump leaves office, how will he be looked at by the public in the short term? Will the passage of time revive him among those who had voted for him or liked some of his policies and like the Bushes eventually be warmly received several years later?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"TaylorSwiftian"},{"content":"What are the chances of actual major changes to the US healthcare system?","created_at":1610454612.0,"id":"kvkcyd","n_comments":103,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvkcyd/what_are_the_chances_of_actual_major_changes_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the Democrats now controlling the Senate, what are the chances of major changes to the healthcare system, particularly the addition of a public option? Or would we just see expanded subsidies for healthcare? Democrats would need 60 votes, unless they use budget reconciliation, which can only be used once per year, I believe, but I'm not sure how effective that would be. What do you guys think will happen?","upvotes":38,"user_id":"SaveADay89"},{"content":"From a Democratic perspective, does it make sense to impeach President Trump?","created_at":1610452050.0,"id":"kvjmjn","n_comments":151,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvjmjn/from_a_democratic_perspective_does_it_make_sense/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As of Monday January 11th, the House is on their way to impeaching President Trump over inciting a riot on at the Capitol. However, from a Democratic perspective, does it make sense to impeach President Trump?\n\n1. If he runs in 2024, he can win the Republican nomination, but his popularity with the general electorate is low. That means he would have a large chance of losing in the general, thereby enabling them to win again. \n\n2. If he runs in 2024 and loses the Republican nomination or he decides to run as an independent, this would split the vote similar to when Teddy Roosevelt split the Republican vote in 1912 enabling Wilson to win. Again, this is an outcome where the Dems benefit. \n\n3. Democratic members in more conservative districts may not want to go through an impeachment again especially seeing how several Blue Dogs lost the last election after voting for the last impeachment: Joe Cunningham, Kendra Horn, Max Rose, etc. \n\n4. Some of the Dems may not want to burn political capital over an impeachment with just a few days left in his term. \n\nI understand the idea behind impeachment in terms of punishing President Trump, but does it make sense politically for the Democratic Party?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"Joel_Turner1"},{"content":"To what extent has American media news outlets contributed to hyperpartisanship in America?","created_at":1610451458.0,"id":"kvjgjt","n_comments":49,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvjgjt/to_what_extent_has_american_media_news_outlets/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Sorry to make the question sound like a DBQ.\n\nThis question has been haunting me forever and it's been eating at my core knowing that our pundits are not seriously considering this question. A lot of people on social media, do not believe that media outlets like Fox News and CNN, for example, do not hold any bias (Fox News and CNN are the most predominant new outlets that I could think of off the top of my head). So when they go and debate a person, for example, who is holding a \"controversial\" opinion, they use their somewhat true articles/studies/etc. to help them in said debate, and it just ends up creating more division and hate in this country. I just wanted to see some other opinions on how it has contributed, if it is the fault of hyperpartisanship, the *result* of hyperpartisanship, or just unrelated, etc.\n\nIf you have not checked out the VICE News video interviewing retiring Congress members, it was a big eye opener for me and I cannot stop thinking about this video. I highly recommend, and it addresses the issues at hand heavily in the video. [https://youtu.be/3gQbt0h5UQk](https://youtu.be/3gQbt0h5UQk)","upvotes":34,"user_id":"yiofjoseon2020"},{"content":"Now that the Senate is Democratic will Puerto Rico become a state?","created_at":1610430035.0,"id":"kvcurv","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvcurv/now_that_the_senate_is_democratic_will_puerto/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the Senate being controlled by the Democrats with Biden a Democrat as President and the recent Puerto Rican referendum on statehood, will Puerto Rico become a state? The results of Puerto Rico\u2019s referendum was a 52% majority voting in favor of statehood. Will Puerto Rico become a state in the near future? What has to happen for it to become a state?","upvotes":11,"user_id":"Far_Grass_785"},{"content":"With modern technology, do we still have a need for a Republic? Could we form an absolute democracy?","created_at":1610450565.0,"id":"kvj780","n_comments":115,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvj780/with_modern_technology_do_we_still_have_a_need/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 1776, I can understand that it was necessary for representation. The logistics alone of relaying information from DC to say, New York, would have been inefficient and ineffective. To have someone take an issue from NY to DC, then ride their horse back to NY to take a vote, and then ride their horse back to DC... It would have been impossible.\n\nBut now, we can and do exchange information across the world instantly. During the pandemic, courts and schools have moved to virtual streaming. Blockchain technology is available to anonymously send encrypted bits of valuable information.\n\nWhy couldn\u2019t we all just vote on each issue? A true democracy. The details of such a system would need to be ironed out, but could we eliminate the need for representatives altogether?\n\nSay an important issue relating to society arises. Arguments in support and against are raised and published online. Then each voter casts a blockchain secured vote. Majority wins.\n\nIt seems like this would likely eliminate the division in the US. The blanket votes for red or blue would go away. There would be no need to vote across party lines. You would vote on each issue individually.","upvotes":45,"user_id":"superassholeguy"},{"content":"Is another diplomatic clash between the U.S. and Israel imminent?","created_at":1610450257.0,"id":"kvj3wv","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvj3wv/is_another_diplomatic_clash_between_the_us_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The lead up to the JCPOA followed by the signing of the deal led to a [diplomatic clash between the U.S. and Israel](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/04/us/politics/obama-netanyahu-iran-dispute.html). The Israeli prime minister addressed congress, [which was boycotted by democrats and which Nancy Pelosi called an \"insult\" to the U.S.](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/04/world/middleeast/netanyahu-congress-iran-israel-speech.html). The scandal even revealed rare, public cases of hostile intelligence operations between allies as [Israel spied on the Iran talks](https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-spied-on-iran-talks-1427164201), and the [U.S. spied on Benjamin Netanyahu](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/30/us-spying-netanyahu-israel-iran-nuclear-deal-obama-nsa). The clash concluded with Obama's decision [not to block a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning settlements](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/23/world/middleeast/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-barack-obama.html). \n\n\nMany of the individuals selected for Biden administration are seen by U.S. allies in the middle east as [\"Obama people\"](https://www.axios.com/netanyahu-biden-iran-deal-susan-rice-john-kerry-f0a195e5-96d8-4125-ba58-147c386f29f7.html). President-elect Biden just selected [William Burns as his CIA director](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/us/politics/cia-biden-burns.html). Burns has spent his career in the State Department, and was a key member of U.S. delegation during the [secret talks with Iran](https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-wish-list-led-to-u-s-talks-1435537004#refreshed). \n\nIran has recently [increased uranium enrichment](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/04/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-uranium-enrichment.html), which is purported to be an attempt to [amass bargaining chips prior to Biden taking office](https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-iran-is-amassing-bargaining-chips-ahead-of-the-biden-presidency-1.9427692). Moreover, the Iranian president [expects that Biden will re-enter the agreement and lift sanctions](https://www.reuters.com/article/iran-usa-nuclear/irans-president-says-no-doubt-u-s-will-return-to-nuclear-deal-commitments-idUSKBN28R0UI). Given Biden's choices for his administration, that re-entering the JCPOA [remains high on Biden's agenda](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/biden-wants-to-reenter-iran-nuclear-deal-within-months-aide-says/), and the [support from democrats](https://www.timesofisrael.com/150-house-democrats-urge-biden-to-reenter-iran-nuclear-deal-without-conditions/), are the U.S. and Israel on another collision course?\n\n___\n\nWhat can we expect from Israel and other U.S. allies in the ME in the lead up to the U.S. re-entering the agreement?\n\nWill Biden and the democrats in the house/senate [feel a need to be vindictive](https://www.jpost.com/opinion/israel-is-in-trouble-with-the-democrats-and-it-needs-to-move-fast-648563)?\n\nHow much will Biden allow Israel, KSA, UAE, etc. to influence his decision(s) vis-\u00e0-vis Iran?\n\nIf Biden re-enters the deal, is a new nuclear arms race in the ME realistic?\n\nIf Biden does not assuage Israeli concerns enough, [will Israel finally strike Iran](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/magazine/iran-strike-israel-america.html)?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"multiprocessed"},{"content":"In light of Jan 6 will Biden regulate social media?","created_at":1610397316.0,"id":"kv1sio","n_comments":7,"percentage_upvoted":0.5,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kv1sio/in_light_of_jan_6_will_biden_regulate_social_media/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Matt Stoller's latest news letter [argues](https://mattstoller.substack.com/p/a-simple-thing-biden-can-do-to-reset) that some blame for the Jan 6 riots falls on a weak Federal Trade Commission (FTC). \n\nThe article is worth a read but in brief: The FTC hasn't been doing it's job. Ashli Babbitt had suffered from predatory businesses they should've regulated. Social media shouldn't be allowed to profit from conspiracy theory rabbit holes & polarizing people into bubbles. Banning Trump while perhaps necessary isn't going to heal the nation. \n\nThere have been some anti-trust cases against big tech companies during Trump's admin (although these are somewhat bi-partisan). \n\n* Will Biden's admin kill off current investigations into big technology companies? \n* Will Biden's admin create _new_ social media regulations on privacy etc? \n* Will they even enforce existing anti-monopoly regulation of private equity etc?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"CitizenGym"},{"content":"What is the possibility of third parties becoming important to U.S. politics within a decade?","created_at":1610433793.0,"id":"kve4lk","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.57,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kve4lk/what_is_the_possibility_of_third_parties_becoming/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As the country rapidly changes, so are the Democratic and Republican Parties; there is noticeable growth in popularity of Constitutional Conservatism, Nationalism, Liberalism, Progressivism, and the Green movement. (To name a few) Over time it is likely two parties will no longer be able to properly represent a country with rapidly growing political diversity. How do you think this will play out within the next decade?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"Svenska_Waffle"},{"content":"Does Haiti still have the chance to become a better nation or is it still doomed to be in such a dire state?","created_at":1610432620.0,"id":"kvdqar","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvdqar/does_haiti_still_have_the_chance_to_become_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Haiti has been the (no pun intended) dark spot in the Americas for the past 200 years until Venezuela became the poorest country in the continent. Believe it or not, Haiti became arguably the richest colony of the French Empire thanks to the sugar exports. It was the second independent nation in the Americas after the US yet it was never given a chance for years thanks to racism, as plenty of nations refused to acknowledge the country, even the US, who recognized the country 58 years after it's independence, and the French imposed debt that was impossible to pay at the time. Only to makes matters worse, Haiti had very rough relations with it's neighbor Dominican Republic thanks to the forced occupation that lasted from 1822 to 1844. \n\nFrom that point on, Haiti was plagued with terrible leaders, debts, dictators like Papa Doc and his son, rough relations with DR through the 20th century thanks to the Parsley massacre directed by Rafael Trujillo, US interventions and corruption have doomed the country, with the final nail on the coffin being the 2010 earthquake. Through the 2000s, corruption and the loss of the majority of Haiti's forests have turned the nation into a terrible state that doesn't show any signs of becoming better, in contrast to DR, which while still poor, it's economy is rapidly rising. \n\nIs the small nation doomed to remain in this dire situation or is there a chance for Haiti to at the very least become stable like the DR?","upvotes":24,"user_id":"Koioua"},{"content":"Will the House of Representatives redistributing based on the 2020 census change the party makeup of the House?","created_at":1610424902.0,"id":"kvazv3","n_comments":7,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvazv3/will_the_house_of_representatives_redistributing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The states the are set to lose a seat are Alabama, California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Besides Alabama and maybe West Virginia, none are particularly conservative states. Wondering what your thoughts on Democrat\u2019s holding the House after redistricting?","upvotes":5,"user_id":"TeaLeaves887"},{"content":"Future of political parties in America","created_at":1610420215.0,"id":"kv990t","n_comments":7,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kv990t/future_of_political_parties_in_america/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It seems a major rift is growing in the Republican Party, and a smaller one in the Democratic Party. Following the election, Republicans seemed largely prepared to seek legal recourse to investigate and potentially overturn the election, but in recent days a rift has opened between those who do and do not support Donald Trump. Representative Adam Kinzinger perhaps best represents the anger some Republicans have with Trump, calling for his resignation. Others have stood by the President, but condemned the attack on the Capitol on the 6th. There seems to be a large contingent of Trump loyalists who will ostracize the non Trumpers. \n\nMeanwhile, the Democrats seemed to have a fissure open directly following the election. Abigail Spanberger\u2019s expletive ridden [phone call ](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wric.com/news/politics/spanberger-calls-congressional-election-results-a-failure-for-house-democrats/amp/)with democratic leadership after the election exemplifies the rift growing between those on the moderate end of the party, and those who are more progressive such as AOC or Ayanna Pressley. \n\nWhile the joining of these conservatives and liberals seems unlikely, what could happen to them, and their respective parties in the future? Will Republicans break off to form a new party, or join the Libertarians? Will Democrats make similar moves?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"thedankbagelman"},{"content":"How Do We Know Systemic Racism Exists?","created_at":1610418208.0,"id":"kv8jfi","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.72,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kv8jfi/how_do_we_know_systemic_racism_exists/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Calls for policy decisions have increasingly cited systemic racism as a significant fundamental issue. Advocates allege that it harms communities in substantial ways ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2020/07/01/885878564/what-systemic-racism-means-and-the-way-it-harms-communities)) and has permeated policing and education ([AMA](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/11-beginning-steps-reform-policing-and-tackle-racial-injustices)).\n\nThe arguments laid out typically focus on the harm done and less effectively on the validity of the basis itself. Help me understand - how can we prove systemic racism exists and causes harm? \n\n-Is there empirical evidence of government supported racism currently in America? What is it?\n\n-How can we prove that past racist systems (like slavery, red lining, and Jim Crow) affect people today?\n\n-Is there empirical evidence of white privilege, beyond multivariate or potentially correlational factors like income or percentage employment representation?\n\n-What is the proof that implicit racial bias is a psychological phenomenon that 1. exists and 2. impacts behavior on a statistically significant scale.\n\n-What\u2019s the goal? What does it look like when systemic racism is abolished?\n\nEdit: typo","upvotes":26,"user_id":"Hops985"},{"content":"Should the use of cluster bombs and depleted uranium be banned in warfare?","created_at":1610407250.0,"id":"kv4o07","n_comments":8,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kv4o07/should_the_use_of_cluster_bombs_and_depleted/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've been reading Rogue State lately and was struck by chapters 12 and 13, which discuss depleted uranium and cluster bombs. PM for a link. Here's my summary of these chapters:\n\n>**Depleted uranium** \n> \n>Depleted uranium is a by-product of the production of enriched fuel for nuclear reactors and weapons. It is placed on bombs and missiles in order to increase their power due to it being denser than steel, however its also radioactive and was used during the bombing of Iraq in 1991 and bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999. It causes severe sickness in people and is a likely cause behind the mysterious [Gulf War Syndrome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War_syndrome) that affected 250,000 veterans causing fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, rashes, insomnia and cognitive problems and leading to 25,000 premature deaths. Enough depleted uranium was dropped on Iraq by the USA and UK to cause 500,000 premature deaths from cancer and in 1995 Iraqi doctors reported an increase in rare and unknown diseases, notably in children. Fetuses were deformed, miscarriages were common, babies born without brains and a general increase in Leukemia. Communities close to testing ranges for depleted uranium in Scotland have extremely high rates of cancer in children. In the USA, testing on Puerto Rico has led to high cancer rates and one bomb in 1999 missed a testing target by 3 miles and killed a civilian and injured 4 others. The USA has sold depleted uranium equipped ammunition to Thailand, Taiwan, Bahrain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Greece, South Korea, Turkey, Kuwait and other countries. \n> \n>**Cluster Bombs** \n> \n>Cluster bombs are bombs that break into hundreds of \"bomblets\" the size of a soda/soft drink can, when these explode that shoot out hundreds of pieces of jagged metal shrapnel and also molten metal and incendiary material. During NATOs Bombing of Yugoslavia, around 11,110 bomblets did not explode, basically becoming hidden landmines that could be anywhere in a city. Several of them have killed children playing and have floated out from rivers and blown up Italian fishing boats. The wounds on survivors are so severe they horrify local doctors and often require amputations. Millions of cluster bombs dropped on Laos and Iraq have not exploded, and have since killed thousands of people who accidentally stumbled onto them. (According to Wikipedia unexploded cluster bombs kill more than landmines)\n\n1. Is this information accurate?\n2. Is the use of these weapons in war justified?\n3. Should the use of these weapons be banned?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"Did Trump incite the violence at the capital?","created_at":1610401536.0,"id":"kv2x7v","n_comments":110,"percentage_upvoted":0.69,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kv2x7v/did_trump_incite_the_violence_at_the_capital/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Nancy Pelosi and the democrats are working on impeaching Trump over the breach/attack at the capital. She has stated that she would wait 100 days into Biden's term to bring up the articles of impeachment. Pence has not ruled out invoking the 25th amendment over what happened. \n\nTrump has for months been pushing out the idea that the election was stolen and for people to speak up or protest. \n\n**Using direct quotes from the president:**\n\n* Did Trump incite the violence or did he push for the peaceful protests? \n* How did he do either or both?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"Ariel0289"},{"content":"The discussion about the 2022 mid-term elections for House and Senate has already begun. What do Democrats need to do to maintain control of both houses? What do Republicans need to do to regain control of one or both of them?","created_at":1610421278.0,"id":"kv9nl3","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.69,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kv9nl3/the_discussion_about_the_2022_midterm_elections/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In both of Obama's mid-terms, Republicans made gains in the House and Senate that gave them control of at least one of those bodies. Republican control of the Senate has stymied Democrat attempts to put more liberal judges on the bench, including three Supreme Court justices during Trump's term. Now that the Democrats have a very narrow margin of control in the Senate and somewhat firmer control of the House, the next two years will be an all out war for control of those bodies in 2022.\n\n[This article at Rollcall.com](https://www.rollcall.com/2021/01/08/senate-2022-ratings-eight-states-competitive-with-control-on-the-line-again/) describes the challenges that Democrats face in maintaining control of the House and Senate in order to advance their agenda. **What steps can Democrats take to keep control of both houses? What must Republicans do to regain control?**","upvotes":6,"user_id":"techsinger"},{"content":"A Gallup Poll found in 2020 both major political parties in the United States are the most ideologically polarized they have been since polling began 30 years ago. What trends explain this polarization, and how can legislators manage to find common ground?","created_at":1610438592.0,"id":"kvfo5g","n_comments":852,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kvfo5g/a_gallup_poll_found_in_2020_both_major_political/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Every year, Gallup does a survey of Americans asking how many call themselves conservative, moderate, and liberal. [Their 2020 survey found both parties are the most polarized they have ever been, with an outright majority of Democrats identifying as liberal for the first time.](https://news.gallup.com/poll/328367/americans-political-ideology-held-steady-2020.aspx) Likewise, the GOP continued its increasingly conservative trend since the turn of the millennium. Overall, conservatives continuing to outnumber liberals, though by a smaller advantage in years past as younger generations trend more socially progressive.\n\n​\n\n​\n\n1. How will this increased polarization effect policy-making decisions as the Democrats take full control of the federal government?\n\n​\n\n2. How will this impact both parties' electoral strategies going forward? (E.g. do the Democrats have to consistently be a \"big-tent\" party to win solely because the number of conservatives is greater than liberals, how does the GOP manage to become more moderate when its conservative base has a stranglehold on its primaries, etc?)\n\n​\n\n​\n\n3. What societal trends explain the ideological polarization of both parties?","upvotes":1328,"user_id":"Fig_Newton_"},{"content":"Realistically, what action do you see Biden taking toward student debt in 2021?","created_at":1610382641.0,"id":"kuyo9b","n_comments":176,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kuyo9b/realistically_what_action_do_you_see_biden_taking/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The student debt crisis is skyrocketing - an undeniable fact. Many have different ideas on how to tackle it while others don't see a need for any action. What are your thoughts? Given the newly liberal legislative and executive branches, bipartisan work will be crucial. Considering all of this plus what's been said thus far, what do you foresee happening?\n\nEdit: Thank you all for offering and discussing your ideas! I love coming here to see people communicate in a fair, cordial way. It helps me know most people are still pleasant :)\n\nI first thought of posting this as my monthly payments have started rolling in (grad of \u201820). I\u2019m 23, unemployed, and owe $90,000. Mandating at least a light education on financial management should be considered, beginning in high school! It definitely would\u2019ve made me think twice.","upvotes":36,"user_id":"lyrically-so-lethal"},{"content":"Where do we go from here as a nation? Based on the recent events that transpired, which has been brewing in the dark corners of the internet and country for so long, what are the necessary actions that need to be taken to move forward, united, as a country?","created_at":1610367238.0,"id":"kuuxqe","n_comments":95,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kuuxqe/where_do_we_go_from_here_as_a_nation_based_on_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We have had a plethora of chapters in the book of our country...The Foundation of our country, the revolutionary war, slavery and the civil war, the gilded age, WWI, the roaring 20s, the Great Depression, WWII and the recovery from the GD, The Vietnam war along with the Civil Rights movement, the Black Power Movement, the Iran contra affair, the Gulf War, the war against Al Qaeda, the great rescission....etc....With that being said, how will this chapter be written, and how will it be remembered in our history?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"NRS038"},{"content":"What are the limits of political \"Quid Pro Quo\"?","created_at":1610360702.0,"id":"kut31q","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.53,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kut31q/what_are_the_limits_of_political_quid_pro_quo/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Donald Trump's Impeachment trial in 2020 focused on phone calls and financial aid appropriations being released conditionally (That Ukrainian officials needed to begin an investigation into Hunter Biden and Burisma to receive aid). Part of the president's defense was that conditional deals were how foreign policy was conducted (You do X for me, and I'll give you Y), that the phone call was a natural, normal part of the process, and thus not grounds for impeachment.\n\nNow, Speaker Pelosi is giving the Vice President an [ultimatum](https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/10/politics/james-clyburn-impeachment-senate-trial-biden-cnntv/index.html): Remove the president under the 25th Amendment in the next 24 hours, or the House will introduce articles of impeachment. Inevitably, the GOP will decry this as excessive and hypocritical, that they Speaker is forcing the VP into such a deal, and that they ought to be ashamed of the Quid Pro Quo they are offering after complaining about the President's at this time last year.\n\nSo, Quid Pro Quo's and trade offs must be a normal part of the political process, but what, if anything, is their limit? How far is too far? What is off the table?","upvotes":1,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Now that the Democrats have a narrow senate majority, what are the chances of the Senate passing the Protecting the Right to Organise Act (PRO Act)?","created_at":1610283687.0,"id":"ku7w6z","n_comments":3,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku7w6z/now_that_the_democrats_have_a_narrow_senate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With a 50-50 split in the senate and a tiebreaker due to controlling the Vice Presidency, the Democrats now have a chance to pass some significant legislation in the next 2 years. However the filibuster rule is unlikely to be removed and there is no wiggle room for even a single Democratic Senator to vote no on a bill. The piece of legislation that I am most interested in knowing about the prospects for is the PRO Act, already passed by the house, which as currently written would significantly strengthen the rights of workers to organise and close loopholes used by employers to discourage unions. You can read a bit about the act here: \n\nhttps://www.epi.org/blog/the-pro-act-giving-workers-more-bargaining-power-on-the-job/\n\nThat is a source that is strongly in favor of the law, as I am myself. If you wish to read about the law from another angle I\u2019m sure you can do so elsewhere.\n\nJoe Biden has signalled strong support for the law: \n\nhttps://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1226573981571923968?s=20\n\nI have a few questions:\n\n1.\tCan the PRO Act be passed with just 50 votes in the Senate and the tiebreaker? Or does it require the full 60 vote supermajority?\n\n2.\tAre there any Democratic Senators who might oppose the bill in its entirety or oppose significant parts of it? Are there any Republicans who might be persuaded to support the bill?\n\n3.\tIf the PRO Act is brought to a vote, would you expect its provisions to be watered down at the behest of certain Senators, or perhaps strengthened at the behest of Biden (who indicates on his website that he\u2019d like to go even further in some areas than the law already passed by the House: https://joebiden.com/empowerworkers)?\n\n4.\tDo you think that passing the PRO Act would be good for the Democrats electorally in 2022 and 2024? I personally suspect it might, as it could bring some white working class voters back into the Democratic fold based on economic policy, voters who currently vote Republican for cultural reasons, and it may actually excite the Democrats left wing base too.","upvotes":7,"user_id":"mickey_kneecaps"},{"content":"In the near future, what non-politicians will be the Democratic party \"kingmakers\"?","created_at":1610357849.0,"id":"kus92o","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kus92o/in_the_near_future_what_nonpoliticians_will_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Last year, Harper's magazine had [an interesting article](https://harpers.org/archive/2020/01/trumpism-after-trump-test-article/) about the waning influence of the traditional oil and energy donors in the Republican party, and the increasing influence of tech CEOs, pointing to people like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel as people who were trying to position themselves in a place of prominent influence within the Republican party.\n\nHowever, there hasn't been much discussion on the future of the major, non-political (in terms of seeking public office) players in *the Democratic party*.\n\nWhat megadonors and non-political \"influencers\" (for lack of a better term) will be working within the Democratic party to help decide the viability of the politicians?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"MagicJasoni"},{"content":"Did Tammany Hall introduce \"multiculturalism\" into the American mythology?","created_at":1610279065.0,"id":"ku6nwa","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":0.58,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku6nwa/did_tammany_hall_introduce_multiculturalism_into/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Often, as I consider the immigration problem that is set upon Western Europe, I think that, in truth, accepting people from different backgrounds into their nation is not (necessarily) part of the fundamental ethos of these nations. Surely the English statesmen of yore felt little obligation towards anyone but the English people.\n\nYet, when I look at America, I see a Western nation that is (as I thought before) an exception to this rule. Here is a nation that has this notion of bringing others into the fold at its core. However, when I look at the nativist sentiments that are prevalent throughout its history, I wonder if this is true. The founding fathers were not eager to incorporate other cultures into the fray. So where does this modern notion of \"multiculturalism\" come from?\n\nIn the (mid to) late 19th Century, political machines like New York's infamous Tammany Hall began to use working class immigrants to fatten their coffers (in exchange for some advocacy and services). During this period, the largest swell of American immigration ever occurred with these political machines presiding over much of the politics. \n\nIn exchange for wealth and power, did Tammany Hall thrust this notion of \"multiculturalism\" into the American ideals?","upvotes":2,"user_id":"Willem_van_rode"},{"content":"If the federal government went authoritarian, how could state and local governments resist the federal government","created_at":1610289869.0,"id":"ku9fjc","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.55,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku9fjc/if_the_federal_government_went_authoritarian_how/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know in the eyes of the confederates, they felt the federal government went authoritarian so they withdrew from the union. I don't agree with them philosophically but in their minds that was a way to deal with a federal government that had become authoritarian. \n\nIn the modern age, assuming the federal government goes authoritarian what can states and local governments do to resist it? \n\nTax protests (state and local governments stop sending tax revenue to the federal government?)\n\nNot let the federal government control their national guard members (can they legally do that)? \n\nDeclare independence? \n\nWhat tools do state and local governments have in these situations.","upvotes":1,"user_id":"Five_Decades"},{"content":"What the odds that the next US Senate will attempt to remove or modify the filibuster?","created_at":1610299369.0,"id":"kubece","n_comments":45,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kubece/what_the_odds_that_the_next_us_senate_will/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Democratic Party has managed to obtain a slim Senate majority with VP Harris\u2019 vote on top of the 50 they now have, but obviously is well short of the 60 votes necessary to invoke cloture. Can we expect a change to the filibuster as a result?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"Teppei432"},{"content":"What steps can America take to restore confidence in its election process?","created_at":1610327799.0,"id":"kuigjk","n_comments":112,"percentage_upvoted":0.65,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kuigjk/what_steps_can_america_take_to_restore_confidence/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I don\u2019t think it\u2019s enough to condemn the mob that stormed our legislature on Wednesday. Although the mob\u2019s objections were not based in reality and the manifestation of their objections was sickening, it\u2019s reveals frightening indicators about lack of confidence in one of the proudest democracies in the world. \n\nThe attack seems indicative of deep-seated mistrust of the election process. For example, Scott DesJarlais of Tenessee [said](https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2021/1/6/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E14-3) \u201cThere is no question that changes in state election laws were made by executive orders without legislative approval (usually under the guise of COVID) to allow for ballots to be allowed after deadlines had passed and mail-ins and absentees to be allowed under far more liberal circumstances which created an environment that allowed \u201cvote harvesting\u201d and thousands of ballots to be counted days and weeks after the election--without the requisite standards of verification that we should expect for a secure election.\u201d\n\nAnd Joe Wilson of SC [said](https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2021/1/6/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E15-1) People across the United States are rightfully concerned about the mishandling of their votes and irregularities in the 2020 federal election. I share this concern given the incredible irregularities, additionally because the Constitution provides that election laws are the sole jurisdiction of state legislators which must be maintained, and not to be changed by obscure unilateral and judicial abuse with unfounded defiance of state laws.\u201d\n\nYou can peruse the Congressional record, but suffice to say that DesJarlais and Wilson aren\u2019t alone. A not insignificant number of lawmakers and Americans believe the other party cheated. I would offer that confidence in a free and fair election is as important as actually having a free and fair election. \n\nWith that in mind, what can be done to restore confidence to our exceptional country\u2019s election system?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"GreyhoundsAreFast"},{"content":"Has covid impact swayed support for GOP?","created_at":1610335429.0,"id":"kukukv","n_comments":24,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kukukv/has_covid_impact_swayed_support_for_gop/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This [study](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/12/11/20-striking-findings-from-2020/) by the Pew Research Center reveals that more than half of Americans know someone who's either been hospitalized or died due to covid-19. (Scroll down to Item 9.) I've long wondered whether political opinion would shift in states where mask wearing and social distancing were, in the early days of covid, associated with liberal political orientation, after people started succumbing to the disease. How have people in such places changed their views of anti-masker politicians, if at all?","upvotes":4,"user_id":"neko201805"},{"content":"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces Democrats will proceed with impeachment legislation against President Trump this week. How many Republicans might support impeachment in each chamber? How will this second impeachment affect dynamics between the two parties as Biden assumes the Presidency?","created_at":1610352451.0,"id":"kuqmkx","n_comments":982,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kuqmkx/house_speaker_nancy_pelosi_announces_democrats/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Nancy Pelosi has released [a letter](https://twitter.com/W7VOA/status/1348414470155096070?s=20) detailing House Democrats' response to this week's storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters. Democrats will advance a resolution calling on Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th amendment, declaring President Trump incapable of executing the duties of his office and making Vice President Pence the acting President. Following this resolution pertaining to the 25th amendment, Democrats will move to impeach President Trump in the House. \n\n* What are likely to be the specific articles of impeachment advanced against Trump?\n\n* Will the House Democratic caucus vote unanimously to impeach? What Republicans might also support the articles of impeachment?\n\n* What is a plausible timeline for impeachment to move from the House to the Senate?\n\n* Will the initiation of a new impeachment process divide Republicans over whether to impeach? Or will the new movement unite Republicans in opposition to impeachment?\n\n* Some Republicans opposing impeachment have argued that the current moment calls for unity and healing, rather than impeachment. How will impeachment by Democrats affect interparty relations heading into the Biden administration?","upvotes":2188,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"How do you see the Republican Party changing going forward?","created_at":1610342558.0,"id":"kunc2u","n_comments":209,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kunc2u/how_do_you_see_the_republican_party_changing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I like many have seen the events that happened with the storming of the capital and the immediate aftermath. One question remains in my mind, what will the GOP look like going forward. I heard many in the party still want Donald Trump to lead, but the No Trump part of the party is growing. I am interested to hear other people's opinions what they think the future of the GOP would look like.","upvotes":68,"user_id":"StrikingAttempt1554"},{"content":"Can Speaker Pelosi's questioning of JCS Milley for available options to prevent President Trump from initiating military action or accessing nuclear launch codes be viewed as a coup attempt or soft coup attempt?","created_at":1610274752.0,"id":"ku5gna","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.31,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku5gna/can_speaker_pelosis_questioning_of_jcs_milley_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The text of Pelosi's statement is here: [https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/pelosi-letter-on-nuclear-codes/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/pelosi-letter-on-nuclear-codes/index.html)\n\nThe NYT wrote: \"Speaker Nancy *Pelosi* said she had spoken with Gen. ... of Staff, about whether it was possible to keep \u201can unhinged president\u201d from using the *nuclear launch codes*. ... That would amount to a military *coup*, the officials said.\"\n\nFurther background information is here: [https://www.vox.com/22220989/trump-nuclear-codes-pelosi-impeachment](https://www.vox.com/22220989/trump-nuclear-codes-pelosi-impeachment)\n\nand here: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft\\_coup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_coup)","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Indrid-Chilly"},{"content":"Can the Senate get to a 2/3 majority to convict and remove the President?","created_at":1610269563.0,"id":"ku3xc7","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku3xc7/can_the_senate_get_to_a_23_majority_to_convict/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Let's assume that impeachment will pass with the simple Democratic majority in the House. \nThe current composition of the Senate is 99 (Perdue's term has expired), which would require 66 votes were all Senators to vote. \nWith the 46 Democrats and 2 independents certain to vote \"yes\", and Senators such as Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski, Pat Toomey, and others convinced the President has committed impeachable offenses, could there be enough votes?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"BUSean"},{"content":"What\u2019s the future like for the United States of America?","created_at":1610286741.0,"id":"ku8okq","n_comments":53,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku8okq/whats_the_future_like_for_the_united_states_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\nI know it\u2019s a very broad spectrum question, but I\u2019m genuinely curious and want to hear people\u2019s opinions on what the future holds for America. I\u2019m not disclosing who I support, rather wanna know people\u2019s opinions. \n\nWith Biden taking office this month, and the final 2 Georgia seats belonging to the democrats, America will be pretty much be all democratic, considering both the House of Representatives and the senate belonging to them now. So, I had a few questions in mind, but feel free to share your own. \n\n1. What\u2019s the future like for republications? Do you ever see them having full power like they did with Trump? Do you see trump running for president again in 4 years? How does the riot affect him and other republicans?\n\n2. We all know Trump is business oriented prior to presidency, and indeed boosted the USA Economy a lot, what are your throughs to how Biden will help the economy? I know all cannabis and renewable energy will boost, but overall look on the market?\n\n3. What about the allies with NATO and its expansion, what about North Korea, China?\n\n4. Outlook on healthcare? Will it be available to almost everyone like in Canada? \n\n5. And lastly, what are your thoughts on Biden and his outlook on racism and systematic racism?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"turntheovenoff"},{"content":"Was banning Trump from Twitter the right thing to do?","created_at":1610319387.0,"id":"kufs2y","n_comments":249,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kufs2y/was_banning_trump_from_twitter_the_right_thing_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This has been a hotly debated topic amongst the people on my social media feeds and I\u2019m still a bit torn on the topic. I feel like banning Trump from Twitter was the right thing to do considering the riot at Capitol Hill probably wouldn\u2019t have happened if it wasn\u2019t for his words of encouragement, however there is still a part of me that is concerned with the future of free speech on social media. I guess I\u2019m asking for the perspective from people who aren\u2019t primarily conservative like all of my friends.","upvotes":78,"user_id":"urinemyshower"},{"content":"Will USA become less polarized in the coming years?","created_at":1610322064.0,"id":"kuglzj","n_comments":258,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kuglzj/will_usa_become_less_polarized_in_the_coming_years/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What do you think? Will the american people become more united? Will liberals and conservatives have better relations? Will the polarization between urban America and rural America decrease? Or what will happen?","upvotes":40,"user_id":"jorgenalm"},{"content":"Just days before Biden takes office, Kim Jung Un said America is 'our biggest enemy' in a recent speech. And in 2019, N.K. called Biden a \u201crabid dog\u201d that needed to be \u201cbeaten to death with a stick.\u201d.","created_at":1610318163.0,"id":"kufho7","n_comments":503,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kufho7/just_days_before_biden_takes_office_kim_jung_un/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Remarkably, Trump was the first US president to shake hands with a North Korean leader. They had several meetings and engaged in discussions, but it didn't lead to official changes. Although N.K. believes the US will always be against them, they were unequivocally more open to international talks with President Trump compared to past presidents. How did Trump manage to get on North Korea's good side for a brief time? Why is there already a preconceived disdain for Biden?\n\n[\\[relevant article\\]](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-politics/north-koreas-kim-calls-u-s-our-biggest-enemy-in-challenge-to-biden-idUSKBN29D2YA)","upvotes":1455,"user_id":"ExDota2Player"},{"content":"If the Republican Party was to split along pro-Trump and anti-Trump lines, resulting in the formation of a new party, which x-Trump group would be behind the new party?","created_at":1610220286.0,"id":"ktp8l2","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktp8l2/if_the_republican_party_was_to_split_along/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Would it be more likely that the Republican\nParty would reassert and return to their pre-Trump roots, thus leading the pro-Trump lobby to splinter off and create an all-new party? Or do you feel the Republicans will cling to Trump or at least Trumpism as their best chance to win back the Presidency in 2024, driving out the anti-Trump conservatives and causing something like the Lincoln Project to morph into a new conservative party?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"SteveJohnson2010"},{"content":"What effect will the 2020 Census and redistricting that results have on the 2022 midterm elections?","created_at":1610265322.0,"id":"ku2mlj","n_comments":35,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku2mlj/what_effect_will_the_2020_census_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The results and findings of the 2020 census haven\u2019t been released yet. \n\nHowever, it is estimated that the following states will gain seats:\n\nArizona is likely to gain one seat.\n\nColorado is likely to gain one seat.\n\nNorth Carolina is likely to gain one seat.\n\nOregon is likely to gain one seat.\n\nFlorida is likely to gain two seats.\n\nTexas is likely to gain three seats.\n\nMontana may also gain one seat\n\nThe following states are estimated to lose seats:\n\nNew York is likely to lose one or two seats.\n\nIllinois is likely to lose one seat.\n\nMichigan is likely to lose one seat.\n\nOhio is likely to lose one seat.\n\nPennsylvania is likely to lose one seat.\n\nRhode Island is likely to lose one seat.\n\nWest Virginia is likely to lose one seat.\n\nThe following states may also lose a seat:\n\nCalifornia\n\nAlabama \n\nMinnesota \n\nGiven the Democrats small majority in the House, how will these change in seat numbers influence the balance of power. Where will the states that gain seats likely add these new districts? Where will the states that lose seats likely combine districts or rearrange districts to accommodate the loss?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"throwawaycuriousi"},{"content":"What has been President Trump\u2019s greatest success\u2019?","created_at":1610261180.0,"id":"ku1ctx","n_comments":153,"percentage_upvoted":0.61,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ku1ctx/what_has_been_president_trumps_greatest_success/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the events that have occurred this past week at the US Capitol, I began to put my own judgement and opinion aside and thought to myself \n\n\n\u2014-What has been President Trump\u2019s greatest success\u2019 during his presidency?[Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-biggest-accomplishments-and-failures-heading-into-2020-2019-12)","upvotes":16,"user_id":"lrw_4070"},{"content":"Does the US need a Truth And Reconciliation Commission?","created_at":1610234303.0,"id":"ktsnxq","n_comments":121,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktsnxq/does_the_us_need_a_truth_and_reconciliation/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"To end apartheid in South Africa, and attempt to bring the country back together, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was formed to expose wrongs and have the country move forward.\n\nhttps://www.politico.com/amp/news/magazine/2020/08/16/does-america-need-a-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-395332\n\nThe loss of truth and evidenced based reporting has witnessed the US careening down the path of confusing extremist propaganda as fact. Does the country need to stop and take account of itself by forming a commission to look deeply and seriously into these problems so that we can move on, or will that make things worse?","upvotes":83,"user_id":"celsius100"},{"content":"Differing Political Effects of Urban and Rural Deindustrialization","created_at":1610238053.0,"id":"kttslk","n_comments":3,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kttslk/differing_political_effects_of_urban_and_rural/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've noticed that a lot of the complaints from segments of the right, those about the loss of jobs and prospects in rural areas and the opioid epidemic that has in part come with it parallel what occurred in the 90s in cities, major industrialization resulting in large job losses and driving a drug epidemic. The reactions to the two issues have differed massively, with nothing approaching the current political focus on the affected rural communities and a large focus on attacking the urban drug epidemic as a crime problem while the opioid epidemic is being discussed as a health crisis. What are the factors that have contributed to the differing responses and impacts?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"cstar1996"},{"content":"How will a Biden presidency and (slim) Congressional majority address the obvious problems with the USPS?","created_at":1610231222.0,"id":"ktrt96","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktrt96/how_will_a_biden_presidency_and_slim/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[here](https://www.justsecurity.org/72132/the-trump-administration-and-the-u-s-postal-service-a-timeline/) is a fairly sourced timeline of the USPS since Trump's inauguration in 2017. \n\nGiven the Biden presidency and the slim Democratic Congressional majority, what happens to the USPS? Rollbacks? To what point? \n\nDoes the incoming government address the [2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/6407)? \n\nDoes the incoming government lean progressive enough to bring [Postal Banking](http://www.campaignforpostalbanking.org/know-the-facts/) up in the national discussion?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"BartlettMagic"},{"content":"What would the fallout be if trump pardons all or some of Tuesday\u2019s rioters?","created_at":1610195650.0,"id":"ktjy4s","n_comments":99,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktjy4s/what_would_the_fallout_be_if_trump_pardons_all_or/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Now that they\u2019re gathering and publicizing the names of everyone there, if trump isn\u2019t 25thed, or impeached, what\u2019s to stop him from pardoning all of them before he leaves office? And if he does, what kind of blowback do you think there would be?\n\nEdit to add a clarification: \n\n\u201cIn Ex parte Garland, an 1866 case involving a former Confederate senator who had been pardoned by President Andrew Johnson, the Supreme Court said the pardon power \u201cextends to every offense known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.\u201d","upvotes":51,"user_id":"adamlh"},{"content":"Can the world exist without war?","created_at":1610204742.0,"id":"ktm5uw","n_comments":43,"percentage_upvoted":0.72,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktm5uw/can_the_world_exist_without_war/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Ragnar Redbeard once said: \"The natural world is a world of war. The natural man is a warrior\"\n\nWe just saw an attempted government take over because of something that was arguably incredibly unfounded and nearsighted. Some americans seem to be looking for a fight wherever they can get it. \n\nCan men (or women) actually last in peace? Or do they need the glory of war to feel fulfilled?","upvotes":11,"user_id":"Laniekea"},{"content":"Why did Muslims tilt redder?","created_at":1610208132.0,"id":"ktmujp","n_comments":37,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktmujp/why_did_muslims_tilt_redder/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[According to this AP survey, ](https://www.npr.org/2020/11/03/929478378/understanding-the-2020-electorate-ap-votecast-survey), 35% of Muslims voted for Trump. Which is nearly half of how many voted for Biden, but it\u2019s almost triple of how many votes for him in 2016, 13%. What could possibly be the reason?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"keep_calm_rocket_on"},{"content":"Was the Bombing of North Korea during the Korean War justified?","created_at":1610203636.0,"id":"ktlwuw","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.64,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktlwuw/was_the_bombing_of_north_korea_during_the_korean/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The very brief, Wikipedia-tier summary of the event is as follows:\n\n* An estimated 85% of all buildings in North Korea were destroyed\n* An estimated 99.3% of bombs did not hit their targets and were dropped into highly-populated urban areas.\n* Out of 22 cities in North Korea, 12 saw more than 75% of their area destroyed. Only 3 were less than 10% destroyed.\n* In May 1951, an international fact finding team from East Germany, West Germany, China, and the Netherlands stated, \"The members, in the whole course of their journey, did not see one town that had not been destroyed, and there were very few undamaged villages.\"\n* The war's highest-ranking U.S. POW, U.S. Major General William F. Dean, reported that the majority of North Korean cities and villages he saw were either rubble or snow-covered wasteland.\n* North Korean factories, schools, hospitals, and government offices were forced to move underground.\n* Public statements by the U.N. command obfuscated the extent of the destruction of North Korean communities with euphemisms, for example by listing the destruction of thousands of individual \"buildings\" rather than towns or villages as such, or reporting attacks on North Korean supply centers located in a city with language suggesting that the entire city constituted a \"supply center.\"\n* By the end of the campaign, US bombers had difficulty in finding targets and were reduced to bombing footbridges or jettisoning their bombs into the sea.\n* After running low on urban targets, U.S. bombers destroyed hydroelectric and irrigation dams in the later stages of the war, flooding farmland and destroying crops. The bombing of five major dams and ensuing floods threatened several million North Koreans with starvation that only with emergency assistance from China and the USSR was widespread famine prevented.\n* North Korea ranks alongside Cambodia (500,000 tons), Laos (2 million tons), and South Vietnam (4 million tons) as among the most heavily-bombed countries in history, with Laos suffering the most extensive bombardment relative to its size and population.\n\n**Bonus questions**\n\n* Would you consider it a war crime?\n* Should the USA apologise to North Korea?\n* Considering that the bombing of three large buildings in 2001 was enough to drag the USA into two wars, create a surveillance state, create a climate of fear around terrorism and lead to the erosion of civil liberties. Is it any surprise that the wiping out of all cities led to a strong dislike of the USA among the people and the government of North Korea? As well as the dedication of numerous resources towards the military and nuclear bombs to prevent it ever happening again, resources which could've been put towards social programs and economic development.","upvotes":9,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"Would the riot and capitol invasion that recently happend cause a new look in making Washington DC a state?","created_at":1610140517.0,"id":"kt288l","n_comments":34,"percentage_upvoted":0.72,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kt288l/would_the_riot_and_capitol_invasion_that_recently/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This week we've seen many things take place in our nations capitol Washington DC. What started out as a protest, became a riot, then evolved into a storming of the United States Capitol. This event would be felt for years, if not decades to come.\n\nWould these events that have take cause a new look into the question on if Washington DC should be a state? Furthermore, would this make politicians take a new look into this option. Finally, would the option of Washington DC becoming a state have a chance in the Biden administration?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"Stasha-Starz"},{"content":"International Extraditions, unequal power relations?","created_at":1610180651.0,"id":"ktfq76","n_comments":3,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktfq76/international_extraditions_unequal_power_relations/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A bilateral extradition treaty is by no means enforceable law, however, could one say that networks of soft power can influence extradition proceedings? Take for example the US requesting extradition from a country not so wealthy like Jamaica? Jamaica being highly reliant on its public image to bring in tourism which can be manipulated by the American state media or be affected by a slight rupture in trade relations between both countries. Or would these links be too vague and multi-factor to argue?","upvotes":4,"user_id":"Raisin_Alive"},{"content":"How do you think Trump\u2019s Twitter account being banned will affect the political landscape?","created_at":1610192163.0,"id":"ktj0wc","n_comments":978,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktj0wc/how_do_you_think_trumps_twitter_account_being/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Trump has done many things with his Twitter account. From firing employees, to attacking other politicians. Many call it one of the downfalls of the Trump presidency and the trump administration, his comments being harmful to others, but also by being harmful to the rhetoric and attracting new supporters. \n\nHis tweets are seen in a variety of different ways. some people, usually his supporters, like what he tweets; they see it as him speaking his mind and telling it as he sees it, sometimes strengthening their support for him. Other people, usually people who don\u2019t like him, see his tweets as rude and possibly offensive, and dissuades them from supporting him even more. \n\nHow do you think his account being gone will affect the political landscape? Do you think it will affect his rhetoric at all? His support? Or will it not have any affect at all, after the events of Wednesday? Also, how do you think it will affect other politicians?","upvotes":847,"user_id":"Braeden3141"},{"content":"Do you think GOP will *try* and impeach President Biden within the next 4 years?","created_at":1610172230.0,"id":"ktcyiv","n_comments":101,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktcyiv/do_you_think_gop_will_try_and_impeach_president/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There has been no shortage of political grandstanding. And it appears that the most common rhetorical device is to equate one bad act to another. So, is impeachment just going to become the norm as politicians seek to settle scores? Or will there be some cooler heads and the process stays on the shelf except in rare and justified circumstances?[\n\nEdit: new info](https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jan/13/marjorie-taylor-greene-file-joe-biden-impeachment-/)","upvotes":66,"user_id":"Lawdawg_75"},{"content":"Is Ted Cruz correct that the voice of the people were dismissed on election integrity? Did that cause the protest inside the capital building?","created_at":1610168928.0,"id":"ktbu99","n_comments":72,"percentage_upvoted":0.39,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktbu99/is_ted_cruz_correct_that_the_voice_of_the_people/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"**For context here is Ted Cruz's speech:** \n\n>\u201cRecent polling shows that 39% of Americans believe the election that just occurred, \u201cwas rigged.\u201d You may not agree with that assessment. But it is nonetheless a reality for nearly half the country. I would note it is not just Republicans who believe that. 31% of independence agree with that statement. 17% of Democrats believe the election was ripped. Even if you do not share that conviction, it is the responsibility, I believe of this office to acknowledge that as a profound threat to this country and to the legitimacy of any administrations that will come in the future...I understand your concerns, but I urge you to pause and think, what does it say to the nearly half the country that believes this election was rigged if we vote? Not even to consider the claims of illegality and fraud in this election...And tens of millions of Americans will see a vote against the objection as a statement that voter fraud doesn\u2019t matter, isn\u2019t real and shouldn\u2019t be taken seriously. And a great many of us don\u2019t believe that...And what I would urge of this body is that we do the same. That we have pointed electoral commission to conduct a 10-day emergency audit, consider the evidence, and resolve the claims. For those on the democratic aisle who says, say there is no evidence, they\u2019ve been rejected, then you should rest and comfort if that\u2019s the case. An electoral commission would reject those claims. But for those who respect the voters, simply telling the voters, go jump in a lake. The fact that you have deep concerns is of no moment to us, that jeopardizes, I believe the legitimacy of this in subsequent elections.\"\n\nWe have had many elections where people came out and did not believe the election results. This is a reality in the world we live in today. This election is a little different. You have many concerned citizens coming forward and sharing what they believe they witnessed as fraud that jeopardizes our election process. Republicans focused on it being a 'steal' and to overturn the election. Democrats focused on that there is no fraud and its all a way for Trump to abuse power and reject the decision of the people. \n\nTed Cruz is coming now and saying that its not about either of those. The issue at hand is if the people in power have done enough to address the concerns of the people who believe fraud occurred. A few people who have come forward have had their personal credibility attacked instead of their claim investigated. Georgia's Sec of State in a press conferenced said that claims are false because its not a reality to happen. AG Bar came out and said that widespread fraud was not found. Some data was pushed out on what was find regarding election fraud. \n\nShould the people in power have taken the claims of concerned citizens more seriously? Did political partisan sway the decision making in hearing the claims and doing a thorough investigation and addressing the people that the claims are serious for an investigation? What was done to show that the election integrity is a serious concern and was it enough or should more have done? An effort to show that the voice of the people is the concern of our elected officials. Or was not enough done and it fed up people enough to protest and a few to even push into the capital office for them to be taken seriously?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Ariel0289"},{"content":"In several states, people with mental disabilities have limited voting rights. Are the laws governing this fair? And if not, how can they be changed to make elections more fair for those people?","created_at":1610176217.0,"id":"kteaau","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kteaau/in_several_states_people_with_mental_disabilities/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Some states have laws stating that a person who is under guardianship, or declared by a court to be mentally incapable, cannot vote, as they cannot understand the implications thereof. I understand the basic premise of why these laws exist; they prevent their guardian from essentially casting a second vote in the handicapped person's name. \n\nHowever, the specifics of these laws are fuzzy and vary by state. In 6 (?) states anyone under guardianship is not permitted to vote ([Source](https://specialneedsanswers.com/guardianship-mental-incapacity-and-the-right-to-vote-16317)). Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Accessible Voting Act of 2020 last year that, among other things, would overturn this, but the bill died in committee. Are these laws something that ought to get modified? If so, how should that be done so everyone who is capable of voting is allowed to, but election integrity is preserved?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"Levictual0"},{"content":"If Trump is to run in 2024, how will the capitol riots affect his chances at getting the Republican nomination?","created_at":1610171657.0,"id":"ktcrcq","n_comments":347,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ktcrcq/if_trump_is_to_run_in_2024_how_will_the_capitol/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know that a republican civil war is looming, the Trumpists against the establishment types. But will the vote be so split that no 'Mitt Romney' type republican will want to vote for Trump? Will he still win? Will he be so disgraced even his diehard base will think he's old news and look at someone like Cruz or Hawley? How will it pan out, because in 2016, it really was the same situation were dealing with now. Everyone thought he was a joke candidate and had never be successful. But he trounced everyone and won the primary, and then the election. Could he still have that same underdog aspect going for him, or is he fundamentally old news?","upvotes":274,"user_id":"xull_the-rich"},{"content":"Did Trump attempt a coup?","created_at":1610118046.0,"id":"ksxbu0","n_comments":66,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksxbu0/did_trump_attempt_a_coup/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There are many who describe the events of January 6th, 2021, as a coup attempt, including Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Did Donald Trump attempt a coup, or did he not?\n\nPer Wikipedia, a coup \"is the removal of an existing government from power, usually through violent means. Typically, it is an illegal, unconstitutional seizure of power by a political faction, the military, or a dictator.\"\n\nSuggested points of discussion:\n\n* Trump's rhetoric in the months, weeks, days, and hours leading up to the event;\n\n* Did Trump weaken the defenses of Congress in an attempt to have Congress itself taken hostage or killed?\n\n* If it is a coup, is it stopped or simply in a lull?\n\n* Long term what this suggests about possible coups in the future and their likelihood of success","upvotes":37,"user_id":"Cobalt_Caster"},{"content":"Are democrats recent wins in Georgia and the rust belt because of higher turnout in the cities and less turnout in rural areas?","created_at":1610163179.0,"id":"kt9tt2","n_comments":71,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kt9tt2/are_democrats_recent_wins_in_georgia_and_the_rust/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Republicans won in the rust belt in 2016 and won Georgia as well. Recently the democrats have strung together an impressive set of electoral wins in Georgia and the rust belt. They swept all rust belt states. Why was this the case? Is it because republican turnout in rural areas were down? Was it because turnout in the cities were high?","upvotes":58,"user_id":"DukeofWessexx"},{"content":"What motivates politicians?","created_at":1610134144.0,"id":"kt0ojb","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kt0ojb/what_motivates_politicians/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know there's a popular view that politicians are selfish and only in it for money or power but I find this reasoning hard to comprehend.\n\nIf it's just money, they make a good wage but many of them could easily make much more in the private sector with their experience and connections. Many of them are beyond retirement age and would have more money than they have time to spend it. \n\nI also can't see power for power sake being the end goal. Without having a vision for how to utilise that power, having power is meaningless. They must want that power to influence something - maybe a pet cause they are passionate about etc.\n\nIt seems being a politician must be a pretty crap job. The hours are long, it's stressful, you often have to make decisions with no good choices, you're faced with situations where you have to make difficult compromises and you're constantly criticised no matter what you do because you'll never make everybody happy.\n\nHonestly, it doesn't seem worth it if you were only in it for yourself. So does that mean that politicians aren't greedy and selfish and most of them, whether you agree or disagree with their world view, are actually good intentioned and are in it to try to make some change that they feel is for the greater good? What do you think motivated a politician?","upvotes":4,"user_id":"unitydivide"},{"content":"Trump announces he will not attend Biden inauguration","created_at":1610151791.0,"id":"kt5s6a","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kt5s6a/trump_announces_he_will_not_attend_biden/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After giving a well-received scripted speech about a peaceful transfer of power, President Trump has tweeted he will not attend Joe Biden\u2019s inauguration. From a political, tactical or psychological viewpoint, why would he not go AND choose to draw attention to this? More generally, why does he not simply concede? What is the reasoning behind this norm-breaking behavior? \n[Trump says he wont attend Biden inauguration ](https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/533322-trump-says-he-wont-attend-biden-inauguration)","upvotes":4,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What is the difference between incidents of riots incited by some elements of the Left last summer vs. the US Capitol riot incited by some elements of the Right?","created_at":1610111356.0,"id":"ksvqor","n_comments":321,"percentage_upvoted":0.68,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksvqor/what_is_the_difference_between_incidents_of_riots/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I have noticed that political commentators on both sides of the political spectrum have claimed that there exists a \u201cdouble standard\u201d in societal tolerance or condemnation of rioting and destruction of property for the purposes of political messaging.\n\nOn the Right, there are [articles](https://www.foxnews.com/media/biden-harris-gaslighting-capitol-hill-rioters-black-lives-matter) that claim that the double standard exists for those \u201cBLM/Antifa\u201d protestors whom create chaos for conservative-leaning Americans by destroying the property of police stations and private businesses in order to protest the killing of George Floyd and systemic racism, while observing Left-wing commentators and Democratic politicians asking the public to understand why they are rioting and that these riots are similar in nature to the \u201cSummer of Love\u201d phenomenon in 1967.\n\nOn the Left, there are also [articles](https://www.opb.org/article/2021/01/06/portland-oregon-protest-capitol-washington/) that claim that the double standard exists for those \u201cMAGA/Stop The Steal\u201d protestors, who happened to be mostly of lighter skin colors, saying that these protestors desecrated the US Capitol building and attempted to bring a coup against the properly-elected President Biden and prevent a peaceful transition of power from taking place.\n\nSo, I gotta ask... Which is the more true representation of what\u2019s happening? Is the double standard in favor of white protestors or black protestors?\n\nIs there a difference between the left-wing anarchists setting fire to businesses and police stations in Portland last summer and the right-wing insurrectionists storming through the US Capitol relatively unopposed by Capitol Police?\n\nWhat should I be looking for with both these issues?","upvotes":45,"user_id":"AtomicSymphonic_2nd"},{"content":"In light of the recent violence in the Capitol, what are the chances of Trump being impeached before his term ends?","created_at":1610058717.0,"id":"ksedmk","n_comments":109,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksedmk/in_light_of_the_recent_violence_in_the_capitol/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many politicians (on both sides of the isle) seem appalled by the recent violence in Washington and Trump's role in fomenting it. What is the likelihood that this sentiment will be acted upon in the near future, before Inauguration Day, to have Trump impeached?\n\nHere are some examples of the talk about having Trump impeached immediately...\n\n* https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-impeachment-idUSKBN29B310\n\n* https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-calls-for-trump-impeachment-20210107-az3m4vrzfvba5k4v2ybhvyxmpa-story.html\n\n* https://www.axios.com/republicans-trump-removal-25th-amendment-a91c9dc4-b01f-4a50-ae41-aea971388d57.html\n\n* https://www.businessinsider.com/democratic-reps-impeach-trump-riots-capitol-hill-2021-1\n\n* https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13672301/25th-amendment-trump-impeachment/","upvotes":39,"user_id":"NihiloZero"},{"content":"With a democratic presidency and legislature, should student loan forgiveness be pursued?","created_at":1610069334.0,"id":"ksi1gz","n_comments":81,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksi1gz/with_a_democratic_presidency_and_legislature/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Some facts:\n\n\n* 1.5T in outstanding student loans.\n* 35% of those with outstanding loans owe under $10,000.\n* 56% of those with outstanding loans owe under $20,000. (21% owe between 10k and 20k).\n* 77% of those with outstanding loans over under $40,000. (21% owe between 20k and 40k).\n* 25% of borrowers did so for graduate school. And of outstanding debt, 48% is for graduate school loans.\n\n\nA significant amount of money, but lower than 1 year of median income in the US (47k females, 57k males - these numbers are for all Americans, not just college graduates).\n\n\n* The average debt for a car loan is 32,000 for new cars and 20,000 for used cars. \n\n\nQUESTIONS:\n\n\n* What is the difference between car debt and school debt? Can one spend recklessly on an education in the same way they can spend recklessly on a car?\n\n* To what extent does student loan forgiveness make sense and why?\n\n* Would forgiving student loans grow the economy? The government loses money, which results in a tax on future citizens, but individuals are able to spend money on other things (more permanent housing, food, leisure). \n\n* Does student loan forgiveness unfairly benefit a certain class of people, further disrupting class relations in America? Generally, the wealthy can pay for their own college. The extremely poor do not attend college. Middle class America would be given a bailout for debt, while those that desperately need assistance are left to watch the \"wealthy\" (in their eyes) get free government money.\n\n* Does subsidizing the cost of graduate school attendance in the form of student loan forgiveness result in tangible benefits to society?\n\n* What does forgiveness do in relation to moral hazard of those with forgiven debt AND colleges and universities? Would student loan forgiveness be required to be combined with free university for all future students? \n\n\n\nSources:\n\n*https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2019/11/12/five-facts-about-student-loans/\n\n*https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2020/demo/p60-270.html\n\n*https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-seven-year-auto-loan-americas-middle-class-cant-afford-their-cars-11569941215","upvotes":30,"user_id":"BackInTowny"},{"content":"Supposing a 'New Infrastructure Bill' comes out under the Biden administration, what would it entail?","created_at":1610063478.0,"id":"ksfy5u","n_comments":20,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksfy5u/supposing_a_new_infrastructure_bill_comes_out/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Given the current political/public health situation it's likely that this is on the bottom of the priorities list for the incoming administration, but supposing the time does come for it to be brought to the table, what would a new infrastructure bill by Biden and his administration include?\n\nThe high speed rail proposed by Obama is definitely an interesting notion, but given the existing controversies surrounding it it's debatable as to whether Biden will have much success with it either. There's also the question as to if it would be worthwhile to upgrade civil infrastructure (water supply, electricity, internet, garbage removal, etc) instead of transportation, since given the COVID situation fewer people are traveling anyway.","upvotes":6,"user_id":"AlternativeQuality2"},{"content":"What are the electoral implications of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff's victories in the Georgia Senate runoffs?","created_at":1610063322.0,"id":"ksfwaf","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksfwaf/what_are_the_electoral_implications_of_raphael/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Major networks have now called Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff's victory over incumbent Georgia Republican senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue. \n\nhttps://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/georgia-election-results-senate-ossoff-warnock-democrats/\n\nTurnout for the runoff was incredibly high, with a statewide turnout of 85% of what the general election saw. This translates into roughly 4.5 million ballots cast. While the Republican candidates turned out rural voters and won them by high margins, the Democrats saw 100,000 people who did not vote in November turn out for the runoffs, giving them a boost alongside tremendous Black turnout (especially in the rural \"Black Belt\") and there was little to no evidence of suburbanites and college + voters returning to Republicans with Trump off the ballot. \n\nThese runoffs had high stakes, as they decided control of the U.S. Senate. With the Warnock and Ossoff wins, the Democratic party will hold a trifecta in the U.S. government by the narrowest of margins. \n\nWhat do the events of Tuesday tell us about the future of electoral politics, both in Georgia, the south, and looking ahead to 2022 and 2024?","upvotes":17,"user_id":"ward0630"},{"content":"What are the political ramifications of labeling the Trump supporters who entered the Capitol \"terrorists\"?","created_at":1610056191.0,"id":"ksdm8f","n_comments":27,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksdm8f/what_are_the_political_ramifications_of_labeling/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The US Code [defines terrorism](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/22/2656f) as:\n\n> premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents;\n\nAs someone who lived through 9/11 and the years that followed, fear of terrorism was used to implement a number of policies, specifically the USA PATRIOT Act, which greatly expanded (or codified) the surveillance and police powers of the state. It allowed the Bush administration to implement warrantless wiretaps and torture suspected terrorists. The No Fly List as implemented barred perfectly law-abiding citizens from using commercial aviation simply for sharing a name with someone the state deemed to be a terror suspect, and offered little to no due process in rectifying the error. \n\nI'd like to disentangle the question of whether the actions of the Trump supporters were criminal, dangerous, and/or morally wrong from the specific usage of the term \"terrorist\" to describe these acts, and whether similar actions are considered to be terrorism when carried out by other groups.","upvotes":10,"user_id":"IcedAndCorrected"},{"content":"With right-wing extremists being emboldened by the Capitol riots yesterday, will the Biden administration step up investigation/prosecution of these groups? Is it even possible to do so without \"martyrizing\" them?","created_at":1610053085.0,"id":"kscran","n_comments":27,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kscran/with_rightwing_extremists_being_emboldened_by_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Far-right extremism in the US has been [on the rise for years.](https://www.csis.org/analysis/escalating-terrorism-problem-united-states) In the wake of yesterday's riots, many far-right groups are [gearing up for even bigger actions.](https://www.csis.org/analysis/escalating-terrorism-problem-united-states)\n\nWhile the Trump administration has ignored (and occasionally supported) these groups, there will be significant pressure on president Biden take direct action against them - ideally *before* they've actually committed any violent acts. Will Biden, a self-described \"healer\", do so? Is it possible to take down these groups without making martyrs out of them and potentially gaining them public sympathy?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"candre23"},{"content":"What steps need to be taken legislatively to prevent a simple congressional majority from ending democracy in America?","created_at":1610081301.0,"id":"ksme1t","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksme1t/what_steps_need_to_be_taken_legislatively_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Yesterday 6 senators voted to sustain the objection to disqualify millions of votes on the basis of fraud. Of course, there was no evidence of fraud and had no basis in reality. Even more, the senate objections were largely symbolic and used to gain political capital to satisfy their base. So this wasn't really a legitimate threat to democracy. And judicially, nearly every lawsuit was thrown out for the same reason, non existent evidence. \n\nBut what if there were 218 members of the house and 51 senators who objected to election results with a baseless fraud accusation? What if the judges were crooked? The only thing holding the judges/congressmen in check is their own ideology. They have the authority to throw out any votes they want.\n\nSo what steps need to be taken legislatively to prevent a simple congressional majority from ending democracy in America? What laws/checks/balances would be beneficial to preventing a divided government (different parties in the presidency and congress) from throwing out the election if congress doesn't personally like the result? As polarization, urbanization, and disinformation are quickly increasing, this seems like a legitimate issue and not some dystopian fantasy.","upvotes":55,"user_id":"IGuessYourSubreddits"},{"content":"What's the likelihood of the 25th Amendment being invoked?","created_at":1610081029.0,"id":"ksmamt","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksmamt/whats_the_likelihood_of_the_25th_amendment_being/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Since yesterday's events, multiple members of Congress have stated that the President, Donald Trump, should immediately be removed from office via the 25th Amendment. Legislative leaders such as Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi have both stated that they support Trump's removal. Their belief is that yesterday's events have proven Trump's mental inability to properly serve the office of the President beyond a shadow of a doubt.\n\nSection 4 of the 25th Amendment states as follows.\n\n> Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.\n\n> Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.\n\nSince the 25th Amendment was officially ratified over 50 years ago, this section of the 25th Amendment has never come into effect. If Trump were to be removed by the 25th Amendment, it would be a historical first. \n\nMike Pence, the Vice President, along with a majority of the President's cabinet, must agree that Trump has proven himself incapable of continuing his duty. Pence and the Cabinet members must then submit a signed letter to the President Pro Tempore (Chuck Grassley) and the Speaker of the House (Nancy Pelosi). Pence would then become the Acting President. \n\nTrump is able to refute this by submitting a letter of his own, but the Vice President and Cabinet members can challenge the President if they still believe he's unable to lead. Congress must then convene within 21 days and make a decision. If two-thirds of each chamber of Congress agree that Trump is unable to perform his executive duties, then Pence remains as the Acting President. If Congress can't do this, then Pence is no longer the Acting President. \n\nIs it possible that this historical action can occur within the remaining days of Trump's term?\n\n> EDIT: This post was written before Trump officially conceded.","upvotes":9,"user_id":"DrPac"},{"content":"Will the R.N.C. create a superdelegate system similar to the D.N.C.?","created_at":1610070044.0,"id":"ksia96","n_comments":7,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksia96/will_the_rnc_create_a_superdelegate_system/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"When the Democrats are nominating a party nominee for president, they have sort of a stop-gap system called 'superdelegates,' delegates who are not bound to a particular candidate and in theory could vote for any nominee. This system is in place to potentially stop a candidate the party has a serious problem with.\n\nWith Trump on his way out and with him potentially running again in 2024, do you see the RNC instituting a similar policy?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Topher1999"},{"content":"What allowed for landslide presidential election victories in the late 1900s?","created_at":1610089405.0,"id":"ksp8g9","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksp8g9/what_allowed_for_landslide_presidential_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm talking about elections like LBJ, Nixon, and Reagan's victories where they carried 40+ states. How were these victories possible? I can't see such landslide victories possibly happening in today's climate with just how partisan most of the states have become.","upvotes":21,"user_id":"hotpieazorahai"},{"content":"Do you believe Vice President Mike Pence will run for the Republican nomination in 2024? Have the events of the past 48 hours changed that?","created_at":1610089526.0,"id":"kspa1a","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kspa1a/do_you_believe_vice_president_mike_pence_will_run/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Even before the 2020 election was complete, there has been quite a lot of speculation on who will run for the Republican nomination in 2024. With President Trump's defeat, there is speculation that he himself might run again. Many of the names brought up for a possible run have been Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and others. \n \nHowever, I wanted to ask about VP Mike Pence's chances. In recent history, Vice Presidents to outgoing Presidents have generally received their party's nomination (although they have not always won) with Joe Biden being the most recent example. While Pence has had a rather subdued Vice Presidency due to the inflammatory nature of Trump. His role on the 2016 ticket was one where he served as a moderate foil to Trump's fiery personality as well as his support among evangelicals. \n \nWith 2024 already in people minds, does Mike Pence have a serious chance at the 2024 nomination? Will Trump's denouncement of him over the certification of votes as well as the mob's negative reaction to him (some people reportedly chanted \"Hang Pence\") affect his chances? How will his closeness to Trump's policies but distance from his antics affect his potential run? Does Pence have the charisma/fire to capture the base that Trump formed in 2016?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"Most Republicans in the House supported the objections to the Electoral College vote counts. However, only 6 Republican Senators supported the objections. Why did Republicans in the Senate vote so differently than those in the House?","created_at":1610091022.0,"id":"ksps0a","n_comments":86,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksps0a/most_republicans_in_the_house_supported_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A small minority of Senate Republicans objected, but more than half of the House Republicans objected. Why is this the case? Is it because of McConnell's recent condemnation of his fellow Republican colleagues in the Senate trying to object to the electoral vote count? Did McConnell perhaps dissuade his colleagues from objecting with his speech?","upvotes":94,"user_id":"Geronimo_Rides_Again"},{"content":"Will Trump's address to the nation be enough to defuse the current situation?","created_at":1610096413.0,"id":"ksrg0b","n_comments":234,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ksrg0b/will_trumps_address_to_the_nation_be_enough_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Minutes ago, President Trump released a short [video](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/07/congress-election-biden-capitol-live-updates/) addressing the nation regarding the insurrection yesterday. In it, he acknowledged for the first time that \"a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th,\" denounced the \"heinous attack\" that left four dead, and promised to turn his attention to \"ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power.\" \n\nMeanwhile, articles of impeachment have already been drafted, and there has been serious consideration of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him before his term is set to expire, thirteen days from now. Will a change to calmer rhetoric be enough to keep these plans from moving forward? Specifically, will it be enough to keep Congressional Republicans (some of whom have voiced support for his removal) in line? Or has the crisis created enough of a wedge in the party to keep it from being able to protect him?\n\nEdit: Hey, maybe I should reiterate: the question is whether the GOP will abandon him over this, not whether you personally forgive him.","upvotes":138,"user_id":"0mni42"},{"content":"The US spends hundreds of billions of dollars per year on national defense. Yesterday the Capitol Building, with nearly all Senators and Congressmen present, was breached by a mob in a matter of minutes. What policy and personnel changes are needed to strengthen security in nation's capitol?","created_at":1610076073.0,"id":"kskgzv","n_comments":1239,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kskgzv/the_us_spends_hundreds_of_billions_of_dollars_per/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The United States government [spends](https://www.pogo.org/analysis/2019/05/making-sense-of-the-1-25-trillion-national-security-state-budget/) hundreds of billions of dollars each year on national defense, including $544 billion on the Department of Defense (base budget), $70 billion on the Department of Homeland Security, and $80 billion on various intelligence agencies. [According to](https://www.cbo.gov/topics/defense-and-national-security) the CBO, approximately 1/6th of US federal spending goes towards national defense.\n\nYesterday, a mob breached the United States Capitol Building while nearly every single member of Congress, the Vice President, and the Vice President-elect were present in the building. The mob overran the building within a matter of minutes, causing lawmakers to try to barricade themselves, take shelter, [prepare to fight](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/us/politics/capitol-breach-trump-protests.html) the intruders if needed, and later evacuate the premises.\n\nWhat policy and personnel changes are needed to strengthen our national security apparatus such that the seat of government in the United States is secure and cannot be easily overrun?\n\nWhat steps might we expect the next administration to take to improve national security, especially with respect to the Capitol?\n\nWill efforts to improve security in the Capitol be met with bipartisan support (or lack thereof)? Or will this issue break along partisan lines, and if so, what might those be?","upvotes":2849,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"What are the political and societal implications for 'ultimate data retention'?","created_at":1610013659.0,"id":"ks2z70","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ks2z70/what_are_the_political_and_societal_implications/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Preamble: While many look to the internet as purely a communication breakthrough, at it's backbone, it is a **data storage** breakthrough, something I think the creators of *Silicon Valley* were well aware.\n\nAlthough we may or may not currently already have passed this point, there is a growing certainty that in the future, our lives will become more and more 'digitized' in all the forms that means, but most critically, in terms of data retention. I do not necessarily mean creating a human brain digitally, although that is the ultimate end goal for many, but rather, the simple digital record of a growing amount of our daily lives.\n\nThere are of course issues of mental health, as explored in *Black Mirror*, and on privacy, but I wonder a lot right now about what the possible impacts on society might be. One of the critical changes the printing press brought was a complete transformation of what it meant to be a 'private' individual, as the types of privacy in communication and philosophy that previously only the powerful had enjoyed now began to spread to everyone; even the lowest literate man could come to depend on a letter safely reaching his equally poor friend wherever he may be once Postal Services became more frequent. This may be the true transformation of the printing press... it's impact on the idea of 'privacy'.\n\nThis privacy has always come up against data retention and analyzing limits of the state. At the core, one of the reasons so many impacts of the printing press we now attribute to it could occur was because the states at the time lacked the ability to deal with such a *widespread* issue of control. Today, the debates often wage around how states react immediately to your 'transgressions', but as usual, the public is well ahead of them, and have begun using the new cheaper data retention that the internet has brought to us all to their own advantage. \n\nI apologize for the long preamble, so my question is this:\n\n**What are the political and societal implications for a state in which 'ultimate' data retention of records exists?** That is to say, a state in which every video, email, tax record, and possible UFO encounter is saved forever because doing so continuously is so inexpensive. This is of course a linked, highly technological society, but it may not be that far ahead of our own. \n\nFollow up: **Do you believe that democracy as we currently know it is compatible with such a state?**","upvotes":8,"user_id":"Spoonfeedme"},{"content":"In light of today\u2019s events, what will become of the Republican Party in the next 4 years?","created_at":1610022239.0,"id":"ks5juh","n_comments":705,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ks5juh/in_light_of_todays_events_what_will_become_of_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Today began as a vote by a Republican members of both chambers challenging the results of the election and escalated into a storming of the capital building by a Pro-Trump mob. \n\nThis resulted in condemnation by leaders in the Republican Party, resignations in the White House, and even rumors of invoking the 25th amendment. Despite this, we still saw 6 senators and over 100 congressmen (57% of the caucus) challenge the results of the election - including 2024 hopefuls Sens Hawley and Cruz. \n\nAdditionally, a [YouGov Flash poll](https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/articles-reports/2021/01/06/US-capitol-trump-poll) today showed 45% of republicans supporting the storming of the capital. \n\nWith all this in mind, what becomes of the Republican Party in the next 4 years? Will we see the pro Trump side or establishment sides take control and push the other to the background? Will Trump take a portion of the party and split off, as Sarah Palin brought up on Fox News this evening? What do you think happens?","upvotes":926,"user_id":"PU18"},{"content":"Implementation of social partnership in the US","created_at":1610009338.0,"id":"ks1m0x","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.62,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ks1m0x/implementation_of_social_partnership_in_the_us/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Social partnership is a concept, most notably used in Austria, in order to reconcile disputes in the economy. \n\n\nThere are 4 Chambers \n\n\nThe worker's chamber (all wage laborers)\n\nThe economic chamber (all self-employed and employers)\n\nThe unions chamber (all unionized workers)\n\nThe agricultural chamber (all farmers)\n\nThey have four jobs \n\nMaking minimum wages and maximum worktime for every sector independently \n\nMake minimum prices for products of agriculture \n\nReviewing economic regulations and discuss changing them with politicians in order to change them so it benefits their group \n\nGiving advice what to do (if you want to start a business you can ask the economic chamber for recommendations on businessmodels, if your employer abuses you the worker's chamber gives you legal advice...)\n\nThey are financed by 1-2% of the income of all people their respective chamber represents. \n\nNow, what do you think of this model and do you think someone similar could work in America?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"Overanalizer1"},{"content":"What are the odds in the next 2 years Biden Administration gets Estate Tax and Capital Gains Tax changed?","created_at":1609951552.0,"id":"krk13t","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krk13t/what_are_the_odds_in_the_next_2_years_biden/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With Biden in power and having Senate and House all Democratic (at slim margins), does Biden have enough power to get Estate Tax and Capital Gains tax changed as promised? I see a lot mentioned about Green New Deal, Medicare for All etc... but little on the above mentioned which he ran on.\nI have to think taxes will change at a significant level with Biden in charge AND having all that power.","upvotes":19,"user_id":"BigBet0"},{"content":"Dems now control the senate. What major legislation will they pass?","created_at":1609951588.0,"id":"krk1cx","n_comments":91,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krk1cx/dems_now_control_the_senate_what_major/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Assuming that both dem senators are seated, what major bills (besides COVID-19 related legislation) can be expected to pass through the senate now? With a 50/50 split in the senate, there's literally no room for defections.\n\n* For the people act (HR1)\n* Improving ACA, possibly even introducing a public option\n* Immigration reform\n* Juidicary reform\n* Infrastructure bill","upvotes":42,"user_id":"so_just"},{"content":"Which American interventions do you think made the world a better place? Which ones do you think made the world a worse place? Do you think the USA has made the world a better or worse place?","created_at":1609960093.0,"id":"krltab","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krltab/which_american_interventions_do_you_think_made/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I use the term \"intervention\" because it covers a far wider area, not just military interventions but also the supporting of coups, terrorists and electoral interference. I'll list 25 examples now, pick the ones you know about and give an opinion on them. If you see something new here you haven't heard about, I encourage you to look into it. Personally I'm very frustrated that these interventions are not discussed more often.\n\n1. Was Operation Bloodstone justified?\n2. Was supporting the French connection justified?\n3. Was supporting Franco in Spain from 1950 onwards justified?\n4. Was the Bombing of North Korea during the Korean War, including of civilian targets, justified?\n5. Was interference in the 1952 Iranian elections and subsequent support of the Shah's coup justified?\n6. Was supporting the Duvalier dynasty in Haiti justified?\n7. Was supporting the Guatemalan government during its civil war from 1960 onwards justified?\n8. Was the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba in 1961 justified?\n9. Was supporting Operation Condor justified?\n10. Was the invasion of Vietnam from the 1960s onwards justified?\n11. Was the bombing of Laos and Cambodia justified?\n12. Was interference in the 1970 Chilean elections and subsequent support of Pinochet's coup justified?\n13. Did the USA support far-right terrorists during the Years of Lead in Italy? If so, was it justified?\n14. Was supporting the Salvadoran government during its civil war from 1979 onwards justified?\n15. Was Operation Cyclone from 1979 to 1989 justified?\n16. Was supporting Iraq against Iran from 1980 to 1988 during the Iran-Iraq war justified?\n17. Was supporting the Contras in Nicaragua from 1981 justified? What about the Iran-Contra affair? What about what Gary Webb is famous for pointing out?\n18. Was the invasion of Grenada in 1983 justified?\n19. Was the invasion of Panama in 1989 justified?\n20. Was the invasion of Iraq in 1991 justified?\n21. Was the bombing of Serbia in 1999 justified?\n22. Was the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 justified?\n23. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 justified?\n24. Was the bombing of Libya in 2011 justified?\n25. Is the ongoing intervention in Syria justified?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"Where does Stacy Abrams go from here?","created_at":1609963558.0,"id":"krmmql","n_comments":43,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krmmql/where_does_stacy_abrams_go_from_here/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I may jumping a bit ahead of myself, but Stacy Abrams' 10 year project to turn Georgia blue has been a huge success. It's hard to imagine she doesn't have greater political ambitions beyond GA (we know she was vetted for the VP slot), and her ability to turn out voters is unmatched.\n\nA few thoughts on where I see her going after this election:\n\n- Challenging Brian Kemp for governor (again) in 2022\n- Head of the DNC to drive GOTV moves nationwide\n- Potential position in the Biden administration\n- Continuing PAC work and becoming more of a force than she already is\n\nIMO, Chairwoman of the DNC makes the most sense and would likely be the best route. It continues her rise as a star in the party, and also would hugely benefit a party that still struggles with getting people to vote for its candidates--the downballot results in 2020 are clear evidence of that.","upvotes":46,"user_id":"dskatz2"},{"content":"Biden to nominate Merrick Garland for Attorney General","created_at":1609984099.0,"id":"krsz7n","n_comments":73,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krsz7n/biden_to_nominate_merrick_garland_for_attorney/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With Biden officially [announcing the nomination](https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-lisa-monaco-merrick-garland-courts-e7972db4cd96352d028af3167b253481) of Merrick Garland--who was famously nominated for SCOTUS by the Obama administration but blocked by the GOP-led senate--what can we expect? I remember that during his nomination for SCOTUS, he was described as a moderate, if not slightly left-of-center judge.\n\nFirst, will he be confirmed by the senate? Second, what type of Dept of Justice will Garland likely lead? Does this pick make sense for the Biden administration?","upvotes":163,"user_id":"LittleToke"},{"content":"Is Puerto Rican statehood viable in a Democrat controlled Senate?","created_at":1609984856.0,"id":"krt8xk","n_comments":113,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krt8xk/is_puerto_rican_statehood_viable_in_a_democrat/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Puerto Rico has been an American territory since 1898 and questions of its long term status have been ongoing for several decades now. Recently in 2020, [Puerto Ricans voted in a non-binding referendum 52.52% for statehood](https://elecciones2020.ceepur.org/Escrutinio_General_93/index.html#en/default/PLEBISCITO_Resumen.xml), and the newly elected governor [Pedro Pierluisi has vowed to achieve statehood for Puerto Rico](https://abc7news.com/pedro-pierluisi-puerto-rico-new-governor-statehood-wanda-vazquez/9320555/). \n\nOstensibly, both mainland political parties support statehood for Puerto Rico if their voters choose it. The [2020 Democratic Party Platform](https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/) includes a section on guaranteeing Puerto Rican self-determination. The [2016 Republican Party Platform](https://prod-cdn-static.gop.com/media/documents/DRAFT_12_FINAL%5B1%5D-ben_1468872234.pdf), which was reused for 2020, states plainly \"We support the right of the United States citizens of Puerto Rico to be admitted to the Union as a fully sovereign state.\"\n\nHowever, more recently, Puerto Rican statehood has faced opposition from the Republican party. There seems to be a general assumption that Puerto Rico would be a blue state, although its unclear how accurate this assumption is (in fact the current non-voting member of the House of Representatives from Puerto Rico, Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez, is a Republican and a chair of Latinos for Trump). Nonetheless, Republicans have opposed Puerto Rican statehood on the basis of it providing Democrats with two additional Senators, with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling it part of a 'socialist agenda' [in 2019](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article231677258.html) and in November 2020, the RNC released [a statement](https://www.gop.com/ossoff-and-warnock-are-too-extreme-for-georgia-rsr/) including Ossoff's support of Puerto Rican statehood as an example of his 'far-left agenda'. On the other hand, both Republican Senators from Florida, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, [have supported Puerto Rican statehood](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-puerto-rico-statehood-20201120-bcoahvrtujgsdgbicysqw5kwku-story.html).\n\nMeanwhile on the Democratic side, party leadership including Joe Biden have supported Puerto Rican statehood. However, with such a narrow majority, they can't afford to lose a single Democratic vote and more conservative member Joe Manchin said in November about Puerto Rican statehood, [\"Still not convinced that's the way to go. And I would say that with that I'm absolutely agreeing to sit down and listen to the debate. I don't believe that is the direction we should be going right now.\"](http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/2011/10/nday.06.html)\n\nAmong the public, a [Washington Examiner/YouGov poll](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/more-support-statehood-for-dc-and-puerto-rico-washington-examiner-yougov-poll-finds) recently found that 61% of Americans supported Puerto Rico statehood with 27% opposed. Although among Republicans, the number flips with only 29% support and 61% opposed.\n\nSome additional considerations: \n\n* Puerto Rico would become the 31st most populous state, just above Iowa, and would probably have four Representatives (which, given the cap on the House, would be taken from other states). \n\n* Puerto Rico is currently in a debt crisis, facing a 15 year economic depression, and is much poorer than the current poorest state (Mississippi) with 45% of its population below the poverty line, potentially causing Republicans to balk at the idea of bailing them out. \n\n* Puerto Rican statehood is often talked about in conjunction with DC statehood, which is much less popular. Could the linking of the two bring down support for PR?\n\n* Alaskans might actually find allies in having another state that is not contiguously linked especially in regards to opposition to the Jones Act. Could that persuade Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan to support statehood for Puerto Rico?\n\nGiven all of the background and complications, with Democrats poised to take control of the Senate on January 20th will Puerto Rican statehood have a shot? Would all 50 Democratic senators hold the line and vote for it? Could 10 or more Republican senators support it as well?","upvotes":58,"user_id":"ColibriAzteca"},{"content":"How would a lay judge system compensate the reduction in cases using the jury trial?","created_at":1609924883.0,"id":"krcxsz","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krcxsz/how_would_a_lay_judge_system_compensate_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A lay judge system is a non professional judge who sits with other professional judges, or sometimes on their own in panels of other lay judges like in the UK (but who are assisted by a professional lawyer), to hear a case. \n\nJury trials are quite uncommon in the US, for a variety of reasons like cost, that many people don't want to be jurors, that many cases don't get near trial, that many cases elect to have a bench trial anyway not a jury trial, summary judgement, arbitration, and so on.","upvotes":2,"user_id":"Awesomeuser90"},{"content":"[Megathread] Electoral college vote certification and Washington DC protests","created_at":1609990386.0,"id":"krvavz","n_comments":3966,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krvavz/megathread_electoral_college_vote_certification/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Please use this thread to discuss the electoral college vote certification process and the ongoing protests in Washington DC.\n\n---\n\nComments must be civil and topical. This is a thread to discuss and comment on these issues. Jokes, memes, etc. are not allowed. Any content inciting violence in any way will result in a ban.","upvotes":1138,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Senate Runoff Megathread","created_at":1609923310.0,"id":"krcfmh","n_comments":2981,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krcfmh/senate_runoff_megathread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Use this thread to discuss all the happenings in the Georgia Senate races.\n\n\nThe two races are a runoff from the November general election as no candidate received more than 50% of the vote. \n\nReverend Warnock is facing off against Senator Loeffler \n\nJon Ossoff is facing off against Senator Perdue. \n\n[New York Times Coverage (the Needle)](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/05/us/elections/forecast-georgia-senate-runoff.html#needle-special)","upvotes":852,"user_id":"Precursor2552"},{"content":"Does Scotland have the ability to stop Donald Trump from entering the country?","created_at":1609904970.0,"id":"kr64rf","n_comments":43,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kr64rf/does_scotland_have_the_ability_to_stop_donald/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Donald Trump will need to follow the same guidelines as all other people entering the country, and with Scotland being on lockdown, all people need an essential reason in order to enter.\n\nAs Nicola Sturgeon stated, golfing is *not* an essential reason. You can read more here: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/05/europe/trump-unwelcome-scotland-coronavirus-gbr-intl/index.html\n\nWhat can Scotland do if Donald Trump attempts to enter the country anyway? Do you think they'd actually attempt to make an arrest on the tarmac? If they did arrest him, what do you think they would do with him at that point?\n\nWhat would be the political fallout of this scenario?\n\nAdditionally, what would Britain's and Boris Johnson's role be in all of this?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"Antisystemization"},{"content":"Would another major infrastructure bill be possible today?","created_at":1609919027.0,"id":"krb0xs","n_comments":355,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/krb0xs/would_another_major_infrastructure_bill_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"During the great depression of the 1930's , Franklin D Roosevelt signed the WPA into law. The WPA stands for the Works Progress Administration, and was one of the numerous programs Roosevelt signed into law. This provided a workforce that was eventually used to build road, bridges, and other crucial infrastructure throughout 1930's America. The WPA employed minors to build these structures thus keeping them employed and busy throughout the Great Depression.\n\nHere is a link to a relevant article that talks a little bit about this:\n\n[When America's Infrastructure Saved Democracy (popularmechanics.com](https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/a24692/fdr-new-deal-wpa-infrastructure/))\n\nSome more info for wikipedia:\n\n[Works Progress Administration - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_Progress_Administration#:~:text=The%20Works%20Progress%20Administration%20%28WPA%3B%20renamed%20in%201939,including%20the%20construction%20of%20public%20buildings%20and%20roads.)\n\nNow, I have a few questions for you guys:\n\nFirst:\n\nWith all the political polarization today, could something like the WPA have a chance of being passed into law?\n\nSecondly:\n\nIf this is possible- would it serve to reduce political tensions between members of both parties? Or would it have the opposite effect, and incite more political tensions between both parties?\n\n\\*Parties in the US- so Democrats and Republican.\n\nThird:\n\nWho would be recruited for this program? Would it just be minors, or could it be anyone who is unemployed, and has an able body to work?\n\nFourth:\n\nFinally, who would pay for this? Would it be states, or the federal government? Or would the potential costs just be passed off to the middle class?\n\n​\n\n\\*Note: Hopefully I am not breaking sub rules my posting links to relevant articles.\n\nEdit: Thanks for the feedback! This thread blew up faster than I expected! I will get back to answering your replies, but it will take some time! Thanks!","upvotes":490,"user_id":"Rich-Cryptographer-7"},{"content":"Is Mitch McConnell's \"liability shield\" for businesses regarding covid lawsuits sound policy?","created_at":1609909019.0,"id":"kr7luo","n_comments":37,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kr7luo/is_mitch_mcconnells_liability_shield_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Mitch McConnell has, on numerous occasions now, attempted to add a liability shield for businesses, churches, universities, etc with regards to private lawsuits relating to covid. Economic relief bills have been held up in the legislature for months because of his insistence on including this legislation.\n\nProponents of the shield say that businesses will face excess litigation from private citizens. \n\nHowever, critics have pointed out that lawsuits of this nature are already rare, as the legal bar for standing is high in business negligence cases. Furthermore, covid is endemic in the population, and it would be difficult for a plaintiff to prove that they contracted it at a specific business. Critics have also pointed out that such a shield would remove an important pathway for private citizens to seek legal remedy in the event that a business flaunts local pandemic regulations.\n\nDespite these reservations, covid liability shields have their proponents. Ohio and Tennessee habe passed their own covid liability shields for businesses at the state level.\n\nIs this sound policy? Or is it a flawed piece of legislation pushed by big businesses to protect their bottom line?\n\nhttps://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/12/what-is-mitch-mcconnells-covid-19-liability-shield.html","upvotes":46,"user_id":"i-like-mr-skippy"},{"content":"Will Biden want Buttigieg to run in 2024?","created_at":1609902487.0,"id":"kr58za","n_comments":65,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kr58za/will_biden_want_buttigieg_to_run_in_2024/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Since Biden recently nominated former South Bend mayor and 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg for Secretary of Transportation, there has been speculation that Biden will retire after one term and support Buttigieg in a 2024 run. \n\nBiden has been long rumored to be planning to be a 1-termer, but speculators have been divided on who he will support in 2024. Harris, his VP, is a lot more progressive than him (and has a lot of policy differences) but still his VP pick. Buttigieg, a pragmatic moderate like Biden, is a lot more like him but a lot less experienced. \n\nWill Biden run again in 2024?\nWill he support Harris, Buttigieg, or someone else?\nIf not for a future presidential bid, why did Biden nominate the largely inexperienced Buttigieg for a cabinet position?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"hystericalbirb2"},{"content":"Has there ever been a non-peaceful transfer of power in U.S. history?","created_at":1609845542.0,"id":"kqpaof","n_comments":62,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqpaof/has_there_ever_been_a_nonpeaceful_transfer_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Stakes are high with the upcoming transfer of power from the Trump to Biden administration, and there are big concerns that Trump won't commit to a peaceful transfer of power. Has a non-peaceful transfer of power happened in U.S. history before? If so, how did it play out? How could the Trump to Biden transition play out?","upvotes":28,"user_id":"sjheerts"},{"content":"It's Election Eve (one last time...), what do you expect to see in tomorrow's Senate Runoffs in Georgia?","created_at":1609840152.0,"id":"kqnnc2","n_comments":159,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqnnc2/its_election_eve_one_last_time_what_do_you_expect/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Tomorrow is the last day to vote in what is technically the 2020 cycle. If Democrats sweep both seats, they will have control of the House, Senate, and Presidency, while if the GOP maintains just one, they will keep control of the Senate until at least 2022, which could significantly alter the Biden administration's policy goals. Georgia has also been highly contested with the President repeatedly claiming that there was rigged voting despite three state audits confirming otherwise.\n\nHow's this going down? Who will win? When will we know? What will the public/media blowback be?","upvotes":81,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What will be the political fallout of the Donald Trump vs Georgia Secretary of State tape?","created_at":1609844112.0,"id":"kqould","n_comments":239,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqould/what_will_be_the_political_fallout_of_the_donald/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As first reported yesterday in the Washington Post - [Trump, on tape, presses Ga. official to \u2018find\u2019 Trump votes](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/last-days-in-georgia-runoffs-that-will-decide-senate-control/2021/01/03/94558802-4de7-11eb-a1f5-fdaf28cfca90_story.html) - the nation learned that Donald Trump is actively pursuing overturning the election results in private calls to state officials.\n\nIn the call ([transcript here](https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/03/politics/trump-brad-raffensperger-phone-call-transcript/index.html)) the President urges Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia SoS, to find re-examine the election and find the 11780 votes that would win him the state.\n\nQuotes from the President include:\n\n-\n> \u201cThe people of Georgia are angry, the people in the country are angry,\u201d Trump said. \u201cAnd **there\u2019s nothing wrong with saying, you know, um, that you\u2019ve recalculated.**\u201d\n\n-\n> And you are going to find that they are \u2014 which is totally illegal, it is more illegal for you than it is for them because, you know what they did and you're not reporting it. **That's a criminal, that's a criminal offense. And you can't let that happen. That's a big risk to you and to Ryan, your lawyer. And that's a big risk.** But they are shredding ballots, in my opinion, based on what I've heard. And they are removing machinery and they're moving it as fast as they can, both of which are criminal finds. And you can't let it happen and you are letting it happen. You know, I mean, I'm notifying you that you're letting it happen. **So look. All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have because we won the state.\u201d**\n\n-\n> So what are we going to do here, folks? I only need 11,000 votes. **Fellas, I need 11,000 votes. Give me a break.**\n\n-\n\n>So tell me, Brad, what are we going to do? We won the election and it\u2019s not fair to take it away from us like this. **And it\u2019s going to be very costly in many ways. And I think you have to say that you\u2019re going to re-examine it and you can re-examine it, but re-examine it with people that want to find answers, not people that don\u2019t want to find answers.**\n\n---\n\nIs Donald Trump improperly interfering with the election?\n\nIf so, is this an impeachable or potentially criminal offense?\n\nWhat will be the political fallout among the republican party, including prominent republicans who are pushing back on Trump's election claims?","upvotes":321,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"What would happen if China defeated America in a major military conflict?","created_at":1609803410.0,"id":"kqb1v4","n_comments":24,"percentage_upvoted":0.52,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqb1v4/what_would_happen_if_china_defeated_america_in_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Imagine some military conflict, maybe somewhere in India or the Pacific, where America and China faced off militarily and China emerges the clear victor. The bloodshed does not reach American or Chinese soil, and no nukes are used. However, America's economy is disrupted in a major way and the middle class and lower-middle class are hit the hardest. \n\nAs a result of this loss, America is forced into accepting difficult terms of surrender. Imagine something like surrendering either Taiwan, Hong Kong, withdrawing from South Korea. China is able to partition parts of India and expand their sphere of influence there and in other parts of Southeast Asia. \n\nWould America's democratic institutions be able to survive such a catastrophic failure? What would the fallout look like for America's \"Elites\" and \"Experts\"? Would the Democrats and Republicans be able to unite, or would they still seek to blame each other for the loss? \n\nHow would the rest of the world react to the loss, and how would the perception of America change? Would Turkey and Russia see blood in the water and start throwing their weight around more?","upvotes":1,"user_id":"CecilCerulean"},{"content":"The Singapore government's use of data collected from contact tracing","created_at":1609801399.0,"id":"kqaedr","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqaedr/the_singapore_governments_use_of_data_collected/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Tracetogether Token or app was developed by the Singapore government to help with contact tracing and combat the current pandemic. However, I now believe that it will be misused for other purposes. The Tracetogether token is supposed to capture proximity data via Bluetooth and does not capture geolocation data, same goes for the app. You are supposed to bring it along to public facilities/ venues. There is a QR Code on the back of the token which is supposed to be scanned upon entering any facilities and for the app, it has an in built QR Code scanner which is supposed to scan a QR Code provided by the store/mall or whatever public facility you are using.\nFirstly, the government initially took a \"privacy first stance\" and continuously reassured citizens that the data collected by the token could not be used for other purposes and would solely be used for contact tracing purposes and the data collected would be deleted after 25 Days. https://www.gov.sg/article/help-speed-up-contact-tracing-with-tracetogether\nThey assured everyone that it wouldn't be mandatory, so I believed them and guess what. A month later, around late October, a bombshell hit. \n\"The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office(SNDGO) announced on Tuesday (Oct 20) that TraceTogether-only SafeEntry will be progressively implemented at popular venues across Singapore by the end of the year.\" This means that you are forced to use it if you would like to enter a mall, or public venues.\nhttps://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/tracetogether-only-safeentry-check-in-used-at-popular-venues-13321744\nAt this point it was pretty obvious that the government would backpedal on their stances with the use of this app to suit them. Around that time period, they also made it clear that it was a crime to tamper with the device. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-users-who-allegedly-modified-tracetogether-tokens-could-be-breaking-the-law\nAnd just today, they announced that the SPF (Singapore Police Force) can obtain Tracetogether data for criminal investigations. They updated their website about the Tracetogether token and it now states that \"the Criminal Procedure code applies to all data under Singapore's jurisdiction\". \"TraceTogether data may be used in circumstances where citizen safety or security is or has been affected,\" I'd say that the SPF doesn't need to use the data judging by the fact that we have 86,000 CCTV Cameras and we have an extensive network of these cameras, not to mention our relatively low-crime rate. \nhttps://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-police-force-can-obtain-tracetogether-data-covid-19-13889914\n The moment the TraceTogether token and app were released, we had a lot of sceptics and critics on how data collected could be misused but most of the general public ignored them and called them \"conspiracy theorists\". What's next? A fine for not having the app or token with you at all times?\n It's pretty clear that the government probably will extend their use of this token after the pandemic and judging by how much they have invested into the infrastructure of it which totals to about $13.8 Million also considering the fact that the government doesn't seem to keep their promises often.\nQuestions:\nIs it within the realm of possibility that the data collected from the Tracetogether App or token could be misused for political purposes? We barely have any privacy laws, so the government can do whatever it wants with the data.\nShould this be a cause for concern for people around the world with their own governments?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"Skrixm"},{"content":"Who has been the best Governors/Mayors of your lifetime?","created_at":1609831511.0,"id":"kqkv1q","n_comments":45,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqkv1q/who_has_been_the_best_governorsmayors_of_your/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Who are some Governors/Mayors that you lived through or observed that you thought were really good executives of their government they were in charge of?\n\nWhat policies did he or she put in place that dramatically improved their city or state? What were some of the big problems that person was faced with under his or tenure and how did that person respond?\n\nThis person can be either someone that is currently in office or someone who is out of office. \n\nLastly, what were some things that this person did that you appreciated more than others?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"RuggedBeliefSystem"},{"content":"Would Biden pursuing federal prosecution for the Trump administration help unite or further divide Americans?","created_at":1609835563.0,"id":"kqm7as","n_comments":1371,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqm7as/would_biden_pursuing_federal_prosecution_for_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Trump and his administration have been either been accused of or have admitted to committing multiple felonies and high misdemeanors over the past 4-years. Many of these crimes fall under the categories of obstructing justice, violating campaign finance law, Federal and State level tax charges, and soliciting foreign interference in an American election, to name a few. \n\nMost recently, president Trump held an hour long phone call with Georgia\u2019s Republican secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, urging him to \u201cfind\u201d the votes necessary to swing the state to Trump from Biden. Many Georgia lawmakers say Trump's actions violate Georgia state law by soliciting others to engage in election fraud. \n\nOn January 20th, President Trump will no longer be protected by Presidential immunity...with the US already being deeply divided, some Americans are urging Biden to not pursue federal charges against the Trump administration in an effort to sow unity. \n\nOther Americans argue that holding the Trump administration accountable for their actions and pursuing federal charges will ensure presidential accountability moving forward, resulting in long term unity. \n\nWould Biden's decision to pursue Federal charges help heal a wounded nation, or continue to further divide American citizens for the years to come?","upvotes":1105,"user_id":"loganalytics"},{"content":"What do you think of lawmakers now asking the Georgia Secretary of State to do a probe on Trump for soliciting an election fraud?","created_at":1609810008.0,"id":"kqd9zk","n_comments":36,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqd9zk/what_do_you_think_of_lawmakers_now_asking_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The only Democrat on the state election board is calling for a probe on Trump after Trump pressured Georgia's Secretary of State to \"find votes\" to overturn his defeat. Trump's hour long conversation was recorded and submitted to the Washington Post. Under state law, soliciting an election fraud such as falsely overturning the results can be punishable by up to 3 years in prison. The Georgia Secretary of State office has the power to open criminal investigation probes that violate Georgia's state election laws.","upvotes":52,"user_id":"Janellebakesdacakes"},{"content":"What would Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson have thought of the New Deal?","created_at":1609822861.0,"id":"kqhu3j","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.62,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kqhu3j/what_would_alexander_hamilton_and_thomas/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Alexander Hamilton and the Federalists generally supported business interests, and business interests opposed the New Deal at the time of its inception. On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson and Democratic-Republicans strongly opposed a strong national government. So would both Hamilton and Jefferson have opposed the New Deal (or any significant national welfare programs)?\n\nEDIT: I'd like to rephrase so it's less specific to the time period of the New Deal and more about what I'm really trying to get at: What would Hamilton and Jefferson have thought of national welfare programs?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"Unlucky_Outside"},{"content":"Collapse of democracy in US and worldwide?","created_at":1609780140.0,"id":"kq54y4","n_comments":81,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kq54y4/collapse_of_democracy_in_us_and_worldwide/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\u201cThe majority of Americans are generally unable to understand or value democratic culture, institutions, practices or citizenship in the manner required. To the degree to which they are required to do so, they will interpret what is demanded of them in distorting and inadequate ways. As a result they will interact and communicate in ways that undermine the functioning of democratic institutions and the meaning of democratic practices and values.\u201d\n\nRight-wing populist politicians have taken power or threatened to in Poland, Hungary, France, Britain, Italy, Brazil and the United States. \n\nScholar Shawn Rosenberg, quoted above, thinks that democracy is doomed to collapse around the world and the collapse has started. \n\nIs he correct? If so, what are the factors driving this? (Rosenberg in part blames the rise of social media and the loss of the elite\u2019s gatekeeper function.)","upvotes":14,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What are the key differences between Democrat\u2019s opposition to certifying the electoral college vote in 2016 and the Republican\u2019s opposition to certifying the electoral college vote in 2020?","created_at":1609755671.0,"id":"kpyxld","n_comments":133,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kpyxld/what_are_the_key_differences_between_democrats/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It seems as though the 2016 move by many house Dems to oppose certification of some state\u2019s votes was entirely symbolic. All of the opposition was rejected by then Vice-President Joe Biden as there were not any Senators that joined those efforts.\n\nThe language in the media around Republican\u2019s similarly symbolic opposition to certifying the electoral college vote is much more incendiary compared to how news organizations covered seemingly the same incident.\n\n2016: [Reuters coverage of certification.](https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN14Q25R)\n2020: [Axios coverage of objections](https://www.axios.com/multiple-senators-oppose-certify-election-results-c5f0610c-91e0-4431-abbe-91b4d860dfd4.html\n\nHow are the two events different? Is the labeling of the House Republican\u2019s actions as [\u201cSeditious\u201d](https://www.politicususa.com/2021/01/02/ted-cruz-coup-treason.html) valid or hyperbolic?","upvotes":48,"user_id":"alyosha_k"},{"content":"How has commitment to neoliberalism and free market economics changed for Democrats and Republicans in recent years?","created_at":1609751289.0,"id":"kpxm81","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.75,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kpxm81/how_has_commitment_to_neoliberalism_and_free/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In a recent Podcast with Chris Hayes, he gave this intro describing a shift away from neoliberal, free market ideas. Below is a short transcript from [the episode](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-is-this-happening-with-chris-hayes/id1382983397):\n\n> There's interesting things happening around economics. And they're happening around, essentially, the right trying to walk away from a certain kind of free market, neoliberal consensus that has dominated the right -- dominated both parties, but the left kind of peeled away from it, I think, earlier and more decisively. And now we're in this kind of post-neoliberal world where the old consensus about low inflation, tight monetary policy, big tax cuts, deregulation, would lead to broadly shared prosperity, and also peace and democracy around the world through globalization and global trade. \n\nWhat does Chris Hayes get right and/or wrong in this analysis? Was there really a free market, neoliberal consensus shared by both parties? Have both parties pulled away? If so, when and why?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Are we actually approaching another Civil War-like scenario?","created_at":1609714022.0,"id":"kplrmv","n_comments":81,"percentage_upvoted":0.63,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kplrmv/are_we_actually_approaching_another_civil_warlike/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As congress and Pence debate if they should object and refuse to tally certain electorate votes, there is a consideration that we are approaching a scenario that could reflect that of the Civil War and Lincoln presidency. \n\nIf this should happen, the focal point for succession was historically claimed as \u201cstates rights\u201d. Yet in this scenario we face today, it seems to be more urban vs rural. It is not as if some blanket law is to be passed that imposes restriction on any specific state rights (that Im aware of). \n\nSo then, what, if any, basis would there be for a succession? Would it fall into that of a succession against an alleged national conspiracy? Does that hold enough weight? Or is there another separation of powers discussion to be had as we see just how unorthodox executive leadership can be used to circumvent processes, such as reallocating funds which is normally assigned to congress. \n\nI\u2019m curious to get a pulse on this discussion and see both sides of the coin to understand what outcomes may happen.\n\nEdit: Thanks for lively discussion. I love when people are open to talking about contentious things in a civil manner (ha. Civil pun). But it seems a large majority of you are answering the question \u201cwill there be a civil war\u201d and that\u2019s not really my question. My question is, \u201cwhat, if any, would be a basis of succession states would claim considering the circumstances\u201d.","upvotes":15,"user_id":"tumtum9110"},{"content":"What is Ted Cruz's long game here?","created_at":1609717646.0,"id":"kpmr7r","n_comments":109,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kpmr7r/what_is_ted_cruzs_long_game_here/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Ted Cruz is going to be the ringleader to a bound-to-be-a-failure attempt to subvert the election results in the Senate.\n\nI find this interesting, because, during the '16 debates, Cruz seemed to have, and seemed to have a right to have, a burning disgust or hatred for Trump. Unlike McConnell or Pence, who are coldly political in their calculations and will occasionally resist Trump or simply step to the side when he's nearby, Cruz has, since 2016, been all aboard the Trump express. Compare this to Marco Rubio, who also was the subject of numerous Trump barbs, who, while voting alongside Republicans, tends to avoid getting involved in most Trump rhetoric entirely.\n\nNow, with Trump on his way out, it's Ted Cruz, of all people, who is trying to keep Trump \"in charge\" (at least on paper). \n\nWhat is Ted Cruz's calculus here? Does he see an opportunity to simply mimic Trump and tap into his electorate? Is he angling for a job in the private sector with Trump? Or is he simply trying to solidify his base in Texas?","upvotes":62,"user_id":"MagicJasoni"},{"content":"Splinter Among Republican Senators?","created_at":1609739909.0,"id":"kpu2qz","n_comments":112,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kpu2qz/splinter_among_republican_senators/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"12 Republican senators have come out in favor of challenging the election results and the number is expected to rise. This is despite McConnell telling the group two weeks ago not to challenge the results and several other Republican senators have since come out criticizing their colleagues. \n \nFor several years McConnell has kept a very tight lid on his caucus and thus it's surprising to see this occur. Is this a one-time glitch in McConnell's leadership or does this portend a longer-term schism among the Republican senate?","upvotes":89,"user_id":"Caleb35"},{"content":"What is the future of The Lincoln Project? What will their role be in a Post-Trump United States?","created_at":1609747813.0,"id":"kpwjx2","n_comments":510,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kpwjx2/what_is_the_future_of_the_lincoln_project_what/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Lincoln Project is a Super PAC that was formed in late 2019 by Republicans and former Republicans who wanted to stop the reelection of President Trump. \n \nThe group quickly became famous for the quantity and speedy production of its attack ads against the President and Trump-aligned Republicans. Many of the viral ads focused on Trump's personal and political failings and they were known for their offensive style. The group raised over $78 million from their inception to the November 2020 election. \n \nWith Trump defeated, what do you think the Lincoln Project will do in the future?","upvotes":951,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"UK debt and Scottish independence","created_at":1609721986.0,"id":"kpo2br","n_comments":20,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kpo2br/uk_debt_and_scottish_independence/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If Scotland became independent would it be expected to take responsibility for a portion of the UK's debt that reflects the proportion of spending it receives?\n\nAs the UK's debt accounts for a significant amount of the value of its economy this will be a significant point of contention on independentance deal that would take place. Is there a legal basis for how the division of debt would take place? If Scotland did become independent should it take on an amount of debt that reflects the amount of spending it does or should this be decided by some other metric?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"EGB1-"},{"content":"Future of the suburbs","created_at":1609714874.0,"id":"kplysb","n_comments":34,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kplysb/future_of_the_suburbs/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What will be the future of the suburbs in American elections? For years the suburbs have been perceived as this monolithic block of white, middle-class, conservative-leaning voters, that usually backed the GOP in national elections by large numbers. In the 2010 and 2014 midterm elections Republicans carried the suburbs by comfortable margins of 12 points, for example. However, this has changed in recent years, in 2016 Donald Trump won the suburbs by a mere 4 point lead, and in the 2018 midterm election Democrats tied with Republicans at 49% to 49%. So, this presented a huge shift of the suburbs from safely Republican to becoming more competitive, and the trend continues. In 2020, Joe Biden won suburban areas by 51%, making him the first Democrat in years to win an outright majority among suburban voters.\n\nNow, this is clearly an inflection point for national politics, the suburbs are often decisive in determining the outcome of an election, particularly in battleground states. If the GOP loses its grip on this area, it could doom the party, especially because suburban growth rate exceeds growth in urban and rural areas. This means that if Democrats maintain their dominance in big cities and consolidate their gains in the suburbs, they could essentially block a Republican path to power.\n\nSo what do you think what strategies the GOP could pursue to win back the suburbs, and how the party might need to change in order to do so?","upvotes":26,"user_id":"heretohelp127"},{"content":"Are health ministers with med education better off than ministers without? Are they more successful?","created_at":1609691824.0,"id":"kph3ua","n_comments":5,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kph3ua/are_health_ministers_with_med_education_better/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Especially the field \"health\" is essential and leaves very little room for mistakes. I am aware that you don't necessarily have to be a med. (med.= person with medical education in Germany) to be a competent health minister and nor does being a med. guarantee you to become a successful one. But the idea that health is topic that needs knowledge and is nothing to joke about, especially during the covid pandemic, makes me think that a minister with medical background would be better off.\n\n(The text acts explanatory for the question in the title)\n\nWhen it comes to determining something as mentioned above, I am a novice and thus ask the community. \n\n(pls sont draw parallels with other offices and education's like ministry of infrastructure and some engineering degree etc. :)","upvotes":5,"user_id":"Clear_Traffic824"},{"content":"How dependent on Twitter will Trump's influence be after he leaves office?","created_at":1609691669.0,"id":"kph2oh","n_comments":46,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kph2oh/how_dependent_on_twitter_will_trumps_influence_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Right now, as the President, he has a platform and everything he does or says will be talked about. This includes his tweeting, which Twitter has refused to place restrictions on.\n\nWhen he leaves office, Twitter have started he'll be treated like a normal citizen which may include not only just placing warning labels on misinformation but actually banning or deleting his account for repeat offences.\n\nIf this is the case, and he's banned or severely restricted from voicing his concerns in Twitter, will this impact his level of influence? Will right wing media still provide front page coverage for him?","upvotes":11,"user_id":"unitydivide"},{"content":"If the GOP controls both the House and the Senate for the 2024 election, what can prevent them from overturning the election in the event of a Democratic victory?","created_at":1609661898.0,"id":"kp9c89","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kp9c89/if_the_gop_controls_both_the_house_and_the_senate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Currently, several Republican Senate and GOP members are planning on rejecting the Electoral College count. This brings it to a short debate and vote for both chambers, and because the House is controlled by Democrats, the electoral vote will ultimately be accepted.\n\nIf both chambers were controlled by Republicans, they could choose to reject the vote, which would then lead to the House voting for the new president on a state-by-state basis. There are more red states than blue states. This means a GOP-led Congress has the ability to overturn the electoral vote and choose their own president without any regard for what the people want. With a conservative Supreme Court, it seems there may not be any recourse there.\n\nWhat measures are in place to prevent this from occurring? What can a Biden administration do to fix this loophole? How will this affect America in the future?","upvotes":28,"user_id":"mothpasta"},{"content":"Debate on the specific morality of war re-enactments and other related things","created_at":1609646919.0,"id":"kp4nmm","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":0.66,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kp4nmm/debate_on_the_specific_morality_of_war/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Let me preface this by saying I do not support any of these things:\nNazism\nThe Confederacy\nAny racist/facist/communist regime\nAny genocidal atrocity\nHomophobia\n\nI am actually a liberal by political alignment, now onto the topic.\n\nI would like to debate on the specifics of war re-enactments and the morality of parts of it. This also applies for things like historical themed airsoft battles and other related things\n\nHere are the main points:\n- Should re-enactments depicting highly controversial or horrific events/countries be allowed?\n- Should it be frowned upon for someone to say, play as a Nazi officer in a reenactment?\n- If so why is it appropriate for people to dress up as Nazis in comedic or movie situations?\n- How do you distinguish between people who use reenactments to live out their sick fantasies and people who use it to participate in history as a hobby\n- If you aren't actually the thing you are acting as, why is it wrong? (Assuming you don't go too far with it and harrass people)\n- Why is it any different than acting in a movie?\n\nHere are just some guiding points. All opinions matter.","upvotes":8,"user_id":"MisuMat"},{"content":"How can country 1 affect country 2's government with minimal harm to country 2's citizens?","created_at":1609579700.0,"id":"kontvc","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.58,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kontvc/how_can_country_1_affect_country_2s_government/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A lot of people aren't fond of the North Korean and Chinese governments. Complicating things, their citizens are prisoners, not accomplices. Trade or financially-based sanctions against them would punish the citizens as well; that's not optimal.","upvotes":2,"user_id":"Joshua5684"},{"content":"Why is some Xenophobia acceptable?","created_at":1609616014.0,"id":"kow3am","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.52,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kow3am/why_is_some_xenophobia_acceptable/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Xenophobia against Americans and the English seems to be accepted whereas it\u2019s deplored when it\u2019s directed towards people from China, countries in Africa and the Middle East. For example, Many Europeans often say they hate Americans or Scottish people say they hate English people, how is this different from saying you hate people from Nigeria or Pakistan? \n\nWhy is this considered acceptable?","upvotes":2,"user_id":"SoupWestern"},{"content":"The Expulsion of the Chagossians","created_at":1609640941.0,"id":"kp2of0","n_comments":9,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kp2of0/the_expulsion_of_the_chagossians/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For those who don't know:\n\n* Chagossians were a group of about 2000 people who lived on the island of Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory.\n* From 1968 to 1973, the British government deported them to Mauritius in order to build a massive military base for the USA.\n* There have been many protests, hunger strikes and lawsuits from the exiled population in Mauritius.\n* In Feb of 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled the deportation as a violation of the right to self-determination and in May 116 UN countries voted for the UK to withdraw from the island and guarantee a right of return. As far as I know the UK is still there and has rejected the findings of the ICJ.\n\nSo, my questions are:\n\n* Is my summary accurate? Have I missed out on any key details?\n* What do you think the UK should do?\n* Are there any large organisations calling for right of return and withdrawal of the military base?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"What do you see as the benefits and drawbacks of worker cooperatives? Should more be encouraged?","created_at":1609639953.0,"id":"kp2d9j","n_comments":381,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kp2d9j/what_do_you_see_as_the_benefits_and_drawbacks_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Wikipedia-tier summary of what a worker cooperative is:\n\n>A worker cooperative is a cooperative that is owned and controlled by its workers in an egalitarian fashion. This control may mean a firm where every worker-owner participates in decision-making in a democratic fashion, or it may refer to one in which management is elected by every worker-owner who each have one vote. \n\nThey've famously emerged in Argentina, Spain, Italy and France but have not made much of an impact in the English-speaking world. Although centre-left political parties are increasingly coming around to support them from my knowledge.\n\nBut, what do you think?","upvotes":427,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"Could a country like the United States centrally plan to move workers displaced from outsourcing/automation into jobs that are of national interest?","created_at":1609605071.0,"id":"kou0ht","n_comments":182,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kou0ht/could_a_country_like_the_united_states_centrally/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Bringing back manufacturing jobs to the US is surely a gargantuan task, and it may never happen due to the greater economic forces at play. Meeting critical climate preservation goals may ultimately require massive job cuts in the fossil fuel industry. Our society continues to undergo rapid technological change, and increasing worker displacement within the US seems like an inevitability, even within our lifetimes.\n\nAs technology evolves and production continues to be more efficient, jobs will be lost and created. However, what is lost is not necessarily equivalent to what is gained. [By 2030, as much as 14% of the global workface may need to change occupations](http://www.echs-nm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/retraining-and-reskilling-workers-in-the-age-of-automation-_-mckinsey-company.pdf). Automation will continue to have massive impacts in terms of displacing workers.]\n\nCould a country with the political environment of the United States attempt to give those displaced a path to new employment, while simultaneously filling a demand of the nation? I am curious if this could viably happen in a country like the US.\n\nFor example, take green energy. There will likely be many displaced from the fossil fuel industry. The government may look at national projects of interest. After identifying need, they could provide displaced workers who opted in to the program with employment, while sending them off to projects in a way that form an efficient supply chain. They do not necessarily need to be used to form the solar panels or windmills either, as these could also have their production automated for productivity. However, there would likely be much labor that can be found in an ancillary manner. Transport, setting up, monitoring, etc. This is merely a hypothetical, but the point here is the government offering displaced workers jobs in areas that contribute to national welfare. Is it viable?","upvotes":346,"user_id":"ClutchCobra"},{"content":"Are large anti-lockdown protests and demonstrations against Covid-19 regulations indicative of a strong democracy and rule of law?","created_at":1609514567.0,"id":"ko79j2","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ko79j2/are_large_antilockdown_protests_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There is a disparity in enforcement of covid-19 regulations in different countries. There have been a lot more forceful enforcement of pandemic regulations in some countries like the police using extreme force in some cases in India. [https://www.dw.com/en/india-police-under-fire-for-using-violence-to-enforce-coronavirus-lockdown/a-52946717](https://www.dw.com/en/india-police-under-fire-for-using-violence-to-enforce-coronavirus-lockdown/a-52946717)\n\nI immigrated from a small south-east asian country (not India/China) and enforcement there is not any different. My parents who are still there are basically locked inside their homes for good reason. Anyone coming in from out of town need to get tested and quarantine in schools and temples (not in their homes) for 14 days and then self-quarantine for 7 days at home. Although everything sounds right, the people crossing the border are harshly reprimanded (not physically that I know of) and the city's public will rain curses on them online (facebook).\n\nIf you were the one breaking the regulations, you would fear for your safety (I wouldn't say your life) and definitely be ready to face social isolation and blame. Rule of law is not exactly as strong as there as in the states. It feels a little like mass hysteria and mob mentality though I may be exaggerating a bit.\n\nAnyway, when I see news of these protests against masks, shutdowns in the states, I see people criticize them but they never reached the level of animosity seen in my native country. You can say the business owners are dissatisfied with losing their business due to their closures but that argument wouldn't even be raised there. Any business that tried to defy the regulations will be arrested and charged immediately and public will not care whether the arrest was done with a due process. At the end of the day, I think it all comes down the rule of law. Protesters in the states know they will never face serious repercussions for their protests as protests are a normal accepted thing. It's not like there had been no protests before where I am from either. In a weird way, seeing these anti-lockdown protestors in the news somehow makes me feel better about this country (US).\n\n[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020\\_United\\_States\\_anti-lockdown\\_protests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_anti-lockdown_protests)","upvotes":4,"user_id":"goujinger"},{"content":"Donald Trump and January 6 election certification","created_at":1609566053.0,"id":"kojqtn","n_comments":200,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kojqtn/donald_trump_and_january_6_election_certification/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In January 6, Congress will meet for a joint session to certify the election results. \n\nPresident Donald Trump has called for \u201cStop the Steal\u201d protests in Washington DC that day, continuing to refuse to concede and allege massive vote fraud he has not been able to provide evidence for in court. \n\nSen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) says that he will object next when Congress convenes to certify the electoral college vote, a move that will force a contentious floor debate that top Senate Republicans had hoped to avoid.\n\nVice President Mike Pence will also be put in the awkward position of being expected to certify the results of the election even as his boss claims fraud. \n\nIn your opinion, will anything of consequence or interesting happen on January 6? What should we keep an eye on? Will this day be remembered in a month\u2019s time?","upvotes":103,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"Is it politically important for Biden nominate a straight white man under 50 to his cabinet?","created_at":1609553229.0,"id":"kofsvr","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.47,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kofsvr/is_it_politically_important_for_biden_nominate_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the exception of Pete Buttigieg, no white men under 50 are included among the 20 nominees so far, nor were any included among the 66 main speakers at the Democratic convention. Is this smart politics given the composition of the country\u2019s electorate, particularly in swing states where many straight white men under 50 may feel ignored by Washington?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"ItsObviousYouHateMe"},{"content":"What are the chances for 2k stimulus checks?","created_at":1609530593.0,"id":"koa2xe","n_comments":64,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/koa2xe/what_are_the_chances_for_2k_stimulus_checks/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Today the Senate voted to move on with a discussion on the NDAA, which was what Senators like Bernie Sanders were using as leverage to force Mitch McConnell into having a vote on the 2k stimulus check amendment. At the same time, Mitch presented his own bill for 2k checks that includes repealing Section 230 and creating a commission to investigate the election. Congress will change in 2 days so is there a chance for the two sides to come to a compromise in the next 2 days or in the next congress?","upvotes":12,"user_id":"Extreme_Rocks"},{"content":"What is the general consensus towards \u201cposter children\u201d?","created_at":1609507841.0,"id":"ko5t3a","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ko5t3a/what_is_the_general_consensus_towards_poster/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2018 David Hogg became the face of the anti-gun and gun violence awareness movement. \n\nA year later, 2019, Greta Thunberg became the face of climate change and environmental activism. \n\nIt seems both the left and the right strongly dislike having children be front-and-center for such controversial topics, as they are easily subject to death threats, violence, and cyber bullying. \n\nBut then there\u2019s also those who believe children symbolize hope/change and can mobilize other youth to make a difference in their own communities.\n\nWhile youth participation is encouraged, is it a good idea for teenagers and children to be representing entire movements? What is the general consensus towards this? Is there a historical or political precedent?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"Oliver_Anchovies"},{"content":"How will history remember the way the Trump Administration handled the pandemic?","created_at":1609566332.0,"id":"kojtxo","n_comments":247,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kojtxo/how_will_history_remember_the_way_the_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm constantly worried that I live in my own political idealogical bubble and I'm looking for some realistic responses here. On one hand, I see articles, etc. tearing apart POTUS's response to the entire outbreak. On the other hand, his approval ratings were, at times, approaching some of the highest of his entire presidency while some news outlets praise all of the work done so far. What will the historical facts actually be from this event? What will history books say about the 2020 global pandemic and what lessons, if any, will be theoretically learned? It's possibly too soon to tell but there have to be things we know for sure so far (eg. response time, advanced prep, who did what right?)","upvotes":61,"user_id":"JMango"},{"content":"How do the politics of Vermont and Rhode Island compare?","created_at":1609514472.0,"id":"ko78xc","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ko78xc/how_do_the_politics_of_vermont_and_rhode_island/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Although they are both incredibly liberal states, they are different in many other ways (e.g. Rhode Island is far more urbanized than Vermont). So how do the politics of these two states compare? What kinds of politicians are attractive to voters in Vermont versus in Rhode Island?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"Unlucky_Outside"},{"content":"In 2011, earmark spending in Congress was effectively banned. Democrats are proposing bringing it back. Should earmarks remain banned or be brought back?","created_at":1609564898.0,"id":"koje3l","n_comments":259,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/koje3l/in_2011_earmark_spending_in_congress_was/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"According to [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Earmarks), earmarks are:\n\n> congressional provisions directing funds to be spent on specific projects (or directs specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees)\n\nIn 2011, Republicans and some Democrats (including President Obama) [pushed for](https://www.politico.com/story/2011/02/senate-dems-give-in-on-earmark-ban-048623) a ban of earmark spending in Congress and were successful. Earmarks are effectively banned to this day. Some Democrats, such as House Majority Leader Stenny Hoyer, are now [making a push](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/07/congressional-earmarks-once-symbols-graft-could-return-2021/6391368002/) to bring back earmarks.\n\nMore context on the arguments for and against earmarks from [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Earmarks):\n\n> Critics [of earmarks] argue that the ability to earmark federal funds should not be part of the legislative appropriations process. These same critics argue that tax money should be applied by federal agencies according to objective findings of need and carefully constructed requests, rather than being earmarked arbitrarily by elected officials.[3]\n\n> Supporters of earmarks, however, feel that elected officials are better able to prioritize funding needs in their own districts and states. They believe it is more democratic for these officials to make discreet funding decisions than have these decisions made by unelected civil servants. Proponents say earmarks are good for consumers and encourage bipartisanship in Congress.[4]\n\n---\n\nShould earmark spending be brought back? Is the benefit of facilitating bi-partisan legislation worth the cost of potentially frivolous spending at the direction of legislators who want federal cash to flow to their districts?","upvotes":717,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"What issues are you willing to let the other side win?","created_at":1609488913.0,"id":"ko19wf","n_comments":631,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ko19wf/what_issues_are_you_willing_to_let_the_other_side/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Any society is going to have liberal and conservative factions. I'm on the liberal side myself, though I appreciate conservatives are not going anywhere and there can be no ultimate victory for either side.\n\nWith that in mind, what are some areas you're willing to let \"the other side\" win so that you can fight them on issues more important to you in the political arena?\n\nAn example of what I'm talking about is conservative opposition to same-sex marriage. Granted, the Supreme Court took it outside the boundaries of the political arena, but I think most conservatives are willing to acknowledge the loss and move on.","upvotes":121,"user_id":"lbktort"},{"content":"Would it be worth it for Democrats to run more candidates who are economically liberal but socially conservative?","created_at":1609483646.0,"id":"knztjt","n_comments":101,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/knztjt/would_it_be_worth_it_for_democrats_to_run_more/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I personally don't feel very strongly about too many political issues besides protections in the bill of rights. So it makes me wonder if the Democratic party had more candidates who were solidly liberal on economic issues but libertarian or conservative on certain social issues like gun control and religious freedom. So, someone like Joe Manchin if you know who he is. \n\nIt could unlock a pretty big voter base of liberal Republicans, but it could also alienate hard-core progressives so it may potentially backfire.","upvotes":23,"user_id":"overhardeggs"},{"content":"If Dems Win the Two Georgia Races, Just How Much Will They Actually Be Able to Accomplish?","created_at":1609487460.0,"id":"ko0vht","n_comments":553,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ko0vht/if_dems_win_the_two_georgia_races_just_how_much/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If the Dems win and hold a bare 50-50 majority (with VP tiebreaker), will they actually be able to accomplish much more? The GOP still has the power of the filibuster, and from the 8 Obama years we all know McConnell knows how to wield power as a minority leader. So how much more will the Dems be able to reasonably get through with a bare senate majority vs if they do not get the 2 georgia seats?","upvotes":886,"user_id":"kanray86"},{"content":"How many congressmen will join Senator Hawley in challenging the Electoral College results?","created_at":1609431681.0,"id":"knm7i3","n_comments":583,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/knm7i3/how_many_congressmen_will_join_senator_hawley_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On December 30th, Senator Hawley announced he would [challenge](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/us/politics/josh-hawley-trump-election-challenge.html) the electoral college proceedings in a joint session of Congress on January 6th. This will force members to take a recorded vote to support or oppose the electoral college. Senate Majority Leader McConnell has voiced opposition to challenging the electoral college, presumably to avoid the recorded vote.\n\nHow many other members of congress could we expect to join Hawley, and what might the long-term implications of the voting record be for congressional Republicans and the 2024 Presidential Election? Will the party view votes for/against as favorable/unfavorable, and how significant is this vote in the long term?","upvotes":925,"user_id":"vVGacxACBh"},{"content":"Would a mandatory cultural exchange and military/civil service work in the US?","created_at":1609378506.0,"id":"kn6myz","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.52,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kn6myz/would_a_mandatory_cultural_exchange_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The United States has become cripplingly polarized. Civil conversation seems to be nonexistent in all quarters. When looking at the issues in society that have lead to this, it would seem to me that systemic racism, inequality, and money in politics have either caused or exacerbated the breakdown in our discourse.\n\nWould a premise such as a mandatory cultural exchange performed in in middle school (ages 11 to 14) and then again in high school (ages 14 to 19) possibly help? By cultural exchange i mean two or more Americans from different socio-economic, racial, and or religious backgrounds are placed together for a defined amount of time (ie 1 year) in which they learn together and from each other. The implementation is up for debate but the idea is to create a mandatory exposure to someone different. Public schools used to be this but the people in power send their kids to elite homogenized schools, thereby sidestepping this social mixing pot.\n\nMandatory military/civil service would be required to vote, hold government contracts, hold political office, etc. I get that it may seem like a Poll Tax, but seeing as we already have criteria you have to meet to vote (be of legal age, be a citizen, etc) could that not also be legislated?","upvotes":1,"user_id":"phazedoubt"},{"content":"Will post-election disputes over results become more common in American politics, or is 2020 unique due to the interactions between Trump's personality and a pandemic?","created_at":1609387708.0,"id":"kn9os6","n_comments":242,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kn9os6/will_postelection_disputes_over_results_become/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Concessions by losing politicians are not necessary in the American electoral system but they have long been considered good etiquette and part of the \"unwritten rules\" to ensure smooth transfers of power. For example, [Al Gore conceded the presidential race in 2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Gore_2000_presidential_campaign#Florida_recount_and_Bush_v._Gore) shortly after SCOTUS handed down its Bush v. Gore decision on the \"safe harbor\" deadline. By contrast, president Trump has refused to concede after losing the 2020 election and he has decided to continue judicial or legal avenues of reversing the results after key deadlines have passed. As of this writing, Trump allies have recently announced [several](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/28/gohmert-suit-pence-overturn-trumps-defeat-451485) [attempts](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/supreme-court-trump-giuliani-election-b1780166.html?utm_source=reddit.com) to hand the 2020 presidential election to Trump despite their previous failures and the fact that the Electoral College voted weeks ago.\n\nThe question is: to what extent are Trump's actions in 2020 normalizing this type of behavior in the future of American politics, or to what extent are they a unique outgrowth of Trump's personality and the circumstances of the 2020 election in a pandemic? And as a follow-on question, will (or should) the U.S. take any legislative action to prevent similar post-election disputes in the future?\n\nOne may consider the following evidence on either side of this speculative question:\n\nRegarding the idea that contests/refusals to concede of this type may be getting more common:\n\n* Roy Moore's [activities after his loss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore#U.S._Senate_special_election_campaign) of the 2017 special Senate election in Alabama essentially foreshadowed Trump's in 2020, albeit with seemingly less public support. Moore 1) refused to concede the election, 2) attempted to convince the public that the result was \"not certified\", 3) filed various lawsuits attempting to overturn the election, 4) attempted to convince the public that widespread voter fraud had led to his loss, and 5) attempted to prove the existence of a \"political conspiracy\" between media figures, election officials, and his personal enemies. The lack of formal repudiation for Moore's activities may have convinced the Trump campaign and others that Moore's strategy was a successful blueprint to attempt reversal of unsatisfactory electoral results, and may continue to do so.\n\n* Some Trump allies' attempts at changing the outcome of the 2020 election are not contingent upon circumstances unique to the 2020 election. For example, allegations that dead people are registered to vote or have voted has been a common Republican complaint in recent history. They are not novel to 2020 and it may be that 2020 provides the precedent for future candidates to bring these concerns to court rather than just news outlets friendly to them. For another example, the Gohmert v. Pence lawsuit effectively argues that the sitting vice president has \"sole discretionary power\" to \"select\" electors in the final count; under this concept there would be no enforcement of correlation between popular vote results and the winner of a presidential election other than the assumed good faith of the sitting vice president.\n\n* Election disputes in 2020 are not limited to Trump's personal involvement. Some other (aspiring or sitting) elected officials have followed a post-election strategy similar to Trump in 2020. [Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-election_lawsuits_related_to_the_2020_United_States_presidential_election_from_Pennsylvania#Kelly_v._Pennsylvania) is a notable example.\n\nRegarding the idea that the post-election disputes may be a unique facet of the 2020 election:\n\n* Many sources of the 2020 disputes relate to actions taken by election officials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 election was, in many ways, unusual and involved increased access to mail-in/absentee voting, among other administrative changes. These changes have been the target of many lawsuits or allegations about voting in 2020. It may be that with the (presumed) resumption of \"regular voting\" in the future, the opportunities for election disputes like in 2020 will dry up.\n\n* Trump's stubbornness and personal obsession with a brand of \"winning\" may be a driving factor in the 2020 election contests. Future politicians, even if they share the Trump campaign's constitutional views or legal resources, may choose to avoid similar election disputes because they view them as too embarrassing or dangerous.\n\n**So, to repeat the question**: to what extent are Trump's actions in 2020 normalizing this type of behavior in the future of American politics, or to what extent are they a unique outgrowth of Trump's personality and the circumstances of the 2020 election in a pandemic? And as a follow-on question, will (or should) the U.S. take any legislative action to prevent similar post-election disputes in the future?","upvotes":581,"user_id":"CleverGirlIsMe"},{"content":"How do you fix the United States Economy and Do Wage Increases Work?","created_at":1609363104.0,"id":"kn249p","n_comments":77,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kn249p/how_do_you_fix_the_united_states_economy_and_do/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Currently Senator Bernie Sanders is filibustering the Senate floor to raise the next wave of stimulus checks and Andrew Yang made a push in the 2020 Presidential Race by saying he wanted to give Americans $1000 more a month. On paper this sounds great...short term. The issue that arises is plain and simple, inflation. If corporations, retailers and banks know that everyone is making more money the prices of goods and housing go up to accommodate because \u201cpeople can afford it\u201d. The non-feasible solution is a big government that controls the interest rate attacking the wage disparity on 2 levels however this would be very hard to monitor. My question is are there other methods or alternatives, and would simply raising the wages of the middle class really work?\n\nEdit: To clarify I am not opposed to an overall increase in wages. The income disparity is one of the biggest crisis in the United States at the moment in my opinion. My question was simply is it going to be enough long term to set the economy back on track or what additional steps need to be taken.","upvotes":18,"user_id":"psycowhisp"},{"content":"Would conservatives be willing to increase the welfare state, or leave it where it is if there were strings attached as a condition to keeping welfare?","created_at":1609378922.0,"id":"kn6rx5","n_comments":122,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kn6rx5/would_conservatives_be_willing_to_increase_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Specifically, things that actively reduced the need for it in the first place \n\n\nFor example, if you are on medicaid and you are pregnant, you must go to regular prenatal checkups. If you are on welfare or foodstamps with children, those children must have an 80% attendance record at school. \n\n\nThere are other things that could also work, but the idea is there. We have conditional welfare, where the things that keep you on it intentionally get the next generation off of it","upvotes":24,"user_id":"theguywithacomputer"},{"content":"Armenian Genocide recognition and the future","created_at":1609335931.0,"id":"kmw72l","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmw72l/armenian_genocide_recognition_and_the_future/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" I posted this on another sub yesterday (linking this gets it deleted)\n\n>They are as follows: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Libya, Lithuania, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela. \nBefore 2000 it was just 10 countries: Argentina, Armenia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Greece, Lebanon, Russia and Uruguay. \nBefore 1990 it was just Armenia, Cyprus and Uruguay.\n\nWhat's triggering this new wave of recognition? I don't think it was just the end of the Cold War because we mainly see a spike in the 2010s. Also Turkey's close allies like the USA are doing it now.\n\nWhat's going on and what can we expect to see in the future?","upvotes":76,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"What if there was a law that put a cap on how much a College could charge a student?","created_at":1609313917.0,"id":"kmpvdn","n_comments":575,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmpvdn/what_if_there_was_a_law_that_put_a_cap_on_how/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"And not just any cap. I mean one that's drastically lower than current prices. For example the most a College could charge to a student is $1000 or something like that.\n\nWhat effects would this have on Colleges and enrollment? Would we be able to give more people a quality education with this?\n\nWould this be good, bad or no change for society?\n\nAlso I'm only talking about institutions which receive public funding.","upvotes":729,"user_id":"I-still-want-Bernie"},{"content":"What are the political ramifications of House passing a $2000 stimulus change increase ?","created_at":1609280569.0,"id":"kmfbz3","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmfbz3/what_are_the_political_ramifications_of_house/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":">The House of Representatives on Monday passed a measure to increase stimulus checks for Americans under a certain income level to $2,000 after President Donald Trump championed the effort, sending the bill to the Senate where its future is less certain.\n\n[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/28/politics/house-vote-direct-payments-2000/index.html](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/28/politics/house-vote-direct-payments-2000/index.html)\n\nThis puts the GOP Senate in a tussle considering the Georgia decider in January. What are the political ramifications of this ? Where is Mitch McConnell gonna go politically with this ?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"KingSlayer94"},{"content":"In the single-payer or public option plans currently proposed, how is the accompanying large increase in demand for health services addressed?","created_at":1609306665.0,"id":"kmnl8h","n_comments":210,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmnl8h/in_the_singlepayer_or_public_option_plans/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This seems like a component that is talked about less compared to the framing of M4A vs Public option or funding them, but it seems like the success of either would depend on how this bottleneck is navigated in the short term or their would be backlash similar to the one to the ACA from those whose existing costs went up from it but much larger given the scale. Also the logistical nature of the problem since medical professionals aren't readily available even if we expand the pipeline significantly, that's still a several year delay until we can meet the demand and wait times are already quite long, especially for specialists. How concerned should we be that most Americans will turn against it because of the inconvenience even if they experience cost savings?","upvotes":58,"user_id":"CircleBreaker22"},{"content":"Are Ohio and Iowa turning safe for Republican Party?","created_at":1609307506.0,"id":"kmnuxv","n_comments":43,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmnuxv/are_ohio_and_iowa_turning_safe_for_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2016, Trunp shocked most of the world by beating Hillary Clinton in a election, where he in fact lost the popular vote. But the electoral college did get him as president. This was due to his wins in states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, which gave him 46 electoral votes. All these states were won by less than a percentage point. Other states that Trump flipped were also Iowa and Ohio, 2 states that were more expected to vote for red than the 3 mentioned aboved. So when Trump won these, it was not shocking, but the margins were. \n\nIn 2016 Iowa moved 15.22% to the right of what it voted in 2012.\n\nIn 2016 Ohio moved 11.11% to the right of what it voted in 2012.\n\nThe popular vote only moved 1.8% to the right of what it did in year 2012.\n\n2016 seemed like it could be one of a special election. Therefore in 2020, Ohio and Iowa were considered key states for the Democrats in 2020. Sure they were not the easiest path, but the fact that they did end up voting to the right of Texas, was not really foreseen. \n\nIn 2020 the popular vote moved 2.3% to the left of what it was in 2012.\n\nOhio moved 0.1% to the left of what it voted in 2016\n\nIowa moved 1.26% to the left of what it voted in 2016\n\nSo both states turned much more Republican from 2012 to 2016 and a little more from year 2016 to 2020.\n\n​\n\nI don\u00b4t live in America, and I want to understand whether or not this suggest that Ohio and Iowa are states the Republicans can feel safe about in such tight races as 2020, or they are states that still has a possibility of voting to the left of i.e. Florida again.\n\nThe thing is Trump seemed to be such a special candidate that I feel uncertain whether he just appealed very much to Iowa and Ohio voters, beause especially Iowa seems very insane, considering how much better Iowa was for Obama than Clinton and Biden","upvotes":34,"user_id":"sejethom99"},{"content":"So far what has been the most important political event of the 21st century so far","created_at":1609297463.0,"id":"kmkk8j","n_comments":36,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmkk8j/so_far_what_has_been_the_most_important_political/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In a few days we would have finished year 20 in the 21st century. A lot of stuff has changed since 2000.\n\nWhat moment can so far be marked as the most important? Could it be the 9/11 and the subsequent war on terror? \n\nCould it be the Great Recession?\n\nCould it be the Arab spring and the rise of nationalism across the west?\n\nCould it be the rise of the internet and clickbait media?\n\nCould it be the rise of both Obama and Trump?\n\nOr could it be something else else entirely","upvotes":11,"user_id":"yourmumissothicc"},{"content":"Murder rates are up substantially in large cities across the country. How do local and political dynamics and policies change in response to violent crime waves?","created_at":1609288532.0,"id":"kmhnx3","n_comments":106,"percentage_upvoted":0.68,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmhnx3/murder_rates_are_up_substantially_in_large_cities/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 58 big cities across the country, murder rates [are up](https://twitter.com/Crimealytics/status/1343950694672379905) an average of 37% as compared to last year, including in New York (39%), Los Angeles (30%) and Chicago (56%). While murder is still substantially lower than the worst years of the 1980s and 1990s, the national rate will [likely be](https://twitter.com/Crimealytics/status/1343955297073770496/photo/2) the highest in about 25 years.\n\nHow do local politics change in the context of rises in violent crime? Specifically, how does this play out in large cities where Democrats tend to control local offices?\n\nHow are national politics impacted? Does the voting public trust the Republican or Democratic party to better address violent crime?\n\nWhat changes might we see in the ideology, policy, and messaging of the Democratic and Republican parties?\n\nHow will this increase in violent crime interact with political movements like Black Lives Matter and campaigns to defund or reorganize local police?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"What is the future of the Russian economy, given its increasing dependence on Oil & Gas revenue","created_at":1609267491.0,"id":"kmc4a4","n_comments":484,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kmc4a4/what_is_the_future_of_the_russian_economy_given/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"**Oil or nothing?**\n\nPutin has had over 20 years to diversify Russia's economy and over a decade of high oil prices to invest. Yet, Russia's economy is now [even more dependent on fossil fuel exports](https://warsawinstitute.org/russias-economy-becoming-heavily-dependent-hydrocarbons/). \n\nWith governments around the world committing to moving away from fossil fuel, and even oil economies like [Saudi Arabia diversifying](https://www.controlrisks.com/our-thinking/insights/saudi-arabia-will-push-ahead-with-economic-diversification-despite-covid-19), what is the future for the Russian economy?\n\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - \nEdit:\n\nSince 2010, with no government growth strategy, the Russian economy has [stagnated at 1% growth](https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/commentary/long-take/the-russian-economy-in-health-oil-and-economic-crisis/). While the world will likely always have a use for oil and gas, tying your country's fortunes to a single resource, that's delivered comparatively minimal growth, seems high risk. New [investments in grain production](https://www.arc2020.eu/russia-where-is-agriculture-going/) are something, but is that enough to constitute an economic growth strategy?\n\nFor reference: [Texas economy vs Russian economy] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2018/04/17/which-has-the-bigger-economy-texas-or-russia/?sh=541b056c70b9) - Texas has a 6.5x greater GDP per capita, because fossil fuels are part of a mixed economy.","upvotes":761,"user_id":"JahB00ts"},{"content":"Biden has said the GOP will be willing to compromise under his administration. Is he wrong? If so, why?","created_at":1609249267.0,"id":"km86lf","n_comments":172,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/km86lf/biden_has_said_the_gop_will_be_willing_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[On a recent call with supporters, Biden said: ](https://apple.news/A0111sZkoS-a3setHmeThtg)\n\n\"Republicans are beginning to realize that there is a center that has to be responded to...I predict to you, and I may eat these words, I predict you as Donald Trump's shadow fades away, you're going to see an awful lot of change...I know I've been criticized heavily for saying from the beginning, we've got to unify the country. I think you're going to be surprised. It's going to take six to eight months to get it underway but I think you're going to be surprised.\"\n\nDo you think Biden\u2019s optimism is justified? Will his administration be able to harness bipartisanship better than Obama? Or will he eat his own words?","upvotes":45,"user_id":"T-Lightning"},{"content":"What do you make of the voting shifts between the 2012 and 2020 elections?","created_at":1609231463.0,"id":"km35i7","n_comments":24,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/km35i7/what_do_you_make_of_the_voting_shifts_between_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I used both of these because they had solid exit polling, the same result mostly (51-47), and candidates representing different wings of their party (Obama was certainly not a leftist but was considered to be on the liberal wing of the party at least in '08 while Biden now is in the dead center; Romney ran as a moderate Republican and Trump is pretty conservative compared to the rest of the candidates).\n\nThere are many categories, but I went with four here.\n\nVoting By Ideology: \n2012 Liberals D+75 (25% of electorate) \n2020 Liberals D+79 (24% of electorate) \n2012 Moderates D+15 (41% of electorate) \n2020 Moderates D+30 (38% of electorate) \n2012 Conservatives R+65 (35% of electorate) \n2020 Conservatives R+71 (35% of electorate)\n\nVoting By Race: \n2012 White R+20 (72% of electorate) \n2020 White R+17 (67% of electorate) \n2012 Black D+87 (13% of electorate) \n2020 Black D+75 (13% of electorate) \n2012 Latino D+44 (10% of electorate) \n2020 Latino D+33 (12% of electorate) \n2012 Asian D+47 (3% of electorate) \n2020 Asian D+27 (4% of electorate) \n\nVoting By Religion: \n2012 Protestant/Other Christian R+15 (53% of electorate) \n2020 Protestant/Other Christian R+21 (43% of electorate) \n2012 Catholic D+2 (25% of electorate) \n2020 Catholic D+5 (25% of electorate) \n2012 Jewish D+39 (2% of electorate) \n2020 Jewish D+54 (2% of electorate) \n2012 Other Religion D+51 (7% of electorate) \n2020 Other Religion D+40 (8% of electorate) \n2012 None D+44 (12% of electorate) \n2020 None D+34 (22% of electorate) \n\nVoting By Age: \n2012 18-24 D+24 (11% of electorate) \n2020 18-24 D+34 (9% of electorate) \n2012 25-29 D+22 (8% of electorate) \n2020 25-29 D+11 (7% of electorate) \n2012 30-39 D+13 (17% of electorate) \n2020 30-39 D+5 (16% of electorate) \n2012 40-49 R+2 (20% of electorate) \n2020 40-49 D+10 (16% of electorate) \n2012 50-64 R+5 (28% of electorate) \n2020 50-64 R+5 (30% of electorate) \n2012 65 and older R+12 (16% of electorate) \n2020 65 and older R+5 (22% of electorate)","upvotes":11,"user_id":"BUSean"},{"content":"How quickly can Texas turn blue, and is there a chance it could vote Democratic in 2024 with Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania all voting Republican?","created_at":1609239062.0,"id":"km5ein","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/km5ein/how_quickly_can_texas_turn_blue_and_is_there_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Texas was a strong safe Republican state throughout the years.\n\nI will present some numbers, but they will not be the election results, it will be the percentage points that Texas voted to the right of the popular vote from the years 1980-2020.\n\n1980 - 4.16% to the right1984 - 9.3% to the right1988 - 4.8% to the right1992 - 9.08% to the right1996 - 13.43% to the right2000 - 21.82% to the right2004 - 20.46% to the right2008 - 18.97% to the right2012 - 19.68% to the right2016 - 11.09% to the right2020 - 9.98% to the right\n\nNow Texas are defo moving in one direction.\n\nBut even though Republicans lost the 2020 US election, the states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsyvlania shun a very bright light for them. All of those states voted to the right of the popular vote, which is kinda quite remarkable.\n\nSo my question is, is the easier path for the Democrats in 2024 to try and win Texas and not the Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"sejethom99"},{"content":"Why have the Democrats given up on West Virginia?","created_at":1609148228.0,"id":"klgdaa","n_comments":29,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/klgdaa/why_have_the_democrats_given_up_on_west_virginia/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Looking through the history of US elections, I can\u00b4t help but be suprised each time I see the margins of West Virginia before 2000. \n\nIn 2000 West Virginia swung 21% to Republicans from 1996.\n\nWest Virginia was a strong Democratic state until that year. Now it\u00b4s the 2nd most Republican state if looking at votes of 2020 Presidential Election.\n\nSomething went wrong for the Democrats, heard it had something to do with climate policies.\n\nBut honestly, what if the Democrats began to consider West Virginia as important as New Hampshire, what would happen?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"sejethom99"},{"content":"Why do many young people not vote in election?","created_at":1609209469.0,"id":"klw40r","n_comments":86,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/klw40r/why_do_many_young_people_not_vote_in_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I am not from US ,but it has always been a mystery for me.Before arriving to west, I always thought that, with better access to education and good infrastructure, voting among youth should be super high and I was wrong. Some complain that they have no time etc, but even with early and mail system, the number is still low. I have seen a voting process in a poor SEA country, and many people (nearly whole village)walked 20 miles to vote. Young ones talk about unfairness in the system and they want to change all the time.So, why dont they vote? I dont think excuse like not enough free time make sense.I mean they have time to have fun, hook up, and drink. Or Do they think that their votes will not matter or produce any benefit for them?","upvotes":86,"user_id":"Tunlin555"},{"content":"How much of your personal identity is tied to your political beliefs?","created_at":1609214938.0,"id":"klxwjm","n_comments":449,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/klxwjm/how_much_of_your_personal_identity_is_tied_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Looking for a quick analysis of US political affiliation.\n\n Citizens of other countries are welcome, but please specify where.\n\n Without broadcasting your ideology, how much of your identity is tied into your political beliefs? \n\nPlease don't simply say, \"my identity is a political statement,\" as this is a separate question, although it's obvious that different identities would choose certain political ideologies.\n\n I'm more interested in how much your political beliefs affect your life? Do you buy certain products because of your beliefs? Do you pursue or avoid relationships because of them? How much are your apolitical interests and hobbies are affected by your politics?","upvotes":455,"user_id":"LickettyStickkett"},{"content":"What do you think were the most important political developments/stories of 2020 that were overshadowed by the larger stories of the year (COVID, economy etc.)?","created_at":1609202927.0,"id":"kltycv","n_comments":32,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kltycv/what_do_you_think_were_the_most_important/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"2020 has been a year of many headlines. From the impeachment, COVID, nationwide protests, the economic downturn, the Presidential election, to the natural disasters there has been a lot happening these last 12 months. \n \nWhat do you think were the biggest political stories/developments that were mostly overlooked or underreported due to the many other things that happened this year? My question is flared \"U.S.\" but feel free to add in any international developments that you think slipped under the radar.","upvotes":20,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"What were Obama\u2019s most controversial presidential pardons?","created_at":1609148569.0,"id":"klggnw","n_comments":553,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/klggnw/what_were_obamas_most_controversial_presidential/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Recent pardons that President Trump has given out have been seen as quite controversial. \n\nSome of these pardons have been controversial due to the connections to President Trump himself, such as the pardons of longtime ally Roger Stone and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Some have seen this as President Trump nullifying the results of the investigation into his 2016 campaign and subsequently laying the groundwork for future presidential campaigns to ignore laws, safe in the knowledge that all sentences will be commuted if anyone involved is caught.\n\nOthers were seen as controversial due to the nature of the original crime, such as the pardon of Blackwater contractor Nicholas Slatten, convicted to life in prison by the Justice Department for his role in the killing of 17 Iraqi civilians, including several women and 2 children.\n\nMy question is - which of past President Barack Obama\u2019s pardons caused similar levels of controversy, or were seen as similarly indefensible? How do they compare to the recent pardon\u2019s from President Trump?\n\nEdit - looking further back in history as well, what pardons done by earlier presidents were similarly as controversial as the ones done this past month?","upvotes":732,"user_id":"DoctorProfessorTaco"},{"content":"Bias in Media","created_at":1609123352.0,"id":"kl8u25","n_comments":286,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kl8u25/bias_in_media/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello,\n\nI just wanted to have a discussion about perceived bias in media and how it is affecting everyday conversation.\n\nFor instance, I was holding a discussion regarding Trump's peace deals in the Middle East, though inaccurately suggesting that ,\"we are at peace\" in the Middle East. Naturally, I cited AP and Reuters articles to support my rebuttal; AP and Reuters are rated as Centrist on Allsides and Media Bias checking sites. Both sites have good methodology in determining bias.\n\nHowever, the end-result of the conversation always deviates to \"AP/Reuters is a left-leaning source\". I was somewhat baffled by this claim. They reasoned that because Bloomberg owns a portion or owns AP, who ran as a Democrat, it must now be left-leaning. I didn't quite understand the perspective, I linked the methodology of both sites but, still to no avail.\n\nHow can we fix this perception that any news source that reports data that is contrary to our perspective as left or right leaning? If even centrist news sources are somehow bias, then what quality of discussion can we even have when it will simply result to \"X source is bias\"? \n\nThis is frustrating when any source can be simply labelled as bias. What do you all think? How can we approach discourse in a world where people think any news outlet is bias?","upvotes":215,"user_id":"drogers5606"},{"content":"Did pacifists rewrite the history of the civil rights movement?","created_at":1609069197.0,"id":"kkwf8k","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kkwf8k/did_pacifists_rewrite_the_history_of_the_civil/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm re-reading *How Nonviolence Protects the State* and came across an interesting section that I'll quote to you. I've edited it slightly to keep in shorter.\n\n>The common projection (primarily by white progressives, pacifists, educators, historians, and government officials) is that the movement against racial oppression in the United States was primarily nonviolent. On the contrary, though pacifist groups such as Martin Luther King Jr.\u2018s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) had considerable power and influence, popular support within the movement, especially among poor black people, increasingly gravitated toward militant revolutionary groups such as the Black Panther Party. According to a 1970 Harris poll, 66 percent of African Americans said the activities of the Black Panther Party gave them pride, and 43 percent said the party represented their own views. \n> \n>In the spring of 1963, Martin Luther King Jr.\u2018s Birmingham campaign was looking like it would be a repeat of the dismally failed action in Albany, Georgia (where a 9 month civil disobedience campaign in 1961 demonstrated the powerlessness of nonviolent protesters against a government with seemingly bottomless jails, and where, on July 24, 1962, rioting youth took over whole blocks for a night and forced the police to retreat from the ghetto, demonstrating that a year after the nonviolent campaign, black people in Albany still struggled against racism, but they had lost their preference for nonviolence). \n> \n>Then, on May 7 in Birmingham, after continued police violence, three thousand black people began fighting back, pelting the police with rocks and bottles. Just two days later, Birmingham \u2014 up until then an inflexible bastion of segregation \u2014 agreed to desegregate downtown stores, and President Kennedy backed the agreement with federal guarantees. The next day, after local white supremacists bombed a black home and a black business, thousands of black people rioted again, seizing a 9 block area, destroying police cars, injuring several cops (including the chief inspector), and burning white businesses. A month and a day later, President Kennedy was calling for Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act, ending several years of a strategy to stall the civil rights movement. Perhaps the largest of the limited, if not hollow, victories of the civil rights movement came when black people demonstrated they would not remain peaceful forever.\n\nIs this account accurate?\n\nDo you agree with the idea the author is trying to get across?","upvotes":38,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"Do you think Nevada and New Hampshire are blue states now?","created_at":1609064936.0,"id":"kkvcj5","n_comments":54,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kkvcj5/do_you_think_nevada_and_new_hampshire_are_blue/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I\u2019ve seen a lot of people talk about Ohio and Iowa now being red states, Arizona and Georgia now being swing states and Colorado now being a blue state (all true). I\u2019ve also heard people say Florida is red now and North Carolina is trending blue, which I disagree with (I think FL is leaning red until further notice but it\u2019s nowhere near safe and I think NC is and will continue to be one of those states that is consistently a swing state rather than a swing state undergoing a transition from red to blue). \n\nBut I don\u2019t hear much talk about Nevada and New Hampshire, despite the fact I think they\u2019re worthy of discussion. As you surely know, both went to Biden and they haven\u2019t voted red in a long time. However, both of them have had close calls (NV was honestly close this year, voting redder than the nation as a whole, and NH was the second-closest state in 2016, for instance) and since they last went red presidentially, both have put many Republicans in various statewide/federal offices. There was also low Republican investment in NH federal offices this year. I think they\u2019re kind of like what PA, MI and WI were before 2016; people thought they were safe blue because they had long streaks of voting blue and Obama won them comfortably, but in reality they never really were safe blue states. Do you think NV and NH are still swing states or can we write them off?","upvotes":72,"user_id":"Alpaca030"},{"content":"Should President Biden enter into treaties with Native American nations?","created_at":1609045273.0,"id":"kkpuz4","n_comments":365,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kkpuz4/should_president_biden_enter_into_treaties_with/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Back in the day, the US President would make treaties with North American indigenous nations.\n\nIn 1871, Congress passed an Indian Appropriations Act that purported to take away the right of indigenous nations and the United States to make treaties with one another with the following language:\n\n\" \\[N\\]o Indian nation or tribe within the territory of the United States shall be acknowledged or recognized as an independent nation, tribe, or power with whom the United States may contract by treaty: Provided, further, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to invalidate or impair the obligation of any treaty therefore lawfully made and ratified with any such Indian nation or tribe.\"\n\nThat law is of questionable constitutionality, as the Constitution seems to give the treaty-making power itself to the Executive. Indeed, Justice Clarence Thomas has called that part of the Act \"constitutionally suspect\" in his concurrence in a case called United States v. Lara.\n\nI would be interested to see a President Biden challenge that Act directly by entering into new treaties anyway. It could be a bold way of reaffirming the nation-to-nation relationship exists, by recognizing indigenous nations as sovereign entities with treaty-making powers. Plus getting a treaty approved requires only the Senate, not the House of Represenatives. \n\nedit: I'm referring to NEW treaties here, as of course there are existing treaties already.","upvotes":678,"user_id":"lbktort"},{"content":"Snowden applies for Russian citizenship","created_at":1609022282.0,"id":"kkjid9","n_comments":111,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kkjid9/snowden_applies_for_russian_citizenship/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Edward Snowden just announced his daughter has been born in Russia, and he and his family are applying for Russian citizenship. \n\nSnowden copied and leaked highly classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013 when he was a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee and subcontractor. His disclosures compromised numerous global surveillance programs, many run by the NSA and the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance with the cooperation of telecommunication companies.\n\nOn September 2, 2020, a U.S. federal court ruled that the U.S. intelligence's mass surveillance program, exposed by Snowden, was illegal and possibly unconstitutional.\n\nConsidering the totality of his record, should Snowden be allowed to return to the US? If so, under what conditions? How will history regard him?","upvotes":69,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"Would democracy be better served if we added a body of government appointed through sortition?","created_at":1609023320.0,"id":"kkjqz2","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.72,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kkjqz2/would_democracy_be_better_served_if_we_added_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sortition?wprov=sfla1\n\nDespite us attributing the birth of democracy to the Athenians, some of the most prominent thinkers like Socrates were notoriously opposed to the rhetorical sophistry of the \"professional politician\" born of the aristocracy. The Wikipedia page already outlines some of the pros and cons and it seems as if political theorists have given this idea a lot of thought. My question is, hoe exactly could you implement a system like this? \n\nWould it act as an oversight body? Or a secondary legislative body? Could you have sorted branches in all the wings of government? Would it be better to replace elections with sortition or to have them work in tandem? What do you think?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"yrrah1"},{"content":"Which state parties (ie. Florida Republican Party, Nevada Democratic Party etc.) are the best run/managed? Which are the worst.","created_at":1608972555.0,"id":"kk9dae","n_comments":130,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kk9dae/which_state_parties_ie_florida_republican_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"All U.S. states and territories have a state Democratic and Republican Party that is afflicted with the respective national parties. \n \nState parties play a very important role as they take a major part in state and local elections, state primaries, and gubernatorial elections as well as Federal elections. \n \nWhich state parties are the \"best oiled machines\" in you opinion? Which are the worst? \n \nDoes the Republican or Democratic Party have a better state party apparatus?","upvotes":63,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"Healing political rift in USA amongst friends and family","created_at":1608944702.0,"id":"kk28q0","n_comments":220,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kk28q0/healing_political_rift_in_usa_amongst_friends_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Over the past four years, strong emotions and sharp disagreement over politics and values have caused stress and rifts and family events like Christmas and Thanksgiving, and even stressed or broke friendships and bonds of kindship. \nHow did the political become so personal? Was all of this agita justified? Did it accomplish anything? What are the prospects for reconciliation going into 2021?","upvotes":50,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"Is Trump laying the foundation for a viable independent political party?","created_at":1608926360.0,"id":"kjxxpc","n_comments":122,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kjxxpc/is_trump_laying_the_foundation_for_a_viable/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Could Trump Republicans split off of the Republican Party and form an independent political party that has a chance at significant plurality wins in the 2022/2024 elections? Note that the remaining Republican moderates may gain converts of moderate Democrats, so this independent play may not simply serve to spoil Republican wins.\n\nSo far we have only seen Rep. Paul Mitchell (R->I, MI), as a play away from Trump loyalists.\n\nWhat is the likelihood and what are the ramifications of such a move?\n\nEdit: This does not imply that Trump would be the only candidate for his party. He could have candidates from his party run for Congress (or for President in 2024), for instance.","upvotes":35,"user_id":"wavespeed"},{"content":"Joe Biden has picked Connecticut Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona to replace Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. What kind of changes will the DOE and education policy see?","created_at":1608956440.0,"id":"kk5bsu","n_comments":543,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kk5bsu/joe_biden_has_picked_connecticut_commissioner_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Miguel Cardona has been the Connecticut Commissioner of Education since August 2019. Before that, he was a 4th grade teacher, a principal, and an assistant superintendent. \n\nIt it said that Biden picked Cardona over the presidents of the two largest teachers unions - the AFT and the NEA. \n\nCardona is going to be responsible for overseeing the reopening of schools. He is also being called on to [cancel student debt](https://www.axios.com/miguel-cardona-biden-education-secretary-4b05f071-8b96-4141-8f11-b695d48648aa.html), a policy supported by the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He is also being called on to reverse policies that were implemented by Betsy DeVos. There are numerous other policies that Biden has indicated of supporting, such as free two-year college. \n\nOverall, what changes can we expect to be implanted from the Department of Education under Cardona?","upvotes":1336,"user_id":"Hij802"},{"content":"Much like the Carbon Credit to help reduce pollution. Should a similar policy of Birth Credits be used for Population Control?","created_at":1608940330.0,"id":"kk12te","n_comments":39,"percentage_upvoted":0.6,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kk12te/much_like_the_carbon_credit_to_help_reduce/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"> Tradable permits are now widely used to control pollution. We investigate the implications of setting up such a system in another field \u2013population control\u2013, either domestically or at the global level.\n\nThis discussion prompt is prompted by the research paper \"Population Policy through Tradable Procreation Rights\" found here https://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/sed2006/up.20374.1139935197.pdf by \n\n* David de la Croix (FNRS, dept. of economics and CORE) \n* Axel Gosseries( FNRS and Hoover Chair)\n\nKeywords: Tradable permits, Population control, Pronatalist policy, Income in-equality, Differential fertility.\n\nWhat's your thought about this concept? Is it necessary, unnecessary, ethical, unethical, practical, not practical?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"mofosyne"},{"content":"Is there an argument against removing the federal minimum wage and allowing the minimum wage to be set by the state or even the county?","created_at":1608948620.0,"id":"kk39vl","n_comments":338,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kk39vl/is_there_an_argument_against_removing_the_federal/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Its a conversation that I hear all the time about how we need to raise the federal minimum wage. I'd say I agree for the most part, but at the same time, doubling it to $15 seems like it will have more of a negative impact on the economy long term. Why is the minimum wage even a federal decision in the first place? It seems to make more sense that it would be more beneficial for counties to set a minimum wage versus having it set at the federal level. \n\nIn my state there is a county where $10/hr wouldn't get you very far, but two counties over, if everyone had to pay their employees $10/hr, it would force a majority of the stores to close down.","upvotes":336,"user_id":"All_Aboard_The_Train"},{"content":"Which candidates are you looking at for the 2021 Virginia Governor race? How do you think the of the Trump Presidency and incumbent Ralph Northam's governorship will shape the race?","created_at":1608896607.0,"id":"kjsh0o","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kjsh0o/which_candidates_are_you_looking_at_for_the_2021/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Under Virginia law, governors are not allowed to have two consecutive terms meaning Ralph Northam will leave office in 2021. In 2019, Northam became the subject of a blackface [scandal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Northam#Yearbook_discoveries_and_apology_for_blackface) when yearbook photos emerged showing him in blackface at a party. Northam apologized for the incident and received calls to resign, he did not resign and pledged to address Virginia's racial inequities. 2019 saw another scandal in the Northam administration when his lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, was accused of sexual assault, he has denied the allegations. \n \nThe current list of Democrats who have declared their candidacy are: \n* Justin Fairfax - Incumbent Lieutenant Governor. \n* Jennifer Carroll Foy - Former member of the Virginia House of Delegates (2018-2020) \n* Terry McAuliffe - Former Governor of Virginia (2014-2018) and former Chairman of the DNC (2001-2005). \n* Jennifer McClellan - State Senator \n \nThe Current list of Republicans who have declared their candidacy are: \n* Amanda Chase - State Senator \n* Kirk Cox - State Delegate and Former Speaker of the Virginia House (2018-2020). \n* Kurt Santini - U.S. Army Veteran \n \n**Other Questions**. \nJennifer Carroll Foy has been endorsed by several progressive organizations and individuals and Terry McAuliffe has been endorsed by moderate politicians. How will the larger progressive/moderate divide show itself in Virginia? \n \nThe election is scheduled to take place on November 2, 2021 almost a year to the day of the 2020 Presidential election. How will 10 months of a Biden Administration affect the election?","upvotes":41,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"Universal Basic Income in the US: How would it be implemented?","created_at":1608889804.0,"id":"kjqzvj","n_comments":144,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kjqzvj/universal_basic_income_in_the_us_how_would_it_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Andrew Yang, one of the potential candidates for the presidency under the Dems back before Biden took the reigns, has made it a point in his political endeavors to push for Universal Basic Income (UBI) in the US. In theory, this would allow a bare-minimum living wage ($1K per month according to Yang) as a right for all adult US citizens.\n\nBut even putting aside the changes to US taxation policy that would be required to finance such a policy, and the possible ethical concerns that come from it, how would Washington go about implementing UBI on a national scale should it prove successful? Would it perhaps be better off as something instituted on a municipal or state level basis by lower levels of government? And depending on any regional variations in UBI that would come with differing economics and population densities nationwide, would there be a risk of developing the capitalist equivalent of China's 'hukou' system of regional population management?","upvotes":107,"user_id":"AlternativeQuality2"},{"content":"The Democratic Party says the rich should pay their fair share of taxes. Should the party define how much \"their fair share\" actually is?","created_at":1608872151.0,"id":"kjmoae","n_comments":92,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kjmoae/the_democratic_party_says_the_rich_should_pay/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Getting the rich to pay their fair share of taxes has long been a Democratic talking point. The official party platform calls for this as well, with the following language:\n\n\"We will make sure the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes.\"\n\nHowever, the party does not specify exactly how much it considers to be \"fair.\"\n\nWould it be to the party's advantage to put more specifics around what is fair? For example, would a line in the sand help to pull in well-off voters who worry about potentially limitless tax increases? Or would specifics actually do more harm than good, say because Democrats themselves disagree on the answer, or for some other reason?","upvotes":31,"user_id":"Rrolack"},{"content":"About the Spending / Relief Bill and Foreign Aid","created_at":1608864836.0,"id":"kjkmrk","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kjkmrk/about_the_spending_relief_bill_and_foreign_aid/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I keep hearing about how a decent chunk of the spending / relief bill is for foreign aid. Given the situation of struggling Americans, why is this a priority? Do we receive aid from other countries? And (my history sucks) is this some leftover thing from one of those after-WW2 treaties?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"thepianoman456"},{"content":"How was redlining for Jews and other european groups different than for African-Americans?","created_at":1608865423.0,"id":"kjksqq","n_comments":209,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kjksqq/how_was_redlining_for_jews_and_other_european/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I recently found out that Jews were also redlined from certain neighborhoods as well as African-Americans. Redlining is often used to explain the lack of economic prosperity among black people in the United States but despite Jews being redlined in several cities, they are one of the most prosperous ethnic groups in the US. \n\nPS: I'm black myself, just want to be more knowledgeable on things.","upvotes":596,"user_id":"loosemon"},{"content":"Trump pardons","created_at":1608812171.0,"id":"kj8j5l","n_comments":80,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kj8j5l/trump_pardons/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Donald Trump has granted pardons and commuted the sentences of more than 40 people since Tuesday, many of them former aides and longtime loyalists.\nThey include several former campaign figures, multiple former Republican lawmakers, a Dutch lawyer charged as part of the Russia investigation, the father of Trump\u2019s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and four former government contractors convicted of killing Iraqi civilians.\n\nWhat are the implications of this move for the future governance of the US? Should the Biden administration respond in some way? Should Robert Mueller make a more forceful statement than he has?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What can governments do to address the obesity crisis?","created_at":1608805498.0,"id":"kj6t2t","n_comments":112,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kj6t2t/what_can_governments_do_to_address_the_obesity/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Around the world more and more people are becoming overweight/obese, for instance it's been reported recently that over 50% of Chinese adults are now overweight, and before COVID poor diet was cited by the New York Times as the leading cause of death in the United States. And of course COVID has only exacerbated the situation as obesity is a significant risk factor for serious disease/death. \n\n\nWhy has there been such little political will across the planet to combat this? Have any countries successfully fought back and significantly lowered obesity rates, much as how rich countries managed to lower the smoking rate in the 90s and 2000s? What can public health officials actually do to combat the rising rates of obesity?","upvotes":48,"user_id":"sinfoid"},{"content":"What do you expect the reaction will be to Trump pardoning himself and/or his children?","created_at":1608801002.0,"id":"kj5mrn","n_comments":181,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kj5mrn/what_do_you_expect_the_reaction_will_be_to_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Another round of pardons dropped tonight including Charlie Kushner, Jared Kushner\u2019s father. Arguably the closest Trump has gotten to pardoning family. \n\nWith speculation growing that Trump will pardon himself or his children for \u201cevents not yet charged\u201d what do you think the reaction/outcome will be? There seems to be some disagreement on whether a person can pardon themselves with some expecting it to be further litigated if Trump attempts it.","upvotes":92,"user_id":"missmegz1492"},{"content":"Andrew Yang files papers to run for mayor of New York","created_at":1608794143.0,"id":"kj3o33","n_comments":341,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kj3o33/andrew_yang_files_papers_to_run_for_mayor_of_new/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former 2020 U.S. presidential contender, has filed papers to run for mayor of New York City as a Democrat in next year\u2019s elections. \nIs this a good next step for Yang to achieve his presidential ambitions? \nDoes Yang have what it takes to be a significant player on the national stage? \nHow will his ideas like a universal basic income stand the test of time?","upvotes":2662,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"With China burgeoning and the USA in relative decline globally, s a Thucydides Trap situation inevitable between the USA and China going forward?","created_at":1608791221.0,"id":"kj2sgo","n_comments":337,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kj2sgo/with_china_burgeoning_and_the_usa_in_relative/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many academics have been arguing that some form of conflict between the emerging superpower and the superpower being displaced is inevitable in years to come. Most notable is Graham Allison with his Thucydides Trap argument, in which he argues a very likely chance of direct conflict between the two powers simply due to the way power dynamics tend to play out between emerging and established great powers. Donald Trump's eclectic rhetoric in the last few years aside, politicians in both countries are generally showing a lack of desire for such outcomes while the respective countries behave in ways that would support such an argument. Chinese officials insist that they're focused on economic prosperity of theirs and other partner countries first and foremost, while US officials insist they merely want to see China integrate into the established order and all can prosper as well. Meanwhile military posturing, trade disputes, political factors surrounding COVID or the potential for a developed China to remove US 'exorbitant privilege' should they develop a larger and more robust economy are seemingly driving the nations closer to conflict. \n\n\nIt does seem as though the power dynamics are pushing the two toward conflict despite any political will to avoid it, which might validate the Thucydides Trap theory. \n\n\nThoughts?","upvotes":310,"user_id":"Kanebross1"},{"content":"[META] Housekeeping time! We're looking for new moderators. Also, a few notes on the state of the subreddit.","created_at":1608773582.0,"id":"kixc5n","n_comments":82,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kixc5n/meta_housekeeping_time_were_looking_for_new/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hi all,\n\nWe're finally on the other side of the 2020 Presidential elections. It's been a busy couple months on the subreddit and users and mods alike can breath a sigh of relief knowing that we've seen roughly a 50% drop in traffic over the past month (which is typical following a presidential election).\n\nWith a bit of a lull, we thought it would be a good time to recalibrate and do a little light housekeeping.\n\nFirst of all, I'd like to thank the subscribers for continuing to make this a great community for discussion. Maintaining a large, online, anonymous political discussion forum during extremely contentious times is extremely difficult, full stop. Given those inherent challenges, I'm consistently impressed with the thoughtfulness and quality of much of the content here and a lot of the credit goes to the userbase. \n\nI also want to give a huge thanks to /u/The_Egalitarian for their tremendous moderation work over the past few months. They've done a staggering amount of work on behalf of the community. Moderating can be somewhat grueling work, especially during the build up to an election, and Egalitarian has taken on the brunt of that work. Thank you also to the rest of the other moderators who have helped keep the machine running. (I'm a back bencher so I feel comfortable praising the mod team.) In that vein, at the bottom of this post will be a moderator application. I encourage folks who are interested to apply.\n\n---\n\nMoving past the rainbows and butterflies, we know there are plenty of issues that persist and so I'd like to hone in on what I view as the major one.\n\n**Quality and Tone of Content**\n\nThere continue to be issues with low investment content and incivility. The two biggest contributors to this issue, in my opinion, are largely external. First, when I joined the subreddit 4 years ago, we had 82k users. We now have more than 1.1 million. When the user base grows that substantially, the nature of discussion will change. Second, the American political environment has become extraordinarily divisive and totalizing, which is also reflected in this community. Those issues are layered onto the fact that running a constructive anonymous online forum is difficult in the first place.\n\nAs moderators, we've tried to make changes to the subreddit to adapt to these changes. We've created a casual questions thread, switched from an \"approved-by-default\" to \"removed-by-default\" method, revised our rules, and even restricted access from new accounts in the lead-up to the election.\n\nUnfortunately, I don't think those actions and the others we've taken have done enough to compensate for the larger meta-issues noted above. Despite the overall impressive level of quality in the subreddit, I agree with the feedback we've been hearing from users that there has been some degree of deterioration over the past several years.\n\nBut we can improve and we will continue to strive to make this a place for constructive discussion where a range of opinions can be talked through constructively. We do need your help, though. To that end:\n\n* **Your individual actions make a difference** - this is just a huge thing I want to highlight off the bat. Although the subreddit is large, your individual actions can have an outsize impact. Creating a new submission that opens up a substantive avenue of discussion, for example, can create space for hundreds of meaningful exchanges. Refraining from making snide remarks, flushing out your thoughts, being generous in your readings of other users' comments (I fail at this frequently) - they actually do make a difference. Please keep this in mind.\n\n* **Echo chamber** - I think it's clear that this subreddit (and reddit as a whole) has a strong left-leaning bias. That's not inherently problematic, but becomes so when lower quality content aligned with the political opinions of the userbase is elevated and higher quality content cutting against the grain is quieted. Please be generous with other users even when you disagree with the views they express. Downvote sparingly, if at all, and make sure you're not downvoting on the basis of disagreement. Conversely, don't upvote just on the matter of agreement.\n\n* **Low investment content** - don't post low investment content, including memes, jokes, short quips, standalone links, etc. If you see it, report it - and certainly don't upvote it. I think we as moderators can also do a better job enforcing our rules on low investment and uncivil content and we'll aim to do so.\n\n---\n\nAs mentioned, we're looking for new moderators. If you have the time and are interested, please fill out the below form. While moderating experience is preferred, it's not required. Mods from across the political spectrum are welcome:\n\nhttps://forms.gle/5NBJCoCN7RAoraGs8\n\n---\n\nPlease feel free to use this thread to discuss meta the subreddit and this housekeeping update. I'd like to keep this as constructive as possible.\n\nHappy holidays and happy early new year to all!","upvotes":99,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"If Communism became an effective system and everyone is equal, would progress overall slow down?","created_at":1608735702.0,"id":"kioays","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.59,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kioays/if_communism_became_an_effective_system_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So this has always been an interesting topic I've discussed in my sociology and psychology classes. Essentially it's a thought excersize. The point is, that we advance as a society through struggle, and it doesn't have to be just social change, but also scientific. \n\nSo the big question, if everyone is equal in a communist society (ie: textbook definition, nothing like USSR, China, or really any nation to date) would advancement in technology and other social issues stagnate or speed up?\n\nAn example of change through struggle was the Dark Age transitioning through the Rennisance and pretty much the entirety of the Enlightenment when democracy became a thing again, and the entire 20th century because of wars and clashing economic and social ideologies.","upvotes":8,"user_id":"CooperHChurch427"},{"content":"Should Article 3 Section 3 of the Pennsylvania constitution be passed as a Federal Constitutional Amendment?","created_at":1608726086.0,"id":"kilyra","n_comments":289,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kilyra/should_article_3_section_3_of_the_pennsylvania/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Article 3 Section 3 of the Pennsylvania Constitution: \"No bill shall be passed containing more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title, except a general appropriation bill or a bill codifying or compiling the law or a part thereof.\"","upvotes":1081,"user_id":"BlerStar95"},{"content":"Who is your Political \"One that got away\"?","created_at":1608722658.0,"id":"kil0ws","n_comments":393,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kil0ws/who_is_your_political_one_that_got_away/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We've all had people in our lives who we adored, fell madly in love with, perhaps unrequited or from afar, and the timing never quite works out and your lives move on. But, you always look back on them fondly and wonder 'what could have been'. The same is true of politics: We all have our 'what if' candidates.\n\nWho is a former political candidate that meets those criteria for you and why? Who did you primary for that the rest of your party rejected? Who should have ran for something but didn't? How would this candidate have faired if they had been selected or won? How would the direction of the country been different?","upvotes":55,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Should the powers of the presidency be curtailed? Why or why not?","created_at":1608704745.0,"id":"kifmtu","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kifmtu/should_the_powers_of_the_presidency_be_curtailed/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Over the last four years (and really prior as well), we've seen the power of the presidency become greater and greater. For example, the pardon power is established by the Constitution, but should it be absolute and unquestionable? Bill Clinton pardoned Marc Rich, Donald Trump pardoned Michael Flynn, both close to the respective presidents and raising an air of impropriety.\n\nExecutive Orders have been used to shape policy in ways that were likely unimaginable to the founding fathers to be unitary actions by presidents of both parties. Obama established DACA by executive order, Trump enacted travel bans. What's a bridge too far that requires legislative action?\n\nAre there other presidential powers that should be reviewed and curtailed (or expanded)?\n\nEDIT: Misspelled word.","upvotes":25,"user_id":"jds2001"},{"content":"Should there be limits put on the size of a bill / amount of time between a bill leaving committee and a vote?","created_at":1608698707.0,"id":"kidoo6","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.78,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kidoo6/should_there_be_limits_put_on_the_size_of_a_bill/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We just had the 1 trillion dollar covid relief bill. This bill had over 5000 pages in it and was given to congress people only a few hours before the vote. Obviously people are outraged about this, and even some want the President to symbolically veto the bill even though it has a veto proof majority in congress. Should congress be allowed to pass thousand page bills without congress people being given time to read it?","upvotes":17,"user_id":"BlerStar95"},{"content":"Earlier today, U.S. Census Bureau estimates came out showing that between 2019 and 2020, California's population has declined by 69,532 people. This is the first time California's population has shrunk since it became a state. What will the political ramifications of a shrinking California be?","created_at":1608699038.0,"id":"kidsgz","n_comments":160,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kidsgz/earlier_today_us_census_bureau_estimates_came_out/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[**Source**](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technical-documentation/research/evaluation-estimates.html)\n\nOn July 01, 2019, California's population was estimated at 39,437,610.\n\nOn July 01, 2020, California's population was estimated at 39,368,078.\n\nThat is a decrease of 69,532, or 0.18%.\n\nCalifornia has long been known for being a fast-growing state, but in recent years, population growth in the state has stagnated, culminating in the Census Bureau estimating it'd lose population for the first time since it became a state. Aside from a loss in congressional seats for California, what will a shrinking California mean for both the state itself and the nation? Will the state begin to lose influence and importance in national politics? And do you all expect its population to rebound during the 2020s, or do you expect its population to shrink even faster as years go by?\n\nOn the other hand, Texas' population grew even faster between 2019 and 2020 (+373,965) then it did between 2018 and 2019 (+362,230). Is it inevitable that Texas' population will surpass California's population, and if so, when do you estimate it'll happen, and what will that mean for the country?","upvotes":244,"user_id":"AAAbbasi786"},{"content":"Why do so many people vote against things that would seem to benefit them?","created_at":1608670805.0,"id":"ki4w1u","n_comments":176,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ki4w1u/why_do_so_many_people_vote_against_things_that/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Thinking about the people voting against raising taxes on tax brackets they will never reach, uninsured people being against healthcare reform that would benefit them directly. Anyone have any ideas or good reading on this?","upvotes":83,"user_id":"wilson_123"},{"content":"How Should the US Respond to Increasing Russian-Chinese Military Partnership?","created_at":1608681871.0,"id":"ki845u","n_comments":34,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ki845u/how_should_the_us_respond_to_increasing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Given increasing tensions with both nations in recent yeara I would like to begin a discussion on this, with the basis being this news story today:\n\n**Russian & Chinese Bombers Flying Joint Pacific Patrol**\n\nhttps://apnews.com/article/beijing-vladimir-putin-moscow-russia-east-china-sea-dfe0b31a067eea6311109922c1c263aa","upvotes":15,"user_id":"suddenimpulse"},{"content":"What are the defining political texts of the 21st century so far?","created_at":1608685089.0,"id":"ki966r","n_comments":437,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ki966r/what_are_the_defining_political_texts_of_the_21st/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"To clarify, this includes any speech, essay, article, opinion piece, book, novel, etc. that you believe is of significance and will be commonly reflected on, taught in schools, or referenced by future political figures. \n\nWhat first comes to mind for me are Barack Obama's 2004 Democratic convention speech, his New Hampshire primary speech (ie \"Yes we can\"), and his announcement that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. The Stare of the Union address which contained a Republican representative shouting \"you lie\" seems important as well.\n\nGeorge Bush's \"Mission Accomplished\" speech is the major one that comes to mind from his time in office. I was fairly young at the time, but I'm struggling to think of another particular speech of his of note, though I'm sure there are some examples surrounding 9/11, going into Iraq, and catching Saddam Hussein.","upvotes":658,"user_id":"Giantpanda602"},{"content":"Who are/were the most effective politicians in recent years who had little or no political experience prior to taking office? What are the greatest strengths and weaknesses of being an \"outsider\" politician?","created_at":1608625355.0,"id":"khty4q","n_comments":55,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/khty4q/who_arewere_the_most_effective_politicians_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"By \"Outsider Politician\" I mean people who held only small or minor political positions before entering politics, people very new to politics, or politicians who had no prior political experience. Examples fitting this description might include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, Donald Trump, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ronald Reagan, Dwight Eisenhower, Ross Perot among others. \n \nThroughout American history, there has always existed a class of career politicians. These people spend most of their careers in politics and are in the public view for decades. Many career politicians have served as Presidents, governors, and powerful members of Congress. However, every so often political outsiders have appeared on the stage to challenge and defeat entrenched politicians for powerful positions. Many of these outsiders have run on populist platforms, harnessed popular discontent against the establishment, used their independent wealth and status, or used the power of media and grassroots organizing. \n \nThe most famous recent example of this type of politician is Donald Trump and his successful 2016 campaign for President. Trump ran a populist campaign as an outsider and a desire to \"drain the swamp\" and leveraged his career in business and widespread name recognition as part of his campaign. In the other side, many progressives, most famous Alexandria Ocassio-Cortez, have won seats to Congress with little or no prior experience against long-serving politicians. \n \nQuestions: \n*Who were/are the most effective outsider politicians? \n*Who were the least effective? \n*What are the chief strengths and weaknesses of outsider politicians? \n*Do you believe we will see more success from outsider politicians or less? \n*Do you think an outsider politician be elected to a powerful position (ie. President) in the near future?","upvotes":64,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"Considering the recent developments around the current administration failing to communicate with the Biden transition team, what could this spell in terms of national security and the like?","created_at":1608620536.0,"id":"khsiow","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/khsiow/considering_the_recent_developments_around_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I remember reading somewhere that the lack in cooperation in between the Clinton and Bush administration created a situation that allowed 9/11 to happen without as nearly as much alarm from internal intelligence agencies beforehand, but don\u2019t take my word on that. \n\nI\u2019m just looking at the current situation, including the recent Russian hacks of the SolarWinds software that most US agencies used, and trying to keep things in perspective considering how different things are from 2001 to now.","upvotes":6,"user_id":"FrustratedMTguy"},{"content":"In what ways has social media had a negative impact on political discourse?","created_at":1608599069.0,"id":"khldaq","n_comments":386,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/khldaq/in_what_ways_has_social_media_had_a_negative/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Statistics show that our nation is more divided than it ever has been, and those numbers also show that we have become significantly more divided over the past decade. Is there a correlation between the increased use of social media and division among americans?","upvotes":481,"user_id":"Specialist_Play_4558"},{"content":"Should Biden select Doug Jones as his AG? and why is he the reported \"favorite?\"","created_at":1608611315.0,"id":"khphg8","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/khphg8/should_biden_select_doug_jones_as_his_ag_and_why/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Besides a purported easy confirmation with Bi-Partisan support, why is Doug Jones the guy for the job? and will he go after Trump and others for crimes laid out in the Mueller Report? or would his appointment be seen as a d\u00e9tente by Democrats in their prosecution of Trump. \n\nMSM claims Doug is the favorite. What makes them think that, are they pressuring for Doug over Sally Yates and why?\n\n[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-10/jones-has-bipartisan-edge-if-biden-picks-him-as-attorney-general](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-10/jones-has-bipartisan-edge-if-biden-picks-him-as-attorney-general)","upvotes":12,"user_id":"Yakhov"},{"content":"Would Republican senators rubber-stamp a candidate for Attorney General after Christmas recess?","created_at":1608603818.0,"id":"khmwxj","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/khmwxj/would_republican_senators_rubberstamp_a_candidate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Trump seems eager to have someone appointed as special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden. AG Barr is unwilling & is resigning. Does this mean that there will be no special counsels until a new AG is confirmed? Are Republican senators willing to keep embracing Trump in order to win in Georgia? Enough so as to rubber-stamp lawyer Sidney Powell if Trump were to nominate her as AG? Would Democrats have the means to prevent this?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"PDX_Stan"},{"content":"Casual Questions Thread","created_at":1608570011.0,"id":"khdnjx","n_comments":3542,"percentage_upvoted":0.99,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/khdnjx/casual_questions_thread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a place for the Political Discussion community to ask questions that may not deserve their own post. \n\nPlease observe the following rules:\n\n**Top-level comments:**\n-\n1. **Must be a question asked in good faith.** Do not ask [loaded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question) or [rhetorical questions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question).\n\n2. **Must be directly related to politics.** \nNon-politics content includes: Interpretations of constitutional law, sociology, philosophy, celebrities, news, surveys, etc.\n\n3. **Avoid highly speculative questions.** All scenarios should within the realm of reasonable possibility.\n\n-\n\nSort by new and please keep it clean in here!","upvotes":96,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"In 2002, Germany amended its constitution to oblige the state to protect the dignity of animals. Should non-human animals be afforded specific legal rights? If so, what should be the extent of those rights?","created_at":1608546768.0,"id":"kh85bo","n_comments":172,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kh85bo/in_2002_germany_amended_its_constitution_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2002, German law was [amended](https://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/06/21/germany.animals/index.html#:~:text=BERLIN%2C%20Germany%20%2D%2D%20Animal%20rights,protect%20the%20dignity%20of%20humans.) to enshrine protection of the dignity of animals in its constitution. Should non-human animals be afforded legal rights? If so, what should those rights be and how should they be held? If not, why not?\n\nHow might legal protections for non-human animals change in the next 10-20 years?\n\nIf an animal rights movement were to gain ground in the United States, how would this layer onto partisan politics?\n\nEdit: per this [comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kh85bo/in_2002_germany_amended_its_constitution_to/ggl4gb2/), it seems like the linked CNN article may contain some errors.","upvotes":457,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Will President Trump make a credible attempt to stay in office past January 20th?","created_at":1608520392.0,"id":"kh04fg","n_comments":131,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kh04fg/will_president_trump_make_a_credible_attempt_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With reports surfacing yesterday that President Trump allegedly floated idea of declaring [Martial Law](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/19/oval-office-meeting-trump-martial-law-powell-flynn-diamond-sot-nr-vpx.cnn) in order to force certain swing states to redo their elections, do you believe the President will make a credible attempt to stay in office past January 20th, 2021 and if so, is there a chance he is successful?","upvotes":59,"user_id":"TimTime333"},{"content":"Why was Jesse Ventura's 1998 third party run for Minnesota Governor successful? Can other American third parties learn from his campaign? Or were the circumstances of his win unique to that race?","created_at":1608527887.0,"id":"kh2k7x","n_comments":37,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kh2k7x/why_was_jesse_venturas_1998_third_party_run_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 1998 former professional wrestler and mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Jesse Ventura, representing the Reform Party, was elected Governor of Minnesota with 37% of the vote beating out the Republican and DFL (ie. Democratic) candidates. The race was considered a historic upset and the only major win for the Reform Party, formed by Ross Perot in 1995. Perot himself ran as a third party candidate in the 1992 and 1996, winning 18% of the vote in the 1992, the best showing of any third party candidate in history. \n \nThird parties, the largest among them the Green Party and Libertarian Party, are often relegated to the sidelines of American politics. Many point to the existence of the \"First-past-the-post\" system and the dominance of the Republican and Democratic parties as chief reasons for this. \n \nThe structures that allow for a two-party system are formidable, while third parties advocate for more multiparty friendly atmosphere, can they take lessons from Mr. Ventura's successful run in their own quest to win local/state/federal elections? Or was what happened in Minnesota something that could not be easily replicated?","upvotes":90,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"What needs to happen at the federal level to ensure stronger cyber security?","created_at":1608522217.0,"id":"kh0pke","n_comments":268,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kh0pke/what_needs_to_happen_at_the_federal_level_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the current hacking allegations against the Russian government, it makes me think that we are horribly unprepared for any form of cyber warfare. I know the POTUS started a new cyber security agency a few years ago but clearly that wasn\u2019t enough.","upvotes":571,"user_id":"adimo101"},{"content":"My Pillow Founder Mike Lindell Is Considering a Run for Minnesota Governorship in 2022, What are his Chances ?","created_at":1608459981.0,"id":"kglp3l","n_comments":65,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kglp3l/my_pillow_founder_mike_lindell_is_considering_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Minnesota has shown a predlictions electing eccenctricts with Jesse Ventura having won on a third party label and Al Franken having won a senate seat. Mike Lindell does have an inspiring story of overcoming addiction that might resonate well. Against him however, is the fact that the MN GOP hasn't won a statewide election since 2006 and while the state was fairly close in 2016 it swung pretty hard towards Biden who got a comfortable 7 points victory in that state. Mike Lindell has carved a reputation as a hard-core trump partisan and called the election results rigged.\n\nWhat are his chances of being governor ?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"AcceptableWay"},{"content":"Opinion of Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act(Cheeseburger Bill)","created_at":1608462575.0,"id":"kgmea2","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kgmea2/opinion_of_personal_responsibility_in_food/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Responsibility_in_Food_Consumption_Act\n\n\"Also known as the Cheeseburger Bill, sought to protect producers and retailers of foods\u2014such as McDonald's Corporation\u2014from an increasing number of suits and class action suits by obese consumers. To date these suits have been turned down by the courts, sometimes in strong terms. The Act was a House Resolution. It never became a law\n \nThe Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2005, and did receive a Senate vote. The Act states that food-producing or retailing corporations cannot be legally held responsible for obesity, heart disease, or other health-related issues caused by consumption of their food, save for situations where actual food quality or handling was held responsible for such issues.\n\nThe bill was reintroduced in 2005 by Florida Republican Congressman Ric Keller. Keller had taken the maximum level of PAC donations up to $300,000 for his personal campaign funding from restaurants including McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King. On October 19, 2005, it once again passed the House with a 306-120 votealthough Keller actually missed the vote due to being rushed to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia. Once again, it failed to achieve a Senate vote.\"\n\nOpinion of the bill and should it pass?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"alandakillah123"},{"content":"What\u2019s the GOP\u2019s incentive to pass a stimulus bill right now?","created_at":1608483232.0,"id":"kgqvmc","n_comments":110,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kgqvmc/whats_the_gops_incentive_to_pass_a_stimulus_bill/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With Trump entering his final month as president, the economic benefits from this stimulus package will almost certainly - and exclusively - boost Joe Biden\u2019s presidency, not Trump\u2019s. \n\nAs for the Georgia runoffs, the registration deadline has already passed; several recent polls have shown republicans (narrowly) ahead; and it\u2019s not clear the race is being fought so much over issues & ideology than it is a base turnout numbers game. In either case, $1 trillion is no small price to pay for a non-guaranteed outcome.\n\nSo why at this exact moment? Many analysts predicted that if another stimulus were to pass, it would have happened before the election, when both parties could claim credit.","upvotes":88,"user_id":"MarkusEF"},{"content":"What does \u201cWell regulated militia\u201d mean to you? What organizations do (or don\u2019t) deserve to be called that? Should Congress impose regulations on private militias?","created_at":1608445292.0,"id":"kghmvj","n_comments":213,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kghmvj/what_does_well_regulated_militia_mean_to_you_what/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What does \u201cWell regulated militia\u201d mean to you? What organizations do (or don\u2019t) deserve to be called that? Should Congress impose regulations on private militias?\n\nThis is definitely a controversial topic, but there are so many groups that appear to blur the line these days.","upvotes":49,"user_id":"revbfc"},{"content":"Trickle down vs. Trickle up economics?","created_at":1608442834.0,"id":"kggww1","n_comments":396,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kggww1/trickle_down_vs_trickle_up_economics/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I realize this is more of an economic discussion, but it\u2019s undoubtedly rooted in politics. What are some benefits and examples of each?\n\nDo we have concrete examples of what lower class individuals do with an injection of cash and capital or with tax breaks? Are there concrete examples of how trickle down economics have succeeded in their intended efforts?\n\nIf we were to implement more \u201ctrickle up\u201d type policies, what would be some examples and how would we implement them?","upvotes":480,"user_id":"puppymasterdeluxe"},{"content":"PSA: Do not downvote content on the basis of disagreement.","created_at":1608435797.0,"id":"kgeqz8","n_comments":134,"percentage_upvoted":0.68,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kgeqz8/psa_do_not_downvote_content_on_the_basis_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Stop downvoting other users' comments on the basis of disagreement. It discourages people with less popular ideas from participating in the conversation. This subreddit is about fostering political discussion, not squelching it. Let your comments and ideas speak for themselves. If a comment breaks the rules, just report it and move on.\n\nThere's really not much else to be said here. If you're not able to disagree with a comment or remark without downvoting it, this subreddit isn't a good place for you.","upvotes":95,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Which statewide trends will continue?","created_at":1608393302.0,"id":"kg3sul","n_comments":65,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kg3sul/which_statewide_trends_will_continue/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Something interesting to watch in politics over the past 4 election cycles has been the shifting paths to 270 electoral votes for both parties, as Republicans have strengthened in the Rust Belt and Democrats have strengthened in the Sun Belt. Since 2008, 11 states have voted for candidates of both parties (+ ME-2 and NE-2), and there are other relevant states that may soon be on the cusp off tipping. I wanted to assess trends in how the partisan lean of states relative to the national popular vote has changed over time in swing states. Here is what I've found:\n\n​\n\n**States that clearly moved to the left:**\n\n​\n\n|**States**|2008|2012|2016|2020|Delta 2008->2020|Delta 2016->2020|\n|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|\n|**Arizona**|R+15.8|R+12.9|R+5.6|R+4.1|**D +11.7**|**D +1.5**|\n|**Colorado**|D+1.6|D+1.5|D+2.8|D+9.1|**D +9.1**|**D +7.5**|\n|**Georgia**|R+12.5|R+11.7|R+7.2|R+4.1|**D +8.4**|**D +3.1**|\n|**Texas**|R+19.1|R+20.0|R+11.1|R+10.0|**D +9.1**|**D +1.1**|\n|**Virginia**|R+1.0|R+0.0|D+3.2|D+5.7|**D +6.7**|**D +2.5**|\n\n​\n\n**States that clearly moved to the right:**\n\n​\n\n|**States**|2008|2012|2016|2020|Delta 2008->2020|Delta 2016->2020|\n|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|\n|**Florida**|R+4.5|R+3.0|R+3.3|R+7.9|**R +3.4**|**R +4.5**|\n|**Indiana**|R+7.3|R+14.1|R+21.1|R+20.5|**R +13.2**|**D +0.6**|\n|**Iowa**|D+2.2|D+1.9|R+11.5|R+12.6|**R+ 14.8**|**R +1.1**|\n|**Michigan**|D+9.1|D+5.6|R+2.3|R+1.6|**R +10.7**|**D +0.7**|\n|**Nevada**|D+5.2|D+2.8|D+0.3|R+2.0|**R +7.2**|**R +2.3**|\n|**Ohio**|R+2.7|R+0.9|R+10.2|R+12.4|**R +9.7**|**R +2.2**|\n|**Pennsylvania**|D+3.0|D+1.5|R+2.8|R+3.2|**R +6.2**|**R +0.4**|\n|**Wisconsin**|D+6.6|D+3.0|R+2.9|R+3.8|**R +10.4**|**R +0.9**|\n\n​\n\n**States without clear trend (volatile or stagnant):**\n\n​\n\n|**States**|2008|2012|2016|2020|Delta 2008->2020|Delta 2016->2020|\n|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|\n|**Maine**|D+10.0|D+11.4|D+0.8|D+4.7|**R +5.3**|**D +3.9**|\n|**Minnesota**|D+2.9|D+3.8|R+0.6|D+2.7|**R +0.2**|**D +2.1**|\n|**New Hampshire**|D+2.3|D+1.7|R+1.7|D+3.0|**D +0.7**|**D +4.7**|\n|**New Mexico**|D+7.8|D+6.3|D+6.1|D+6.4|**R +1.4**|**D +0.3**|\n|**North Carolina**|R+6.9|R+5.9|D+5.8|D+5.7|**D +1.2**|**D +0.1**|\n\n​\n\n**Observations:**\n\n1. Most of the major shifts were between 2012->2016 rather than 2016-2020. Partisan lean seemed to for the most part been much more stable this election, with a few exceptions (Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine).\n2. North Carolina has been remarkably stable, trending just barely sightly leftward with time. Interestingly - it was most conservative relative to the nation in 2008, despite that being the only time Dems have won thus far. Despite its overall stability, coalitions within NC have changed substantially, with Dems improving significantly in metro areas and Republicans gaining significantly in rural areas. Makes me wonder if Dems are bottoming out with the rural whites in NC as they have elsewhere in the south, thus allowing for more rapid improvement for Dems from metro gains in the coming decade.\n3. Despite being a pretty devastating decade for Democrats as far as the Electoral College is concerned due to massive losses in the Rust Belt, Arizona and Georgia have been bright spots - seemingly stemming in large part from Dems' improvement in Phoenix and Atlanta metros. Will these trends continue and will they follow the path of Virginia and Colorado and become safe states within the next 2 elections? Dems' electoral path to 270+ will become much less precarious if these states continue to trend and become reliably blue (perhaps needing to pick up just 1 of the Rust Belt states or NC).\n4. Texas was surprisingly stable from '16->'20, likely in large part due to Dems hemorrhaging Hispanic voters to balance out their growth in metro Texas. With this in mind (and especially considering how Cornyn and Abbott did much better than Trump), is Texas still fools' gold for the foreseeable future? A lot can change quickly as seen from the Rust Belt states, but my optimism for Dems to be able to pick up Texas by '28 or even '24 is much lower than before I observed these trends.\n5. The Rust Belt attrition has been utterly brutal for Dems. The Blue Wall states is at this point a picket fence at best. Will these trends in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin continue? Fascinating to see that all 3 of these states were to the left of Minnesota as recently as '08. Is Trump just that good of a candidate for these states or are Dems going to have to kiss these goodbye soon (Wisconsin especially). I don't know much about trends within these states, but I do wonder if Philly + Pittsburgh and Detroit should be enough to keep these states competitive. I also wonder if rural whites are starting to bottom out for Dems in these states and if suburban improvement will reverse these trends in these states.\n6. What the heck is going on in Nevada? Whereas AZ and Colorado have run to the left, Nevada has gone in the complete opposite direction. Florida has similarly gone against the geographic grain, but I think that can be more readily explained by migration + improvement with Hispanic vote (yes Nevada has a high Hispanic population, but so do AZ, CO, NV hence my confusion).\n\n​\n\n**States to watch for and demographics to observe in the coming decade:**\n\n1. Will GA, AZ, NC trend to Dems this decade? I would not be surprised if 2+ of these states are to the left of 2+ of the Blue Wall/picket fence states by '24.\n2. Will we see continued improvement in the suburbs for Dems or do they flip if Republicans present a more palatable option than Trump?\n3. Will we see continued improvement for Republicans in rural and in cities, or have Republicans maxed out their votes in rural America and will urban games remain relatively marginal?","upvotes":34,"user_id":"imamfinmonster"},{"content":"Supposing a reorganization of conventional police departments DOES occur, how would it play out?","created_at":1608379324.0,"id":"kg0sq4","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kg0sq4/supposing_a_reorganization_of_conventional_police/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Literally 'defunding the police' is almost by definition a tall order, but less extreme is the systematic restructuring and disarmament of the police; making it so average cops don't have access to military-grade hardware, and that law enforcement personnel in general are given higher training requirements to enter more demanding positions in the force.\n\nBut there's been fairly little discussion of how it would be done logistically and politically, which in the long term will undoubtedly be needed. On paper, the idea calls for a model that would suggest breaking up municipal and/or regional police departments into various smaller departments tasked with dealing with specific fields of crime and law enforcement (traffic cop duties, neighborhood watch, drug traffic investigation, threats of domestic terrorism, etc); in theory, this would allow for less demand on the resources of local authorities, and on the psyches of those employed by them.\n\nIn short, the officer pulling you over for a DUI or speeding ticket would no longer be the same one who is still suffering PTSD from a hostage situation gone wrong or just came out of cleaning up after a murder-suicide.\n\nBut ultimately, this doesn't answer the question of the processes and politics that would be needed to get something like this put together, nor what state and/or county level variations will be needed for different parts of the US.","upvotes":20,"user_id":"AlternativeQuality2"},{"content":"Russian internet security breach","created_at":1608380685.0,"id":"kg14wd","n_comments":370,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kg14wd/russian_internet_security_breach/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Russia has apparently made a historic cyber breach of US government agencies and companies. \n\nDescribing the country\u2019s cyber defences as extraordinarily vulnerable and weak, Sen Mitt Romney said: \u201cIn this setting, not to have the White House aggressively speaking out and protesting and taking punitive action is really, really quite extraordinary.\u201d\n\nIs this a big deal? What went wrong? What should the US response be, politically and technologically? Will US-Russia ties change when Biden takes charge?","upvotes":811,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What was the federal governments response to COVID-19, and what should/could they have done?","created_at":1608298021.0,"id":"kff01d","n_comments":24,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kff01d/what_was_the_federal_governments_response_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Basically I\u2019m under the impression that the Trump admin flopped their covid response, but to try and be fair and unbiased I\u2019d like to know, what did they actually do? Did the COVID task force with Pence accomplish anything?\n\nOff the top of my head I can think of operation Warp Speed, and also cutting off air travel to China in March. But what are some things they could have done, say that other countries did, that would have made a better impact?","upvotes":17,"user_id":"Playerhata"},{"content":"Does Tom Cotton have a path to the Republican nomination?","created_at":1608361249.0,"id":"kfvv18","n_comments":108,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kfvv18/does_tom_cotton_have_a_path_to_the_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The junior US Senator from Arkansas is widely seen as a candidate for the 2024 Republican Presidential nomination. Recent trips to [New Hampshire](https://www.businessinsider.com/tom-cotton-laying-groundwork-2024-presidential-run-new-hampshire-2020-10) as well as frequent campaigning for GOP candidates in [Iowa](https://twitter.com/joniernst/status/1310634685542871042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1310634685542871042%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftalkelections.org%2FFORUM%2Findex.php%3Ftopic%3D348884.225) and Georgia have only bolstered belief that the Senator is going to run.\n\nSenator Cotton will bring an impressive resume to the primaries: \n\n* Harvard BA and JD \n\n* Army Infantry Officer with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan\n\n* Management Consultant McKinsey and Company \n\n* US Representative AR-4 \n\n* US Senator for a decade come 2024 \n\n* Prime-time speaker GOP convention 2016, 2020\n\nBut questions have been raised about Senator Cotton's charisma and unwillingness to bend from hard line ideological conservatism. Can he succeed in a primary against candidates with higher name ID ( Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio) or those more willing to buck traditional GOP stances ( Josh Hawley, Ron DeSantis)?\n\nIs there a path for Sen. Tom Cotton to secure the Republican nomination? And if so, is he electable in a general?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"AccidentalRower"},{"content":"What political incentive does the opposing party in Congress have to work with the President ?","created_at":1608311583.0,"id":"kfhu7n","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kfhu7n/what_political_incentive_does_the_opposing_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I am talking strictly from a pragmatic and political POV. If the opposing party works with the President, the President gets to take credit for the win. If the President fails to get Congress to pass his agenda, the President and his party will get the blame in the mid terms hence benefitting the opposing Congress. Assume you are Majority Leader in Congress(say Senate) and the President is of opposing political party, why would you ever work with the President considering it will make your life harder politically if the President gets a win ?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"KingSlayer94"},{"content":"What are the core ideas espoused by the Democratic and Republican parties? How committed is each party to their core beliefs?","created_at":1608356831.0,"id":"kfufer","n_comments":593,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kfufer/what_are_the_core_ideas_espoused_by_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As stated in the title: \n\n* What are the core ideas espoused by the Democratic and Republican parties?\n\n* How committed are the parties to these ideas? Are they fundamental and relatively stable? Or have they been adopted for purposes of political expedience and can be dropped or adapted as such?\n\n* How have the core ideas of each party changed over the last 20 years?","upvotes":522,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Why did Prop 16 fail in California?","created_at":1608289930.0,"id":"kfcu98","n_comments":111,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kfcu98/why_did_prop_16_fail_in_california/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Prop 16 would have, if passed, restored affirmative action in the state of California. \n\n2020 was a strange election in a lot of ways but with Florida voting for a higher minimum wage, 5 states passing marijuana legislation, and Colorado extending family leave, I was surprised to see that California, which is typically one of the most liberal states in the country, reject Prop 16. Why do you think this is? Do you believe other states will try to pass similar legislature?","upvotes":43,"user_id":"bunsNT"},{"content":"Are there any current or historical examples of left-wing/liberal \"dogwhistles\" or is this phenomenon mostly exclusive to the right?","created_at":1608255777.0,"id":"kf24ls","n_comments":198,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kf24ls/are_there_any_current_or_historical_examples_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There is a wide body of examples of conservative or right-wing \"dogwhistles\" which provide plausible deniability while sending a particular message about one's agenda to a particular audience. Are there any examples of this same practice on the left, either currently or throughout history? Is this practice nearly exclusive to the right, or is it just harder to pick up on if you are within a particular side of the political spectrum but not a part of the specific subgroup meant to receive the message?","upvotes":33,"user_id":"blaqsupaman"},{"content":"What is the political solution for holding the government accountable for labeling people \"Unessential\" and forcing them not to work?","created_at":1608272910.0,"id":"kf7v6g","n_comments":127,"percentage_upvoted":0.59,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kf7v6g/what_is_the_political_solution_for_holding_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've seen business sue the government, most recently in San Diego:\nhttps://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/ruling-exempts-restaurants-strip-clubs-from-shutdown-county-suspending-enforcement/2473654/\n\n>Ruling Exempts San Diego Strip Clubs, Restaurants From Shutdown; County Suspending Enforcement\n\nAnd Supreme Court Justice Alito argue about the constitutional questions of lockdowns and government overstepping it's bounds:\nhttps://thehill.com/homenews/news/525826-justice-alito-coronavirus-has-caused-previously-unimaginable-restrictions-on\n\n>Justice Alito: Coronavirus has caused 'previously unimaginable' restrictions on liberty\n\nAre lawsuits the only path of recourse? Will individuals be able to sue the government for damages, or only businesses? Are there any other paths to reparations for people labeled \"Unessential\"? I suppose we can do recalls, like they threaten to do in CA, or wait til the next elections to vote people out. But it seems like there should be a more expedient way to politically hold governments accountable for labeling their citizens \"Essential\" and \"Unessential\". Am I missing another path? Would there be different solutions in other countries, like Canada or any EU states?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"Gnome_Sane"},{"content":"If Libertarian Socialism existed, what would it look like?","created_at":1608268356.0,"id":"kf6efx","n_comments":59,"percentage_upvoted":0.49,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kf6efx/if_libertarian_socialism_existed_what_would_it/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Libertarian: an advocate or supporter of a political philosophy that advocates only minimal state intervention in the free market and the private lives of citizens.\n\nSocialism: a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Dumbstupidhuman"},{"content":"Is Turkey considered as an ally or partner of NATO and the West ?","created_at":1608252224.0,"id":"kf0x67","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kf0x67/is_turkey_considered_as_an_ally_or_partner_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So with Erdongan more Autocratic and belligerent behaviour towards most of it's neibourg including aggression and threats against Iraq, Lybia Armenia Cypriot and Greece , does Turkey have a place in NATO and as an \" ally \" of the West. Is Turkey a dependable partner or more a liability to it's friends? \n\n\nErdogan behaviour have been questionable with the formation of mercenaries from former terrorists bands like Darech or declaring himself \" heir of the Ottoman emperors \" and turning Hagia Sophia from a Museum to a Mosque. \n\nSo what do you think the futur US administration policy toward Turkey ?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"bivox01"},{"content":"The Next Generation of Democratic Leadership","created_at":1608250985.0,"id":"kf0hyj","n_comments":27,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kf0hyj/the_next_generation_of_democratic_leadership/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It\u2019s no small secret that the Democratic Party has aging leadership with no clear succession available as the leadership consolidated a lot of authority and power during their decades in the position.\n\nNancy Pelosi - Speaker (Likely last term) - Age 80\n\nSteny Hoyer - Majority Leader - Age 81\n\nJim Clyburn - House Whip - Age 80\n\nBen Ray Lujan - Assistant Speaker - Age 41 (Joining Senate)\n\nHakeem Jefferies - Caucus Chairmen - Age 50\n\nChuck Schumer - Minority Leader - Age 70\n\nDick Durbin - Senate Whip - Age 76\n\nStabbenow - Senate Policy Chair - Age 76\n\n\nWith almost all leadership taken and controlled by those who are 70+ and no real clear succession or grooming occurring what happens next as these leaders are either out, replaced, or lose their majority in 2022. \n\nWho are likely to take the reigns of leadership?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"Dreadedvegas"},{"content":"If the Democrats don't win the Georgia Senate races, how hard will it be for them to get anything done?","created_at":1608250399.0,"id":"kf0b08","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kf0b08/if_the_democrats_dont_win_the_georgia_senate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"* I know a lot of Democrats are worried that if they lose the two Senate races in Georgia, it will be impossible for Biden to get anything done. \n* While I understand that it will definitely make things more difficult, will it really make it as hard as people are saying?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"strongerthenbefore20"},{"content":"Joe Biden has picked rep. Deb Haaland to be the first Native American Interior Secretary. What changes can/will Sec. Haaland bring to the Dept. of the Interior, especially relating to tribal relations/US policy on Native Americans? What is the significance of this pick on a societal/ cultural level?","created_at":1608270140.0,"id":"kf6z8a","n_comments":507,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kf6z8a/joe_biden_has_picked_rep_deb_haaland_to_be_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As stated in the title, Joe Biden has [picked](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2020/12/17/deb-haaland-interior-secretary-biden/0) New Mexico Representative [Deb Haaland](https://haaland.house.gov/about) to be the first Native American Secretary of the Interior, and in fact the first Native American cabinet secretary in general. Given that the Department of the Interior oversees roughly 1/5 of all federal land in the United States, and controls several important energy initiatives such as fossil fuel and oil drilling on federal land, what changes can/will Sec. Haaland make to the department? Will federal policy regarding projects trespassing on Native American lands, like the Dakota Access Pipeline be altered/changed, or are these projects likely to continue? What does this pick say more broadly about the state of US society and culture? Additionally, what political implications might this pick have on the composition of the house, if any?","upvotes":1160,"user_id":"MikeMilburysShoe"},{"content":"Who was the most overrated President of the 20th Century?","created_at":1608214293.0,"id":"kerv06","n_comments":733,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kerv06/who_was_the_most_overrated_president_of_the_20th/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Two World Wars, the rise of America as a Global Superpower, the Great Depression, several recessions and economic booms, the Cold War and its proxy wars, culture wars, drug wars, health crises...the 1900s saw a lot of history, and 18 men occupied the White House to oversee it.\n\nWho gets too much credit? Who gets too much glory? Looking back from McKinley to Clinton, which commander-in-chief didn't do nearly as well in the Oval Office as public opinion gives them credit for? And why have you selected your candidate(s)?\n\n[This chart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_rankings_of_presidents_of_the_United_States#Scholar_survey_results) may help some of you get a perspective of how historians have generally agreed upon Presidential rankings.","upvotes":440,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What are the political considerations behind the Trump administration's decision to pursue an unprecedented pace of federal executions?","created_at":1608164908.0,"id":"keccpd","n_comments":34,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/keccpd/what_are_the_political_considerations_behind_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/15/trump-administration-us-death-penalty-executions](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/15/trump-administration-us-death-penalty-executions)\n\n \u201cThe administration\u2019s policies were not just out of step with the historical practices of previous presidents, they were also completely out of step with today\u2019s state practices,\u201d \n\nI just added one of many articles documenting the unprecedented number of federal executions and the decision to continue federal executions during the transition. There are lots of articles documenting what is going on but none that I have looked at have even speculated on why they would choose to do this. \n\nWhat is the political calculus for the Trump administration starting federal executions again and in this manner? \n\nWas it an attempt to rally the base before the election? If so why ramp up the executions after the election? \n\nIs there some other leverage this is applying either to the GOP or the political system as a whole? Is this an attempt to solidify Trump loyalists with an act of perceived toughness to consolidated post-transition power? \n\nCould it be malignant cruelty by Trump, Barr, or others in the administration pushing this policy in spite of the political impact?","upvotes":22,"user_id":"gvarsity"},{"content":"Can Rural Broadband fix America?","created_at":1608173399.0,"id":"kef6x1","n_comments":73,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kef6x1/can_rural_broadband_fix_america/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The past 4 years have shown us that America has larger divides than can be caused by any 1 political candidate. One of the largest divides is between rural and urban America. Over the past 70 years rural towns have seen their best and brightest move to cities to pursue careers that just aren't available in the country. This in turn has caused rural communities to decay; towns are growing older and shrinking, businesses close as they are replaced by Walmarts and Dollar Generals because people can't afford to buy more expensive products, and the growth of corporate farming makes it more and more difficult to operate a family farm. As Rural America has decayed, Rural Americans have grown increasingly susceptible to dangerous conmen promising to return their way of life.\n\nRural Broadband can halt rural decay and here's how.\n- Rural Broadband allows professionals who digitally commute to work from rural communities.\n- Rising housing prices in urban areas have made it increasingly difficult for younger generations to buy homes. This incentivises the purchase of homes in rural areas are on average 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of urban homes.\n- The return of high income jobs to rural communities will help to reinvigorate service industries.\n- Increased tax revenue will bring much needed support to rural schools which and habitually underfunded, in addition broadband enables them to access modern teaching courses available through the internet (AP and advanced college courses).\n\nTo sum up we can help bridge the gap between Rural and Urban America by building rural broadband to reinvigorate rural communities and providing Americans with available and inexpensive housing options.","upvotes":40,"user_id":"caboose365"},{"content":"With Xavier Becerra being chosen by Biden as Secretary of HHS, do you think its possible we will see States enact Medicare for All programs?","created_at":1608184402.0,"id":"keiwvr","n_comments":490,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/keiwvr/with_xavier_becerra_being_chosen_by_biden_as/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Xavier Becerra was chosen by Biden to lead the HHS\n\nMr. Becerra has been a long time supporter of Medicare for All and if nominated to the position of ***Secretary of Human and Health Services***, he will have the power to oversee waivers that can ultimately make it easier for states to create their own Medicare for All type system\n\nFor more info, here's a good article: [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/upshot/becerra-medicare-for-all-waivers-hhs.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/upshot/becerra-medicare-for-all-waivers-hhs.html)\n\nCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom campaigned on the promise to create a state-wide single payer system which shows a large possibility for California to take advantage of Becerra to create a single payer system","upvotes":808,"user_id":"HelloHowRU555"},{"content":"How can the order of state Presidential Primaries be improved?","created_at":1608169958.0,"id":"kee18m","n_comments":77,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kee18m/how_can_the_order_of_state_presidential_primaries/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After the flopped rollout of voting technology for the Iowa caucuses, and objections that the earliest and most-watched primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire were not representative of the Democratic Party, there have been calls to reshuffle the order in which states vote.\n\nHow would you order Presidential primary voting? How could the current pattern be improved to encourage representation? To encourage turnout? Would you create different orders for Democrats than you would the GOP? Why or why not?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"\u201cNonpartisan\u201d democratic senators","created_at":1608069980.0,"id":"kdmbfx","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kdmbfx/nonpartisan_democratic_senators/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"People love to talk a big game about republicans senators who occasionally go against the majority\n-Mitt Romney (R-Utah)\n-Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)\n-Susan Collins (R-Maine)\n\netc. \n\nIn a scenario where the democrats pick up both senate seats in Georgia, who would be the two or three brave souls in the democrat party that would be most likely to occasionally go against the majority like the aforementioned republicans?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"threaljmotm"},{"content":"Is Georgia the next Virginia?","created_at":1608090982.0,"id":"kdt3qt","n_comments":160,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kdt3qt/is_georgia_the_next_virginia/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Up until 2004, Virginia was a reliably Republican state. It voted for President George W. Bush by 8 points. Obama\u2019s victory in the state in 2008 signified a turning point: in 2012, the seemingly \u201csuburban moderate\u201d Romney could not win. And the state is completely out of reach for the GOP.\n\n\nWill Biden\u2019s win in Georgia signify a similar turning point?","upvotes":103,"user_id":"realjasong"},{"content":"President-elect Biden reportedly intends to nominate Pete Buttigieg to be Secretary of Transportation. Is this a good pick? How does this affect his political future?","created_at":1608097012.0,"id":"kdv460","n_comments":726,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kdv460/presidentelect_biden_reportedly_intends_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"News outlets have reported that Biden intends to nominate Pete Buttigieg to be Transportation Secretary. Is he qualified? Is it too small or too large a role? Can he handle it? Will this improve his chances of becoming President in the future?","upvotes":1309,"user_id":"MoneyHungryOctopus"},{"content":"On January 6th, 2021, there will be a joint session in Congress to officially count all the electoral college votes. How might Republicans attempt to stonewall the process in order to prevent Joe Biden from taking office?","created_at":1608057102.0,"id":"kdjdwl","n_comments":241,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kdjdwl/on_january_6th_2021_there_will_be_a_joint_session/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If I state anything incorrect in the following paragraphs, please correct me if necessary:\n\nFor abjections to be heard and debated in the joint session, there needs to be at least two members of the same party who raise the same abjection. And for a state's electoral votes to be rejected or thrown out, it requires a majority in both the House and the Senate to vote in favor of doing so. Of course, the House currently has a Democratic majority, so that scenario is ruled out.\n\nAs a result, Trump and the Republicans' last hope comes down to vice president Mike Pence, who as vice president is also President of the Senate, and is the person tasked with officially unsealing the electoral votes. The votes are then officially counted by two tellers, one Democrat and one Republican.\n\nHere is the most common theoretical scenatio that I have seen floated about: Mike Pence (and perhaps every Republican member of Congress) simply refuses to show up to the joint session, and as a result a winner to the election cannot be officially declared. There are some people who believe the Constitution clearly states that the sitting U.S. president would stay in office if the President of the Senate refuses to declare a winner or does not show up. There are some people however who think the Speaker of the House would become president of the United States in this scenario. The Constitution is a bit vague on this issue, especially the 12th amendment.\n\nThere are also some (most notably John Yoo) who interpret the 12th amendment in a way that allows for the President of the Senate to simply reject all the electoral votes from any state.\n\nThose are the two scenarios that I've seen.","upvotes":221,"user_id":"UnionizeOrGetFucked"},{"content":"What is Brian Kemp's Political Future?","created_at":1608032077.0,"id":"kdduzx","n_comments":77,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kdduzx/what_is_brian_kemps_political_future/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Brian Kemp, Georgia's Republican Governor, won his office in a competitive, nationally watched race against Democratic star Stacey Abrams. Kemp was the Secretary of State, and thus oversaw his own election while competing in it, and was accused of Abrams of suppressing Black and Brown voter turnout. But, boisterous endorsements from President Trump helped propel him into the Governor's mansion.\n\nKemp was largely loyal to the President, ignoring COVID restrictions, reopening his state early despite case surges, and appointing Kelly Loeffler to the Senate. But after the results of the Presidential election, and Kemp's triple certification of Biden's win, many Georgians don't trust the results, the President has rescinded his endorsement and called for him to be ousted, and Georgia has voted for Joe Biden, with a demographic shift that makes it plausible for Democrats to continue having statewide success.\n\nWhat does Brian Kemp's political future look like?","upvotes":56,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Bill Barr\u2019s legacy","created_at":1608016449.0,"id":"kd93re","n_comments":392,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kd93re/bill_barrs_legacy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"AG Bill Barr showed a willingness to advance the president\u2019s political agenda, and was widely criticized for eroding the post-Watergate independence of the Justice Department.\nOn the other hand, he rejected President Trump\u2019s false claims of widespread voter fraud, attracting the presidenr\u2019s wrath. \nWhat will Barr\u2019a legacy be? What lessons can we learn from his tenure? What challenges does the Department of Juatice face now?","upvotes":891,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"Casual Questions Thread","created_at":1607965215.0,"id":"kcu5jx","n_comments":338,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kcu5jx/casual_questions_thread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a place for the Political Discussion community to ask questions that may not deserve their own post. \n\nPlease observe the following rules:\n\n**Top-level comments:**\n-\n1. **Must be a question asked in good faith.** Do not ask [loaded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question) or [rhetorical questions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question).\n\n2. **Must be directly related to politics.** \nNon-politics content includes: Interpretations of constitutional law, sociology, philosophy, celebrities, news, surveys, etc.\n\n3. **Avoid highly speculative questions.** All scenarios should within the realm of reasonable possibility.\n\n-\n\nSort by new and please keep it clean in here!","upvotes":19,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"Should Ohio be written off as one of the most prominent bellwether states?","created_at":1607954682.0,"id":"kcrzco","n_comments":109,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kcrzco/should_ohio_be_written_off_as_one_of_the_most/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Before this election cycle, every time we thought of Ohio we thought of it as the state who will determine the POTUS. Before this election Ohio went to the winner every time since 1960. In 2008 and 2012, Obama won it by 4.5 and 3. The most recent D to win statewide was Sen. Sherrod Brown, the sole statewide D, who won by 7 points in a blue wave year. Looking at this years results, Trump performed nearly identical to 2016. It seems the urban centers and suburbs D trends are being offset but the rural areas. It\u2019s bizarre to see that Ohio is now redder than states like GA, TX, and AZ.","upvotes":84,"user_id":"micro_door"},{"content":"How much do you trust GA Senate Runoff Polls?","created_at":1607936923.0,"id":"kcn8it","n_comments":65,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kcn8it/how_much_do_you_trust_ga_senate_runoff_polls/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In just over three weeks, Georgia voters will return to the polls to settle which party will have control of the Senate, and how (if at all) legislation and nominations will flow for the coming term. There is high mistrust among many Republicans over the outcome of the first election, and both parties are working hard to rally the base. \n\nNeedless to say, polls for November's Election Day indicated a very big night for Democrats across the board, with Joe Biden taking an even larger majority of electors than he did, plus modest gains in the House and many competitive Senate races which could have flipped it outright. That did not happen. Polls heavily favored Democratic success, but the GOP made the most gains. This is two presidential cycles in a row where polling has been widely inaccurate. So, how much can we trust the polling we are seeing for Georgia?\n\n[FiveThirtyEight](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/georgia-senate-polls/?cid=rrpromo)\n\n[Real Clear Politics](https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/senate/ga/georgia_senate_runoff_election_perdue_vs_ossoff-7319.html)\n\n[270toWin](https://www.270towin.com/2020-senate-polls/runoff/georgia/)","upvotes":48,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What happens if the Dems with Georgia?","created_at":1607931026.0,"id":"kclh56","n_comments":110,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kclh56/what_happens_if_the_dems_with_georgia/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"**What happens if the Dems win Georgia?\\***\n\nI am genuinely wondering what people think the result would mean? Most of the time Democrats run on there platforms like universal healthcare, less war, taxing the rich, and improved wages. However, when these things don't happen they tend to point the finger at the GOP. So if the Dems win in Georgia they should have a much easier time getting these policies through.\n\nCould total control be the end of the party if major reforms aren't passed? is it possible that there could be a huge fracture in party and possibly a forming of a new party that is farther to the left? I just want to know what peoples' thoughts are for the future if the Democrats take the senate too.","upvotes":17,"user_id":"BabyBilly1"},{"content":"Is \u201cDefund the Police\u201d actually a great slogan?","created_at":1607874883.0,"id":"kc6swi","n_comments":156,"percentage_upvoted":0.56,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kc6swi/is_defund_the_police_actually_a_great_slogan/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Does the fact that \u201cDefund the Police\u201d has been acted upon in many cities around the country, with hundreds of millions of dollars moved from police departments to social services, signify that the slogan has been successful? \n\nHave any candidates upholding the slogan lost their elections?\n\nIs there any evidence to support the notion that the slogan scared away any actual votes?\n\nIs the fact that the slogan is controversial the reason it gets attention? Does the fact that the slogan needs explaining cause it to hold attention once caught?\n\nIs Defund the Police an Idea Whose Time Has Come? Does the campaign to stop its use signify its significance?","upvotes":7,"user_id":"nthlmkmnrg"},{"content":"How seriously should Americans take the actions of Governors, Attorney Generals, and Members of Congress who signed onto Texas v. Penn. et al? Should it be considered as just one more act of \"partisan divisiveness\" or should it be judged based on the relief the complaint sought?","created_at":1607924766.0,"id":"kcjjvj","n_comments":749,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kcjjvj/how_seriously_should_americans_take_the_actions/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This past week, the state of Texas submitted a motion for leave to file a complaint with the Supreme Court. [supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22O155/163215/20201209144840609_2020-12-09%20-%20Texas%20v.%20Pennsylvania%20-%20Amicus%20Brief%20of%20Missouri%20et%20al.%20-%20Final%20with%20Tables.pdf)\n\nTexas was joined by at least 16 other states and over 100 members of Congress. [supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22O155/163215/20201209144840609_2020-12-09%20-%20Texas%20v.%20Pennsylvania%20-%20Amicus%20Brief%20of%20Missouri%20et%20al.%20-%20Final%20with%20Tables.pdf)\n\nI would summarize the motion this way:\n\n1. Texas claimed standing based on the weakened power of its Senators due to a Democratic tie-breaking VP\n2. Its complaint was based upon each state's governor and judges interpreting election law passed by its state legislators\n3. The relief it sought was each state's (Republican) legislatures voting on electors, rather than basing the electoral college on the votes (which all went for Biden).\n\nThe Supreme Court denied Texas's motion based upon the state not demonstrating a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections. [supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/121120zr_p860.pdf)\n\nSo for practical purposes, we're where we were a month ago, waiting for time to run out on President Trump to make way for President-elect Biden's inauguration.\n\nBut the question left over is how we should view those who filed the motion and those who joined it? I've heard politicians and the media discuss the actions in one of wo ways:\n\n* As though it were just one more bit of run-of-the-mill partisanship. This is much more common\n* As though it were an effort to subvert the will of millions of voters and, effectively, smash a couple of the U.S.'s most important institutions -- running elections in line with federalism and the orderly transition of power.\n\nI go back and forth. If the former, should we only give it as much credence as the discussion on what to include, if anything, in a COVID-19 relief bill or more? If the latter, should we expect those parties to be sanctioned? And how will/should voters in those states and others react?","upvotes":1450,"user_id":"keomahvillage"},{"content":"Who will have the bigger legacy: Sandra Day O'Connor or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?","created_at":1607917562.0,"id":"kch8bh","n_comments":35,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kch8bh/who_will_have_the_bigger_legacy_sandra_day/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I got to thinking about this in the immediate aftermath of RBG's death but my account (that I was using at the time) didn't meet the requirements to post, and nor did this one until about now.\n\nWhich of the first two female SCOTUS justices will have the bigger legacy?\n\nSandra Day O'Connor made history as the first female justice, so she'll be remembered for generations for that. But RBG was more \"iconic\" in a sense: very popular among Millenials/Gen Z (at least in her later career), which O'Connor never was.\n\nSo what's the verdict?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"MoneyHungryOctopus"},{"content":"Should the US territories (Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa) get some kind of representation in the US congress as a coalition?","created_at":1607908309.0,"id":"kcea63","n_comments":109,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kcea63/should_the_us_territories_guam_virgin_islands/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Much is said about Puerto Rican statehood, but if we wish to be a democracy of any sort, maybe literally all Americans ought to have representation. I imagine the smaller US territories getting some kind of elected council that selects Senators and a representative for the US House, so that each of the far flung territories can express their concerns as oft ignored populations, while still being able to make their specific locales' voice heard. \n\nAnyone else have ideas, or disagree that the territories should have representation?","upvotes":69,"user_id":"Kronzypantz"},{"content":"What are the modern political obstacles to converting the U.S. to the metric system?","created_at":1607906047.0,"id":"kcdlh1","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kcdlh1/what_are_the_modern_political_obstacles_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know Carter tried (and failed) to coax the U.S. to join much of the world by converting to metric, but that was really on the economic cusp of globalization.\n\nNow, with world economies so tied into one another, what are the political obstacles/pitfalls/benefits to any attempted conversion of the U.S. to metric?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"MagicJasoni"},{"content":"Carbon taxation, who, what, where, when, why, and how?","created_at":1607865358.0,"id":"kc4v3n","n_comments":224,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kc4v3n/carbon_taxation_who_what_where_when_why_and_how/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So I've heard the term \"carbon tax\" thrown around a lot, and seem to get a different answer depending on who I ask, so now I will ask you guys and gals, what is a carbon tax? What would it entail? What would it look like? What are some positives and negatives? What is \"right\" and \"left\" view on it?","upvotes":175,"user_id":"crux556"},{"content":"How likely is it that Trump will order a strike against Iran right before leaving office?","created_at":1607843615.0,"id":"kbz8kg","n_comments":47,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kbz8kg/how_likely_is_it_that_trump_will_order_a_strike/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"From [The Nation:](https://thenation.com/article/world/trump-iran-attack/)\n\n>In the days following Pompeo\u2019s visit to Israel and Gulf kingdoms, a series of subsequent events suggest further planning for US (or US/Israeli) military action against Iran:On November 21, two US Air Force B-52 heavy bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing, based at Minot Air Force base, N.D., flew on a round-trip flight to the Persian Gulf in [what was described](https://theaviationist.com/2020/11/21/u-s-air-force-b-52h-stratofortress-bombers-conduct-short-notice-long-range-deterrence-mission-into-middle-east/) as a test of America\u2019s ability to project additional firepower into the region on very short notice.On November 25, Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller made an unannounced visit to US forces in Bahrain, his first trip overseas after being appointed to that position on November 9, after Trump fired Mark T. Esper (who was deemed insufficiently loyal to the president). Although Miller\u2019s Thanksgiving [visit was said to be a morale-boosting event](https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/acting-defense-secretary-meets-with-troops-in-middle-east-as-pentagon-begins-presidential-transition-1.653372) for US troops stationed abroad, he also met with senior officers at Centcom, whose forces would play a key role in any military action taken against Iran.On November 27, just hours after the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the aircraft carrier *Nimitz*, along with its 70 or so combat aircraft and accompanying cruisers and destroyers, [sailed into the Persian Gulf](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/11/28/nimitz-back-in-persian-gulf-iran-vows-revenge-for-killing-of-nuke-scientist/). Although the move was said to be related to US troop withdrawals from the region, it was seen by some as unusual, as the Nimitz had been at sea for several months and was scheduled to return to its homeport in Bremerton, Wash.At about this time, the IDF [went into their highest state of readiness](https://breakingdefense.com/2020/12/us-israel-readying-for-iran-strikes-in-mid-east/) in anticipation of revenge strikes by Iran in retaliation for Fakhrizadeh\u2019s assassination.On December 2, the State Department began reducing staff at the US Embassy in Baghdad, [supposedly in anticipation of possible attacks](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraq-baghdad-embassy-tensions-iran/2020/12/02/79141136-34c3-11eb-9699-00d311f13d2d_story.html) on the embassy by Iraqi-based militias loyal to Tehran.\n\nAnd from the [Brookings Institution](https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/12/01/iran-will-lose-the-battle-but-win-the-war/):\n\n>Tehran has historically relied on the presence of U.S. forces in the region to reinforce its deterrence capabilities, but the Trump administration has suggested it may withdraw its forces from Iraq and Afghanistan. This would diminish Iran\u2019s ability to strike U.S. forces, and with that its ability to deter an attack. According to sources close to the Iraqi leadership, a number of militia leaders in Iraq, together with their patrons in Tehran, are convinced the Trump administration is seeking one last chance to settle its disputes with Iran, and that an attack will materialize if troops are withdrawn. These sources have noted that some militia heads have effectively either gone into hiding or have dramatically reduced their public engagements in anticipation of a potential decapitation campaign aimed at Iran-aligned groups in the region.","upvotes":44,"user_id":"greenlion98"},{"content":"What will Biden's policy be toward North Korea?","created_at":1607854829.0,"id":"kc29uw","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.57,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kc29uw/what_will_bidens_policy_be_toward_north_korea/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A perennially discussed but often poorly comprehended regime with intelligence sources that can best be described as \"sketchy\", North Korea is a hermit kingdom with little access to the outside world, except with it's threats of nuclear warheads and/or military action. The Trump administration had contentious moments with North Korea over Twitter, secured the release of imprisoned American student Otto Wormbier (who died after injuries and illness sustain presumably from being tortured and abused in a Korean prison), dealt with the fall out over the 2018 false missile alert in Hawaii, and ultimately made visits to and conducted summits with the DPRK. Critics said it legitimized a dictator, while others cited the humanitarian efforts that could be accomplished because of it (more global awareness, humanitarian interest, athletes from North and South marching under one united flag at the 2018 Olympics, etc.).\n\nHow can we expect the Biden administration to interact with North Korea? What differences will there be? What can we expect from Sec. Blinken or Amb. Greenfield? From other US foreign allies who may have a different relationship with a Biden presidency compared to a Trump presidency? How does North Korea's relationship with China impact it's diplomatic and/or military status with the United States?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Will Biden be a one-term president?","created_at":1607850333.0,"id":"kc13dj","n_comments":92,"percentage_upvoted":0.61,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kc13dj/will_biden_be_a_oneterm_president/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Since 2019, there have been reports about now President-Elect Joe Biden serving only a single term in the White House. A lot of this stems from how he has referred to himself as a \"transitional\" candidate. Which gave people the impression that he might step down after one term to pass the torch to a new generation of Democrats.\n\nAnother factor into this idea is Biden's age. At 78, he will be the oldest person ever elected president in US history. If he were to run again and be re-elected in 2024, Biden will be 86 by the end of his second term in 2029. This has led people to question if he'll even be physically or mentally fit to be President in the long run.\n\nWhat do you guys think? Do you think Biden will only go for one term? Or do you think he's fit enough to do two consecutive terms?","upvotes":12,"user_id":"Apart_Shock"},{"content":"What is the political future of Iowa?","created_at":1607830510.0,"id":"kbvah6","n_comments":353,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kbvah6/what_is_the_political_future_of_iowa/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Iowa has for a long time been considered a swing state. Between 1988-2016 it has voted for the Democrat in 6 out of 7 elections. It had both a Republican and a Democratic senator for 30 years. It had a Republican governor throughout the 90s and Democratic governors throughout the 2000s. As well as having some very competitive house districts.\n\nHowever sense around 2014 it has drifted in the Republicans direction. Trump won it by similar margins in both 2016 and 2020. It currently has a Republican trifecta in the state government. It has 2 Republican senators and nearly all of the democrats house victories in 2018 were wiped out in 2020.\n\nThere has been very little discussion about politics in Iowa outside of the presidential caucus. So my question is can Iowa still be considered a swing state, What can the Democrats do to make it more competitive, what will the Republicans be able to do with their current political standing in both a policy perspective and to lock down their popularity, and finally who are some rising politicians that will be important in Iowa as it goes on.","upvotes":532,"user_id":"future-prez"},{"content":"Is GOP push to overturn election results \u201ctreachery\u201d?","created_at":1607754860.0,"id":"kbcyzr","n_comments":254,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kbcyzr/is_gop_push_to_overturn_election_results_treachery/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Sen Chris Murphy, Democrat from Connecticut, said on the Senate floor Friday: \n\n\u201cRight now, the most serious attempt to overthrow our democracy in the history of our of country is underway. \n\nThose who are pushing to make Donald Trump President, no matter the outcome of the election, are engaged in a treachery against their nation.\u201d\n\nAfter the speech, Murphy told the Washington Post:\n\n\u201cI have a very clear sense of the danger this all poses to the republic. If this becomes at all normalized more broadly than it already is, they will steal an election two years from now or four years from now. And then I\u2019m not sure how we keep our democracy together.\u201d\n\nThe charge of treachery is a bold and extraordinary claim to make on the Senate floor, a chamber once known for its comity. \n\nAre Murohy\u2019s claim of treachery and assessment of the risks to democracy justified? What\u2019s next?\n\n[Chris Murphy\u2019s surprise floor speech raises tough questions for Democrats](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/12/11/chris-murphys-surprise-floor-speech-raises-tough-questions-democrats/)","upvotes":178,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"Is Kasich right by saying \"I didn't leave the GOP, it left me\"? What will \"Moderates\" do?","created_at":1607736348.0,"id":"kb72yv","n_comments":750,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kb72yv/is_kasich_right_by_saying_i_didnt_leave_the_gop/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"John Kasich gave an [interview](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/10/john-kasich-lawsuit-supreme-court-trump-republicans-biden-ath-bolduan-vpx.cnn) stating that he doesn't know what the GOP stands for anymore, and that he didn't leave the party, \"the party left \\[him\\]\". Is he right? Furthermore, Larry Hogan released a [video](https://www.newsweek.com/video-marylands-gop-governor-larry-hogan-urges-party-change-saying-americans-want-humble-1552902) urging the GOP to change, and be more inclusive. These *perceived* Moderate Republican Governors report that it is a party they decreasingly recognize, so what can be done about it? Where do you see these \"Moderates\" (Baker, Scott, Hogan, Kasich, Christie, Sununu--some of whom have aligned with the President's GOP message, and others who have backed Biden) going in the next decade? What happens (if anything) to their party affiliation? To their national platform? To their statewide election chances? To their followers?","upvotes":1496,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Voting for political candidates versus voting for ballot referendums","created_at":1607724815.0,"id":"kb3iy1","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kb3iy1/voting_for_political_candidates_versus_voting_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The 2020 election saw Democrats win the presidency but lose a high proportion of down ballot races and state legislature races. At the same time, many liberal state referendums such as weed legalization and $15 an hour passed. Is there a trend that people vote more liberally when choosing state referendums then when voting for Congress people?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"ParticularGlass1821"},{"content":"How much merit is there to the that gun control increases the risk of a country experiencing a genocide or becoming a dictatorship?","created_at":1607720602.0,"id":"kb2dkv","n_comments":160,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kb2dkv/how_much_merit_is_there_to_the_that_gun_control/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a pretty common argument raised by pro-gun people and I'd like to know if there's strong evidence and/or historical precedent for it?\n\nI live in Australia so keep in mind I might not get all context around the USA.\n\nLet's talk!","upvotes":24,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"To what extent are the Georgia Runoffs fueling GOP messaging about a \"rigged election\"?","created_at":1607679424.0,"id":"kasrkk","n_comments":86,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kasrkk/to_what_extent_are_the_georgia_runoffs_fueling/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Because there are two Senate runoffs in Georgia in early January which will decide the party who will control the Senate and ultimately Congress for the coming cycle, Republicans are stuck to juxtapose two competing ideas: the Presidential election results were invalid and the system was rigged, BUT the GOP base must turn out and vote next month so that Democrats can't \"steal\" the Senate, too.\n\nTo date, there have been no substantiated claims of widespread voter fraud or ballot manipulation, and the results have been certified three times by a Republican Governor and Republican Secretary of State. Yet, the outcry of a stolen, rigged system remains, especially from President Trump, who is firing up his Congressional and State allies in a media blitz to sow distrust in the results. To what extent is the GOP feeding in to Trump's claims of voter fraud to appease his base into turning out next month?","upvotes":270,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"How Should the Biden Administration Approach Cuba?","created_at":1607660881.0,"id":"kaneqj","n_comments":586,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kaneqj/how_should_the_biden_administration_approach_cuba/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"During the Obama Era, we saw the beginning of the Cuban thaw. Travel and trade slowly opened back up with Cuba. Under Trump, we saw a rolling back of those policies. What should President Biden's approach to Cuba be? Would an incremental thawing like the Obama Administration work or would a more escalated measure be effective? Should he keep in place the status quo Trump has implemented?","upvotes":589,"user_id":"IsaiahTrenton"},{"content":"Did Sports Arenas Impact Voter Turnout for Urban Areas (Including Young Voters), but Ignore Rural Voters?","created_at":1607656670.0,"id":"kalxhu","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.29,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kalxhu/did_sports_arenas_impact_voter_turnout_for_urban/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"News articles discussed states' use of sports arenas for the 2020 election, reporting that it enhanced voter turnout: [How sports arenas ran up score on 2020 election, hosting hundreds of thousands of voters,](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2020/11/13/how-sports-arenas-ran-up-score-election-thousands-voters/6175568002/) USA Today (Nov. 13, 2020). However, mega-arenas tend to be located in urban centers near mass transit, entertainment, etc. Two questions:\n\n1.) Does anyone know if there were comparable accommodations in rural areas, whether in GA or other states?\n\nFor ex, in GA where the run-off is to be held, article states Atlanta had stadium voting in Fulton County. But, do not see stadium availability elsewhere in GA, although there were legal challenges (unsuccessful) to the state closing numerous polling locations statewide due to Covid, which hurt voter turnout. Article also stated there were regulatory hurdles for venues to qualify as voting outlets (parking, ADA accommodations, etc.), which leads to possibility that rules hindered use of country fair fields, etc.\n\nDid rural areas get large scale voter access/accommodations built out in Nov. 2020 as well?\n\n2.) For the GA Senate run-offs, another article indicated GA has closed over 200 polling places since 2012, harming voting access for the rural poor. See: [Report: Precinct closures spread in wake of voting rights court ruling (ajc.com)](https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/precincts-have-closed-across-georgia-and-nation-since-court-ruling/ecgFnCOcs46mJkpXehwm2L/). Texas and Arizona closed down even more. Can other large venues in the South also be retrofitted to serve as voting locations, such as military bases or malls? Or would that not level the playing field for voters statewide? Found this list of military bases, with 7 in GA: [Browse By Location | Military.com](https://www.military.com/base-guide/browse-by-location) (Again, not sure if they are accessible in rural areas(?))\n\n​\n\nAny info appreciated.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"ThirdPartyMechanic"},{"content":"Why does the president in many countries have the power to pardon people? Should they have that power?","created_at":1607651901.0,"id":"kak9s9","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/kak9s9/why_does_the_president_in_many_countries_have_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hey everyone! This is both a question of facts (why do they have that power) and of opinion (should they maintain it).\n\nI haven't been able to find an answer to the first part so I figured this could be an appropriate place to ask, and I'm also curious to see reasons for and against that power","upvotes":31,"user_id":"Desman17"},{"content":"Which \"Developing Country\" will make the most progress over the next 10 years?","created_at":1607601368.0,"id":"ka7zf5","n_comments":442,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ka7zf5/which_developing_country_will_make_the_most/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Large swaths of Africa, Asia, and South America are considered \"under-developed\" or \"developing\" as it relates to national economy, stable government, humanitarian interests, and other factors. Which country (or countries) will make the most progress in the coming decade to better achieve some of these metrics, and/or perhaps \"move up\" in their labeling to being classified as a \"developed\" nation? Why? How do you think they will get there?","upvotes":561,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What prevents state electors (or their associates) from being bribed or threatened, maybe secretly or anonymously, by wealthy or violent groups hoping to alter their decision calculus?","created_at":1607584816.0,"id":"ka37u4","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":0.72,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ka37u4/what_prevents_state_electors_or_their_associates/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Not very many](https://www.fairvote.org/faithless_elector_state_laws) states guarantee that their electors' votes are submitted only for candidates who win the corresponding popular votes. Some states allow [faithless electors](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faithless_elector) albeit with light penalties imposed on them; while others allow faithless electors and don't even impose penalties at all.\n\nPractically speaking, what can stop a Presidential campaign, an external organization, a foreign power, etc., from unduly influencing electors?","upvotes":11,"user_id":"JSanzi"},{"content":"Hunter Biden investigation - political ramifications","created_at":1607580940.0,"id":"ka20ir","n_comments":109,"percentage_upvoted":0.56,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ka20ir/hunter_biden_investigation_political_ramifications/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hunter Biden has announced he is under investigation for tax evasion by federal prosecutors in Delaware. \n\nBill Barr has been accused of acting in a partisan manner and politicizing the Department of Justice on a number of occassions. \n\nThis includes his secret appointment of special counsel John Durham to investigate the origins of the Russia probe after Trump leaves office. \n\nOn Monday, Republican Rep. Ken Buck on urged Attorney General William Barr to appoint a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden's business dealings.\n\nHowever, the investigation reportedly started before Barr was attorney general. \n\nAccording to CNN, investigators have been examining multiple financial issues, including whether Hunter Biden and his associates violated tax and money laundering laws in business dealings in foreign countries, principally China, according to two people briefed on the probe.\n\nCNN reports the investigation was paused during the election as not to interfere with the results, but has now resumed. \n\nGiven this administration\u2019s history of going after Hunter Biden, which among other things lead to President Trump\u2019s impeachment, and the timing of this news, will people assume this investigation is politically motivated? \n\nDo you think it is politically motivated?\n\nHow might news of this investigation play out in the political sphere? \n\nIf Hunter Biden is shown to be compromised by the Chinese or have lied about his financial ties to them, how should Joe Biden react?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"If a strong economic recovery from COVID occurs in 2021-2022, can we expect a Harris/Democrat victory in 2024?","created_at":1607532768.0,"id":"k9ogub","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.32,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9ogub/if_a_strong_economic_recovery_from_covid_occurs/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Recent economic projections have shown that the economy, sans the new set of shutdowns, is expected to rebound faster than expected from COVID-19 in 2021, and furthermore in 2022. If the Biden admin is able to successfully roll out a vaccine in good time and the economy rebounds to pre-COVID-19 levels of activity, can we expect to see a Democratic victory in 2024? Or will the increasing levels of polarization in the country make such a victory a close one, if a victory at all? And how might Donald Trump's likely 2024 candidacy affect this projection?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"DaveGr0hl"},{"content":"What are some planks in your political party\u2019s platform that you don\u2019t agree with?","created_at":1607557904.0,"id":"k9u9sa","n_comments":190,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9u9sa/what_are_some_planks_in_your_political_partys/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It is almost impossible for a political party\u2019s platform to completely match an individual\u2019s priorities and values. What are some things pushed or ignored by your political party that don\u2019t sync up with your values or priorities?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"loofy13"},{"content":"Should governors consider executive orders to help ration ICU resources?","created_at":1607586149.0,"id":"ka3m92","n_comments":40,"percentage_upvoted":0.41,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ka3m92/should_governors_consider_executive_orders_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"States have handled the COVID virus in different ways. States like South Dakota, for example, have done little to require the use of masks. With the availability of ICU resources become more scarce, should governors consider taking action to prioritize health care for some citizens over others?\n\nIn particular, should states move quickly to identify individuals who choose not to wear masks in order to help with the prioritization? For example, individuals who choose not to wear masks must register - and they and their household would lose eligibility for an ICU bed and use of a ventilator if there\u2019s a shortage.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"GrizzlyAdam12"},{"content":"Why are non-college-educated whites more likely to back Trump than college-educated whites are?","created_at":1607585072.0,"id":"ka3aqh","n_comments":282,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ka3aqh/why_are_noncollegeeducated_whites_more_likely_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"According to AP VoteCast, in the 2020 election, Donald Trump won non-college-educated whites 62-37 while Joe Biden won college-educated whites 52-46\u2014a 31-point difference. Why is there such a large education gap in support for Trump/Biden among white voters when there\u2019s no such significant gap among non-white voters?","upvotes":93,"user_id":"stt2m"},{"content":"Should bailouts for companies be backed by equal equity in the company?","created_at":1607579298.0,"id":"ka1hnc","n_comments":39,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ka1hnc/should_bailouts_for_companies_be_backed_by_equal/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The government has a history of bailing out companies over and over again. Should the government receive equity in the company equivalent to the loan? And should all the profits be used to pay back the loan with interest? If companies are recieving the bailout, should there be a government agent or entity that has to approve even a single cent used for purchases done by the company with the money used?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"chadharnav"},{"content":"GOP refusal to accept Biden as winner","created_at":1607541793.0,"id":"k9q6ng","n_comments":991,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9q6ng/gop_refusal_to_accept_biden_as_winner/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Republicans have told the Associated Press they won\u2019t accept Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential race until January 6.\n\nRepublicans have also launched a series of so-far fruitless court battles seeking to overturn the election. President Trump has reportedly called a number of Republican state officials, urging them to use election laws in unprecedented ways to overturn the results. \n\nThe official Arizona GOP Twitter account asked if voters were ready to die for Trump. \n\nWhat will be some of the cumulative effects of these measure? Will questioning and trying to reverse election results become the new normal? How will this effect public confidence?\n\n[Will Trump Ever Concede? from the Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/09/trump-republicans-presidential-election-joe-biden?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)","upvotes":1573,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What is republicans path to the presidency in 2024? Is the a nominee that can survive the primary and also build a sufficient coalition?","created_at":1607518315.0,"id":"k9lbfw","n_comments":217,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9lbfw/what_is_republicans_path_to_the_presidency_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Republicans now are in a hard spot when it comes to the presidency, much less winning the popular vote. Trumps strategy of doubling down on your base instead of broadening your coalition has proven to be insufficient. However, despite trumps loss, republicans have not shown that they are willing to turn away from this strategy just yet. The reason for this is likely because it allows them to maintain their advantages in the house and senate. Yet the presidency is a different beast all together. \n\nRight now there appears to be two paths towards the presidency. One is turning out your base and the other is appealing to moderate voters. Appealing to the base proved to work for trump in 2016 but also showed to be unsuccessful in 2020. Yet, as it stands now, there currently are no republicans that are more popular among their base than trump. So the question is, where does this leave the GOP if there is no current republican that can excite the base more than trump? \n\nThe answer for this would mean that republicans need to become less trump like and appeal to moderates. However, the path to the presidency means the nominee needs to survive the republican primary. Time and time again, both republican politicians and the base have shown to lean into trumpism. So the question is, is it possible for a politician to be enough within trumpism to win the primary but also not be too much to win the general? \n\nSome of the top likely candidates for 2024 include Rubio, Haley, Larry Hogan, Rick Scott, Graham, and Cruz. Yet, again, those who are most liked by the base are some of the most disliked by the general population and vice versa.","upvotes":39,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"should we abolish, reform, or keep the senate the same?","created_at":1607513591.0,"id":"k9k1ok","n_comments":199,"percentage_upvoted":0.55,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9k1ok/should_we_abolish_reform_or_keep_the_senate_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many people believe that the way we elect people to the senate is wrong, others think the senate should be completely abolished, and most people think it's fine as is. What do you think?\n\nSome argue for no change in the senate is that the national population is irrelevant to how much representation a state should get in the senate and that the current way that we elect senators best represents the way the country is, a union of states. The senate was after all created as a compromise between the more proportional house of representatives, which gave more power to larger states. \n\nOthers argue that the way that our country has evolved in the past 240 years no longer should have an unproportional legislature. They say that now, the country is no longer just a union of states but more cohesive and unitary. They say that people having more voting power in smaller states than in larger ones is unfair and undemocratic. They advocate for senate seats being allocated by population.\n\nLast some say that the senate should be abolished entirely and that the house of representatives should take the entire role of the legislature as its the most democratic institution out of the two.","upvotes":4,"user_id":"4lmeme"},{"content":"Newsmax scores a ratings win against Fox News at 7pm EST. What does this mean for conservative media in the US?","created_at":1607511145.0,"id":"k9jchq","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.78,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9jchq/newsmax_scores_a_ratings_win_against_fox_news_at/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I don\u2019t know if this counts as US politics - but it\u2019s hard to say given the outsized roll conservative media in general and Fox News in particular has played during the past 4 years. The Republican Party is strongly influenced by editorial choices in the network, and the current President of the US has made decisions based on their programming, and even appointed some of its TV personalities as White House aids in policy roles (most notably Kudlow). \n\nFollowing the 2020 election, Fox News saw a ratings dip alongside an increase in ratings for Newsmax, a previously very low ratings network](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/22/business/media/newsmax-trump-fox-news.html). But in a surprise, [one Newsmax show has recently beat Fox News in the 7pm time slot](https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/media/newsmax-fox-news-ratings/index.html). \n\nGiven the outsized roll conservative media plays in US politics, what does it mean for the leading conservative network to lose ground to its first conservative competitor?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"Thalesian"},{"content":"What will relations between Iran and the US look like under the Biden Administration?","created_at":1607506924.0,"id":"k9i57a","n_comments":69,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9i57a/what_will_relations_between_iran_and_the_us_look/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Considering the Trump administration's new plan to withdraw troops from various points throughout the Middle East by January 15, 2021, there are fears that the region is unstable, and there will be a power vacuum. Iran has been in the news recently because of [the assassination of their top nuclear scientist](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55214359), and Iran is pointing the finger at Israel, a close US ally under the Trump administration. 2020 began with another assassination [of a top Iranian general](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/world/middleeast/suleimani-dead.html) which the US took credit for, and Donald Trump disavowed the Iran Nuclear deal, a key foreign policy achievement of the Obama/Biden administration.\n\nHow will/should the Biden administration treat Iran? How will Sec. Blinken or Amb. Greenfield affect the situation?","upvotes":39,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What should be the Biden Administration's China Policy?","created_at":1607496379.0,"id":"k9ezg5","n_comments":482,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k9ezg5/what_should_be_the_biden_administrations_china/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The incoming Biden administration faces a myriad of challenges, in terms of foreign relations, none more complicated than China. \n\n Tension are already high with areas of conflict ranging from Hong Kong, Uighurs, the South China Sea, technology, and trade among others.\n\nWhat should be Biden's China policy? How should he and his administration deal with these issues?","upvotes":559,"user_id":"Joel_Turner1"},{"content":"AP claims Biden has selected Retired Army General Lloyd Austin for Secretary of defense; nomination faces opposition from fellow Dem\u2019s","created_at":1607465746.0,"id":"k94w1s","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k94w1s/ap_claims_biden_has_selected_retired_army_general/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"While the president elect has not formally announced his pick for defense secretary, numerous national news outlets, including the AP and CNN, are citing sources that claim retired 4 star general Lloyd Austin (a black man), of the US Army has been selected. The President elect was heavily pressured by several interest groups, including the Congressional Black Caucus to name more people of color to prominent cabinet posts and sub cabinet posts.\n\nHowever, general Austins reported selection is not without potential problems: he would be only the third ever career military officer to serve as SecDef (other former officers have served but did not meet the criteria to be considered \u201ccareer\u201d officers\u201d). He would be only the second SecDef nominee in history to require a legal waiver from congress (in addition to standard senate approval of the nomination itself), as he has not been retired at least 7 years from the military, which is a legal requirement created to ensure civilian control of the military. The first nominee to require this waiver was retired four-star marine General James Mattis, Trump\u2019s first defense secretary.\n\nGeneral Austin\u2018s nomination has already been criticized by academics on Twitter, including professor Rosa Brooks (a Georgetown University professor who is also a former pentagon official), who called the nomination \u201ca terrible idea\u201d. In addition, members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have expressed that they would vote against granting such a waiver to anyone, including general Austin. Even more members have expressed concern and refused to commit to a course of action.\n\nThere is even disagreement among democrat party leaders in the house: while the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep Karen Bass (D-California), endorsed Austin, but two members of the CBC defied the chairwoman and openly endorsed Michele Flournoy, a white woman and defense department official from the Obama Administration. She was also endorsed by the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Adam Smith (a democrat). In addition, many women\u2019s groups are also pressuring the president elect to pick a female defense secretary.\n\nMy questions for you all on this topic are as follows:\n1. Do you think Congress should make history for a second time this decade by not only confirming general Austin\u2018s nomination, but also granting the legal waiver that would be required for him to assume the post?\n\n2. Is there too much of a risk in appointing a military officer who does not meet the seven year retirement law for Secretary of Defense? Does it set too much of a risky precedent?\n\n3. Does the division among the Democratic Party as well as conflicting lobbying by interest groups that typically support the Democrats make general Austin\u2018s confirmation and the granting of the necessary legal waiver more or less likely in your opinions?\n\n4. Without the support of key House Democrats (including the chair of the House armed services committee), does General Austin have any chance of being confirmed and getting his legal waiver?","upvotes":24,"user_id":"Jon932"},{"content":"Is There a Scientific Consensus on COVID-19 Policy?","created_at":1607421987.0,"id":"k8v30m","n_comments":76,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k8v30m/is_there_a_scientific_consensus_on_covid19_policy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This question is seeking factual information as well as discussion. We are widely and rightly exhorted to trust scientists on COVID policy, but most scientists are not prominently featured in news reports. I recently saw that the Great Barrington Declaration, which promotes herd immunity, claims to have over 12,000 signatures from medical and public health scientists. Randomly selecting a few of these to google, they appear to be real clinicians or researchers. \n\nA response to the GBD, known as the John Snow Memorandum, promotes the lockdown policy that has been widely implemented, at times, worldwide. It currently claims more than 6900 signatories from scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals.\n\nI realize that a mere headcount might not be the best way to ascertain scientific consensus, but I am also reluctant to leave the discernment and announcement of scientific consensus purely to journalistic organizations. Question for discussion: is there currently a scientific consensus on how to proceed, and if so, how has that consensus been discerned?","upvotes":32,"user_id":"tacitdenial"},{"content":"Can Biden use Executive Orders to alter the EMTALA to force Governors to enforce mask mandates?","created_at":1607407549.0,"id":"k8qo9l","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k8qo9l/can_biden_use_executive_orders_to_alter_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The EMTALA is the federal law that makes it so that any ER that isn't at 100% capacity must take patients from other hospitals- even from states away. The teeth behind this law is a stiff fine. This is what has allowed rural Midwestern states to keep from enacting laws and shoving the problem to other states/larger hospital systems that are dealing with their own Covid issues.\n\nCould Biden use an executive order to have Health and Human Services waive the fine if a hospital in a state enforcing mask mandates refuses a patient from a non mandating state?\n\nIt would definitely be a sledgehammer of an Executive order. It would be up to the hospital administration if they allow out of state patients in and only apply if the patients original state does not have a statewide mask mandate enforced.\n\n\nIs there a better way Biden can \"encourage\" mask mandates? I don't see Biden's 100 days of mask wearing campaign to work.","upvotes":15,"user_id":"waltzingperegrine"},{"content":"If Democrats win the Senate races in Georgia, where does the GOP go from here?","created_at":1607384713.0,"id":"k8iycs","n_comments":68,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k8iycs/if_democrats_win_the_senate_races_in_georgia/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"538's poll tracking currently has both Democrat candidates with leads, so this doesn't seem as far fetched as we might've initially thought. It looks like it might be a close race, enough so that if even 1% of Republican voters refuse to help the GOP, it might cost them.\n\nIf all of this happens, what do you think the GOP will do in reaction? Do they decide to completely throw themselves behind Trump? Do they try to excise him from the party? Either way, it seems soul searching would be needed. The question is what conclusion they come to, and what conclusion they *should* come to.","upvotes":31,"user_id":"AssassinAragorn"},{"content":"If the U.S. entered a new isolationist era for a few decades, is there a possibility that either China or Russia will become the new sole imperialist superpower?","created_at":1607383481.0,"id":"k8ik88","n_comments":72,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k8ik88/if_the_us_entered_a_new_isolationist_era_for_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Isolationism and non-interventionism is becoming more politically popular among the American public across the political spectrum (I'm talking about voters, not the two parties). The war in Afghanistan has like a 15% approval rating right now. I think it's inevitable that in 4-12 years there will be an isolationist candidate that will be elected and will actually follow through on isolationist policies. The U.S. has already had a few different periods of isolationism (some of which lasted decades), the most notable one being during FDR's presidency before WW2. So it's definitely not unprecedented in American history. And the U.S undoubtably had a more prosperous and less stratified economy during these periods of isolationism, especially under FDR. Turns out that when you don't spend trillions on endless wars, you have more money to spend on your own country's problems. Wow, crazy right?\n\nSo let's say it happens. The U.S. enters an isolationist era for a few decades. Most foreign U.S. military bases are closed and handed over to the host countries. The U.S. stops militarily intervening in foreign countries and stops engaging in regime change. Heck, let's go even further: the U.S. takes a backseat in the UN and engages in very minimal cooperation and dialogue with other nations (like during FDR's presidency pre-WW2).\n\nGreat. So....what about China and Russia? It's possible Russia might be governed by a different party/government in a few decades, but China? Unlikely. The CCP will most likely rule China for a *long* time. If a little communist island like Cuba has managed to have the same government for 60 years with the world's greatest superpower just 90 miles away constantly trying to topple their government and trying to assassinate their leader 500 times, I'm pretty confident a massive nuclear-armed communist (they're actually a corporatist state, but whatever) country with a powerful military like China and the world's largest economy will retain the same government a lot longer than 60 years. CCP-controlled China is here to stay, folks.\n\nAfter a long period of American isolationism I think this is the most likely scenario: Russia's sphere of influence will mostly remain around the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, basically just as it is now. Russia will certainly not try to escalate with China, because China's military is far bigger and more modernized, and Russia (like all countries) are economically dependent on China. Will China intervene in the Middle East? Hard to say, but I think probably not. China can just get their oil from Russia and Saudi Arabia.\n\nAfrica is where I think China will wage most of their imperial ambitions. China has many business interests in Africa, especially in infrastructure, metals, and minerals (though most countries have some stake in Africa's minerals and metals, because electronic devices are made with them). China has developed close relationships with several African governments in order to further their own financial and material interests. Many of these African governments are also benefitting financially and materially from China's new business ventures in Africa.\n\nHowever, China probably won't be allied with every single country in Africa. Some of China's allies in Africa might have neighboring hostile African countries. Africa also has many militant groups and terrorist groups of different ideological leanings, and these groups sometimes operate in multiple countries. And if China has several allies in Africa with close business ties, and China depends on these allies for mineral/metal resources, then it makes sense that China would try to protect their allies in Africa from any threats or adversaries, right? \n\nI think China's imperialism will mostly be in the form of special/covert operations and regime change, not direct ground invasions with armies. It's going to be funding different sides in proxy wars and toppling governments that threaten their influence and business interests. So let's say China is allied with a certain African country (let's say Kenya for example), and another bordering country (let's say Somalia) is hostile to that ally. Somalia might be funding terrorist groups that are secretly infiltrating Kenya, for example. Kenya asks China, \"hey dawg, can you help us out here? These guys are causing us problems.\" China says \"no probs dude\". And then China does regime change in Somalia. They arm and fund a few rebel groups there, and the new government in Somalia will be more pro-China and more pro-Kenya. China will probably do this kind of thing all over Africa. I could also see China funding terrorist mercenary groups that promise to find and dig up rare resources for them such as diamonds, gold, lithium, etc. If there's a civil war going on in a certain country, they will arm certain groups they view as more beneficial to their influence in the region.\n\nThis is how I think Chinese imperialism will function. It's possible they might do some of this stuff in the Middle East, but that's a more volatile and risky region. They might also do some regime change here and there in Southeast Asia.","upvotes":22,"user_id":"Geronimo_Rides_Again"},{"content":"Joe Biden has nominated Xavier Becerra to lead HHS. What are his motivations for this pick?","created_at":1607400083.0,"id":"k8o70t","n_comments":276,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k8o70t/joe_biden_has_nominated_xavier_becerra_to_lead/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/xavier-becerra-nominee-department-of-health-and-human-services/\n\nJoe Biden has picked California AG to lead HHS, arguably a huge pick during the COVID pandemic that is ongoing. If confirmed, Becerra would be the first Latino Secretary of HHS. What were Biden's motivations for this pick? What are Becerra's qualifications since he is mostly known as an AG and prosecutor rather than health expert?","upvotes":606,"user_id":"destroyer7"},{"content":"How does the US convince people who are convinced the US Presidential election was rigged that it wasn't?","created_at":1607405700.0,"id":"k8q1mb","n_comments":1190,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k8q1mb/how_does_the_us_convince_people_who_are_convinced/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Every state has confirmed the election results, including those in red states where Biden won. Virtually every lawsuit by Trump-associated lawyers have been struck down hard and fast.\n\nYet, reading conservative sources, including some here, there is a sizable population that is certain the election was stolen, as does President Trump and others in his administration. Infowars, OANN and a host of conservative websites are beating the drum of election fraud.\n\nI try to keep an open mind, and read the claims. For example, the recent claim that \"suitcases of fake ballots in Georgia were processed after sending poll watchers home.\" I read the assertions, then the 'debunking,' and while the video and theory seemed plausible at first, reading the rebuttal --including the one in Forbes-- it looked pretty clear that assertions weren't true, and the responses made more sense than the conspiracy theory. That election officials in Georgia and people in the Republican governor's administration also dismissed the charges as untrue was sufficient for me, especially since they had every reason to want to agree with charges, including considerable pressure from Trump and his supporters. But it's not sufficient proof for those who believe the election was stolen by a vast conspiracy.\n\nI know that the initial response from most about changing these folks' minds is that, \"you can't.\" But if 50M people are convinced that the election was stolen, and that our election system is corrupt and unfixable... then they believe that the only way to \"restore\" the system is through martial law and militarily-supervised elections. That's pretty much what Michael Flynn and others are saying. That can't be the only fix. And if we can't convince them otherwise, this is a ticking time bomb for any number of bad things for America.\n\nSo, what constructive idea can we come up with here to prove definitely to skeptics that the election was not stolen?","upvotes":1262,"user_id":"crab_races"},{"content":"Who should succeed Kamala Harris as Senator?","created_at":1607348562.0,"id":"k8apn7","n_comments":84,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k8apn7/who_should_succeed_kamala_harris_as_senator/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With Kamala Harris' election as Vice-President, Gavin Newsom must now appoint someone to fill Kamala Harris' Senate seat to finish the remaining two years of the term. Harris is currently the only Black woman in the Senate, and her absence creates questions over diversity, something that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to supporting. Newsom is being lobbied to replace Harris with another Black woman to preserve that demographic in the Senate, but there are groups lobbying for more Asian and Latinx representation, especially since Hispanics/Latinx make up the plurality of the population. Who should he appoint, and why?","upvotes":22,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Beyond First Past The Post Voting, to what extent do you think unlimited money in politics maintains a two-party system?","created_at":1607299401.0,"id":"k7wa8q","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k7wa8q/beyond_first_past_the_post_voting_to_what_extent/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've been researching proportional voting with multi-member districts as a way to create viable paths for third party candidates to get elected, but I wonder if they would still get steam-rolled by the main parties due to them being outspent like 10 to 1. Would multi-member districts just lead to even more money being spent on campaigns, as the major parties compete against each other as well as against the third parties?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"misstheground12"},{"content":"If Democrats lose the Georgia runoffs, leaving the Senate 52-48, who would be worth looking to as potential swing votes?","created_at":1607313895.0,"id":"k80x8f","n_comments":563,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k80x8f/if_democrats_lose_the_georgia_runoffs_leaving_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As we know, the Georgia race is incredibly tight right now with one Democrat pulling ahead by 7 points (with a 5 point margin of error...) while the other is deadlocked. The state is historically red and it's not unlikely that Biden's administration may have to contend with a red Senate throughout its first two years (at *least*). As such, they'll have to work with them if anything is to be passed. \n\nJohn McCain is a fine example of a senator willing to put country before party and cross the line on occasion (see the ACA vote), and Mitt Romney has done so more recently with the impeachment proceedings. However with one dead and the other no longer dealing with a personal contention with Trump, these are not necessarily the reliable good faith voters of the Biden presidency.\n\nAssuming the Senate goes the way of the GOP, which red names are worth keeping an eye on as possible moderates to compromise with Dems to get things passed?","upvotes":934,"user_id":"robotractor3000"},{"content":"Why are there no relevant regional parties in the US?","created_at":1607303088.0,"id":"k7xfum","n_comments":54,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k7xfum/why_are_there_no_relevant_regional_parties_in_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Looking at the European political landscape, one can see many region-based parties. \n\nFor instance, the UK, that also applies the first past the post system, is basically a two party system, when it comes to the formation of government. But in the House of Commons, there are many MP from the Scottish SNP, plus some from a Welsh party (Plaid Cymru) and two from Northern Ireland (DUP and Sinn Fein, although the latter refuses to sit).\n\nIn Spain there are many regionalist and nationalist parties (Catalan, Basque, but also from smaller regions). Those parties don't look for independence (some do) but to obtain advantages for their regions during the many negotiations of bills.\n\nSo, one could expect that in a federal system, like the US, some state-based parties could be elected for the House of Representatives (perhaps even some Senators). For instance a Texan party, or a Hawaiian or Alaskan party, that looks for local gains through negotiations because every vote counts. Of course, for the presidential elections they would support one or another main candidate, to not waste their votes (and perhaps to obtain more gains).\n\nWhy are there no parties like these in Congress? Do the Democratic or Republican parties behave like regional parties when come to defend their constituents? Isn't there a regional sentiment strong enough?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"Shevek99"},{"content":"Why factors lead to a number of states in the American Southwest moving from swing states to blue states?","created_at":1607247880.0,"id":"k7kf1q","n_comments":418,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k7kf1q/why_factors_lead_to_a_number_of_states_in_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2004, George Bush won Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona. Just sixteen years later, those same four states went to Biden, showing an impressive political realignment. Nowadays, Colorado and New Mexico are more or less considered \"safe blue\", and Democrats now win both by healthy margins. I don't think the Trump campaign really even attempted to campaign in them.\n\nNevada and Arizona are more conservative, but signs point to them being quite unfavorable to Republicans in the near future. Democrats have some solid ground game there and seem determined to make them part of the \"Blue Wall\". \n\nThis swift is also reflected in congressional representation, by next year all eight senators representing those four states will be Democrats. Additionally, the only Republican governor of the four is Arizona's Doug Ducey. Democrats also control the state legislature in Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico.\n\nIt seems like Republicans have really dropped the ball on what was for decades a reliable, or at least winnable, region of the country that greatly favored their politics. What has led to Democrats improving so dramatically this section of America? Ethnic demographics and urbanization probably play a role, but could there be more factors to the political evolution of the American Southwest?","upvotes":531,"user_id":"God-bear"},{"content":"Will the promise of decriminalized marijuana help Dems win the Georgia run offs?","created_at":1607207934.0,"id":"k78k63","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k78k63/will_the_promise_of_decriminalized_marijuana_help/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The House passed a vote to federally decriminalize marijuana. I've read a reddit theory that Democratic politicians did this *now* because Republican *voters* are 50/50 on marijuana and the thought of a Dem Senate also passing that bill could bring more votes to the Democratic candidates in the Georgia run off.\n\nI have **not** read about Democratic politicians saying \"That's the plan\".\n\n1. Do you think this is the reason the House bill passed *now*?\n1. Do you think it could help the Georgia Democrats win?\n1. Could it also bring out anti-marijuana votes for the Republican candidates?","upvotes":52,"user_id":"roytay"},{"content":"What will Biden react to Australia-China trade war and HongKong's political changes \uff1f","created_at":1607174272.0,"id":"k71q2k","n_comments":48,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k71q2k/what_will_biden_react_to_australiachina_trade_war/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In past couple days, Joe Biden's been able to start transition with Judiciary, intelligence, and military departments.\n\nMean while, China has initiated a series of trade sanctions over Australia exports. (\"trade revenge over US allies...\" as mentioned in morning news). Including quarantine every ships came from AU, postpone food inspection until cargo ship dump the decayed on public seas.\n\nMorrison's government is facing series of disputes, the incoming Biden administration is not responding to the media yet.\n\nChinese newspapers are also talking about to detain and sentence HK lawmakers efficiently after millions went on streets in last year. Biden and his nominated administrates haven't talk about it yet.\n\nWhat do you think that:\n\n1. How will Biden react to Australia-China issues ?\n2. What will Biden talk about the unusual situations in HongKong ?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"flyingmax"},{"content":"Is Barack Obama correct in claiming that \"Defund the Police\" should be renamed?","created_at":1607157594.0,"id":"k6xh1d","n_comments":1881,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k6xh1d/is_barack_obama_correct_in_claiming_that_defund/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In recent days, the former President received significant backlash for the argument:\n\n1. Defunding the police is a term that people will intensely disagree with for a wide variety of reasons, alienating large amounts of voters\n2. Many people want or are open to police reform\n3. We live in a democracy\n4. Intentionally alienating large groups of people in a democracy just to make a point will make legislation harder to pass\n5. Therefore, if you want to pass legislation, don't use messaging that will alienate large portions of the population.\n\nIs he right? Or is he missing the point?\n\n\\_\\_\n\nThe Video(from The Gaurdian): [Barack Obama criticizes 'Defund the Police' slogan but faces backlash](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/02/barack-obama-criticizes-defund-the-police-slogan-backlash)\n\n\\_\\_\n\nSome studies/polls that may or may not be relevant:\n\n[Black Americans Want Police to Retain Local Presence(2020)](https://news.gallup.com/poll/316571/black-americans-police-retain-local-presence.aspx?utm_source=tagrss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=syndication)\n\n[The largest survey of Black people conducted in the United States since Reconstruction(2019)](https://blackfutureslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Digital-More-Black-Than-Blue-2.pdf)","upvotes":2881,"user_id":"Controversialthr0w"},{"content":"What effect did Biden and Democrats' lack of physical campaigning during the 2020 election because of the pandemic have on senate and congressional losses?","created_at":1607115489.0,"id":"k6keva","n_comments":57,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k6keva/what_effect_did_biden_and_democrats_lack_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In past elections I remember how huge rallies were for every campaign but this year there was nothing that I saw from Democrats. Could this be a reason that Democrats lost in swing districts? Republicans were not afraid of the virus like Democrats and they kept campaign. I would have probably driven to other districts to do get out the vote efforts if not for the pandemic. Some groups are just hard to persuade on the phone versus in person","upvotes":45,"user_id":"gRod805"},{"content":"If Trump runs in 2024, will Pence be his running mate?","created_at":1607139868.0,"id":"k6rzoh","n_comments":86,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k6rzoh/if_trump_runs_in_2024_will_pence_be_his_running/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"People are speculating that Trump is planning a comeback campaign in 2024. If he does, will he chose Pence again?\n\nWhen answering, keep in mind that Pence has been pretty quiet in the post-election period. Pence could've made bold statements like Pompeo and Graham have; but, he didn't.","upvotes":33,"user_id":"eraser8"},{"content":"If Donald Trump won re-election, how would the next 4 years have looked like?","created_at":1607088778.0,"id":"k6eqzi","n_comments":65,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k6eqzi/if_donald_trump_won_reelection_how_would_the_next/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Donald Trump came very close to winning re-election in 2020.\n\nMany speculate that if COVID-19 never happened or if a progressive was the Democratic Nominee, he would most likely have won the re-election\n\nMy hypothetical question to you all is: how do you think the the next 4 years would have looked like with a Trump victory? What would things look like domestically and in foreign affairs?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"HelloHowRU555"},{"content":"Will partisan gerrymandering after redistricting be worse than in 2010?","created_at":1607085520.0,"id":"k6dzgz","n_comments":252,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k6dzgz/will_partisan_gerrymandering_after_redistricting/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Republican wave in 2010 handed republicans the majority of state legislatures, allowing them an advantage in redistricting to their advantage. Currently, the map for elections is gerrymandered more heavily by Republicans, giving them an edge for house elections. This year, Republicans have a smaller edge in state legislatures and more states have independent or bipartisan commissions for redistricting.\n\nSome questions:\n\n1. Will republicans be able to gerrymander their current states even harder than in 2010?\n2. Will democrats retaliate by upping their own gerrymandering activities?\n3. Is there legislation to restrict partisan gerrymandering?\n4. Finally, who is looking to have the advantage for the next 10 years?","upvotes":394,"user_id":"Extreme_Rocks"},{"content":"If the Republican Party truly is Trump\u2019s party, what will happen to GOP in a post Trump world?","created_at":1607076330.0,"id":"k6bgii","n_comments":151,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k6bgii/if_the_republican_party_truly_is_trumps_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A recent [poll](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.politico.com/amp/news/2020/11/24/poll-republicans-support-trump-2024-439757) published on Politico showed Trump as an early favorite to lead in the 2024 Republican Party. While it\u2019s WAY too early to be making firm predictions, this further shows that the GOP is the party of Donald Trump. However, Trump is 74 years old, and not in great health. If he were to pass away (or step out of the public eye due to his health), what would happen to the GOP? Are there any other Republicans who could fill that vacuum?","upvotes":107,"user_id":"RandyMarsh710"},{"content":"To what extent is Congressional gridlock caused by party leaders having power and individual members not being able to affect change on their own?","created_at":1607071234.0,"id":"k6a9h1","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k6a9h1/to_what_extent_is_congressional_gridlock_caused/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Leaders like the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader control the agenda in their respective legislative bodies. There are often members who want to compromise on things like the Problem Solvers Caucus\u2019 stimulus bill, but they are blocked by party leadership. Is this a big problem, has it always been a problem, and how can it be fixed?","upvotes":11,"user_id":"ReallyConfusedAlpaca"},{"content":"What do people think will be Nancy Pelosi's Legacy?","created_at":1607056595.0,"id":"k65mzd","n_comments":98,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k65mzd/what_do_people_think_will_be_nancy_pelosis_legacy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"While it's not certain at this point, it's likely that Nancy Pelosi will step down as House Speaker come 2022. She's had an incredible career, being both the first female party leader and one of the longest running party leaders in US Congressional History (if she steps down in 2022 it will be 19 years). She's been critical to making major strides in pushing the Democratic agenda, most notably her role in getting ACA passed, arguably the most landmark legislation since the Civil Rights Act in 1964. \n\nAt the same time, she's been fairly ineffectual in setting up her party for success in controlling the House, acting as House Majority Leader for only around 7 of the years she's been party leader (around 37% of her time as leader) during the longest period of Republican House control since the 1920s. She's also become increasingly representative of a Democratic party that's become increasingly seen as aloof and catering to coastal elites.\n\nSo, what do people think her legacy will be? Do you think it will focus more on ACA and her strong political will? Her inability to secure the House? How she shaped the party for both good and ill? What other aspects do you think will be remembered about her?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"whereamInowgoddamnit"},{"content":"Why did Nebraska\u2019s 2nd District swing so far to the left in 2020 compared to past years?","created_at":1607043959.0,"id":"k618rt","n_comments":52,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k618rt/why_did_nebraskas_2nd_district_swing_so_far_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As of now, it looks like Biden will win NE-2 by about 6.5 points, around an 8 point swing from 2016 and a major shift to the left compared to 2000/2004, when Bush won the district by about 20 points. Considering that Democrats have been losing strength in the Midwest overall as of late, what explains their success here?","upvotes":55,"user_id":"pnwseanerd"},{"content":"What constitutional Amendments can make American democracy stronger for the next 250 years?","created_at":1607042866.0,"id":"k60uvn","n_comments":202,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k60uvn/what_constitutional_amendments_can_make_american/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A provocative new [post](https://medium.com/bigger-picture/americas-overdue-tune-up-6-repairs-to-amend-our-democracy-f76919019ea2) I saw today discusses the fact that the last meaningful constitutional amendment was in the early 1970s (lowering voting age to 18) and we haven't tuned things up in 50 years. \n\n[https://medium.com/bigger-picture/americas-overdue-tune-up-6-repairs-to-amend-our-democracy-f76919019ea2](https://medium.com/bigger-picture/americas-overdue-tune-up-6-repairs-to-amend-our-democracy-f76919019ea2)\n\nThe article suggests 6 amendment ideas: \n\n\n* Presidential term limit (1 term)\n* Congressional term limits\n* Supreme court term limits\n* Electoral college fix (add a block of electoral votes for popular vote)\n* Elected representatives for Americans overseas (no taxation without representation)\n* Equal Rights Amendment (ratify it finally)\n\nProbably unrealistic to get congress to pass term limits on themselves, but some interesting ideas here. Do you agree? What Amendments do others think are needed?","upvotes":49,"user_id":"tallboy68"},{"content":"Why are Trump Allies encouraging Republican voters not to vote in the Georgia runoff election?","created_at":1607045948.0,"id":"k61xxa","n_comments":631,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k61xxa/why_are_trump_allies_encouraging_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Trumps attorneys are encouraging Republican voters not to vote in January's runoff election.](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/12/02/trump-allies-urge-georgia-republicans-sit-out-senate-runoffs/3800126001/)\n\nIs this simply a short-term play to try and encourage Sen. Perdue and Loeffler (and the national GOP) to attempt to interfere in the results of the GA election? Or is there a more long term plan by Trump's team to rally support around a future political play?","upvotes":1368,"user_id":"maxman1313"},{"content":"What's going to happen to Bill Barr?","created_at":1606911294.0,"id":"k5205z","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k5205z/whats_going_to_happen_to_bill_barr/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Bill Barr said earlier today](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55153366) the Department of Justice \"\\[has\\] not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election.\" This comes two weeks after President Trump [fired Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Chris Krebs](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/17/us/politics/trump-fires-christopher-krebs.html) for stating that this year's presidential election is \"the most secure in American history.\" \n\n\nGiven Trump's reaction to Krebs' statement, how will he react to Barr's opinion? Will he fire Barr? What will Barr gain out of this?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"parallaxish"},{"content":"Trump indicates he will run in 2024","created_at":1606932228.0,"id":"k56l3v","n_comments":167,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k56l3v/trump_indicates_he_will_run_in_2024/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The president has indicated he plans a 2024 run, apparently conceding defeat. \nWe have already seen Trump interfering in Georgia politics in ways that may hurt GOP prospects in the two key upcoming Senate runoffs that will determine control of the Senate. \nWe have also seen him taking shots at GOP governors he has deemed did not help him in fighting the election results. \nIf Trump truly decides to run in 2024 and remains involved in national politcs until then, how will this impact the Republican Party, both nationally and in statewide and local races? Is the GOP truly now the Trump Party? If not, how will the differences manifest? And finally, is he a potentially viable candidate for 2024?","upvotes":65,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What led to the massive losses for Democrats in the Senate between 2010 and 2016?","created_at":1606963085.0,"id":"k5f9t3","n_comments":918,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k5f9t3/what_led_to_the_massive_losses_for_democrats_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The current breakdown of the Senate (just prior to the Nov 3 election) was 53R, 47D, and 2I who caucus with the Democratic Party. As a contrast, the breakdown immediately following the 2008 election was 57D, 41R, and 2I that caucused with the Democratic Party. \n\nAn even more in depth look at where we were just 12 years ago creates an even greater contrast between then and now. Democrats held Senate seats in Alaska, Arkansas (both seats), Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, and North Dakota. Some of these are seats that seem unattainable in our current political atmosphere.\n\nWas this shift, from almost a supermajority in 2009 to scratching and clawing to try and make it a 50-50 tie, just a reversion to the mean? Or does it represent a tangible shift of the electorate in that part of the country? And if it is a new shift, what motivated it?","upvotes":650,"user_id":"FarEndRN"},{"content":"What will American historians view as the biggest failure of Trump's presidency?","created_at":1606902652.0,"id":"k4zi32","n_comments":95,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4zi32/what_will_american_historians_view_as_the_biggest/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many argue that his response to COVID and misinformation from his administration about the dangers posed by the virus will define Trump's presidency given the casualties and toll on the American economy.\n\nOther Americans believe that the US is more internally divided than ever, and that this is largely due to the words and actions of president Trump and his administration after events that exposed the stains on American history in places like Charlottesville.\n\nUS foreign relations are in poor standings. Republicans and Democrats alike have shown concern for Trump's unusual affinity towards our enemies and hostility towards our allies, believing that this has weakened international faith in America as the leader of the free world.\n\nNow that Americans will have a chance to reflect on the past four years, how will American history measure Donald Trump's single biggest failure or shortcoming during his time in office?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"loganalytics"},{"content":"What are the politics behind the death penalty?","created_at":1606890870.0,"id":"k4vwis","n_comments":101,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4vwis/what_are_the_politics_behind_the_death_penalty/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hi all,\n\nI\u2019ve been reading the US Declaration of Independence for a while now to try and get a better understanding of what our founding fathers truly believed and why they believed what they did. We all know the second line guarantees the rights to \u201clife, liberty and the pursuit of happiness\u201d. \n\nEver since I can remember, the left and right wing have been divided on the issue of the death penalty and it\u2019s justification for use. Is it politically useful to use the death penalty? Is there a bloodthirsty coalition of voters who believe in this? \n\nMy hope in posting this is to see your thoughts on the true meaning of the death penalty, why the United States has it, and why it hasn\u2019t gone away yet. Thanks so much!","upvotes":24,"user_id":"Matthew929"},{"content":"Does the presidential power of pardon need to be reigned in?","created_at":1606866495.0,"id":"k4ndrp","n_comments":58,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4ndrp/does_the_presidential_power_of_pardon_need_to_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"UPDATE: This takes on new relevance with the bribery for pardon scandal. \n\n\n\nStarting with Ford\u2019s controversial pardon of Nixon, this presidential power has been used to protect administrations from increasingly lawless behavior. \nThis trend is reaching its ultimate conclusion with President Donald Trump dangling and offering pardons to people who shielded him from investigation. \nRudy Giuliani, a main player in Trump\u2019s impeachment, has reportedly talked with Trump about a receiving a parson. \nAnd Sean Hannity recently recommended that Trump pardon himself and his family before leaving office. \n\nFrom Wikipedia:\n\nAt the Virginia Ratifying Convention, the delegate George Mason argued against ratification partly on the grounds that \u201cthe President ought not to have the power of pardoning, because he may frequently pardon crimes which were advised by himself.\n\nWas Mason right? Would it take a constitutional amendment to reign this power in? Is that even necessary or desirable?","upvotes":22,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"How will the Biden Administration deal with special counsel John Durham's investigation the origins of the FBI\u2019s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election?","created_at":1606896304.0,"id":"k4xlrs","n_comments":494,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4xlrs/how_will_the_biden_administration_deal_with/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"You may recall that in 2019 Durham was tapped to lead an investigation into Obama Administration era policies surrounding the surveillance of the Trump Campaign in 2016 and the origins of the \"Russiagate\" scandal. \n\nAnd now the announcement today that Barr has made Durham a special council:\nhttps://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/01/william-barr-john-durham-special-counsel-russia-441872\n\n>Attorney General William Barr has appointed U.S. attorney John Durham as a special counsel to investigate the origins of the FBI\u2019s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election.\n\n>The appointment formalizes Durham\u2019s ongoing probe, but more significantly, would give Durham latitude to continue the politically explosive investigation after President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January.\n\nSo immediately the Mueller Investigation came to mind, and I wondered what ways the Biden/Harris administration will deal with this new special council. Will the Biden administration try to end it? Will they allow it to go on, like Trump did the Mueller investigation? Will it result in charges beyond the first guilty plea that came out of the Durham investigation:\nhttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/durham-probe-ex-fbi-lawyer-to-plead-guilty-in-first-criminal-case-arising-from-review-attorney-says\n>Durham probe: Ex-FBI lawyer to plead guilty in first criminal case arising from review, sources say\n\nWhat legal ramifications would come from the Biden administration trying to stop this special council? What political ramifications? What political and legal ramifications would there be to allow it to continue?","upvotes":888,"user_id":"Gnome_Sane"},{"content":"Who do you think the 2022 US Senate Election candidates will be?","created_at":1606892613.0,"id":"k4wh8f","n_comments":97,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4wh8f/who_do_you_think_the_2022_us_senate_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Who do you think will be the candidates for US Senate in 2022? I tried to compile a list of possible candidates in the potential battleground races.\n\n**Florida**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Marco Rubio *(Incumbent US Senator)*\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Nikki Fried *(Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services)*\n* Gary Farmer *(Minority Leader of the Florida Senate)*\n* Bobby DuBose *(Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives)*\n* Evan Jenne *(Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives)*\n* Any member of the US House of Representatives for Florida\n\n**Kansas**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Jerry Moran *(Incumbent US Senator)*\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Laura Kelly *(Governor of Kansas) (Probably will run for second term as governor)*\n* Lynn Rogers *(Lieutenant Governor of Kansas)*\n* Sharice Davids *(Member of the US House of Representatives from Kansas's 3rd district) (Probably will run for reelection)*\n\n**Missouri**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Roy Blunt *(Incumbent US Senator)*\n* Eric Greitens *(Former Governor of Missouri)*\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Chris Koster *(Former Attorney General of Missouri)*\n* Claire McCaskill *(Former US Senator)*\n* Clint Zweifel *(Former State Treasurer of Missouri)*\n* Nicole Galloway *(State Auditor of Missouri) (Unlikely due to unsuccessful 2020 governor run)*\n\n**North Carolina**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Mark Walker *(Member of the US House of Representatives from North Carolina's 6th district) (Declared)*\n* Pat McCroy *(Former Governor of North Carolina)*\n* Dale Folwell *(Treasurer of North Carolina*\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Roy Cooper *(Governor of North Carolina)*\n* Elaine Marshall *(Secretary of State of North Carolina)*\n* Josh Stein *(Attorney General of North Carolina)*\n\n**Pennsylvania**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Ryan Costello *(Former Member of the U House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 6th district)*\n* Any member of the US House of Representatives for Pennsylvania\n* Joe Scarnati *(President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate)*\n* Jake Corman *(Majority Leader of the Pennsylvania Senate)*\n* Bryan Cutler *(Speaker of the Pennsylvania House)*\n* Kerry Benninghoff *(Majority Leader of the Pennsylvania House)*\n* Any member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Tom Wolf *(Governor of Pennsylvania)*\n* John Fetterman *(Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania)*\n* Josh Shapiro *(Attorney General of Pennsylvania)*\n* Joe Torsella *(Treasurer of Pennsylvania)*\n* Eugene DePasquale *(Auditor General of Pennsylvania)*\n\n**Wisconsin**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Ron Johnson *(Incumbent US Senator) (Might be retiring)*\n* David Beth *(Kenosha County sheriff)*\n* Roger Roth *(President of the Wisconsin Senate)*\n* Robin Vos *(Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly)*\n* Jim Steineke *(Majority Leader of the Wisconsin Assembly)*\n* Paul Ryan *(Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives)*\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Mandela Barnes *(Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin)*\n* Mark Pocan *(Member of the US House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 2nd district)*\n* Josh Kual *(Attorney General of Wisconsin)*\n* Any member of the Wisconsin State Legislature\n\n**New Hampshire**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Chris Sununu *(Governor of New Hampshire)*\n* Kelly Ayotte *(Former US Senator)*\n* Don Bolduc *(Former US Army General) (Declared)*\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Maggie Hassan *(Incumbent US Senator)*\n\n**Iowa**\n\n*Republican:*\n\n* Chuck Grassley *(Incumbent US Senator) (Might be retiring)*\n* Kim Reynolds *(Governor of Iowa)*\n* Paul Pate *(Secretary of State of Iowa)*\n\n*Democrat:*\n\n* Tom Miller *(Attorney General of Iowa)*\n* Michael Fitzgerald *(Treasurer of Iowa)*\n* Cindy Axne *(Member of the US House of Representatives from Iowa's 3rd district)*\n* Michael Franken *(Retired Admiral and Senator Ted Kennedy's former aide)*\n* Rob Sand *(Iowa State Auditor)*\n\nDo you think I missed any possible candidates? Comment them and I'll edit the post to include them.\n\n**QUESTION/PROMPT:** Which of these are likely to run, and which are not? Which of them do you think will become their party's nominee for their Senate race?","upvotes":51,"user_id":"MrOinkingPig"},{"content":"What states will come into play in 2024?","created_at":1606891708.0,"id":"k4w6fn","n_comments":98,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4w6fn/what_states_will_come_into_play_in_2024/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The 2020 election has happened and now that it's over, we have seen which demographics turned out for Biden and Trump and which states have turned out for Trump and Biden. For instance, Florida went to Trump by a bigger percentage then 2016 and gained on Cuban Americans or African-Americans helped Biden in the suburbs. In 2024, Which states will become swing states?","upvotes":56,"user_id":"whenyoucantthinkof"},{"content":"What is it about Palestine that makes it have so much recognition from other countries","created_at":1606837814.0,"id":"k4gitw","n_comments":197,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4gitw/what_is_it_about_palestine_that_makes_it_have_so/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Palestine has so much recognition from other countries whereas other unrecognised states like transnistria and South ossetia etc seem to not get nearly as much attention. What is it about the Israel Palestine situation that makes it different from the rest?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"ocolgan"},{"content":"What if COVID-19 did not start in Wuhan -- Political dimensions","created_at":1606858872.0,"id":"k4l0zt","n_comments":5,"percentage_upvoted":0.57,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4l0zt/what_if_covid19_did_not_start_in_wuhan_political/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"China for its own propaganda purposes is pushing the line that COVID-19 may not have started in Wuhan.\n\nReputable scientific studies are starting to back this point of view up. Most recently, a study by the CDC published in a peer-reviewed journal found COVID antibodies in three cities in the US in blood samples collected in mid-December. (See reports in Wall Street Journal and NPR.)\n\nSome less rigorous studies have found COVID appearing in Europe in late 2019.\n\nDoes it really matter where COVID started? In the current political atmosphere, will scientists be able to figure out how it spreads? What would it mean if the virus hypothetically did not start in China, but say, for example, in Europe?","upvotes":2,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What are the legislative implications of GA flipping blue?","created_at":1606816015.0,"id":"k4asdi","n_comments":60,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4asdi/what_are_the_legislative_implications_of_ga/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obviously there's a lot going around about the GA senate races. What is the direct policy implication of each outcome? Staying republican vs flipping democrat?\n\nIf it flips blue, Kamala would be the tie breaker in the senate. Pence has been the tie breaker 13 times since the Trump administration took office (according to senate.gov). What would be some things Kamala will tie break off the bat?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"Unconquered_One"},{"content":"Why did Hispanic voters move towards Donald Trump in the 2020 election?","created_at":1606822870.0,"id":"k4ctsa","n_comments":768,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4ctsa/why_did_hispanic_voters_move_towards_donald_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the 2020 general election, Donald Trump did substantially better with Hispanic voters than he did in 2016. In heavily Hispanic areas across the country, Trump turned in impressive performances: relative to 2016, [his margin was 22 points better in Miami-Dade, 55 points(!) better in Starr County, TX, and 17 points better in Imperial County, CA](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-president.html?action=click&pgtype=Article&state=default&module=styln-elections-2020®ion=TOP_BANNER&context=election_recirc). \n\nThese results are legitimately surprising to me. I admittedly come at this with some bias, but several factors would have led me to not expect these shifts. For example, Trump has pursued quite hardline immigration policies as president, and coronavirus has disproportionately impacted Hispanic communities. And while some Republicans have argued that Hispanics tend to be more aligned with the GOP on social issues, Trump did not make issues such as gay marriage or abortion cornerstones of his campaign.\n\nWhy did Hispanic voters shift towards Trump in 2020? And does this foreshadow further Hispanic shifts towards Republicans in 2022/2024, or will they flip back to supporting Democrats by their previous margins?","upvotes":584,"user_id":"Adodie"},{"content":"Will Democrats keep solid progressive support in the polls moving into 2024?","created_at":1606825780.0,"id":"k4dmv5","n_comments":178,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k4dmv5/will_democrats_keep_solid_progressive_support_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Voter turnout was insane in 2020, and I think it's safe to say that more progressives turned out for Biden versus Clinton in 2016 for a variety of reasons. Is this support going to be a given going into 2024 if Biden, Kamala, or a moderate/centrist democrat is running for president as well? Or was the urgency of getting Trump out of office the main source of motivation for progressives to vote for Biden?","upvotes":50,"user_id":"Raichu4u"},{"content":"Should the House of Representatives have 'advise and consent' powers over (some) Presidential appointments?","created_at":1606811337.0,"id":"k49cil","n_comments":52,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k49cil/should_the_house_of_representatives_have_advise/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm fully aware that the US Constitution grants the power to confirm Presidential appointments exclusively to the Senate, but considering there are some legislative paths that MUST begin in the House (Thinking about financial, taxation, economic packages, etc.), would it make sense to shift some appointments to their discretion? Votes in conjunction with the Senate? Concerning posts like OMB? Treasury? Commerce?","upvotes":40,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Will the Biden administration be able to revive the Iran deal?","created_at":1606804554.0,"id":"k473v6","n_comments":308,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k473v6/will_the_biden_administration_be_able_to_revive/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Three years after the JCPOA was negotiated, the Trump administration unilaterally abandoned the deal and began a [\"maximum pressure\" campaign](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/19/trump-iran-maximum-pressure-418225) against Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu was always against the Iran deal, and went as far as [addressing the U.S. congress in 2015](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/03/03/full-text-netanyahus-address-to-congress/) regarding why the deal is not a good idea. \n\nNetanyahu has also been has been an ardent supporter of the \"maximum pressure\" campaign against Iran, and went as far as to say [\u201cThere must be no return to the previous nuclear agreement,\" shortly after Mr. Biden was elected](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/28/world/middleeast/israel-iran-nuclear-deal.html). A few days ago, the Robert Oppenheimer of Iran's nuclear program was [assassinated outside of Tehran](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/27/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-scientist-assassinated-mohsen-fakhrizadeh.html). There is little doubt that Israel was behind the assassination, and the question now is whether it was carried out now in order to [limit Biden's chances of renegotiating a deal with Iran](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/28/world/middleeast/israel-iran-nuclear-deal.html). \n\nAlthough President-elect Biden has already promised to quickly rejoin the deal with Iran, years of crippling sanctions, advanced weapons sales to gulf states, and push-back from regional allies may restrict Biden's ambitions. Will Biden be able to rejoin the nuclear deal with Iran? What can we expect from Israel, as well as other wary nations in the region once Biden proceeds with negotiations?","upvotes":523,"user_id":"multiprocessed"},{"content":"Should Taiwan be recognized as a country","created_at":1606784852.0,"id":"k3zypt","n_comments":81,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k3zypt/should_taiwan_be_recognized_as_a_country/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\nShould The republic of China(Taiwan) be recognized as a country ? What are the pros of Taiwan being a country. what Are the cons? What is your opinion on it? Would it be possible Hong Kong and Taiwan join and make a confederation of sorts?","upvotes":58,"user_id":"Ajstar9"},{"content":"China declares eastern Bhutan is part of China,, what do you think about it's announcement ?","created_at":1606779490.0,"id":"k3y3bj","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k3y3bj/china_declares_eastern_bhutan_is_part_of_china/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Bhutan is nearby India and China.\n\nSince 1950, China has been claiming that some parts of Bhutan are belonged to ancient great Chinese empire dynasty (about 100 years ago).\n\nRecently , China newly announces the whole eastern Bhutan territory is part of China, and starts to overrule Bhutan's legality like international wildlife sanctuary ordinations. \n\nBesides, they are going to build new dams to control the major river originated from eastern Bhutan.\n\nWhat do you think about:\n\n1. why china keeps claiming \"Great China Territory\" (that lost for 200 years)\n2. what can those southern asian countries do ? (Bhutan, India, Vietnam, .....)","upvotes":18,"user_id":"flyingmax"},{"content":"Should we expand the House of Representatives?","created_at":1606780505.0,"id":"k3yfrl","n_comments":128,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k3yfrl/should_we_expand_the_house_of_representatives/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We haven't changed the number of house seat in the past century even though the population has exploded. the average amount of constituents has gone from 200,000 in 1900 to 700,000 in 2000. \n\nThere are many ideas on how much the house should expand but the most popular seems to be 569 under the [Wyoming Rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming_Rule). The Wyoming rule is that the average constituents per district should be the population of the smallest state (currently Wyoming at 578,000). \n\nOther say that it should follow the [Cube root rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_root_rule) which would expand the house to either 593 or 693 (depending on if the senate is counted as a part of the US legislature). The cube root rule is due to the fact that there is a pattern where in [OCED](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OECD) countries the size of the legislature is close to the cube root of the countries population. \n\nDo you think we should expand the house or if it should stay as is?","upvotes":62,"user_id":"4lmeme"},{"content":"Why does the urban/rural divide equate to a liberal/conservative divide in the US? Is it the same in other countries?","created_at":1606762543.0,"id":"k3tp70","n_comments":871,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k3tp70/why_does_the_urbanrural_divide_equate_to_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Here's a county population density map of the US.](https://imgur.com/a/XJDkOwJ)\n\n[Here's a county map of the US showing different shares of Democratic & Republican votes for president in 2020.](https://imgur.com/a/nJAIEqu)\n\n[Here's a county map of the US showing majority-minority counties.](https://i.imgur.com/aTr3XDC.png)\n\nThey seem to show a match between denser populations, larger minority proportions, and Democratic votes.\n\nWhy is that?","upvotes":1230,"user_id":"UserNamesCantBeTooLo"},{"content":"How will Maine's RCV effect the NPVIC?","created_at":1606747203.0,"id":"k3qldx","n_comments":47,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k3qldx/how_will_maines_rcv_effect_the_npvic/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Quick rundown, Maine now decides its electors for the Electoral College via [Ranked Choice Voting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z2fRPRkWvY) (RCV), and the [National Popular Vote Interstate Compact](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUX-frlNBJY) is a series of states pledging to cast their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote, regardless of how that state votes, once enough states sign on to the compact that would constitute 270 Electoral votes.\n\nSo, assuming enough states sign onto the NPVIC for it to take effect, how will those states then determine the \"national popular vote\" when Maine has their instant-runoff system? Would it only count the final ballot, or would they count the first ballot? What if other states outside (or even inside) the NPVIC adopt RCV for their Presidential elections? Because it very well could be that Candidate X has the *plurality* of votes in the first ballot, but then Candidate Y could have the *majority* by the end of the runoffs. Understanding that the NPVIC just assumes all states will use FPTP, how can its current language adapt to Maine's electoral system?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"johnbutalsojake"},{"content":"Does foreign policy matter as much as domestic policy?","created_at":1606722188.0,"id":"k3k5zc","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k3k5zc/does_foreign_policy_matter_as_much_as_domestic/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Does foreign policy matter as much as domestic policy? I did not think there was much talk about foreign policy during the election does it not matter as much? What is your opinion on whether foreign or domestic policy matters more?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"Ajstar9"},{"content":"Is Globalization a right or left wing issue?","created_at":1606706046.0,"id":"k3f9tq","n_comments":329,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k3f9tq/is_globalization_a_right_or_left_wing_issue/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Globalization seems to have two major fault lines among which the parties differ. For the democrats, it's the aspect of cultural homogenization that causes them to push back (at least for the much more left edge of the party), while Republicans have shifted to a protectionist economic viewpoint under Trump.\n\nAt the same time, both parties seem to support it when it's in their interests. Democrats support large global coalitions and see America's role as leading the free world, while Republicans support the expansion of American businesses overseas as a source of significant profit and growth.\n\nIn the future, how do you think that each party's stance will evolve on this issue? And perhaps most importantly, what makes voters of each party care about the issue?","upvotes":383,"user_id":"Fwc1"},{"content":"How sticky is Biden's coalition of urban cities and suburbs going forward?","created_at":1606651568.0,"id":"k32o5h","n_comments":120,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k32o5h/how_sticky_is_bidens_coalition_of_urban_cities/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden won the presidency in 2020 on the back of a coalition of a longstanding Democratic base of urban cities and a relatively newfound partner in their suburban counterparts. His win was mostly driven by a larger margin over Trump in suburbs than Clinton in 2016 (see The Atlantic [article](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/11/why-big-city-dominance-problem-democrats/617161/) explanation).\n\nHowever, it seems that the particular coalition may be a fragile one, more based on a dislike of Trump than any unifying policy ideas. There are some crosscurrents like in the area of crime, policing, housing, welfare and government spending that urban and suburban residents don't necessarily see eye to eye on, especially if the urban base is driving the legislative engine.\n\nWill there be tensions in a Biden administration over how to cater to these different groups? How will Republicans exploit this division? Is the coalition temporary or can it prevail long term?","upvotes":53,"user_id":"TaylorSwiftian"},{"content":"Is Florida still a swing state?","created_at":1606645044.0,"id":"k310v1","n_comments":183,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k310v1/is_florida_still_a_swing_state/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Florida has been won by Trump again in 2020 by 3 points, a greater margin than 7 other states. Florida used to have elections so close they were legendary. So the question is: Is Florida still a swing state?\n\n(P.S: A swing state meaning that it can be won by a democrat and a republican.)\n\n(EDIT: Also in 2018, Rick Scott won by 0.12% and Ron DeSantis won by 0.4%)","upvotes":110,"user_id":"whenyoucantthinkof"},{"content":"Is America experiencing the \"Fifth Great Awakening\"?","created_at":1606646697.0,"id":"k31gm3","n_comments":94,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k31gm3/is_america_experiencing_the_fifth_great_awakening/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the revival of American Conservatism in the last decade (Tea Party, Right-Wing/Republican wins in state legislatures, governorships, the House, then the Senate, then ultimately the Trump presidency), and the substantial power which the Christian-right wields as a voting bloc, is America enduring a new \"Great Awakening\"?\n\nBy that, I mean an era of religious fervor pitted against secularism, wherein political issues arise from moral questions. The fourth Awakening is largely considered between 1960-1980, where issues like abortion, school prayer, and teaching creationism were common political issues.\n\nToday, abortion remains a contested issue, along with same-sex marriage, climate change, school choice, even the freedoms of religious institutions to congregate during a public health crisis. Republicans have a solid majority on SCOTUS, which has called many of these issues into question.\n\nWhite, evangelical voters are one of the largest and fastest growing sects in the United States. Is this the beginning of a new political movement in American history?","upvotes":54,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Is war with Iran likely?","created_at":1606650896.0,"id":"k32i94","n_comments":8,"percentage_upvoted":0.4,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k32i94/is_war_with_iran_likely/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Donald Trump has just fired people at the Pentagon, either to stage a military coup or to strike at Iran since he has inquired about striking Iran before. \n\nOne side argues that the geopolitical landscape doesn\u2019t allow for such large scale wars anymore and all sides know it is costly. \n\nThe other side argues that Trump will start a war simply to spite Biden or to simply make it harder to have diplomatic talks with him. \n\n(I\u2019m a bit of a doom scroller so I\u2019m hoping nothing comes of it) \n\nWhat are your thoughts? Should we be worried or is this just another bluff?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Gamester1941"},{"content":"Should Native American groups take stewardship of Nat'l and State Parks and other preserved lands?","created_at":1606634374.0,"id":"k2y0xk","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.63,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2y0xk/should_native_american_groups_take_stewardship_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a proposal that's come up every now and again among Native American Indian communities throughout the US, most commonly in the West and Midwest (for somewhat obvious reasons); but whether or not it would yield beneficial results remains to be seen.\n\nMind you, this would likely not amount to the dismissal of the NPS and similar agencies (at least to my knowledge) but more a general partnership in caring for the lands. It would perhaps be a better arrangement than what most native peoples have now on the reservations, as they would have access to better economic opportunities while still having a plot of land to call their own; not that they'd likely be living on the parklands themselves much of the time, but still.","upvotes":14,"user_id":"AlternativeQuality2"},{"content":"What would be a reasonable update to the Fairness Doctrine in order to combat disinformation?","created_at":1606627725.0,"id":"k2w2x6","n_comments":161,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2w2x6/what_would_be_a_reasonable_update_to_the_fairness/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Disinformation and propaganda campaigns are probably the single biggest challenge for the US to overcome because we can't agree on a common set of facts. Would there be a way to legislate news outlets (TV/Print/Online/Radio) from allowing anchors, writers, and guests to state plainly false facts unchecked? That's not to say they couldn't have whatever opinion they want about a fact, but it could penalize self-described news organizations from being able to argue in court that nobody in their right mind would take a news show seriously (like Tucker Carlson's lawyers managed to do.) \n\nIs this even possible under the first amendment?","upvotes":86,"user_id":"Bonerbeef"},{"content":"How does Trump\u2019s refusal to concede to Biden and the rumors of a 2024 campaign look from the prospective of outside country\u2019s?","created_at":1606638555.0,"id":"k2z7ud","n_comments":288,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2z7ud/how_does_trumps_refusal_to_concede_to_biden_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It was projected that Biden would win the presidency and Trump would not get a second term about 3 weeks ago now, and Trump has yet to concede the election. There is also many rumors of a 2024 Trump campaign.\n\nHow do you think other county\u2019s are viewing the current situation and how could it influence them?","upvotes":144,"user_id":"zacharye123"},{"content":"How much credit should the President get for the economy?","created_at":1606640958.0,"id":"k2zwla","n_comments":314,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2zwla/how_much_credit_should_the_president_get_for_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"During the most recent presidential race, Trump often claimed that under his leadership, he presided over the \"greatest economy in history\". While this claim might be dubious, it really got me thinking, how much blame or credit should a president get for the economy? \n\nOn one camp, many people believe that presidents should are not really responsible for the state of the economy. Market forces, consumer trends, oil shocks, are all factors that are more important to an economy's success.\n\nIn the other camp, certain economic policies like social security and subsided healthcare have been shown to have a positive influence on the economy which the president can impact by signing the legislation. Additionally, presidents can choose who leads the Federal Reserve which may impact monetary policy and the economy. \n\nHow much credit or blame should the president get for the state of the economy?","upvotes":432,"user_id":"Anymeans6"},{"content":"Would Trump get the nomination in 2024?","created_at":1606612371.0,"id":"k2rdtk","n_comments":834,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2rdtk/would_trump_get_the_nomination_in_2024/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Trump is still saying that this election is fraudulent and that Biden and the Democrats stole this election from him, and he still hasn't backed down and probably won't until the Electors confirm the results on December 14th. With all of that in mind Trump has said that he wants to run again in 2024, would the Republicans actually nominate him again, or does he have no shot at it?","upvotes":793,"user_id":"EddyZacianLand"},{"content":"Is assassination of foreign nationals still a valid method to achieve geopolitical but non-military objectives?","created_at":1606556402.0,"id":"k2ed46","n_comments":24,"percentage_upvoted":0.75,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2ed46/is_assassination_of_foreign_nationals_still_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/27/middleeast/iran-top-nuclear-scientist-killed-intl/index.html](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/27/middleeast/iran-top-nuclear-scientist-killed-intl/index.html)\n\nIran's top nuclear scientist killed in apparent assassination (27 Nov 20). It's not surprising that the chief suspect would be the Israeli government, and it won't be the first time. This is not really a conspiracy theory. the Israeli governments have generally not deny its parts on a whole list of killing though it typically adopts a media silence approach.\n\n[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Targeted\\_killings\\_by\\_Israel\\_Defense\\_Forces#:\\~:text=Notable%20targeted%20killings%20by%20the,Abdel%20Aziz%20al%2DRantissi%20](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Targeted_killings_by_Israel_Defense_Forces#:~:text=Notable%20targeted%20killings%20by%20the,Abdel%20Aziz%20al%2DRantissi%20)\n\nThe USA itself has taken a stance over the years to not engage in political assassinations through a series of executive orders by Ford, Carter, Reagan & Bush II. Notwithstanding this there are a number of loop holes to the USA approach via defining the degrees of targetting and via expanding the military definition.\n\nDo you think the Israeli approach is valid? or do you think the USA approach is better? or is neither approaches good or bad?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"WWBSkywalker"},{"content":"Why couldn't Democrats turn out Black voters in key swing states?","created_at":1606547346.0,"id":"k2btr4","n_comments":671,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2btr4/why_couldnt_democrats_turn_out_black_voters_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[In Georgia, Biden's biggest gains relative to Clinton was the affluent, relatively white suburbs surrounding Atlanta, while his gains in the heavily Black city of Atlanta was relatively flat.](https://twitter.com/bluestein/status/1332426337152360448) Similarly in Pennsylvania, Biden posted huge gains relative to Clinton in the whiter collar counties surrounding Philly, while Trump actually gained ground in the city of Philadelphia itself. In Wisconsin, Biden could not have won without reaching into the traditionally conservative suburban counties surrounding the heavily black Milwaukee. The pattern is familiar across key states: [it was suburban whites, not urban African Americans, who increased their turnout the most](https://twitter.com/Redistrict/status/1330178962593558528), and delivered the election to Biden.\n\nIn a year dominated by racial justice, a pandemic that disproportionately kills African Americans, and Trump's negligence on both, why couldn't Democrats turn out African American voters, and why did Trump even post meaningful gains with them?","upvotes":908,"user_id":"75dollars"},{"content":"Why did the republicans take the New Hampshire leglistature this year?","created_at":1606541895.0,"id":"k2a8yg","n_comments":90,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k2a8yg/why_did_the_republicans_take_the_new_hampshire/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Given that New Hampshire voted for Biden, re elected one of it's democrat senators and re elected it's two representatives who are both democrats, I was confused when I googled '2020 state leglislative elections and saw the republicans had flipped the leglistature. Why do you think this is? Is it due to Gerrymandering? Moderate republicans voting Biden but voting republican downballot? I'm very curious","upvotes":59,"user_id":"aperson5432"},{"content":"What will the jobs-competition going to be between US and China?","created_at":1606499909.0,"id":"k1yfnw","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k1yfnw/what_will_the_jobscompetition_going_to_be_between/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"US government is going to have a regime-shift during the next couple month.\n\nAs to job problems (employment rate), there has been different opinions since the election is done .\n\nDuring Trump administration a so called enterprise-back-to-US policy is carried out via following actions:\n\n1. tax actions over made-in-china products.\n2. financial incentives for newly built factories.\n3. blocking certain edgy technology industries.\n\nNow, the Biden presidency has a few talks on:\n\n1. ease tensions between US and China.\n2. free trade and cancel tariff tax.\n\n​\n\nHere I'm going to ask, \n\n1. what do you think that tax and tariff will do to employment rate ?\n2. what would you recommend to help US workers?","upvotes":12,"user_id":"flyingmax"},{"content":"American Political Institutional Crisis of Legitimacy and Donald Trump","created_at":1606515158.0,"id":"k21si7","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.61,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k21si7/american_political_institutional_crisis_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This link lays out 4 of the reasons for the institutional crisis of legitimacy. There are some good reasons for the deep chasms and fissures of trust and legitimacy we have in government, but I want to know what role Trump plays in these? Does he exploit them for political gain? Does he actually add to the crisis of legitimacy himself or is he actually pointing out some valid stressors in our democratic institution that need to be addressed? I will give the example of pushing voter fraud. The experts say no such fraud exists on a massive level and that these actions undermine our democracy. Are they undermining faith in our elections and court system? Is Trump benefitting politically from it? Is he advertently or inadvertently pointing out valid choke points of democratic oversight of the mail in ballot process. The purpose of this post isn't to get bogged down on this issue but to think more broadly about what Trump's effects are on the supposed crisis of legitimacy in American political institutions. https://www.google.com/amp/s/theconversation.com/amp/the-legitimation-crisis-in-the-us-why-have-americans-lost-trust-in-government-67205","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Shazer3"},{"content":"Is there something in certain cultures' psychology that makes them 'allergic' to partaking in politics?","created_at":1606444727.0,"id":"k1krpn","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.61,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k1krpn/is_there_something_in_certain_cultures_psychology/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A wise man once said 'hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create hard times'. But going off of what the world has seen in times past, politics doesn't seem to be that simple.\n\nIn particular, it seems some countries and the people that live there have an almost pathological aversion to talking about anything regarding the governing of their own country and its relations with other nations. It's not always a first world-second world issue either; there are a number of third world countries that suffer from this 'sticking your head in the sand' syndrome even during times of relative peace. \n\nTo that end, the idea of it resulting from existential fear of the whole situation and the citizens just being in a collective case of denial (as was presumably the case during the Cold War era) seems incorrect, so what is the contributing factor to such mindsets on a societal scale? Is it a part of the human condition that everyday citizens just don't like participating in the management of their societies? Is it just considered 'undue stress' to involve oneself in such matters when you supposedly have a lot on your plate as is?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"AlternativeQuality2"},{"content":"Does anyone support action on climate change due to the mass migration it may cause?","created_at":1606464678.0,"id":"k1qjk8","n_comments":286,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k1qjk8/does_anyone_support_action_on_climate_change_due/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Opposition to immigration (for whatever reason) is broadly considered to be a conservative viewpoint (although to what extent depends on your location). Climate change, according to Nature (which is about as reputable a source as you can get) estimates that by 2050 the number of environmental migrants will number between 25 million and 1 billion. This means even the most conservative estimate is much greater than the largest current crisis at 17.6 million (Syria). However, action on climate change is broadly considered as progressive or liberal. Does anyone opposed to immigration support climate action on this basis, or consider it as a factor in their view on climate action?","upvotes":743,"user_id":"mild_concussion"},{"content":"Do exit polls from 2020 suggest any meaningful strategic change for Democrats or Republicans moving forward?","created_at":1606435740.0,"id":"k1htv0","n_comments":118,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k1htv0/do_exit_polls_from_2020_suggest_any_meaningful/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Quick Recap:\n\nTrump and Republicans gained the most ground among Latino, Black, Asian, and 100k+ voters. \n\nBiden and Democrats gained the most ground among White, 65+, male, and 50k-100k voters.\n\nOverall, in 2020 compared to 2016, there was a larger share (%) of Latino and 18-29 voters and there was a smaller share (%) of White and 50-64 voters with minor changes elsewhere.\n\nSources [1](https://www.ft.com/content/69f3206f-37a7-4561-bebf-5929e7df850d) [2](https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/election-week-2020#youth-voter-turnout-increased-in-2020) [3](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/09/youth-turnout-us-election-biden-victory-young-voters) [4](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/10/26/what-the-2020-electorate-looks-like-by-party-race-and-ethnicity-age-education-and-religion/) [5](https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/essay/an-early-look-at-the-2020-electorate/) [6](https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-us-election-hispanic-latino-voters/)","upvotes":84,"user_id":"IT53"},{"content":"Is Anybody Anti-Democratic","created_at":1606407620.0,"id":"k1bfdz","n_comments":571,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k1bfdz/is_anybody_antidemocratic/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I have never head anyone claim to be anti democratic. Is there any such thing as an argument against democracy? What would be the strongest arguments against it? I found this quote by Jason Brennan:\n\n​\n\n\"We know that an unfortunate side effect of democracy is that it incentivizes citizens to be ignorant, irrational, tribalistic, and to not use their votes in very serious ways. So this is an attempt to correct for that pathology while keeping what\u2019s good about a democratic system.\n\n​\n\nWe have to ask ourselves what we think government is actually for. Some people think it has the value a painting has, which is to say that it\u2019s symbolic. In that view, you might think, \u201cWe should have democracy because it\u2019s a way of civilizing and expressing the idea that all of us have equal value.\u201d\n\n​\n\nThere\u2019s another way of looking at government, which is that it\u2019s a tool, like a hammer, and the purpose of politics is to generate just and good outcomes, to generate efficiency and stability, and to avoid mistreating people. So if you think government is for that purpose, and I do, then you have to wonder if we should pick the form of government that best delivers the goods, whatever that might be.\"\n\n[https://www.vox.com/2018/7/23/17581394/against-democracy-book-epistocracy-jason-brennan](https://www.vox.com/2018/7/23/17581394/against-democracy-book-epistocracy-jason-brennan)\n\nHas anyone read his book? Is there a valid argument against democracy?","upvotes":498,"user_id":"WilliamWren"},{"content":"Should Biden appoint Trump supporters to his administration for the sake of national unity?","created_at":1606405619.0,"id":"k1b196","n_comments":154,"percentage_upvoted":0.43,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k1b196/should_biden_appoint_trump_supporters_to_his/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"During this [recent interview ](https://youtu.be/qpPCtxUXoNM)with Lester Holt, when asked if he would consider nominating or appointing Trump supporters to his administration for the sake of national unity, Biden replies \u201cYes - and we still have a lot more appointments to make.\u201d\n\nIs this an impuissant placation to Trumpism, a miscalculation that\u2019s likely to be revoked, or truly the best way forward?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"ViceVersaMedia"},{"content":"What effects might President Trump's constant message that the election system is broken/rigged in the USA have on his base (and perhaps even the Republican party as a whole) in future elections?","created_at":1606315584.0,"id":"k0n13k","n_comments":71,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0n13k/what_effects_might_president_trumps_constant/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Trump keeps saying the 2020 election was rigged. Today I read an article that Republican voters are considering boycotting the special elections in Georgia. What effects might President Trump's constant message that the election system is broken/rigged in the USA have on his base (and perhaps even the Republican party as a whole) in future elections?","upvotes":30,"user_id":"GypsyWriterChick"},{"content":"Here\u2019s a list of possible replacements for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris\u2019s Senate seat. Who would be the best fit and why?","created_at":1606299939.0,"id":"k0j9eq","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0j9eq/heres_a_list_of_possible_replacements_for_vice/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"* Alex Padilla (California Secretary of State)\n* Xavier Becerra (California Attorney General)\n* Barbara Lee (US Representative, CA-13)\n* Karen Bass (US Representative, CA-37)\n* Ro Khanna (US Representative, CA-17)\n* Katie Porter (US Representative, CA-45)\n* Robert Garcia (Mayor of Long Beach)\n* Hilda Solis (former Secretary of Labor)\n* London Breed (Mayor of San Francisco)","upvotes":19,"user_id":"stt2m"},{"content":"Do you foresee beards making a comeback in Presidential-level politics in the coming years?","created_at":1606364537.0,"id":"k102dt","n_comments":76,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k102dt/do_you_foresee_beards_making_a_comeback_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":".","upvotes":144,"user_id":"joetheschmoe4000"},{"content":"Do you think Trump would have won if the pandemic never happened?","created_at":1606356997.0,"id":"k0xi7l","n_comments":919,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0xi7l/do_you_think_trump_would_have_won_if_the_pandemic/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A lot pundits pre-2020 talked about how the chance of an incumbent President losing an election with positive GDP growth is extremely rare and COVID essentially turned that around because in some sense it showed how Trump really [didn't care](https://www.mercurynews.com/trump-claims-doctors-get-more-money-for-covid-deaths) about people in dying in his country, potentially swinging crucial suburban support in key states. \n\nGiven that, do you think Joe Biden would have pulled it off if COVID never happened?","upvotes":1365,"user_id":"AdorableWrongdoerr"},{"content":"How has Mike Pence been able to fly under the radar for so long?","created_at":1606375017.0,"id":"k13fxs","n_comments":76,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k13fxs/how_has_mike_pence_been_able_to_fly_under_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For all of Trump's presidency, Pence has been able to lay in the presidents shadow while Trump brought all the attention to him. Pence has been notoriously restrained in comparison to Trump and even with the recent election fraud allegations, Pence has been the only one to not get involved with Trump's accusations of fraud. \n\nWhat imact has Pence had and how has he been able to avoid all the craziness surrounding Trump?","upvotes":88,"user_id":"Falshiv_Geroi"},{"content":"\"Veterans of the Democratic primary campaign fear they're being squeezed out of plum posts by later arrivals.\" How common is it for campaign staffers to work towards a goal of getting hired on by their candidate's administration, only to be rebuffed once their candidate wins?","created_at":1606299130.0,"id":"k0j1xk","n_comments":54,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0j1xk/veterans_of_the_democratic_primary_campaign_fear/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"From Politico: [Veterans of the Democratic primary campaign fear they're being squeezed out of plum posts by later arrivals.](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/24/biden-cabinet-scramble-440199) In short, staffers who had been with the Biden campaign since the beginning are starting to feel left out in the cold, now that it's time to dole-out positions in the new Biden administration. These are people who had been doing the grunt work in the trenches since the Biden campaign began more than 18 months ago. From the article:\n\n>The current fears about the transition being taken over by the previous generation of Obama staffers who make up Washington\u2019s permanent establishment are coming from a younger set of Biden true believers who chose to work for him in early 2019 even when all of the cool young operatives were flocking to Beto and Bernie and Warren. \n> \n>......there is concern bordering on panic \u2014 depending on who you talk to \u2014 about the perceived lack of outreach to many campaign alumni. \u201cThere\u2019s real doubt about whether they will be taken care of,\u201d said the Biden adviser. \n> \n>\u201cNone of these people found the courage to help the VP when he was running and now they are elevating their friends over the Biden people. It\u2019s f----- up.\u201d \n> \n>In the meantime, many of these people are sitting around and waiting, often without any real understanding of how they even apply for crucial jobs. \n> \n>\u201cPeople are pissed,\u201d said the Biden adviser. \u201cI think I\u2019m going to be taken care of but I have not been taken care of yet. I am really interested to find out how you even find out how you got a job in this White House.\u201d\n\nHow often do dedicated campaign loyalists end up being left-out once it's time to hand out jobs? Is there a whole sub-culture in DC of bitter ex-campaign staffers from successful presidential campaigns? People who thought they'd ride an administration's coat-tails, only to be cast aside once all the hard work of the campaign was completed? People who found out their hard work was no match for someone with connections?","upvotes":46,"user_id":"roger_roger_32"},{"content":"What changes, if any, should be made to the Presidential Transition Act of 1963?","created_at":1606269729.0,"id":"k0a4fx","n_comments":39,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0a4fx/what_changes_if_any_should_be_made_to_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On Monday night, the administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), Emily Murphy, [sent a letter](https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/read-gsa-administrator-emily-murphy-s-letter-to-president-elect-joe-biden/a615a8b4-29b4-4628-8a9c-7e87fc2430dd/?itid=lk_interstitial_manual_10) to President-elect Joe Biden officially allowing his transition team to utilize funding provided by the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 and to access other services and office space needed to plan the presidential transition. \n\nAccording to the Act, it is the Administrator of the GSA who is responsible for \"ascertaining\" the apparent winner of the election. In the letter, Murphy laments that \"Unfortunately, the statute provides no procedures or standards for this process... I do not think that an agency charged with improving federal procurement and property management should place itself above the constitutionally-based election process. I strongly urge Congress to consider amendments to the Act. \"\n\nQuestions:\n\n1. Does Murphy have a strong argument that this delay was necessary with no concession being given by Trump?\n2. What procedures or standards could be put in to place to make the \"ascertainment\" less subjective?\n3. Given the great importance of Presidential transitions, should the Act be modified to allow greater transition activities to begin even when there is no clear winner of the election?","upvotes":44,"user_id":"zook388"},{"content":"Do you think an independent Scotland would be able to be self sufficient or even excel?","created_at":1606248861.0,"id":"k03wlh","n_comments":27,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k03wlh/do_you_think_an_independent_scotland_would_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Scotland has been trying to achieve it's political independence from the United Kingdom for some time now. Scotland's elected party, the Scottish National Party, has been the dominat party for some time now. The first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been directly opposed to the Prime Minister and the rest of wesminter's policies. Scottish people voted against Brexit and have been covid restricted much harder than in England. So there's clearly a bit of an opposition.\n\nPost brexit Britain will be relying on trade with Canada and the US to feed itself as the UK imports a lot of shit. It wouldn't be able to feed itself on it's own. However, Scotland is full of farmland. It also has a lot of access to the oil of the North sea. Technology developments have always been a thing in Scotland. Despite being in a post Marhret Thatcher Britain which absolutely destroyed many Scottish industries such as ship building, Scotland continues to generate 80 billion GBP per year which is taken and given to the union and later returned for 50 billion GBP per year. Scotland technically loses money in this relationship.\n\nHowever many would argue that the defence provided by the powerful UK military, tourism from the royal family and more is worth the union. People claim the countries are \"stronger together\"\n\nDo you think Scotland would be able to survive on it's own or even be better off? Would it be smart for it to rejoin the EU, start an oil fund for the people like Norway or form a Celtic Union with Ireland and Wales free from the restrictions of England?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"Elimin8or2000"},{"content":"At what point do you oppose abortion?","created_at":1606288083.0,"id":"k0g0po","n_comments":75,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0g0po/at_what_point_do_you_oppose_abortion/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Abortion laws seem to be among most people's top issues but many of the adds I see tend to be based off of lies. I would like to know where people really stand.\n\nDo you oppose abortion:\n\n1. Always\n\n2. Until there is a heartbeat\n\n3. Until end of first trimester\n\n4. Until end of second trimester\n\n5. Never\n\nNote: please specify if you have a separate opinion for rape/incest\n\nEdit: no arguments, just wanting to know where people stand","upvotes":16,"user_id":"quaffffff"},{"content":"Which is the most important state in the United States? Which is the least?","created_at":1606280209.0,"id":"k0dloo","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.59,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0dloo/which_is_the_most_important_state_in_the_united/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I ask a simple question. Which is the most important state? Least important state? \n\nIowa? They always go first. New York? The state is red, but the city is blue. California? Which last went red during Reagan and Nixon era. Texas? Which could be on the brink of going blue? Or purple. \n\nIn U.S. elections, which state would be the most quintessential to winning?\n\nOhio for a long time seemed to be the state that would dictate the winner. But Ohio has been trending red for a long time. Plus this year has shown us a candidate can win without Ohio. \n\nCould it be Florida? The most important swing state? But that hasn't been won by a Democrat in a long time? Plus, it's been trending redder and redder. \n\nPerhaps it's California, which last used to go Republican back during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Their last governor was also republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Democratic stronghold though, but their influence is important. Regan was from California, so is Kamala Harris, and their Governor Gavin Newsom. \n\nVirginia seems to be the perfect model of a Democratic stronghold. \n\nIs there a Virginia for Republicans? Kentucky?","upvotes":3,"user_id":"10pumpsclassic"},{"content":"Which Democrat should replace Dianne Feinstein as Judiciary Leader?","created_at":1606277100.0,"id":"k0cmiz","n_comments":375,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k0cmiz/which_democrat_should_replace_dianne_feinstein_as/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Dianne Feinstein came under fire for her leadership during the Amy Coney Barrett hearings, especially her infamous hug with Lindsey Graham. Under fire from progressives and liberal wing of her party, [Feinstein will step down as Judiciary leader](https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/23/politics/dianne-feinstein-senate-judiciary-committee/index.html) in the coming Congress. Who should succeed her? Why? Does the party-in-power on January 6th change who should take over (Different leader as chairman versus ranking member?)?","upvotes":858,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Does Trump 2024 pose a legitimate risk to Democrats?","created_at":1606258382.0,"id":"k06ego","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k06ego/does_trump_2024_pose_a_legitimate_risk_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Supposing that Trump isn't dead, senile, or in prison, he still has his base of support intact and according to this poll https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/24/poll-republicans-support-trump-2024-439757 is still the GOP front runner for 2024 by far. So what factors go into this race? Does this resemble 2016 where there may be a rust belt (former blue wall) backlash? Biden did win some razor thin margins in two of the three states. Will the Democrats fix their Hispanic voter problem in Texas and Miami Dade County? Will the Republicans grow their party platform to be more inclusive of a more diverse electorate? Will Kamala Harris run instead of Biden and scare voters back to Trump or be an explosive turnout weapon similar to Obama 08? The main question is should democrats fear the return of Trump in 2024?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"ParticularGlass1821"},{"content":"Can someone like Tucker Carlson carry on the legacy of Trumpism?","created_at":1606233747.0,"id":"k00wnw","n_comments":182,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/k00wnw/can_someone_like_tucker_carlson_carry_on_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Let's imagine a scenario where Donald Trump doesn't run in 2024. Can Tucker Carlson run in the primaries and be relevant? would he be able to carry the legacy of Trumpism or would the base just prefer someone with the last name Trump?","upvotes":56,"user_id":"lonesome__"},{"content":"If the Democrats win the Georgia Senate runoffs in January, how much change can we expect to see in the next two years?","created_at":1606216830.0,"id":"jzx3ao","n_comments":686,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzx3ao/if_the_democrats_win_the_georgia_senate_runoffs/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If the Democrats win the Georgia Senate runoffs and bring it to a tie (50-50 with VP being tie breaker), how much change can we expect to see in the next two years?\n\n1. Will we get a 3 trillion dollar stimulus deal in the beginning of 2021? How do you think a simple majority Democratic Congress would deal with COVID-19 compared to current congress?\n2. What do you think will be able to pass? Do you think HR1, a public option, DC & PR statehood, or college free tuition can pass with 51 seats in Senate and 222-225 seats in House of Representative?\n3. Do you think Joe Manchin, Krysten Sinema and other \"conservative Democrats\" can be pressured or convinced to support reforming the filibuster?\n4. Do you think anything will fundamentally change if we secure 51 seats in the Senate and 222-225 seats in the House of Representatives?","upvotes":697,"user_id":"HelloHowRU555"},{"content":"Did ACA cause Dems to lose House in 2012 and Senate in 2014?","created_at":1606201239.0,"id":"jzsq10","n_comments":69,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzsq10/did_aca_cause_dems_to_lose_house_in_2012_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Last weekend I was watching a series of PBS Frontline interviews (worth watching) regarding the politics of Obama and Trump. \n\nThe themes echoed was\n1. Bailout of Wall St by Tax payers money caused the Occupy Wall St and Tea party populist movements.\n2. Trump, Palin, Bernie & Obama was a reaction against the establishment and latter became a part of it soon enough.\n3. Affordable Care Act was a blow that GOP could never forget.\n4. Trump even though was an elite, he gave voice to forgotten men and women.\n5. Both establishment RNC and DNC have become a party of elites pretending to be a party of the middle class - so another populist candidate always has a room to run the show.\n\nIn my limited understanding, I neither completely agree or disagree with the statements except for ACA. \n\nOr was it just the need for a change that prompted US voters to flip the House and Senate?\n\nEdit 1: My apologies, got the date wrong it was 2010 when the house flipped. Note to self : Always check dates with Google.","upvotes":23,"user_id":"89saint"},{"content":"What steps did the Clinton white house take to transition in 2000 while the election was still hotly contested?","created_at":1606192465.0,"id":"jzpvci","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzpvci/what_steps_did_the_clinton_white_house_take_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As most of you know, the election of the year 2000 came down to an extremely close race in Florida between two non-incumbents, with both sides battling it out in the courts until the Supreme Court ordered an end to recount efforts just before the constitutionally mandated end of the election on 'Safe Harbor Day' in December.\n\nDuring this period, what efforts, if any, did the Clinton white house make to reach out to George W Bush's organization and prepare them for the potential transition into the presidency? Did they make any such efforts for Al Gore's organization?","upvotes":39,"user_id":"Russelsteapot42"},{"content":"What can Biden reasonably accomplish during his first two years in office?","created_at":1606168059.0,"id":"jzhvzv","n_comments":266,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzhvzv/what_can_biden_reasonably_accomplish_during_his/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As of this post, the best case for the Democrats is a 50-50 senate. In order to pass any legislative reforms, this would require the approval of Joe Manchin or one GOP defector. At the moment, it seems that his more progressive legislative ambitions will be out of reach.\n\nBiden has a pretty ambitious [100 day plan](what is biden's 100-day plan? https://www.npr.org/2020/11/09/932190347/bidens-first-100-days-here-s-what-to-expect) for what he wants to accomplish in the short term. \n\nWith goals ranging from the response to the pandemic to reforms in immigration, healthcare and criminal justice, which policies are likely to pass?","upvotes":44,"user_id":"cumshot_josh"},{"content":"Are there any global examples of significant suspected election fraud wherein the party NOT in power was the one who committed fraud and was able to take office?","created_at":1606184157.0,"id":"jzn1rl","n_comments":51,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzn1rl/are_there_any_global_examples_of_significant/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many totalitarian-like states see 90%+ votes in favor of a candidate and are called into question by international oversight bodies, but any that I can think of (from Venezuela to Turkmenistan) tend to be in favor of the incumbent. Are there significant examples where suspected fraud took place and benefited a party/politician not in power?","upvotes":289,"user_id":"iamiamnunc"},{"content":"How should Congress navigate getting another COVID stimulus bill passed?","created_at":1606176057.0,"id":"jzk9ne","n_comments":37,"percentage_upvoted":0.75,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzk9ne/how_should_congress_navigate_getting_another/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"At this point, there seems to be two camps. \n\nOn the left we see calls for things like monthly direct payments to individuals, increased unemployment insurance, funding for states and cities, a moratorium on evictions and/or rent and mortgages, and making the treatments and vaccines for COVID free. \n\nOn the right we see calls for corporate liability protection, one-time direct payments to individuals, and a reduced amount of unemployment insurance.\n\nGiven how disparate the wants of the two parties are, how should Congress go about passing the next, much-needed stimulus?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"Phelps1576"},{"content":"If Donald trump is successful in getting enough faithless electors...","created_at":1606130820.0,"id":"jz9x0g","n_comments":88,"percentage_upvoted":0.46,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jz9x0g/if_donald_trump_is_successful_in_getting_enough/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Donald trump is doing everything he can to remain in power. People keep bringing up that he has lost and there\u2019s nothing he can do. However, hypothetically speaking, if he was able to convince enough faithless electors to go against the will of the people, what will Americans do? \n\n1. Will the people riot and revolt?\n2. Trump remaining in power means he still controls the military. Would we see the military stepping in to control the masses?\n3. 70 million people voted for Trump. Will they cheer this action and help suppress the people?\n4. How will this look for future elections?\n5. What can he do in 4 years to remain in power? \n6. Will the Georgia run offs be more important for the democratics to win?\n7. Will a general strike or democratics refusing to pay taxes change the outcome of the electoral college goes against the people? \n8. If the electoral college votes for Trump and he wins, is there anyway going back and having Biden win after strikes and riots?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Official_Government"},{"content":"As the vaccine to combat against the COVID-19 virus is being developed, there is a presumed resurgence of anti-vaccine attitudes and less trust towards politicians who are trying to contain the fears towards the pandemic. So how can scientists and politicians work together to maintain this mistrust?","created_at":1606154339.0,"id":"jzewto","n_comments":95,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzewto/as_the_vaccine_to_combat_against_the_covid19/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EK4VRmG3yM), it explains in detail that there has been a lot of chaos and debate about the supposed [resurgence](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(20)30227-2/fulltext) of [anti-vaccine attitudes](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54947661) as according to the findings of the studies that were mentioned, there is a lot of debate about the validity of the vaccine that is meant to combat against the COVID-19 virus.\n\nSome say that it is [too soon](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-europe-vaccines-idUSKBN27Q2NF).\n\nSome say that it is a [conspiracy](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/10/coronavirus-anti-vaxxers-seek-to-discredit-pfizers-vaccine) or some kind of plot to achieve a certain goal.\n\nAnd it was also mentioned that because of how politicians depicted the pandemic, namely Boris Johnson's leadership and Donald Trump's, have made people mistrust what politicians say about how to contain the pandemic, especially when what was mentioned by the politicians was misinformation; and therefore, whenever politicians take about distributing vaccines to the people, many people will also [mistrust this](https://theconversation.com/covid-19-a-global-survey-shows-worrying-signs-of-vaccine-hesitancy-148845) because they think that there is another agenda involved.\n\nSo how can scientists and also politicians work together to develop a smooth transition to the distribution of vaccines as the COVID-19 vaccine is being developed?","upvotes":60,"user_id":"sammyjamez"},{"content":"Biden is set to choose two career technocrats: Antony Blinken for SoS, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield for UN Ambassador. What does that say about the way Biden will build his cabinet, as well as compare and contrast from Trump's cabinet.","created_at":1606149370.0,"id":"jzdzi0","n_comments":740,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jzdzi0/biden_is_set_to_choose_two_career_technocrats/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It is widely expected that President-Elect Joe Biden will select Antony Blinkin as [Secretary of State](https://www.npr.org/2020/11/23/937850190/biden-reportedly-to-choose-antony-blinken-for-secretary-of-state), and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the [Ambassador to the United Nations](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/linda-thomas-greenfield-biden-expected-us-un-ambassador/). Both are Obama era State Department alums and while familiar with the Obama administration, are not exactly political picks. Both are career technocrats that never held elected office, and are not exactly well known political names. This tracks with Biden selecting his longtime Chief of Staff Ron Klain as White House Chief of Staff.\n \nWhat does that say about the way Biden is building his cabinet level positions? On one hand, these are just two of the early picks, so not even large enough to make a trend. Additionally, there has been a lot of talk about [rebuilding the state department](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/how-rebuild-state-department/607837/) due to perceived mismanagement under the Trump administration. Is Biden going to choose more technocratic officials for most of his cabinet positions, or do you predict he will focus on familiar, capable state department Obama alumni for that department specifically. \n \nAlso, Trump (and to a lessor extent Obama) focused many of his cabinet positions on elected politicians or other well known political figures who he perceived as loyal: Nikki Haley as UN Ambassador, Mike Pompeo as SoS, Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy, Ben Carson as Secretary of HUD, Mark Meadows as Chief of Staff, etc. This is not uncommon but several of these cabinet level choices were viewed as unqualified or overly political by some. Given these early picks by Biden do you expect him to continue the trend of selecting career technocrats? Many thought the likes of Pete Buttigieg and Andrew Yang and other potential future presidential and political nominees would help build their resume by being in a Biden cabinet. Could this stall the careers of some of these politicians?","upvotes":1444,"user_id":"MikiLove"},{"content":"Casual Questions Thread","created_at":1606150811.0,"id":"jze91b","n_comments":1038,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jze91b/casual_questions_thread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a place for the Political Discussion community to ask questions that may not deserve their own post. \n\nPlease observe the following rules:\n\n**Top-level comments:**\n-\n1. **Must be a question asked in good faith.** Do not ask [loaded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question) or [rhetorical questions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question).\n\n2. **Must be directly related to politics.** \nNon-politics content includes: Interpretations of constitutional law, sociology, philosophy, celebrities, news, surveys, etc.\n\n3. **Avoid highly speculative questions.** All scenarios should within the realm of reasonable possibility.\n\n-\n\nPlease keep it clean in here!","upvotes":47,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"What should the proper procedure be for future elections with regards to fraud/irregularities?","created_at":1606113551.0,"id":"jz57wt","n_comments":165,"percentage_upvoted":0.24,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jz57wt/what_should_the_proper_procedure_be_for_future/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Let's ignore the current election and say Biden won. Next time around, if there is notable amounts of irregularities in voter counts sufficient to raise the suspicion that a critical amount of votes were not counted/counted incorrectly, what is the proper thing for the government, political parties, and media to do?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"VeeMaih"},{"content":"Does the road to becoming the President of the United States run through a governor or senator first?","created_at":1606099712.0,"id":"jz0zf8","n_comments":253,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jz0zf8/does_the_road_to_becoming_the_president_of_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Something I've heard for a long time is that Donald Trump is unlike any other candidate. He polled differently, he campaigned differently in 2016, and he was unlike most of any candidate who ran for president when becoming president. He was just not what most people had in mind when running a movement, which is probably why most pundits and analysts have written him off initially.\n\nThat being said, this year I've been studying up on the office of the presidency, and the previous inhabitants of the office. It seems most common-sense pathways to the oval office require some sort of federal leadership. For example, such as ultimately being a governor of a state, or it's a senator seat. A close tie and honorable mention might be the attorney general, and other smaller related positions to being a governor or senator, but it almost always runs through those two fields.\n\n​\n\nSome examples I thought of. \n\nBarack Obama was a sitting senator from Illinois. First-term politician too.\n\nJohn McCain was a senator from Arizona when he clinched the Republican party nomination. \n\nJoe Biden was a senator from Delaware when he was elected to the vice-presidency and vice-president when he was elected to the presidency. \n\nSarah Palin was a governor of Alaska when she ran for vice-president. \n\nBernie Sanders was a senator from Vermont. \n\nMitt Romney was a governor from Massachusetts. \n\nTed Cruz was a senator from Texas.\n\nMarco Rubio was a senator from Florida.\n\nGeorge W. Bush was a governor from Texas, and also had the good faith to run in his father's name. \n\nAnd so on and so forth.\n\n​\n\nSo that being said, can we surmise that the next politically-charged candidates run from someone in a major governorship and senatorial seat, either former or current?","upvotes":565,"user_id":"10pumpsclassic"},{"content":"Is the GOP facing a split in the years to come?","created_at":1606007629.0,"id":"jyeeiy","n_comments":363,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jyeeiy/is_the_gop_facing_a_split_in_the_years_to_come/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With partisanship at record highs along with the growth of outlets like Parler, Newsmax and OAN, is the GOP gonna struggle to keep moderates and independents in the coming elections? Or might we see current partisan lines continue to hold?","upvotes":81,"user_id":"com2420"},{"content":"The US has been in an epistemic crisis for decades but the problem is reaching new heights all the time. How might we resolve it?","created_at":1605975882.0,"id":"jy7ehf","n_comments":8,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jy7ehf/the_us_has_been_in_an_epistemic_crisis_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Listed in the [Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on epistemology](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epistemology/#Test) are five sources of knowledge: perception, introspection, memory, reason, and testimony.\n\n \n\nAn excerpt from the above encyclopedia entry:\n>Testimony differs from the sources we considered above because it isn\u2019t distinguished by having its own cognitive faculty. Rather, to acquire knowledge of *p* through testimony is to come to know that *p* on the basis of someone\u2019s saying that *p*. \u201cSaying that *p*\u201d must be understood broadly, as including ordinary utterances in daily life, postings by bloggers on their blogs, articles by journalists, delivery of information on television, radio, tapes, books, and other media. So, when you ask the person next to you what time it is, and she tells you, and you thereby come to know what time it is, that\u2019s an example of coming to know something on the basis of testimony. And when you learn by reading the *Washington Post* that the terrorist attack in Sharm el-Sheikh of 22 July 2005 killed at least 88 people, that, too, is an example of acquiring knowledge on the basis of testimony.\n\n \n\n> The epistemological puzzle testimony raises is this: Why is testimony a source of knowledge? An externalist might say that testimony is a source of knowledge if, and because, it comes from a reliable source. But here, even more so than in the case of our faculties, internalists will not find that answer satisfactory. Suppose you hear someone saying \u201c*p*\u201d. Suppose further that person is in fact utterly reliable with regard to the question of whether *p* is the case or not. Finally, suppose you have no clue whatever as to that person\u2019s reliability. Wouldn\u2019t it be plausible to conclude that, since that person\u2019s reliability is unknown to you, that person\u2019s saying \u201c*p*\u201d does not put you in a position to know that *p*? But if the reliability of a testimonial source is not sufficient for making it a source of knowledge, what else is needed?\n\n \n\nWe accept testimony as a valid source of knowledge all the time in our daily lives. It\u2019s just part of living in a functioning society. But from whom we should accept testimony has become increasingly controversial in the realm of politics. The problem is well described about halfway through [this article on this topic by Vox](https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/11/2/16588964/america-epistemic-crisis) (from a couple years ago in the context of the Mueller investigation and with a left tilt of course, but still worth a read if you\u2019re interested in this topic).\n\n \n\nIf testimony inherently requires some faith in order to be accepted as a source of knowledge, is there any way to bring the two parties into agreement about when that faith is and is not justified?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"Slipperyjimminy"},{"content":"What are the pros and cons of a Merrick Garland placement as US Attorney General?","created_at":1605944588.0,"id":"jy09rl","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jy09rl/what_are_the_pros_and_cons_of_a_merrick_garland/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"NPR reports he is a strong consideration: https://twitter.com/NPR/status/1329824671399895043?s=20 The article touches on his strong background performance, but doesn't touch on the potential pros or cons (ie., cons for both liberals and conservatives) of his nomination and placement.","upvotes":21,"user_id":"alexleavitt"},{"content":"What factors led to California becoming reliably Democratic in state/national elections?","created_at":1606027112.0,"id":"jyk53b","n_comments":326,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jyk53b/what_factors_led_to_california_becoming_reliably/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"California is widely known as being a Democratic stronghold in the modern day, and pushes for more liberal legislation on both a state and national level. However, only a generation ago, both Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, two famous conservatives, were elected Californian Senator and California governor respectively; going even further back the state had pushed for legislation such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, as well as other nativist/anti-immigrant legislation. Even a decade ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger was residing in the Governor's office as a Republican, albeit a moderate one. So, what factors led to California shifting so much politically?","upvotes":943,"user_id":"IBphysicsHL"},{"content":"What are the advantages or disadvantages of a Unicameral legislature?","created_at":1606015989.0,"id":"jygyg4","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.99,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jygyg4/what_are_the_advantages_or_disadvantages_of_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Nebraska is the only state to have a Unicameral State Legislature. All others have some form of a \"House\" and a State Senate, obviously modeled after the federal system. Considering the US Senate was designed to be a check on the federal government that restored power to the States, this doesn't necessarily translate well to the state level...Senate seats are still appointed based on population, not an equal number of representative say from every county.\n\nIs Nebraska in a better position legislatively because bills only need to pass through one body? Do they lack the \"great deliberative body\" of a second legislative stop to allow ideas to be debated and compromised? Are bicameral states hindered because of such a setup? Would government function better or more efficiently without these second state houses? Is bicamerality superior or inferior to unicamerality?","upvotes":44,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What can a President Biden reasonably do to help out the black community in meaningful ways?","created_at":1605932335.0,"id":"jxwmvh","n_comments":134,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxwmvh/what_can_a_president_biden_reasonably_do_to_help/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Black voters overwhelmingly showed up for for Biden and arguably helped him secure his win in places like Michigan and Georgia. What can a President Biden do for the black community as a whole, with and without the senate under democratic control?","upvotes":55,"user_id":"Raichu4u"},{"content":"Should the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States be treated as a duopoly and broken up respectively under antitrust regulation?","created_at":1605921918.0,"id":"jxtat9","n_comments":8,"percentage_upvoted":0.33,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxtat9/should_the_democratic_and_republican_parties_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Republican and Democratic parties in the United States are classified as non-profit corporations; however, they are still corporations. The economic definition of a duopoly is a market in which two firms have dominant or full control over the market; under this classification the Republican and Democratic parties are in fact a duopoly. As such, could (and should) a case be made that they should be taken to court by the Department of Justice? Do you think the courts would rule against the two parties? If the courts did rule against the two parties what type of actions do you think the courts would take? Finally, how would this change politics in the United States?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"muh_reddit_accout"},{"content":"Lawmakers in California trying to legalize psychedelics","created_at":1605915416.0,"id":"jxr73z","n_comments":175,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxr73z/lawmakers_in_california_trying_to_legalize/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Based on the experience of legalizing marijuana, and the scientific studies on psychedelic usage, should psychedelics be legalized? What is the proper role of government regulation in drug use and why?","upvotes":1009,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"Do you support section 230?","created_at":1605914687.0,"id":"jxqz21","n_comments":49,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxqz21/do_you_support_section_230/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Do you support section 230? Do you think we should have more moderation? Or less moderation? This is a law that Donald trump is seeking to change by signing an executive order. In case you don\u2019t know what the law is, it protects big tech companies from being sued or held liable for most posts, photos, or videos shared by users on their sites. Like Facebook and Twitter.","upvotes":12,"user_id":"kjpkylepeterson"},{"content":"What would a points based immigration system, modeled on others like Canada's, do to America?","created_at":1605912102.0,"id":"jxq716","n_comments":84,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxq716/what_would_a_points_based_immigration_system/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I have my own very specific views on how immigration should work but I wanted to ask how a specifically points based immigration system would work in a place like America.\n\nCanada's test includes French and English which would be illegal questions in the US given that there is no official language, so disregarding the language skills (besides literacy in any language I suppose). Canada also has provinces able to have relatively strong powers to nominate a person and has some control over immigration to their province, in the US the federal government doesn't share this power with states; it's an enumerated and sovereign power of the federal government alone, so this complication probably doesn't need to be factored in.\n\nCanada doesn't however use a points system for everyone; it is irrelevant for refugee scores.\n\nCanada also doesn't use country caps the way America does, so countries with bigger populations will tend to be better represented; Canada has a lot of Indian migrants, and another chunk from China which one would expect given they are the two largest countries in the world, and delay times are typically significantly shorter than they are in America. \n\nAs for citizenship, the US couldn't have language requirements so disregarding this element from the Canadian tests as an example, you can get citizenship fairly quickly after only a few years, with 3 of the last 5 consecutive years being resident in Canada, paying taxes, such taxes being relatively progressive, and a citizenship test which is pretty easy to pass, and processing time of about a year with a fee of 630 dollars CAD (482 USD) and 100 for minors (76 USD). \n\nWhat else would you consider?","upvotes":32,"user_id":"Awesomeuser90"},{"content":"Should the Senate remove the filibuster?","created_at":1605876471.0,"id":"jxiryg","n_comments":181,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxiryg/should_the_senate_remove_the_filibuster/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This has been a popular issue in recent years given the power that the Senate has to stall or block legislation. There are proponents and detractors in both parties. Setting aside the question about getting the required sixty votes to remove the filibuster, should they do it if they could? Why or why not? What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages?","upvotes":35,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What would it take for the US to become a 3+ party system?","created_at":1605873417.0,"id":"jxi26l","n_comments":169,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxi26l/what_would_it_take_for_the_us_to_become_a_3_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In school we weren't really taught how a representative democracy with more than two 'major' parties works, since it wasn't how the US governed itself and other political theory beyond the basics (ie communism, socialism, fascism, capitalism, etc) wasn't seen as important material.\n\nConsequently, with all the talk in the current political environment about the prospects of parties breaking up and being reorganized as two or more different parties on either side of the political spectrum, I'm curious as to how the American political system as we know it will need to be restructured in order to support it.","upvotes":81,"user_id":"AlternativeQuality2"},{"content":"Outside The Bubble","created_at":1605789662.0,"id":"jww83e","n_comments":59,"percentage_upvoted":0.69,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jww83e/outside_the_bubble/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Everyone lives on their own version of a bubble and it\u2019s more important than ever to understand varying political perspectives. In talking with contacts across the spectrum I\u2019m curious to know what journalists you respect as sources of political news from individuals whose beliefs or implied beliefs differ from your own.\n\n- If you identify as conservative/right, is there a left leaning journalist whom you respect and why?\n- If you identify as liberal/left is there a right leaning journalist whom you respect and why?\n- If you find yourself in the middle, what journalists on either side do you respect and why?\n\nI emphasize\n 1) journalists who cover US politics (not news/media organizations or pundits/commentators) \n\nand \n\n2) you may still disagree with any opinion or implied opinion in the reporting. You don\u2019t have to agree with the journalist but you respect them and their difference of perspective nonetheless. \n\nThank you all.","upvotes":6,"user_id":"wilshireguy"},{"content":"Which are the \u201cbest\u201d governed states, why, and does it suggest either party has better policies or is better at governing?","created_at":1605849557.0,"id":"jxbj2a","n_comments":726,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jxbj2a/which_are_the_best_governed_states_why_and_does/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In all this discussions of republican vs democratic control over the federal government it has made me curious as to how effective each party actually is with their policies. If one party had true control over a governing party, would republican or democratic ideals prove to be the most beneficial for society? To evaluate this on the federal level is impossible due to power constantly shifting but to view on the state level is significantly easier since it is much more common for parties in state governments to have the trifecta and maintain it long enough so that they can see their agenda through.\n\nThis at its face is a difficult question because it brings in the question of how you define what is most beneficial? For example, which states have been shown to have a thriving economy, low wealth inequality, high education/literacy, low infant mortality, life expectancy, and general quality of life. For example, California May have the highest GDP but they also have one of the highest wealth inequalities. Blue states also tend to have high taxes but how effective are those taxes at actually improving the quality of life of the citizens? For example, New York has the highest tax burden in the us. How effective Is that democratically controlled state government at utilizing those taxes to improve the lives of New Yorkers compared to Floridians which has one of the lowest tax burdens? But also states completely run by republicans who have tried to reduce taxes all together end up ruining the states education like in Kansas. Also some states with republicans controlled trifectas have the lowest life expectancy and literacy rates.\n\nSo using the states with trifectas as examples of parties being able to fully execute the strategies of political parties, which party has shown to be the most effective at improving the quality of life of its citizens? What can we learn about the downsides and upsides of each party? How can the learnings of their political ideas in practice on the state level give them guidance on how to execute those ideas on the federal level?","upvotes":732,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"What might the start of a Second American Civil War look like?","created_at":1605841445.0,"id":"jx8xi3","n_comments":217,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jx8xi3/what_might_the_start_of_a_second_american_civil/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the wake of some of the highest political polarization in recent American memory, and almost certainly the highest *partisan* polarization **ever** in American politics, it begs the question of what the end result of this polarization is going to be. Now, after a year marked by mass left-wing protests and the rise in recognition of the increasing number of right-wing militias in this country, I'm getting the feeling that many have at least thought of the possibility of a Second American Civil War.\n\nBeyond polarization, there has also been a lowering amount of trust in basic American institutions:\n\n* Trust in government is at 17% according to the [most recent measure by Pew](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/04/11/public-trust-in-government-1958-2019/) in March 2019, the lowest level ever recorded excepting September 2011 when it hit 15%\n* Lowering trust in media\u2014Gallup reports that it now rests at 41% who have \"a great deal\" or \"a fair amount\" of trust in the media with only 13% who trust the media \"a great deal\". A total of only 15% of Republicans have \"a great deal\" or \"a fair amount\" of trust in the media.\n\n**Considering this heightening polarization and lowering trust in institutions, at what point does mass-polarization lead to mass open conflict? Furthermore, what might the beginning of this conflict look like?**","upvotes":39,"user_id":"eagleyeB101"},{"content":"What Would Be the Political/National Implications of Black Americans Forming Their Own Political Party?","created_at":1605792483.0,"id":"jwww4s","n_comments":47,"percentage_upvoted":0.45,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jwww4s/what_would_be_the_politicalnational_implications/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is something I see brought up every other election season. There is a growing dissatisfaction among younger Black Americans concerning the direction of the Democratic party. Although as a bloc Black Americans voted for Joe Biden, according to the data we have thus far Donald Trump captured a lot more of the Black vote than previous Republican candidates. He did especially well amongst Black men gathering roughly 11 to 18 percent of them depending on the poll.\n\nThere have been several attempts to form a political party that addresses the needs of Black Americans. The Black Panther Party was one such group and was heavily targeted by state governments and the FBI. If there were a similar party/movement to occur how do you think that would play out? Do you think said party would be targeted by state and federal governments? Realistically how many Black Americans would you see backing this new party? How do you think Democratic and Republican leaders would respond to them gaining increased power in areas with a lot of Black voters? How do you see a third party of this type being received by the rest of America? How can Democratic leaders address the growing amount of dissatisfied Black voters? Do you think an actual break and turn towards a third party option is a realistic possibility? With states like Georgia, Mississippi, Maryland and if it becomes a state D.C having large Black populations do you think having a political party that is created expressly for the needs of Black Americans would change state politics there?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"IsaiahTrenton"},{"content":"Can the failure to handle the COVID crisis be attributed to the disadvantage of democracy and emphasis on freedom?","created_at":1605781243.0,"id":"jwu1fc","n_comments":188,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jwu1fc/can_the_failure_to_handle_the_covid_crisis_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Historically, democracies are generally seen as being better equipped to deal with a public health crisis. However, later this year we have seen China, an authoritarian state, to have one of the best responses to the COVID crisis, with only around 90,000 cases among billions of people, eradicated local transmissions in just 1-2 months, never had any second outbreaks, and life has already returned to normal. In contrast many other countries, especially democracies, have millions of cases, with second or even third outbreaks.\n\nThis leads to the hypothesis that authoritarian states are naturally advantageous to handle a crisis of this kind (provided that they do decide to handle it).\n\nArguments for this include the fact that 1. combating the virus requires the entire population (or a vast majority) to act in unison, while democracies emphasize diversity of opinion; and 2. the separation of power with its checks and balances slow down decision making and delays response or even make certain measures impossible to implement due to pressure from disagreeing people.\n\nOn the other hand, argument against this include the fact that 1. many democratic governments such as South Korea and Taiwan have handled the virus well (although they are smaller than China in terms of population, and have seen cases rise again recently), and 2. while China\u2019s faults can be directly attributed to its political system, it is unclear on the other hand whether their success can be attributed the same way.","upvotes":106,"user_id":"TommyX12"},{"content":"What will Climate Change look like under the Biden administration?","created_at":1605770978.0,"id":"jwr4m2","n_comments":153,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jwr4m2/what_will_climate_change_look_like_under_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Presuming that Joe Biden takes office peacefully in January and the Senate remains under Republican control, what significant actions do you see occurring over the first term of the Biden administration? If you believe gridlock will happen, what reaction do you see from the public? If you believe there will be less gridlock, what bills will be passed?","upvotes":76,"user_id":"bunsNT"},{"content":"Which political position is the most powerful in terms of exercising its authority?","created_at":1605742724.0,"id":"jwhyd9","n_comments":41,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jwhyd9/which_political_position_is_the_most_powerful_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Compared to other countries, I think the United States has a political functioning body that is somewhat unique. Based on its history and the constitution, everything is set in stone, so I don't see much changing.\n\nThat being said, if there was ever a position that a politician would desire, what would be the most coveted spot on that roster?\n\nWould it be the Senate Majority Leader? Mitch McConnell?\nSpeaker of the House of Representatives? Nancy Pelosi? Or perhaps maybe a past Speaker? Newt Grinrich? Paul Ryan? John Boehner?\n\nOf course, we can't exclude the President of the United States?\n\nI guess I'm asking two questions here.\n\nWho was the most influential politician in United States history? A past president? Previous senator? Supreme Court Justice? Founding Father?\n\nWhich political position is the most influential in terms of exercising its strength and authority?\n\nThanks for reading!","upvotes":20,"user_id":"10pumpsclassic"},{"content":"Will England one day join the European-Union?","created_at":1605756462.0,"id":"jwmhc0","n_comments":62,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jwmhc0/will_england_one_day_join_the_europeanunion/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It seems to be out of the question, that it is very unlikely for the UK (in its current from) to reapply for european membership. \n\nNevertheless, in a scenario where Northern Ireland and Scotland succeed from the UK. Leaving basically just England (and wales with 5% of population) as an independent nation. The discussion will move from \"will the UK reapply for EU membership?\" to \"will England join the EU?\"","upvotes":86,"user_id":"KnittelAaron"},{"content":"What's next for pro-business wing of GOP?","created_at":1605615755.0,"id":"jvmh75","n_comments":460,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jvmh75/whats_next_for_probusiness_wing_of_gop/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Trump's law firms, Rupert Murdoch, and some establishment Republicans are turning their backs on the president, but he appears to remain as popular as ever with his base. This is reflected in a split between Never Trumpers like Bill Kristol and Ross Dothat, and the commentators on Fox News evening lineup. Based on the election results, Trumpism as a force is not going away. How are the Never Trumpers and establishment Republicans going to adapt to this new political reality? How will the previously stable alliance between the social conservative wing of the party and the business wing realign in the post-Trump era? Are there any indicators we can watch for in the Georgia Senate runoffs that can give us early signs of the party might navigate this fissure? Considering Trump's continuing popularity and populist pressure from the left wing of the Democrats, what is the prognosis for international trade agreements? Will RCEP motivate establishment Republicans to push back harder against Trumpist ant-globalization sentiment?","upvotes":521,"user_id":"2tidderevoli"},{"content":"What effect will Donald Trump's refusal to concede have on the faith people put into the democratic institutions of the United States?","created_at":1605585543.0,"id":"jvduqc","n_comments":159,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jvduqc/what_effect_will_donald_trumps_refusal_to_concede/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the President refusing to concede and not recognizing the results of 2020 election as legitimate, there are many followers who will likely doubt the legitimacy of the electoral process. What effect will this have on future elections? How will it affect the legitimacy of the Biden presidency? Will anything change within the Republican party?","upvotes":61,"user_id":"badRLplayer"},{"content":"The first midterm is typically devastating for the party of the president. What is democrats strategy moving forward into 2022?","created_at":1605577461.0,"id":"jvb7al","n_comments":368,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jvb7al/the_first_midterm_is_typically_devastating_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There have been multiple discussions of what went wrong in 2020 and how and why democrats lost ground or simply underperformed. What is the next step forward for democrats? Typically the party of the president performs very poorly during the first midterm of their presidency. \n\nChallenges for the house: Right now democrats are looking to maintain their majority in the house but only by less the 5-10 seats. Going into 2022 there will be all new drawn districts. Since the large majority of legislatures are under republican control, they will likely gerrymander them to benefit republicans. Typically gerrymandered districts become less effective over time because people move and parties change. \n\n\nChallenges for the senate: right now it is likely democrats will not have control off the senate. The battleground senate seats in 2022 are FL, PA, WI, GA, and AZ. Pennsylvania seems to be the state with the largest opportunity since Biden has won by the largest margin there and the republican senator has decided not to run for re-election. WI and FL will be the largest challenges for democrats as Biden narrowly won in WI and democrats have not won in FL since 2014. \n\nWith these challenges and opportunities, how can democrats not only maintain control of the house but grow in both the chambers of Congress?","upvotes":261,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"Prior to the 2000 US Presidential Election, how much effort did national campaigns spend on swing states? Or are swing states a modern result of increased polarization?","created_at":1605574962.0,"id":"jvaduk","n_comments":3,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jvaduk/prior_to_the_2000_us_presidential_election_how/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Wikipedia article on [Swing States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_state) only lists them going back to 2000. Is there some sort of inflection point in American politics that happens around that time, or did we all suddenly learn about the concept because of the Florida recount?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"stmorgante"},{"content":"Should the Biden Administration and/or Congressional Democrats pursue investigations and criminal prosecutions of Donald Trump?","created_at":1605572212.0,"id":"jv9iuv","n_comments":254,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jv9iuv/should_the_biden_administration_andor/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I won't go into the details of the allegations of illegal and unethical actions of Trump and various people associated with his Administration and campaign team. The State of New York will of course continue to battle in court with Trump's lawyers in [state cases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_v._Vance), but there is no shortage of articles covering his alleged violations of federal law.\n\nNeedless to say, with Trump no longer President, he will not have the US Attorney General (the chief lawyer of the US government) and the Justice Department as resources; will be susceptible to Congressional subpoenas as a regular civilian; and can no longer use the defense of the OLC's opinion that \"[sitting presidents cannot be indicted](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-indictment-explainer-idUSKCN1QF1D3).\"\n\nWhat should the Biden Administration and/or Congressional Democrats do? If they choose to go after Trump, is it even a good idea to do so given the current polarized climate?\n\n(My question focuses on Trump, but it implies people in his Administration and campaign team as well.)\n\n*Edit: Welp, now we know where Biden's head is at.*\n\n***[Biden hopes to avoid divisive Trump investigations, preferring unity](https://news.yahoo.com/president-elect-biden-wary-trump-100009812.html)***","upvotes":157,"user_id":"Jet_Attention_617"},{"content":"What policies could the US feasibly use to curb the off-shore tax avoidance brought to light by the Panama and Paradise Papers?","created_at":1605540301.0,"id":"jv2p9l","n_comments":20,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jv2p9l/what_policies_could_the_us_feasibly_use_to_curb/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Reading about the Panama and Paradise papers, I learned about the huge sums of money held in off-shore accounts by millionaires, billionaires, and multinational corporations. One study by economist Gabriel Zucman and his team estimated that just the tax avoidance brought to light in the Paradise papers (not even including the Panama papers) accounts for 63% of foreign profits made by American multinational corporations, which are stored in subsidiaries and offshore accounts, depriving the United States of about $70 billion in tax revenue each year, which, according to the New York Times is enough to pay for tuition free college in the United States. Are there any realistic ways to constitutionally police, enforce, and curb this tax avoidance? Or do you believe the nature of the international system and economy structurally wouldn't realistically allow for this behavior to be curbed?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"stevienickstricks"},{"content":"How should US deal with WHO and it's subsidiaries ?","created_at":1605533767.0,"id":"jv1eup","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jv1eup/how_should_us_deal_with_who_and_its_subsidiaries/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"US government sponsored most of WHO & it's subsidiaries.\n\nRecently there has been a lot discussions about Role&Responsibility, \"is WHO still capable of leading health affairs in the future? \", \"should US keep paying the bill ?\"\n\nSince WHO's been close to China's assignment, and it's board of directors clearly stand in different positions compared to US govern. Next time when World war Z happens, WHO secretary would probably on China's Carrier ship rather than US ones.\n\nWhat's your opinion about that ??","upvotes":8,"user_id":"flyingmax"},{"content":"Do you think Joe Biden could have gotten more votes if he a more moderate gun policy","created_at":1605515500.0,"id":"juwz3k","n_comments":180,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/juwz3k/do_you_think_joe_biden_could_have_gotten_more/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Joe Biden gun policy was extreme, to summarize it\n\n* Assault weapons banned\n* Every magazine with a capacity of 11 rounds or more has to have a NFA stamp. Which is the same policy as silencers, that's a $200 stamp that takes many months to get\n* Joe Biden wants to retroactively apply those rules to currently owned magazines and guns and if you don't comply he wants to force you to sell those weapons to the Govt.\n* He wants to limit individuals to buying only one gun per month\n* He wants to ban the sale of guns and ammo online\n* He wants to pass red flag laws\n\nBiden gun platform is what of the most extreme gun platforms of any presidential candidate and the gun community is up in arms over it.\n\nHowever what if Joe Biden gun policy was \"enforce the laws we already have\" which would be a pretty moderate stance for Democrats, do you think that would have won more single issue gun voters over then what he lost?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"PJExpat"},{"content":"COVID hurt the president's re-election campaign. What Governor's will struggle to get re-elected because of their COVID response (or lack thereof)?","created_at":1605575524.0,"id":"jvakiy","n_comments":93,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jvakiy/covid_hurt_the_presidents_reelection_campaign/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"At this time last year, the President was unpopular, but the stock market was high and the Democrats were divided between progressive and moderate paths. COVID became a unifier, as many low-profile candidates dropped out before Super Tuesday to back Biden, and the rest is history. COVID ramped up, and the federal response has remained heavily criticized, with many pointing to it as a primary factor in Trump's loss. \n\n\nNow that we approach the winter and cases are rising again, new lockdown precautions are being introduced, and they're being met with opposition by some and praise by others. What governors will struggle the next time they are on the ballot because of how they managed a COVID response? Gretchen Whitmer in a competitive state with new measures that are under fire from the right? Andrew Cuomo from a safely blue state that may want a change in leadership? Ron DeSantis from a competitive state which Trump carried twice, but has been criticized for his loyalty to POTUS and his lack of response? Kristi Noem who is in a safe red state that is seeing huge spikes in case counts, deaths, and hospitals at or near capacity?","upvotes":41,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Why do polls tend to overestimate Democratic support and underestimate Republicans?","created_at":1605535237.0,"id":"jv1pwp","n_comments":164,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jv1pwp/why_do_polls_tend_to_overestimate_democratic/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This seems to have been an issue at least in the last two elections. I'm not saying necessarily that polls are wrong and I know that a lot of the results were inside the margin of error. But I've noticed that the margin of error tends to benefit Republicans more than Democrats. \nWhat I mean is that in almost all cases when there was a difference between the polls and the real results it tended to favour the Republicans and not the other way around.\n\nWe all know what happened in 2016 even if it was inside the margin of error. But it also happened to a lesser extent in 2020. Polls predicted correctly that Biden could take Arizona and Georgia. But they pretty much missed Florida and North Carolina which most polls had Biden as slighlty ahead.\nAlso the margins in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania were shorter than what the polls had predicted.\n\nSo basically my question is, why does this happen? Is it because of a major error in methodology? Is it because of Republican shy vote? \nPolls have margins of error but one would expect it would favour or hurt both parties about equally. However margin of error as I said usually benefits the Democrats.","upvotes":73,"user_id":"octaviosiepi"},{"content":"Casual Questions Thread","created_at":1605546016.0,"id":"jv3ozo","n_comments":776,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jv3ozo/casual_questions_thread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a place for the Political Discussion community to ask questions that may not deserve their own post. \n\nPlease observe the following rules:\n\n**Top-level comments:**\n-\n1. **Must be a question asked in good faith.** Do not ask [loaded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question) or [rhetorical questions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question).\n\n2. **Must be directly related to politics.** \nNon-politics content includes: Interpretations of constitutional law, sociology, philosophy, celebrities, news, surveys, etc.\n\n3. **Avoid highly speculative questions.** All scenarios should within the realm of reasonable possibility.\n\n-\n\nPlease keep it clean in here!","upvotes":34,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"How would an election change parliament during a pandemic?","created_at":1605519462.0,"id":"juy00p","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/juy00p/how_would_an_election_change_parliament_during_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So, the conservatives and bloc have shown support to and election. However, the liberals and NDP do not want an election for different reasons. The liberals want to keep their power, and the NDP do not want to cause chaos in an already chaotic time. However, if an election were called, how would parliament change? Who would form government, and could we see different parties get seats in parliament?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"Ninja-Snail"},{"content":"How did the US come to have such a strong urban-rural divide?","created_at":1605520048.0,"id":"juy5is","n_comments":858,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/juy5is/how_did_the_us_come_to_have_such_a_strong/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a complicated question, because it's historical and sociological just as much as it is political. But its one that I've always been interested in, as a progressive person who grew up rural but is now living urban, yet still feels a strong connection to rural places. \n\nIn the 19th and early 20th centuries, leftism flourished in rural areas, largely because rural people felt neglected by the \"establishment\" in the cities. Yet this trend has flipped in the late 20th and 21st centuries. Why is this? I've heard some people say that it's because of urbanisation, the fact that \"the masses\" that leftism supports are now located in the cities, yet this doesn't explain why the rural poor, leftism's original base, now vote extremely conservative.","upvotes":1052,"user_id":"settheory8"},{"content":"The RCEP has been signed, forming the world's largest trade bloc in the Asia-Pacific. What does this mean for the world economy and the China-US great power competition?","created_at":1605487221.0,"id":"juor34","n_comments":44,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/juor34/the_rcep_has_been_signed_forming_the_worlds/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On November 14th, fifteen countries in the Asia-Pacific [signed the RCEP free trade agreement.](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asean-summit-rcep-signing/asia-forms-worlds-biggest-trade-bloc-a-china-backed-group-excluding-u-s-idUSKBN27V03O)\n\n This group, led economically and population-wise by China, encompasses 30% of the global GDP and 2.2 billion of the world's residents. The wide-reaching free trade agreement involves not only ASEAN nations, but also traditional US allies such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The US, most notably, is not present. This is particularly significant when one considers that only a few years ago we were pushing a similar bloc centered around our economy, in the form of the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership. \n\nWhat implications does this hold for the world going forward? The agreement will likely have significant consequences on the region both in an economic and geopolitical sense.","upvotes":44,"user_id":"mjairam"},{"content":"How would public investigations of Donald Trump after he leaves office affect the political landscape in the country?","created_at":1605437799.0,"id":"jueraz","n_comments":244,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jueraz/how_would_public_investigations_of_donald_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Trump lost the election, and as of January 20, he will no longer be president. There have been mentions in the news that Trump is under investigation in New York, and there have been calls for federal investigations into his administration.\n\nInvestigations of Hillary Clinton continued for several years after she left the Obama administration and became a divisive topic in US politics. And after all the investigating, no charges were brought.\n\nSeeing how the politics in this country are already very polarized at this moment, how would public investigations of Donald Trump after he leaves office affect the political landscape in the country?","upvotes":52,"user_id":"MeanLeanKeane"},{"content":"If Republicans follow Trump national strategy in 2024 of trying to win the traditional red states and the rust belt but they lose where will they go from there?","created_at":1605459254.0,"id":"juizvj","n_comments":5,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/juizvj/if_republicans_follow_trump_national_strategy_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2008 and 2012 republicans tried to follow what Bush did by winning traditional republican states plus states like Colorado, Virginia, New Mexico and Nevada. Aside from Nevada all of them are solid blue states now. Trump\u2019s shift to the rust belt allowed him to narrowly win the election in 2016 but he was not able to repeat his success in 2020 losing Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania as well as traditional republican states like Arizona and Georgia. \nGeorgia will probably become the next north Carolina for another 2 elections while Arizona might be gone permanently. \nWisconsin and Pennsylvania were both very close this election while Michigan is probably out of reach. If they can reclaim Georgia+Wisconsin and Pennsylvania that would put them at 278 electoral votes. \n\nHowever if they lose by an even bigger margin than they did in this election than will they finally have to start appealing to people outside of their base? Western states like California and Washington both voted for Biden by 20+ margins, Illinois wont flip because of Chicago while the northeast remains solidly blue aside from Maine second district and New Hampshire. \nTheres really no where for the republicans to pivot too if they cant win the midwest. Would they forced to abandon social conservatism like banning abortion? Or will they try to abandon all the white rage politics and finally go all out for the hispanic vote?","upvotes":4,"user_id":"ripyouanewvagina"},{"content":"Assuming the Senate remains in GOP hands, can Kamala Harris use her power as VP to take control of the Senate and should she?","created_at":1605407917.0,"id":"ju6swn","n_comments":48,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ju6swn/assuming_the_senate_remains_in_gop_hands_can/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Vice President is technically President of the Senate and does not get to vote unless it is to break a tie. That means historically, the VP has ceded control of the chamber to the Majority Leader; a position that is nowhere in the Constitution and has mainly existed through norms and tradition.\n\nBut with the Biden presidency facing a GOP-controlled Senate, should Kamala Harris exercise her powers as VP and yank control out of Mitch McConnell's hand? To be clear, the GOP would still be the majority and be able to vote legislation down if they wanted, but it also means that Harris could force the Senate to vote on bills and appointments and force senators to make hard choices that McConnell has prevented from coming to the floor in the past.\n\nShould this be an option on the table? Would Harris/Biden do it? What would the implications be going forward for the legislative branch if this was the case?","upvotes":49,"user_id":"thefilmer"},{"content":"Who in the US house today could be the next Speaker tomorrow?","created_at":1605340286.0,"id":"jtrinn","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jtrinn/who_in_the_us_house_today_could_be_the_next/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Cazidin and today I ask one simple question.\n\nWith a new house incoming, I wonder. Who could or is likely to succeed Nancy Pelosi as speaker?\n\nShe will someday, maybe, retire. Unless Queen Elizabeth shares \\~\\~ vampirism \\~\\~ the fountain of eternal life with her. Who, today, is best qualified and likely to secure such a nomination?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"Cazidin"},{"content":"What is the Republican Party Platform now?","created_at":1605413160.0,"id":"ju8b0r","n_comments":1023,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ju8b0r/what_is_the_republican_party_platform_now/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"At the end of the Republican Convention this year the Republican party chose to adopt [*no* policy positions, aside from \"continue to enthusiastically support the President\u2019s America-first agenda.\"](https://prod-cdn-static.gop.com/docs/Resolution_Platform_2020.pdf) To go one step further the party resolved to adopt *no other* policy positions until the 2024 convention.\n\nGiven this, it would appear that the Republican Party has undeniably tied itself not only to President Donald Trump, but to Trump-ism more directly. While they could easily go back and change their policy positions to cut ties with the president they haven't shown any inclination as yet to do so.\n\nSo what does \"supporting the president's America-first agenda\" look like when the president is no longer the president? In the event that Trump starts his own news agency upon leaving office, will the republican party essentially be tied to the agenda of a news organization?","upvotes":1319,"user_id":"Aureliamnissan"},{"content":"How likely is the Democratic Party to win both Georgia Senate seats? What are the major factors in this runoff election?","created_at":1605412533.0,"id":"ju846t","n_comments":245,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ju846t/how_likely_is_the_democratic_party_to_win_both/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There has been a lot of discussion about the upcoming Georgia runoff. Democrats are especially invested in this election because it will allow them, alongside 2 independent senators, to control the Senate (or at least to shut down Republican control of the Senate).\n\nGeorgia flipping from red to blue is seen as a major development in state politics, but does the choice to elect Biden, by a very small margin, translate to a decent likelihood of a significant democrat victory in the Senate races?\n\nThe election results, nationwide, appear to be a repudiation of Trump rather than any meaningful transition in the country's political alignment\u2014the Republicans have done well down ballot, for the most part. If Georgia fits the pattern seen by the other states, then it is possible that the elections will simply and clearly be won by Republican candidates.\n\nOf course, the actual candidates themselves are major factors and their personal strengths and weaknesses may be bigger factors than the red Senate/blue Senate issue.\n\nThose who are informed on the issues regarding Georgia's runoff, (i.e.: not myself), what are your thoughts on the likelihood of further upset in Georgia's runoff elections?","upvotes":106,"user_id":"Aztecah"},{"content":"Both Susan Collins(Maine) and Jodi Ernst(Iowa) were considered likely pickups for Dems in the Senate. What happened?","created_at":1605392642.0,"id":"ju2ofk","n_comments":51,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ju2ofk/both_susan_collinsmaine_and_jodi_ernstiowa_were/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Susan Collins and Jodi Ernst were both considered among the more vulnerable members of the Senate for the GOP. Most polling had Maine chocked up to be flipped and Iowa was a toss-up, with Ernst having a particularly bad video debate on the eve of the election. \n \nIn the end, the GOP not only held both seats, but both won comfortably(Collins by 9 points, Ernst by 7). \n \nWhat could explain this discrepancy?","upvotes":49,"user_id":"SlowMotionSprint"},{"content":"When does a generation's political beliefs and ideas get 'put into play'?","created_at":1605367920.0,"id":"jty4kj","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jty4kj/when_does_a_generations_political_beliefs_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There is much conversation I see on websites like Twitter and Reddit itself to where many younger voters feel that the current political dialogue is largely dominated by those older than them with their political beliefs (Namely Boomers, with Gen X and pockets of Silent Generation thrown in).\n\nIt has had me thinking, but when does a generation effectively get 'their turn' to otherwise dominate the political beliefs of that time? Is this actually a thing? Do factors like the population size, income, etc impact that generation's likeness to have their ideas put into the national stage?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"Raichu4u"},{"content":"Proponents of instant runoff voting sometimes argue that it will lead to less hostile partisan politics. Has this proven true in Australia?","created_at":1605337291.0,"id":"jtqmyg","n_comments":42,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jtqmyg/proponents_of_instant_runoff_voting_sometimes/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Some people believe that instant runoff voting (aka alternative vote aka preferential voting aka ranked-choice voting) will lead to less rancorous partisan politics. As the argument goes, under an instant runoff system, politicians want to be the 2nd choice of people whose first preference goes to a different party. As such, politicians will strike a friendlier tone with each other. They don't want to polarize a rival politician's supporters into viewing them as an enemy. The hope is that this will lead to a more amicable environment overall, which is less prone to divisive partisan politics. \n\nAustralia is one of the only countries with widescale instant runoff voting. So, has this theory proved to be correct in Australia? Would you say that Australia has less divisive partisan politics? Do Australian politicians treat each other in a more civil and amicable way? Or, are they the same as most other countries?","upvotes":65,"user_id":"damndirtyape"},{"content":"What are the basic axioms of the Democratic and Republican Parties","created_at":1605262218.0,"id":"jt8ijw","n_comments":39,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jt8ijw/what_are_the_basic_axioms_of_the_democratic_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The partisan divide in the US has never been greater. Even to the effect, where sides demonize the other. Obviously we have different basic axioms that we stem from. In your opinion, what are the basic axioms and how do they differ? Is there an even more basic, true, axiom that both sides can agree upon?\n\nI've thought about this but I've never had any education on the subject. It seems like Reps. find more positives in values having to do with personal perseverance where Dems seem to favor charity. Both have obvious pros and cons below the basic level of thought, while both are terrible when brought to their extremes.\n\nAnyway please stick to the question instead of injecting your political beliefs.","upvotes":11,"user_id":"JCrotts"},{"content":"Joe Biden won the Electoral College, Popular Vote, and flipped some red states to blue. Yet...","created_at":1605320501.0,"id":"jtl37x","n_comments":1220,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jtl37x/joe_biden_won_the_electoral_college_popular_vote/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Joe Biden won the Electoral College, Popular Vote, and flipped some red states to blue. Yet down-ballot Republicans did surprisingly well overall. How should we interpret this? What does that say about the American voters and public opinion?","upvotes":1681,"user_id":"snappydo99"},{"content":"How much of an incumbency advantage did Donald Trump have during the 2020 election?","created_at":1605330345.0,"id":"jtoh8q","n_comments":55,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jtoh8q/how_much_of_an_incumbency_advantage_did_donald/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello, this post is inspired by a comment I saw on a previous post that I thought would be interesting to expand on. It is been shown that most presidents enjoy an advantage during their reelection campaigns just by being the incumbent president. Although Donald Trump is set to lose, he is projected to have gained quite a lot of support from the total voting population. How much of this might have been due to the aforementioned advantages of incumbency?","upvotes":59,"user_id":"IBphysicsHL"},{"content":"Even if Georgia goes blue for the senate elections, what exactly could Biden do?","created_at":1605297297.0,"id":"jtfpu5","n_comments":39,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jtfpu5/even_if_georgia_goes_blue_for_the_senate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know that it is unlikely for Ossof and Warnock to win in Georgia in the first place but even if they do what can Biden actually do. I already see that Democrat Joe Manchin from West Virginia said that he would not vote to eliminate the filibuster, so 10 extra votes will still be needed for major legislation.\n\nOn the other hand McConnell has previously said that he personally like Joe Biden so he may be more willing to work with him, I believe they effectively ended the government lockdown of Obama\u2019s administration.\n\nSo, can anything be passed between 2020 and 2022 even with Dem majority?","upvotes":32,"user_id":"Extreme_Rocks"},{"content":"What does the outlook of the Biden presidency have on social media?","created_at":1605309216.0,"id":"jthb6e","n_comments":239,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jthb6e/what_does_the_outlook_of_the_biden_presidency/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know this would be a difficult one to navigate so that the oversight isn't viewed as partisan. Trump was criticized for his attempts to regulate social media.\n\nGiven the disinformation spread, low accountability from companies such as Facebook in addition to foreign interference is there any way to effectively, constitutionally provide some type of regulation? If so, what does that look like? \n\nWhat changes in general can the president-elect implement beyond net neutrality for the internet?","upvotes":386,"user_id":"RespectThyHypnotoad"},{"content":"Who are the likely nominations for Bidens cabinet? Who deserves a dominations who may not be at the top of the list?","created_at":1605223670.0,"id":"jswj64","n_comments":52,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jswj64/who_are_the_likely_nominations_for_bidens_cabinet/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As far as I know, Bidens team has not released any nominations for major cabinet positions. Senator Warren has vocally expressed interest in the Treasury position, as has Senator Sanders for the Health and Human services spot. However, based on the way the Senate race is going, it's quite possible that there will be a Republican majority who will block strong progressive candidates for Cabinet positions. Who is available to fill key Cabinet positions, and how likely are they to be approved? Who might be a \"compromise candidate\" more likely to pass a Republican held Senate?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"teh_swimmlyBoogaloo"},{"content":"What does the future hold for many of the Dem Parties rising stars?","created_at":1605243935.0,"id":"jt37u1","n_comments":428,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jt37u1/what_does_the_future_hold_for_many_of_the_dem/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Dem Party has a lot of rising stars. Many of them ran in the 2020 Dem primary this year. What do we think the future has in store for them politically? \n\nAOC - Possibly primaries Chuck. Possibly runs for president. Possibly stays in her seat and works her way up into house leadership. \n\nPete - Most likely gets a cabinet position. Possibly gets Secretary of State in a Biden or Harris 2nd term. Maybe runs for president again as well.\n\nKamala - Is on the top of the ticket in 2024 or 2028 depending on if Joe runs for re-election.\n\nStacy Abrams - Likely gets a cabinet position of some kind. Maybe runs for Georgia Governor again.\n\nBeto - Probably runs for Governor in 2022 or challenges Ted Cruz again in 2024. \n\nKatie Porter - Takes Diane Feinstein\u2019s Senate seat post-2024 when old girl FINALLY retires.\n\nIlhan Omar - probably never wins anything statewide but she\u2019s incredibly safe in her seat and possibly moves her way up the foreign affairs committee.\n\nAyanna Presley - eventually succeeds Warren as MA Senator. Maybe one day a VP pick. \n\nI probably missed some people but what do you guys think?","upvotes":48,"user_id":"3headeddragn"},{"content":"In regards to the speculated 'second realignment'","created_at":1605251110.0,"id":"jt5go0","n_comments":32,"percentage_upvoted":0.66,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jt5go0/in_regards_to_the_speculated_second_realignment/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" \n\nSo right now we can be sure that Trump made significant gains with Latino voters, but for Black voters, the data is still unclear, I've seen data which reports their level of support for Trump to be as low as [8%](https://www.wsj.com/articles/black-americans-largely-rebuked-trumps-overtures-helped-lift-biden-11605021114) to upwards of [20%](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/black-men-drifted-democrats-toward-trump-record-numbers-polls-show-n1246447) among college educated Black voters. Regardless, it defiantly appears to be younger voters swinging more to the right than previous generations, [If this poll is anything to go off of](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/trumps-black-voter-boom-could-cost-biden-the-election) . On the state level, media sources haven't published much data in regards to the demographics of each candidates' base of support, although it may be reasonably speculated that abortion is turning some more religious Black voters [more to the right](https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2020/11/12/nc-vote-between-trump-and-biden-shows-gop-dem-shifts-2020-election/6227924002/).\n\nMy overall question being, what data is there to suggest that Black voters are more likely to vote Republican in this election at the state, local, and presidential level than previous elections? Basically, is the realignment really happening?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"WithUnfailingHearts"},{"content":"Could Joe Biden get a Supreme Court nomination through the Senate once he becomes President?","created_at":1605254105.0,"id":"jt6blw","n_comments":216,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jt6blw/could_joe_biden_get_a_supreme_court_nomination/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Suppose that one of the older SCOTUS justices - probably Stephen Breyer or Clarence Thomas - dies (or, perhaps in the case of Breyer, retires) very early on in Biden's term. Could Biden manage to get the Senate to hold a vote for, and confirm, an appointee of his? And if the Republicans do manage to block an appointment, leaving a long-term vacancy, could this have an effect on their performance in the 2022 midterm elections?","upvotes":46,"user_id":"scratchedrecord_"},{"content":"Between Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, who will be the leading country from here to 20 years in the Caribbean?","created_at":1605247515.0,"id":"jt4clf","n_comments":427,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jt4clf/between_cuba_dominican_republic_puerto_rico_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Caribbean is often an ignored region when we enter the global level, but it's still a valuable region in the Americas. It has experienced quite a lot of growth in the last 20 years, talking in the general sense. The only thing holding back these countries are corruption and in Cuba's case, it's embargo/closed economy thanks to their government. If these countries lowered corruption and Cuba becomes more open to the world market, which of them would be the leading country of the region in 20 years?","upvotes":584,"user_id":"Koioua"},{"content":"Electronic scalping - Do we need laws similar to ticket scalping to prevent this?","created_at":1605230615.0,"id":"jsyr5l","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsyr5l/electronic_scalping_do_we_need_laws_similar_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Electronic scalping has become a more prominent issue with COVID-19 and many high profile releases this year.\n\nJust some products to name a few that sold out in minutes but are all over ebay / amazon at incredibly high prices:\n\n* PS5 / Xbox Series \n* RTX Cards\n* Ryzen CPUs\n* New AMD GPU cards (to be seen but it is expected)\n\nThere are already laws in place to prevent scalping a ticket to a broadway show or a football game. Would it be wise to put laws into place to prevent scalping a new product for XYZ amount of time on Ebay / Amazon / Reseller websites? \n\nWhat do you think?","upvotes":11,"user_id":"FallenKnightGX"},{"content":"Georgia's Secretary of State has ordered a hand recount of all votes prior to certifying their election results. What are the potential implications of this?","created_at":1605153386.0,"id":"jsfe8z","n_comments":98,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsfe8z/georgias_secretary_of_state_has_ordered_a_hand/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/georgia-election-hand-recount-audit-presidential-race/\n\nBiden currently has a lead of ~14,000 votes, but Georgia does not have a trigger for an automatic recount. Instead, the Secretary of State has ordered a manual recount of all votes in order to verify the results and \"build confidence\" in those results.\n\nIt should be noted recounts rarely change the results of an election -- to my knowledge, the largest swing in votes ever seen by a statewide recount was 1200 votes during the Bush v Gore recount. For this reason, it is not expected that Biden's victory will be reversed unless there was some egregiously large error or fraud happening.\n\nOnce the recount is complete, will it have accomplished its goal of \"building confidence\" in the results? What are the potential ramifications of ordering a manual recount versus a machine recount?","upvotes":64,"user_id":"PM_ME_TODAYS_VICTORY"},{"content":"Who should the next DNC chairman be?","created_at":1605151459.0,"id":"jseqss","n_comments":57,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jseqss/who_should_the_next_dnc_chairman_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As the 2020 election cycle comes to an end and seeing what has happened in the democratic caucus and other offices who should the chairperson of the dnc be?\n Should the person be more leftist and espouse the views of a growing number of democrats?\nOr should they still stick with a safe, establishment, unifying figure?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"letsbliwthisjoint"},{"content":"What are some reasonable alternatives to eliminating Federal student loan debt?","created_at":1605148597.0,"id":"jsdsds","n_comments":117,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsdsds/what_are_some_reasonable_alternatives_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There is talk of student loan debt elimination (Federal Loans) for people, which can stimulate the economy, while relieving a lot of young American of debt.\n\nI've heard about:\n1. 10,000 debt reduction from all Federal Loans\n2. Full elimination of Federal student loan debt\n3. Increasing the scope of loan relief programs based on service to government, low income areas, health care, etc\n\nWhat would you want to see?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"PoppaB13"},{"content":"Has Biden made any indication about fixing the electoral college/process?","created_at":1605144776.0,"id":"jscik9","n_comments":61,"percentage_upvoted":0.64,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jscik9/has_biden_made_any_indication_about_fixing_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's obvious their are problems with the electoral college and the loopholes that it brings. Has Biden made any indication of wanting to fix these issues or abolish the Reapportionment Acts of 1919 and 1929 to allow the electoral college to grow as the population did as it was meant to?\n\nAlso why do (the possibility of) faithless electors exist in the first place? It seems it's only purpose is to stage a coup to keep an incumbent in power? This seems to completely contrast America's sense of democracy.","upvotes":9,"user_id":"MasterPip"},{"content":"How would you solve the housing crisis in America?","created_at":1605139558.0,"id":"jsat0k","n_comments":36,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsat0k/how_would_you_solve_the_housing_crisis_in_america/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I have been looking into housing recently and even wrote and article about. America does have a homelessness problem with close to 600,000 people being homeless in 2020. Many governments in America have tried to solve homelessness through a variety of ways. \n\n1. Rent Control: Rent Control is basically the idea where the state regulates how much landlords can increase the rent tenants must pay from year to year. The intent of such a policy is to decrease the growth of rent and hence provide affordable housing to the population. \n2. Public Housing: Several government have tried to create public housing to house the poor. The intent is that it will provide cheap housing at minimal cost. \n3. Deregulation; Some governments have tried to deregulate the housing market. They do this by reforming the zoning system and removing any rent control they have. The intent is to expand supply to meet demand and hence bring prices down. \n\nHow would you guys deal with the housing market in America and make it affordable to homeless? \n\nThis article is a great article that goes over several empirical studies on zoning and rent control and details their negative effects: [https://medium.com/discourse/the-cause-of-unaffordable-housing-in-america-c9a0b10ed71b](https://medium.com/discourse/the-cause-of-unaffordable-housing-in-america-c9a0b10ed71b)","upvotes":16,"user_id":"Dumbass1171"},{"content":"A Republican Lt. Gov is offering >$25k for evidence of voter fraud leading to conviction. Should the Democrats match this award to prove they are equally opposed to voter fraud and to help restore confidence in the voting system?","created_at":1605202369.0,"id":"jsrtg5","n_comments":9,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsrtg5/a_republican_lt_gov_is_offering_25k_for_evidence/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick is offering a minimum of $25k and up to $1M for evidence of voter fraud leading to arrest and conviction. \n\nhttps://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/525444-republican-texas-lt-governor-offering-1-million-for-evidence-of-voter-fraud\n\nThe \"arrest and conviction\" requirement cleverly puts the determination of fraud into the hands of the courts. There's no need for a problematic \"voter fraud hotline\" which could get swamped with hoax or heresay claims. The claimant just needs to show, after the arrest and conviction, that their tip to law enforcement resulted or contributed to the fraud being discovered.\n\nShould Democratic donors match/increase Patrick's offer to prove to voters that their party is equally opposed to voter fraud? If no evidence of widespread or systemic fraud is revealed, even with a larger reward, would this help to restore confidence in our voting system and election results?","upvotes":5,"user_id":"MegaSillyBean"},{"content":"How much are voters actually influenced by their party's successes or failures?","created_at":1605189053.0,"id":"jsparf","n_comments":2,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsparf/how_much_are_voters_actually_influenced_by_their/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Week to week, politicians worry about headlines and how the news media will portray them - but when it comes to elections, does anyone even remember the positive / negative media - or take this into account?\n\nAre people at all influenced by quick events like who has won a debate / Prime Minister's Questions, or do they only care about the bigger, longer-lasting issues like the economy?\n\nEven then, how likely is the average voter to be swayed from their preferred party during an election, vs sticking to their routine even if it has proved to work against them?","upvotes":5,"user_id":"National-Salt"},{"content":"What will be the affects of the upcoming redistricting on politics?","created_at":1605187689.0,"id":"jsozwb","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsozwb/what_will_be_the_affects_of_the_upcoming/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Since we are currently in a census year, 2022 will have a new map for house districts. I was wondering how this redistricting will affect political developments going forward. How will the districts in certain states change? Will gerrymandering get better or even worse? I know that states like Michigan and Colorado now have independent redistricting commissions, but states ranked lower on the gerrymandering curve such as Maryland, North Carolina, and Wisconsin do not. Thanks.","upvotes":7,"user_id":"IBphysicsHL"},{"content":"With Trump in control of the executive government for another 2 months, what are Bidens options regarding the transitions of power?","created_at":1605093889.0,"id":"js0cn0","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/js0cn0/with_trump_in_control_of_the_executive_government/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With Trump in control for another 2 months and a large portion of Republicans and presidentially-appointed officials reinforcing his refusal to concede, this is a question on everyone's minds. Biden is declared president-elect and Trump has declared a fraudulent election investigation. \n\nWhat is realistically in Trump's capacity and what is in Biden's capacity in response. I've heard for example that Biden is not receiving intelligence reports and etc due to Trump's officials not recognizing his presidential-elect status. \n\nObviously this is all unprecedented, but if there is something to point to in history perhaps, or some official legislation in place regarding the transitions of power I'd be interested to see it. \n\nI prefer all responses stay neutral and honest with as little bias as possible. It's hard when we're talking about these two candidates, but please do your best.\n\nI managed to compose this prompt without bias, I would appreciate the same respect and candor.","upvotes":21,"user_id":"Eagleeye412"},{"content":"What will Joe Biden's foreign policy look like?","created_at":1605089360.0,"id":"jrz4ie","n_comments":20,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrz4ie/what_will_joe_bidens_foreign_policy_look_like/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How will his administration deal with American adversaries such as Russia and China? Is it likely that he resumes the cautious rapprochement with Cuba that began under Obama? How will he attempt to repair relations with American allies? Will he be able to get any treaties ratified by a (likely) Republican-controlled Senate?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"RedmondBarry1999"},{"content":"What does Donald Trump's restructuring of the Defense Department mean for American foreign policy for the rest of his term?","created_at":1605166244.0,"id":"jsj7tb","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsj7tb/what_does_donald_trumps_restructuring_of_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The president has recently fired a number of officials in the Defense department and placed in acting positions a number arguably less qualified officials who are seen as more loyal to him. Why would he do this in his last few months in office? What could the Defense department reasonably do in the next few months to change the direction of American foreign policy?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"JohnSnow4893"},{"content":"At what point does comprise become appeasement?","created_at":1605153143.0,"id":"jsfbaz","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsfbaz/at_what_point_does_comprise_become_appeasement/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Following the US election, there has been a big call, lead by the future president himself, to put aside our differences and come together as a nation.\n\nAt first glance, this sounds like a noble goal. However, I've seen some debates claiming that civility and comprise will only appease whichever group refuses to budge, essentially creating a prisoners dilemma.\n\nWould you agree with this assessment? Historically, what seperated good faith compromises from ineffective appeasement?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Man-bear-jew"},{"content":"Is the Trump administration now seeking to make the transition as rough and untimely as possible, in order to stifle efficacy of the Biden administration, rather than win the election?","created_at":1605141101.0,"id":"jsbapw","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jsbapw/is_the_trump_administration_now_seeking_to_make/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Given that [80% of Americans believe Biden is the president elect](https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-election-poll-idUKKBN27Q3DW), and the abysmal record of litigation arguing for the evidence of voter fraud, it seems that there\u2019s little headway for the GOP to make, trying to prove Trump actually won the election.\n\nAssuming (perhaps optimistically) that all the obstructionism is not purely out of spite, it seems much more likely that the gameplan is to shorten the effective length and efficacy of a Biden presidency by forcing the transition to begin as late as possible. \n\n- the General Services Administration is withholding funds and access to civil departments until\n[\u201ca winner is clear.\u201d](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-first-executive-orders-measures/2020/11/07/9fb9c1d0-210b-11eb-b532-05c751cd5dc2_story.html)\n\n- McConnell has already declared he will block Biden\u2019s nominees [unless they are to his taste ](https://www.axios.com/gop-senate-biden-transition-50ebe6c8-e318-4fdb-b903-048908b3b954.html)\n\nIs this the scope of the GOP plan for the next 2 months? Putting the administration as far behind the ball as possible come January 20? The 9/11 Commission Report [already warned how the Bush administration being so behind after the 2000 debacle ](https://www.washingtonpost.com/) may have led to the breach in intelligence that allowed the attacks. This seems like a very dangerous game of obstruction to play.","upvotes":4,"user_id":"SweetJaques"},{"content":"What is similar and what is different between the Republican reaction to losing the 2020 reaction vs the Democrat reaction to 2016","created_at":1605132876.0,"id":"js8u8h","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/js8u8h/what_is_similar_and_what_is_different_between_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've recently been more proactive in expanding my political reading to really make sure I'm reading a range of sources from all across the political spectrum. One of the things that has struck me is some of the similarities between the Republican reaction to Trump losing and the Democrat reaction to Clinton losing and the subsequent Russia investigation. While I certainly think there was and is more substance to the claims after 2016 there certainly seems to be an element of bias depending on if 'your side' won or lost. \n\nWas the rampant belief in collusion with Russia fuelled by hope of taking back power and shock that Clinton had lost? Is this Republican reaction and the claims of fraud indicative of the same or more an indictment of a willingness to break democratic values?\n\nInterested in your thoughts.","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Davesbeard"},{"content":"What will be the result of excising the Individual Mandate from the ACA?","created_at":1605063657.0,"id":"jrr3ik","n_comments":40,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrr3ik/what_will_be_the_result_of_excising_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The individual mandate \"tax\" was a key portion of the ACA in that it was used to broaden the risk pools of private insurance companies to allow them lower premiums and protect users with pre-existing conditions. It was argued that without this provision, private insurers would go bankrupt having to cover claims for sick people while the healthy could go without paying in. The rate was lowered to $0.00 in 2017 and today the SCOTUS appears to be ready to excise the rule from the law altogether while keeping the rest of the ACA intact. How will this affect insurance companies adhering to the rules of the ACA going forward?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"dobie1kenobi"},{"content":"What incentivizes a state to respect election infrastructure?","created_at":1605056886.0,"id":"jrou5s","n_comments":6,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrou5s/what_incentivizes_a_state_to_respect_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1247187\n\nTwo Georgia senators are currently calling for the resignation of the Secretary of State in their state. They are of the same party. It seems that states have more respect for an accurate tally of votes than many senators in federal government. What can explain this discrepancy? What incentivizes a state to respect accurate election counts when the party in power gives 90% approval to the president and party leader?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"everburningblue"},{"content":"How did Donald Trump gain voters between the 2016 election and the 2020 Election?","created_at":1605107793.0,"id":"js3mzd","n_comments":388,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/js3mzd/how_did_donald_trump_gain_voters_between_the_2016/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Most Democrats, including me, assumed Donald Trump\u2019s base had shrunk since 2016 given his consistently low approval rates outside of the Republican Party; however in this election he gained a larger number of voters than in 2016, making him the candidate with the second most votes in US election history; in addition, early exit polls showed he made gains with minority voters, particularly with Black and Latino men, as well as suburban women. The Cuban vote makes sense, but other than that I\u2019m at a loss.\n\nWhy do you believe he was able to grow his base over the past 4 years? And would these same voters turn out as strong for another Republican candidate, or was having Trump on the ticket the main appeal?","upvotes":104,"user_id":"Kezhen"},{"content":"What actions will President Biden be able to do through executive action on day one ?","created_at":1605126334.0,"id":"js77uu","n_comments":740,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/js77uu/what_actions_will_president_biden_be_able_to_do/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Since it seems like the democratic majority in the Senate lies on Georgia, there is a strong possibility that democrats do not get it. Therefore, this will make passing meaningful legislation more difficult. What actions will Joe Biden be able to do via executive powers? He\u2019s so far promised to rejoin the Paris Agreements on day one, as well as take executive action to deal with Covid. What are other meaningful things he can do via the powers of the presidency by bypassing Congress?","upvotes":1041,"user_id":"DCTruthSeeker32"},{"content":"From 2016 - present, how has Trump addressed the GOP platform?","created_at":1605081905.0,"id":"jrwz4v","n_comments":3,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrwz4v/from_2016_present_how_has_trump_addressed_the_gop/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I did a little digging and see that Trump did call for curbing late-term abortions (although the numbers from 2015 to 2018 aren't a very big difference). He also excluded Planned Parenthood funding from his 2018 budget, I believe. What are some of the other major GOP platform issues and how has he addressed them (or has he)?\n\nMy overarching question is, I guess, are Republicans really just voting for an ideal rather than for a person? And has he done enough to point to that shows he is representative of the party?","upvotes":1,"user_id":"Bee-Bopp"},{"content":"How did the US \u201clower the temperature\u201d in the 60\u2019s?","created_at":1605032877.0,"id":"jriopg","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jriopg/how_did_the_us_lower_the_temperature_in_the_60s/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President-elect Biden stated he wants to \u201clower the temperature\u201d of political discourse in the US. However with the GOP seeking to overturn the election from the lowest to the highest levels, it seems like it seems like the partisan divide will continue to grow.\n\nIn the 1960\u2019s there was also significant political unrest, arguably even worse than now given how many politicians were being assassinated and how active domestic terrorism was in the form of murders by whites supremacists. \n\nBut by the 80\u2019s, although partisanship was strong, it seems the US had moved beyond the violent politics of the 60\u2019s. What happened and what lessons can we draw going forward?","upvotes":39,"user_id":"blahblahbjorn"},{"content":"Which party is in a better position overall going forward?","created_at":1605055199.0,"id":"jro9wm","n_comments":309,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jro9wm/which_party_is_in_a_better_position_overall_going/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obviously the GOP has just (seemingly) lost the presidency and possibly allowed Georgia and Arizona to flip blue once all the votes are counted and certified. Despite this they made gains in the House and are poised to keep a slim majority in the senate. They also picked up state legislative seats in a census year. \n\nThe Democrats have gained the presidency but lost a lot down ballot in races they were favored or had a good shot of winning such as in Texas house races. \n\nBoth parties seem to be somewhat divided right now with the Republicans caught between defending Trump and moving on. The Democrats likewise have arguments between the progressive wing and moderate wing on where to place the blame for a lackluster down ballot performance. \n\nSo who do y\u2019all think is better poised for long term success in the following elections?","upvotes":75,"user_id":"robmfuller"},{"content":"Is Biden's tax plan going to eliminate the step-up in basis for all capital gains? Even on middle class families with estates much much smaller than $3.5M?","created_at":1605080649.0,"id":"jrwl6h","n_comments":3,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrwl6h/is_bidens_tax_plan_going_to_eliminate_the_stepup/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Exemption for the estate tax under Biden's tax plan seems like it will drop from $11.56 million to 2009 levels $3.5 million. This means you can inherit up to $3.5 million without paying any estate taxes. That seems reasonable.\n\nBut those are not the only changes related to inheritance and estates. Let's say you inherit a very middle-class house worth $200K that your parents bought in the 1980's for $40K. Under the current tax code, when your parents owned that house, the basis for calculating capital gains would be $40K. The appreciation if they sold the house would be $160K. But because you inherited it upon their death, the basis would adjust to the value it was when you inherited it. The basis would now be $200K and the appreciation would be $0. Whether you keep it or sell it, you owe nothing on it.\n\nUnder Biden's plan, from what I understand, your basis would not reset, so you would be getting the house plus the burden of $160K in appreciation, or $24K in taxes owed when you sell it.\n\nBut Biden was also trying to tax unrealized capital gains. So if you inherit the house, and didn't want to sell it, (has sentimental value) you would still owe $24K just to keep it. If you don't happen to have $24K, then you can't keep the house. But long story short, if there's no lower limit on this rule change, then working class and middle class families could end up owing a bunch.","upvotes":3,"user_id":"moon_then_mars"},{"content":"Are the 2020 election results good or bad for the progressive movement ?","created_at":1605036979.0,"id":"jrjgz4","n_comments":381,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrjgz4/are_the_2020_election_results_good_or_bad_for_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's widely believed that the \"socialist\" talk decreased Dem margins in Miami-Dade costing them Florida. John Kasich said \n\n>The far left almost cost Joe Biden the election\n\nThe opposing view is that Biden should have been more of a progressive having embraced things like *Medicare for all* if he wanted to win in a landslide. E.g. Florida also voted for a $15 minimum wage hike, often championed by progressives. Weed legalisation also won in all states in which it was put up.\n\nSo, in light of this, does the progressive movement benefit or lose from the 2020 election results ? Where do they go from here ?\n\n[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article247001412.html](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article247001412.html)\n\n[https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2020/1109/Florida-a-Trump-stronghold-also-voted-to-increase-minimum-wage](https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2020/1109/Florida-a-Trump-stronghold-also-voted-to-increase-minimum-wage)\n\n[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/nov/7/john-kasich-far-left-almost-cost-joe-biden-electio/](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/nov/7/john-kasich-far-left-almost-cost-joe-biden-electio/)","upvotes":49,"user_id":"KingSlayer94"},{"content":"How unusual is Trump's loss in historical context?","created_at":1605016397.0,"id":"jrfhzw","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrfhzw/how_unusual_is_trumps_loss_in_historical_context/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Questions to consider:\n\nHow often does an incumbent lose?\n\nHow often does an incumbent's party only control the White House for 1 term?\n\nHow often does an incumbent lose with 90% or more support from his party? \nThis may be difficult to answer definitively since polling doesn't extend back that far.\n\nOther relevant questions?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"gmb92"},{"content":"Who would the Democrats Run in 2024, if Biden disappoints?","created_at":1605007851.0,"id":"jrdd02","n_comments":63,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrdd02/who_would_the_democrats_run_in_2024_if_biden/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden has won the 2020 election and the Democratic party has immediately started infighting about who did the best this election, moderates or progressives. Whether or not you agree, it has clearly shown some still deep divides in the Democratic party.\n\nNow, if Biden does well in his first term, passes some Climate Change legislation, gets a public option, and deals well with any major crisis that comes up, I think that we can assume that he will run in 2024. However, if Biden is unable to do those things, or dies, I think that it is reasonable to expect a challenge from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in 2024 and maybe some moderates if he were to die.\n\nSo, what I'm asking is, in this hypothetical scenario, who is likely to have a decent chance at winning the nomination?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"jamestar1122"},{"content":"Should New Hampshire be considered a swing state anymore?","created_at":1605014137.0,"id":"jrez0g","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrez0g/should_new_hampshire_be_considered_a_swing_state/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Compared to its neighboring liberal states, NH has always been somewhat of a political enigma as it's very moderate, and has been a swing state since the '90s. 2016 was no exception to this, as they narrowly voted for Hillary Clinton by 0.37%. However, in the 2020 election, with high voter enthusiasm on both the Democratic and Republican sides, the state appears poised to go to Biden by 7.2%, a big swing to the left compared to 4 years ago. Although we won't fully know if this trend sticks until future elections, what are your thoughts as to why this shift occurred, and what its implications are for the state's political future?","upvotes":7,"user_id":"pnwseanerd"},{"content":"Should the Biden administration try to work with Republicans during his 4 years?","created_at":1605073097.0,"id":"jru8be","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jru8be/should_the_biden_administration_try_to_work_with/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After about a decade of GOP refusal to work across the aisle on key issues such as the supreme court nominations, stimulus, healthcare, etc. should Biden and other democrats attempt to negotiate with republicans on important legislation? Or just create their own legislation and let republicans stall it or vote against it anyways?\n\nI realize this is contingent on the GOP retaining control of the senate. But even if the senate is 50/50 there's probably going to be a lot of decisions made by Harris. \n\nWhich begs the question, should democrats just push ahead with popular legislation like higher minimum wage, public option healthcare, and big stimulus anyways? Or should they try to negotiate with republicans on a middle ground and try to make some on the other side happy?","upvotes":1,"user_id":"bsmart08"},{"content":"Are Democrats underestimating Donald Trump yet again?","created_at":1605069635.0,"id":"jrt3nl","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrt3nl/are_democrats_underestimating_donald_trump_yet/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This summer \u201cover 100 current and former senior government and campaign leaders, academics, journalists, polling experts and former federal and state government officials\u201d participated in the [Transition Integrity Project](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transition_Integrity_Project) to simulate how difficult it could be to ensure a peaceful transition of power under an incumbent President Trump who refused to concede.\n\n\nThe full report is readily available on their website, but their \u201ckey insights\u201d are:\n\n1. Campaign decisions about whether to contest the election are likely to be political calculations, rather than calculations based on legal rules alone.\n\n2. A close and contested election may be resolved through the exercise of power, not through the courts.\n\n3. As an incumbent unbounded by norms, President Trump has a huge advantage.\n\n4. A show of numbers in the streets- and actions in the streets- may be decisive factors in determining what the public perceives as a just and legitimate outcome.\n\n5. Trump is likely to prioritize his personal interests in the transition period.\n\n\nGiven this analysis, are Democrats underestimating Donald Trump yet again?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"Slipperyjimminy"},{"content":"What exactly is the Republican vision of healthcare legislation?","created_at":1605066433.0,"id":"jrs0xi","n_comments":1109,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrs0xi/what_exactly_is_the_republican_vision_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As someone who doesn't usually follow politics, I ended up thinking about this today after watching the news and this latest election cycle. Currently, the ACA is being reviewed by the Supreme Court, and seems like it may stand based on comments by Roberts and Kavanaugh.\n\nIf anyone's been paying closer attention these past few years than I have, could someone give me a rundown on what exactly the Republicans are aiming for in terms of healthcare? They had the presidency and a majority in both houses for two years--why did efforts to replace the ACA fail? (I know about the John McCain thumbs down thing, but not the context really.)\n\nI'm assuming there's disagreement in the GOP on what to replace the ACA with, if so, what are the main competing visions within the party?","upvotes":1193,"user_id":"Ben_Berdankmeme"},{"content":"Why do governments like to spend on infrastructure so much?","created_at":1605047168.0,"id":"jrlu62","n_comments":84,"percentage_upvoted":0.44,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jrlu62/why_do_governments_like_to_spend_on/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Politicians from all sides of the aisle (even some libertarians), in democratic countries and corrupt countries, all support the government spending on infrastructure projects. Why? I never understood this; isn't healthcare, education, green jobs, a robust financial sector, and maybe some other things significantly more important than roads, bridges, ports, and other infrastructure? So, why do most politicians love infrastructure spending even if they don't like any other spending?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"treboy123"},{"content":"What do we know about the people who voted for Trump for the first time?","created_at":1605014065.0,"id":"jreyes","n_comments":6,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jreyes/what_do_we_know_about_the_people_who_voted_for/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Donald Trump lost the popular vote again, but he also gained around 9 million more votes than in 2016. In the months preceding this year\u2019s election, we heard a lot about voters who felt let down by him (along with stories of his base only becoming further entrenched). We can infer that at least a portion of his 2016 voters either voted for Biden or sat out. \n\nFurthermore, we heard about his approval rating being under 40%. Perhaps approval polls suffer from the same flaws as pre-election polls. \n\nWe can also infer that relatively few of his new voters came from young people voting for the first time (young voters - and probably new citizens - tend to vote Democrat). \n\nSo, what do we know about these people, or what can we speculate about them?","upvotes":7,"user_id":"BaldingMonk"},{"content":"Why did democrats lost many swing states and the senate in spite of massive turnout?","created_at":1604977929.0,"id":"jr4259","n_comments":461,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jr4259/why_did_democrats_lost_many_swing_states_and_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's usually said that the Democrats win when there is a high turnout. This one was the highest in decades, even with young people which is the group that always plays the big role in Democrats winning.\n\nBut in spite of this huge turnout, Biden lost swing states such as Florida, Iowa and Ohio and the swing states the he, he won by rather slim margins. In addition to that, Democrats failed to win pretty winnable senate races in states like North Carolina, Maine, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas and Montana.\n\nWhy did this happen and what does that mean for Democrats in future elections, now that there are millions of new republican voters that came seemingly out of nowhere?","upvotes":116,"user_id":"Proud3GnAthst"},{"content":"What exactly is Trump's endgame in this election?","created_at":1604948455.0,"id":"jqvnfm","n_comments":993,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqvnfm/what_exactly_is_trumps_endgame_in_this_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It looks like he's getting a recount in Georgia, but even if he recounts Georgia, Wisconsin, and Arizona, and pulls in the lead for all three, he ties at best.\n\nWhat is his strategy exactly, and is there any possibility the recounts/lawsuits would actually change the results?","upvotes":873,"user_id":"lukef31"},{"content":"Who might run in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries?","created_at":1604950921.0,"id":"jqw52p","n_comments":336,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqw52p/who_might_run_in_the_2024_republican_presidential/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know it's very early to be talking about this, but these are unusual circumstances. In the past year the Republican Party has defined itself entirely in relation to Donald Trump \u2013 to the point where they didn't even write a policy platform to present at the Republican National Convention, instead just issuing a brief statement saying \"We will support whatever President Trump decides\" \u2013 and Trump has just lost a national election, clearly and decisively. There are any number of ways that the Republican Party could evolve from here and I doubt that they'll become united on that point within the next three or four years until the primaries begin. It'll be interesting to see.\n\nI'm not sure how strictly the rules of \"No personal opinions/theories\" applies here so I'll put my own speculations of who might run in a comment, but I'd be interested to see what other people think.","upvotes":152,"user_id":"Cole-Spudmoney"},{"content":"Casual Questions Thread","created_at":1604941216.0,"id":"jquax1","n_comments":845,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jquax1/casual_questions_thread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is a place for the Political Discussion community to ask questions that may not deserve their own post. \n\nPlease observe the following rules:\n\n**Top-level comments:**\n-\n1. **Must be a question asked in good faith.** Do not ask [loaded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question) or [rhetorical questions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question).\n\n2. **Must be directly related to politics.** \nNon-politics content includes: Interpretations of constitutional law, sociology, philosophy, celebrities, news, surveys, etc.\n\n3. **Avoid highly speculative questions.** All scenarios should within the realm of reasonable possibility.\n\n-\n\nPlease keep it clean in here!","upvotes":44,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"What does Mike Pence's future look like?","created_at":1604911224.0,"id":"jqnchc","n_comments":135,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqnchc/what_does_mike_pences_future_look_like/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Cazidin and today I ask one simple question.\n\nFollowing Trump's narrow defeat, and given his few and limited legislative accomplishments, I have to wonder... what does Mike Pence's future look like?\n\nIs it possible he may run in '24, somehow tapping into the Trump base?","upvotes":56,"user_id":"Cazidin"},{"content":"What factors were behind the massive Republican gains in the Senate in 2014?","created_at":1604912561.0,"id":"jqnpuh","n_comments":16,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqnpuh/what_factors_were_behind_the_massive_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello, I was looking up the historical makeup of the Senate, and I noticed that the Democrats controlled the Senate all the way up until 2014, when the Senate flipped from 54 D / 46 R to 46 D / 54 R (including the independents that caucus with the Democrats). I'm puzzled into why there was such a shift in politics at the time, as there appears to have been no major crises at the time. Was it lingering resentment for the ACA, the usual poor Democratic turnout in a midterm election, or something else?","upvotes":44,"user_id":"IBphysicsHL"},{"content":"Why does Israel matter in US domestic politics?","created_at":1604918530.0,"id":"jqpaz5","n_comments":75,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqpaz5/why_does_israel_matter_in_us_domestic_politics/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As an outsider I\u2019ve always been sorta curious about why the middle eastern country of Israel matters so much in domestic US politics. I can\u2019t seem to see any obvious link. \n\nTrump made moves approving the moving of the US embassy to Jerusalem. Even Biden made it part of his FP to be a strong supporter of Israel. Basically every president pledges total and unconditional support to Israel and any other position is simply not even an option. \n\nSo, any explanations?","upvotes":53,"user_id":"greenLasagna99"},{"content":"Could you foresee the libertarian party becoming a rival or replacement to the democratic party in republican stronghold states?","created_at":1604912415.0,"id":"jqnob0","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqnob0/could_you_foresee_the_libertarian_party_becoming/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Marshall Burt, a libertarian, was elected to Wyoming state house district 39 this past Tuesday, beating out an incumbent democrat, and Bethany Baldes, also a libertarian, only lost by 32 votes in the Wyoming state house district 55 to her republican challenger.\n\nThis is part of the libertarian campaign to get libertarians to run in states that require few votes to get into state legislature, such as Wyoming and New Hampshire, which generally only require between 1000-2000 votes to get elected, and they often run in districts lacking a either a Democrat or republican candidate. With hope that over time people will learn more about the party, see successful candidates on a small scale, and hope that eventually they will have success with getting libertarians elected to higher state offices, and eventually federal positions.\n\nCould this election be the start of regional libertarian parties gaining prominence in the US political system?","upvotes":2,"user_id":"UnRenardRouge"},{"content":"Are the gaps between Election Day, the electoral college vote, and inauguration day present because of travel times in the 18th century?","created_at":1604910447.0,"id":"jqn4pv","n_comments":53,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqn4pv/are_the_gaps_between_election_day_the_electoral/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obviously with today\u2019s technology, these three events could happen in a much shorter window. But back in the day, it probably took a few weeks for election results to arrive at various locations. Would this explain why the constitution has such a liberal time frame for the election? I am also curious if anyone has some historical references that are worth reading.","upvotes":151,"user_id":"confusedtaco"},{"content":"What are the chances of Biden\u2019s cabinet picks being blocked?","created_at":1604866786.0,"id":"jqauad","n_comments":32,"percentage_upvoted":0.67,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqauad/what_are_the_chances_of_bidens_cabinet_picks/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I\u2019m not sure how cabinet picks works but from my quick research it is up to the senate to confirm cabinet picks. I also understand that usually the opposing party gives way to cabinet picks.\n\nAssuming that the senate is still GOP controlled come inauguration, what are the chances of them blocking appointees? And what happens if they are blocked, does the incumbent stay in power?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"PressedGarlic"},{"content":"Did Trump's \"law and order\" messaging work?","created_at":1604904888.0,"id":"jqljp2","n_comments":112,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqljp2/did_trumps_law_and_order_messaging_work/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obviously he didn't win, but Republicans did much better than expected this election. Support for the protests this summer was pretty high in polls, but did polls miss a big chunk of the electorate who weren't in support of them?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"thatLifeVibe"},{"content":"Who sets the agenda in a 50/50 Senate split?","created_at":1604892472.0,"id":"jqhrk0","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqhrk0/who_sets_the_agenda_in_a_5050_senate_split/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For the last four years we\u2019ve witnessed how much power the Senate majority leader holds simply by controlling which bills are brought to a vote and which aren\u2019t. If both Democratic GA Senate candidates win in the January runoff, we\u2019ll have an even split where nether party is the \u201cmajority\u201d. While Harris would be able to cast tie breaking votes, would she also use that to put a Democrat in charge of the agenda?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"sapientia-maxima"},{"content":"Would it be possible/practical for the President of the Senate to diminish the role of the Senate Majority Leader?","created_at":1604892352.0,"id":"jqhqaj","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqhqaj/would_it_be_possiblepractical_for_the_president/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is my understanding, please correct any misinformation:\n\n\\-Unlike the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate Majority Leader has no constitutionally granted authority, the authority of the position seems to be granted by convention/precedent.\n\n\\-While as far as I know no vice presidents have use their role for much beyond tie breaker votes, the Vice President of the USA is the constitutionally determined President of the US Senate\n\n\\-Given Mitch McConnell's (in my opinion unprecedented, but that's a discussion for another time) propensity for obstruction in the senate, if Republicans hold on to the senate majority, would it be possible for Kamala Harris to assume the role as the procedural leader of the senate?\n\n\\-Is there any constitutional basis or reason other than many years of precedent that the US Senate seems to treat the Senate Majority Leader as the de facto leader of the senate?","upvotes":38,"user_id":"joncanoe"},{"content":"How will the resistance to President Biden and his agenda be taken by the public and the news media?","created_at":1604895828.0,"id":"jqisqf","n_comments":42,"percentage_upvoted":0.78,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqisqf/how_will_the_resistance_to_president_biden_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For four years, starting with the surprising election of Trump, the resistance to him and his administration, including from government officials, has been posited as laudatory by many in the public and news media. Now, that Biden has been elected president, how will the resistance to his administration be viewed? Will it be viewed favorably or not? If whistleblowers come out and oppose his agenda will the news media cover them as they did with Trump? How will the public react to demonstrations against whatever policies Biden puts forth?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"TaylorSwiftian"},{"content":"Which state's federal house legislatures would be the easiest and make the most sense to switch over to a proportional system, including multiple member districts, and why?","created_at":1604907436.0,"id":"jqma9a","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqma9a/which_states_federal_house_legislatures_would_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I asked earlier if this kind of change would require a constitutional amendment, and the answer seemed to be \"No, it's up to each state how they elect their reps\". \n\n\nBy a proportional system, I mean that there are large districts that contain many seats, and it would ultimately result in, for example, a party getting 5% of the vote translating into that party getting 5% representation in the legislature (5% representation of that state's number of reps). This would be a large departure from the current system, where a party that gets 5% of the vote gets no representation. \n\nI'm asking the question from a few angles: where would it be most possible to implement (I'm guessing states with citizen referendums would make it easier than trying to get the legislature to change the rules), and where would the changes be most apparent (my home state of Maine only has 2 house reps, so a proportional system wouldn't really change things much). \n\nWould it also be more likely that a state would make this change first for its state house reps rather than its federal reps?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"misstheground12"},{"content":"With Donald Trump\u2019s loss, where does the Republican Party go from here?","created_at":1604907390.0,"id":"jqm9qy","n_comments":1489,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqm9qy/with_donald_trumps_loss_where_does_the_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2015, Donald Trump began his successful run for the presidency. He caused controversy after controversy, and the Republican establishment was not a fan of him at the time, with many actively trying to stop him. However, republican voters gave Trump the nomination and ultimately the presidency. Over the past 5 years, Trump has done a full takeover of the GOP, with nearly all Republican members of Congress going all in on supporting Trump.\n\nTrump has now lost the presidency to Joe Biden, though he and many Republicans have yet to acknowledge this. However, Trump still seems to have connected with many, as he won over 70 million votes this year, more than any other presidential candidate besides Biden. With Trump gone and the GOP still full of Trump supporters, where should the Republican Party go from here, and where do you think they will actually go? Should/will they opt for a more traditional approach, or double down on Trump-like politics? And what are your thoughts on a possible Trump 2024 run, which has been speculated about?","upvotes":1600,"user_id":"assh0les97"},{"content":"President-Elect Joe Biden has called for unity among parties and Americans. What actions can be done to bring about this lofty goal?","created_at":1604898590.0,"id":"jqjn5v","n_comments":165,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqjn5v/presidentelect_joe_biden_has_called_for_unity/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With an unquestionable split between the Republicans and Democrats, what do you believe is the best course of action the newly elected officials can do to start to unite the conflicting parties? With an obvious mean spirited rhetoric between the parties, do you believe that such action is possible or that we will continue to see an extremely polarized political environment? \n\nOne only has to look at the separate party sub-reddits to see examples of such hostility and conflicting opinions.","upvotes":30,"user_id":"PaintChipChamp"},{"content":"How does State polling move forward from this election?","created_at":1604894989.0,"id":"jqijbs","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqijbs/how_does_state_polling_move_forward_from_this/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Now that the election is pretty much over, we have seen polls rated A- and above by 538 getting their results off by 10 points or more. Regardless of political allegiance this is going to be considered unacceptable by most parties. How will state polling move forward from this, and is the loss of trust a potentially permanent issue?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"-Merlin-"},{"content":"How can Democrats make better arguments for their policies with rural America?","created_at":1604877085.0,"id":"jqd80d","n_comments":68,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqd80d/how_can_democrats_make_better_arguments_for_their/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We continue to see a divide between rural and urban areas. Rural voters are very conservative, and believe that Democrats do not speak for them, or care about their issues. Can Democrats do anything to help their message resonate better in rural communities?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"tryin2staysane"},{"content":"What factors may have contributed to the massive polling error in Maine's 2020 Senate election?","created_at":1604896587.0,"id":"jqj18y","n_comments":62,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqj18y/what_factors_may_have_contributed_to_the_massive/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With over 99% of votes tallied in the state of Maine, it appears that Susan Collins has handily won her re-election race, winning over 51% of votes, to Sara Gideon's 42%. And yet, to look at polls in the leadup to the election, you would have seen it forecasted that Gideon would win around 47% of the vote, to Collin's 42%. There were numerous inconsistencies in polling for this election, but this particular race seems to have been off by a significant margin of more than 11%. Does this highlight issues with the polling methods used in Maine? Were there any last minute shifts in the public discourse that could have swayed undecided voters? \n\nAnd looking forward, what does this mean for the future of Maine's senate elections? What strategies might Democrats lean towards in order to secure seats for their party? What takeaways can Republicans gather from this race, other than the fact that public polling seems to not properly account for actual support? \n\nWhen compared to other Senate races where Democrats did not fare as well as polling might have suggested, are there any common factors that will allow polling methodology to account for this unexpected level of republican support? And if not, what does a political world look like when both Democrats and Republicans cannot effectively poll voters, and so cannot gauge levels of support for policies, candidates, and positions?","upvotes":60,"user_id":"Quackinator100"},{"content":"What kind of former president would Donald Trump be?","created_at":1604882497.0,"id":"jqeqf7","n_comments":163,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqeqf7/what_kind_of_former_president_would_donald_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As we have seen, former presidents often keep themselves busy with projects that are an extension of their governing character. Carter with humanitarian projects and Obama with voter enfranchisement are examples that come to mind for me. What do we believe Trump would occupy his time with? Are there any examples of former presidents who we can draw from in order to formulate an educated guess?\n\nEdit: I want I be clear, I am making no assumptions regarding what his actions will be. I am curious about what y\u2019all think. I myself believe he is too dangerous to be out in the loose. I believe he is more devious than many people give him credit for.\n\nHowever, he will be a former head of state with all that that entails. Are there safe guards so that he won\u2019t go out of control?","upvotes":104,"user_id":"slap_of_doom"},{"content":"To what extent did the strategy to try to swing Republicans to Biden work/fail in the 2020 presidential election?","created_at":1604882478.0,"id":"jqeq6n","n_comments":59,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqeq6n/to_what_extent_did_the_strategy_to_try_to_swing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden has won. During the campaign, it appeared the strategy of the DNC was to cater to centrists and Republicans. The Lincoln Project spent tens of millions of dollars to try to bring Republicans over to Biden. Many people on the left lamented the Biden candidacy, saying that trying to turn Trump supporters to Biden was not a good strategy and that a progressive candidate would have excited people that otherwise would stay home and bring over low-income and middle class voters because of their popular policies (e.g. legalizing marijuana, universal healthcare, aggressive action on climate change, free public college). Of course much of this is speculative... but can anyone provide some insight into to what extent the \u2018flip Republicans to Biden\u2019 worked or failed as a strategy?\n\nCan anyone provide some data-backed analysis on the extent to which Republicans who voted for Trump in 2016 chose to vote for Biden in 2020?\n\nEdit: removed \u2018narrowly won\u2019 so we can focus on the question I asked.","upvotes":17,"user_id":"DNA98PercentChimp"},{"content":"How do Progressive solutions to Healthcare and College compare to those of Moderates and Conservatives?","created_at":1604875568.0,"id":"jqcupc","n_comments":5,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jqcupc/how_do_progressive_solutions_to_healthcare_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Despite gains in Blue districts in the House, Progressivism seems to be a smaller part of the national conversation than those further right; but newer generations are beginning to sow the rise of a Progressive movement. \n\nThis can largely be addressed to two issues: Healthcare and tuition.\n\nBernie Sanders, a famous Progressive senator in the United States, has proposed radical solutions to healthcare and College education. Notably, M4A, free college, and canceling student debt. \n\nBiden has proposed the more moderate solution of a public option for healthcare, and he has also stated on his website \"He will make public colleges and universities tuition-free for all families with incomes below $125,000\".\n\nRepublicans seem to propose a more invisible hand approach to both of these issues, but a comprehensive plan has not (and likely will not) been proposed aside from repealing Obamacare. \n\nOther nations, most notably Australia, have implemented no-interest college tuitions. These policies have seemed to work extremely well, but the logistics of such a policy in the US is hotly debated.\n\nWhat is the best way to move forward regarding Healthcare and College?\n\nAre Progressive policies feasible, or simply Populist ideas?\n\nWhat have other countries done to address similar issues, and has it worked?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"Mercenary45"},{"content":"Do the Party Chairs need to step down?","created_at":1604796724.0,"id":"jpu79j","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.43,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpu79j/do_the_party_chairs_need_to_step_down/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Tom Perez came under fire this winter for disastrously managed Iowa caucuses, then Democrats lost House seats and will have a nail-biting finish for the Senate despite record-setting fundraising, but recaptured the presidency. His appointment was close when he ran in 2017, which led to Pete Buttigieg's national platform and Keith Ellison's prominence. Now names are thrown in to the mix like Stacey Abrams because of her work in the South.\n\nRonna McDaniel on the other hand oversaw modest gains in the House and may keep the Senate, and she kept state legislatures and governorships, but lost the Presidency. Republicans will have to decide whether they want a new figure to unite behind besides Donald Trump. \n\nIs it time for new party leadership? Do they need to resign and let someone else take over? Can they make reasonable claims to stay based on the election outcomes?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"If there's anything Joe Biden should take from the Donald Trump playbook to make the most of the next four years, what would it be?","created_at":1604829448.0,"id":"jq39yy","n_comments":113,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jq39yy/if_theres_anything_joe_biden_should_take_from_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or support a different party, we all witnessed the US election and saw that Donald Trump received 70 million votes. We don't have to agree with his policies or personality, but there were some aspects of his presidency that were effective.\n\nIf there's anything Joe Biden should take from the Donald Trump playbook to make the most of the next four years, what would it be?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"Texas_FTW"},{"content":"Trump and the minority vote","created_at":1604848332.0,"id":"jq7j7z","n_comments":170,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jq7j7z/trump_and_the_minority_vote/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the 2020 presidential election Trump saw increased turnout among white women, African Americans, Hispanics, and likely Asian Americans when compared to his own campaign for president in 2016.\n\nIn contrast, he did worse among white males in 2020 as compared to 2016.\n\nIt definitely had some kind of impact during this election, especially in Florida. If this trend continues it is possible that the republican parties constituents and their diversity could increase over the next few years.\n\nI was curious about other people\u2019s opinions on this matter, and if anyone had any insight into why this was the case.\n\nWhy do you think his minority turnout increased?\n\nDo you all think this could impact the dynamic of future elections?","upvotes":113,"user_id":"GrandDetour"},{"content":"Opinion on secret ballots?","created_at":1604840555.0,"id":"jq5zf5","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jq5zf5/opinion_on_secret_ballots/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Here is a summary of secret ballots.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_ballot) In the United States, it looks like only a few states use number systems that can be tracked back to the person in the event of fraud. Otherwise, ballots are completely anonymous after they\u2019ve been separated from any possible identifying information.\n\nThis is in contrary to the United Kingdom which has a unique number assigned to ballots to verify the vote or a person in the event that election fraud is suspected. \n\nThis discussion is relevant to Americans because the Trump campaign is about to launch a [case claiming massive amounts of fraud](https://youtu.be/hqPqPjQFXeQ) with the hope of rejecting votes. If secret ballots had not been used, it would have been extremely easy to verify that election fraud had or had not been committed. \n\nThough, just because secret ballots are used does not necessarily mean that it is also easy to commit fraud. Ballots have some security features like dollar bills that are supposed to help prevent counterfeit ballots from being created. Elections also have poll watchers from both parties that are able to verify that only senders of ballots have their ballots added to the stack of ballots to be counted. Signatures on absentee ballots are required in most states. And finally, if counterfeit ballots are not created, and poll watchers are not missing fraudulent ballots from being added to the vote total, absentee ballots require an extremely large amount of physical addresses in a way that requires extreme coordination and cost to commit fraud.\n\nWhat is your opinion on secret ballots? Should they be eliminated in favor of a system more similar to the United Kingdom? Or is the process secure enough to not allow fraud to occur at significant enough levels? Is the risk of being able to identify voters severe enough to merit secret ballots?","upvotes":7,"user_id":"World177"},{"content":"What will a Trump lame duck period look like?","created_at":1604824290.0,"id":"jq1x0k","n_comments":84,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jq1x0k/what_will_a_trump_lame_duck_period_look_like/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With Biden projected to be the next US president, what can the Trump administration realistically accomplish in the coming weeks? Do you see any legislation being supported or executive orders to come in the short time?","upvotes":49,"user_id":"Moesuckra"},{"content":"What presidential powers need to be looked at moving forward?","created_at":1604827164.0,"id":"jq2oul","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jq2oul/what_presidential_powers_need_to_be_looked_at/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The last four years have shown how much of a President's conduct and actions are based on history and \"norms\". What new laws should be passed to limit a President's authority and powers? Should \"norms\" traditionally followed now be laws abided by?","upvotes":7,"user_id":"HKrustofsky"},{"content":"Who should California Governor Gavin Newsom appoint to fill Kamala Harris\u2019 Senate seat?","created_at":1604841116.0,"id":"jq646r","n_comments":228,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jq646r/who_should_california_governor_gavin_newsom/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris will resign from her position as California senator come January 2021. It lies on Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint a replacement. Given the size of California and the prevalence of Democratic political talent, this will prove to be an agonizing decision.\n\n[Recent reports](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/07/biden-rush-harris-senate-california-434981) have pointed towards some possible picks: progressive stars like Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Karen Bass, Latino politicians like California Secretary of State Alex Padilla or California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, etc.\n\nWhat should Newsom\u2019s strategy be for making this appointment? Who should he pick?","upvotes":747,"user_id":"leo_27315"},{"content":"The future of Oil and Gas in the US.","created_at":1604814503.0,"id":"jpz3c7","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpz3c7/the_future_of_oil_and_gas_in_the_us/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Biden campaign has been very clear that they wish to phase out fossil fuels over time. With his recent confirmation it brings a few things into question. He has stated that he would ban \u201cfracking\u201d, specifically on federal lands. This would include the most offshore development as well as the core of New Mexico and North Dakota. Aside from the Permian basin in Texas, these are the largest producing regions in the US. Some things to discuss are:\n\nA) Is he wishing to ban \u201cfracking\u201d (hydraulic fracturing) or all drilling and development entirely?Fracking and drilling are not the same thing, not all wells are Frac\u2019d.\n\nB) With fall off of domestic production, oil prices will rise considerably, which will directly affect the consumer at the pump with higher prices. This also means we could potentially have to get some of our petroleum from overseas to meet demand, putting us in a vulnerable position with countries that are not necessarily our allies. How will the consumer react after several years of tolerable gas prices?\n\nC) Biden has stated that even though many jobs will be lost due to these policies, many more will be created in the new clean energy arena. However, there are many facets of the fossil fuel industry, not just \u201cBig Oil\u201d and manual laborers. A large amount of this demographic are people who are not college educated but have small companies specific to the oil industry that would not translate to any other industry. How will these people be taken care of during the transition?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"puppymasterdeluxe"},{"content":"As the Trump presidency comes to an end, what is the main piece of legislation that he will be remembered for?","created_at":1604813741.0,"id":"jpyvb2","n_comments":193,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpyvb2/as_the_trump_presidency_comes_to_an_end_what_is/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"During the tenure of most presidents, there is normally at least one piece of legislation that they are remembered for. One Bill signed into Law that was negotiated through Congress and signed. They may not always be popular or effective in the ways envisioned, but they are a lasting legacy \n\nFDR had several, including Social Security. \nEisenhower had the Federal-Aid Highway Act\nLBJ had the Civil Rights Act\nClinton had The Crime Bill\nW had the Patriot Act\nObama had the Affordable Care Act\n\nWhat legislation Act will Trump be remembered for?","upvotes":109,"user_id":"akapusin3"},{"content":"How believable are accounts of voter fraud?","created_at":1604812188.0,"id":"jpyenn","n_comments":67,"percentage_upvoted":0.69,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpyenn/how_believable_are_accounts_of_voter_fraud/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Now, with the election being called, there are more news stories popping up about voter fraud in conservative circles, especially surrounding the mail-in ballots.\nSome are basing their articles on statements from alleged whistleblowers who work in post offices.\n\nThere was a lot of misinformation about absentee ballots sewn before the election to discredit the votes that would be cast that way. However, how credible do you think these articles are?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"LeiaIsMyHomegirl"},{"content":"What will a Biden Administration/Cabinet look like?","created_at":1604810786.0,"id":"jpxz84","n_comments":76,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpxz84/what_will_a_biden_administrationcabinet_look_like/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"To be honest, most people know Joe is going to get others to help him along the way. I care way more about the people around him than himself.\n\nThe cabinet/administration is:\n**1. Vice-President: Kamala Harris**\n\n**2. Chief of Staff**\n\n**3. Department of State**\n\n**4. Department of The Treasury**\n\n**5. Department of Defense**\n\n**6. Department of Justice**\n\n**7. Department of The Interior**\n\n**8. Department of Agriculture**\n\n**9. Department of Commerce**\n\n**10. Department of Labor**\n\n**11. Department of Health & Human Services**\n\n**12. Department of Housing & Urban Development**\n\n**13. Department of Transportation**\n\n**14. Department of Energy**\n\n**15. Department of Education**\n\n**16. Department of Veterans Affairs**\n\n**17. Department of Homeland Security**\n\n**18. Environmental Protection Agency**\n\n**19. Office of Management & Budget**\n\n**20. United States Trade Representative**\n\n**21. United Nations Ambassador**\n\n**22. Federal Communications Commission**\n\n**23. Council of Economic Advisers**\n\n**24. Small Business Administration**\n\n**25. Senior Advisor**\n\n**26. Press Secretary**\n\n**27. CIA Director**\n\nI\u2019d to hear your thoughts on any of these!","upvotes":31,"user_id":"Ronnybeans"},{"content":"Actual Fraud: What would happen if actual voter fraud was discovered after the process is finalized, but it would\u2019ve changed the outcome if found sooner?","created_at":1604785831.0,"id":"jpr52i","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.58,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpr52i/actual_fraud_what_would_happen_if_actual_voter/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Usually talk of voter fraud is based on principles that wouldn\u2019t have made a difference anyway. But this race is different due to how close it is in so many states. We have time to recount a few times before the official electors cast their votes in December. After that the president has been elected. \n\nBut, an investigation into voter fraud can take months. And what if it was identified that there were a few thousand cases of fraud that would\u2019ve been enough to change the outcome in one state or another so that the total electorates would\u2019ve shifted enough to change the outcome. What would happen if we identified that technically the wrong president was elected?\n\nNote: voter fraud could be as simple as a ballot auto-mailed to a deceased family member yet another person filled it out and sent it in. Let\u2019s not talk about \u201cproof\u201d or \u201chistorically\u201d. This is an absolutely unique election year. COVID forced more people to choose mail-in ballots making a person\u2019s vote susceptible to coercion (think of an abusive spouse) and states that auto-mailed ballots without request made errors (think deceased or person living elsewhere). Combine that with the most politically charged environment imaginable and it\u2019s not far fetched to see how small scale voter fraud could occur. But this time around that small scale could\u2019ve been enough. \n\nNote 2: let\u2019s not get in the weeds about which party or candidate is more likely to this or that. But feel free to make assumptions for comparative purpose.","upvotes":5,"user_id":"Nootherids"},{"content":"What can Joe Biden do without Congress","created_at":1604797193.0,"id":"jpucu5","n_comments":99,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpucu5/what_can_joe_biden_do_without_congress/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Joe Biden is heavily projected to win the Presidency and Republicans are also projected to win the senate. Assuming both happen, it\u2019ll led to a 2014-2016 style Obama presidency where legislation is stalled at the senate, at least I believe so. The 116th Congress was labeled the \u201cleast productive Congress\u201d passing the smallest amount of legislation. \n\nSo assuming that Mitch McConnell blocks legislation from going through, as done before, what can Joe Biden really do? \n\n\nSide note: I know somewhat about the powers of an executive order, but just that they can act as a \u201cbill\u201d of sorts I believe. \n\nhttps://www.commoncause.org/press-release/new-report-republican-controlled-senate-renders-116th-congress-as-least-productive-in-history/\n\nI don\u2019t wanna seem as if I\u2019m calling McConnell \u201cinactive\u201d per rule 1 so I\u2019m just linking the study","upvotes":61,"user_id":"demongoat123"},{"content":"Now that the election is over, will more US states begin to lockdown again as COVID reaches 100K+ cases a day?","created_at":1604765733.0,"id":"jpn6em","n_comments":32,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpn6em/now_that_the_election_is_over_will_more_us_states/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What are the prospects of states locking down in the USA? Will more red state politicians lockdown now since political fallout from their anti-lockdown electorate won\u2019t result in election troubles? Even if clear direction is given, would Americans even follow protocols well enough for a lockdown to be effective? What do you think will happen to COVID in the USA in the next 1 year? Will this pandemic ever lose steam, or will the US be stuck with it for 5-10 years?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"HitoLunai"},{"content":"Why are Ohio and Florida leaning red?","created_at":1604792045.0,"id":"jpssaa","n_comments":133,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpssaa/why_are_ohio_and_florida_leaning_red/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"These two states were the quintessential swing states for a long time but they've been trending red lately.\nLast time Ohio voted for the losing candidate was in 1960 but it seems it's gonna happen again this year since Trump won the state relatively easy but will lose the general election.\nSame thing can be said about Florida, I think the sunshine state is still a purple state unlike Ohio, but it has been trending red lately.\nRepublicans won the last two elections despite polls favoring the democrats, the governorship is also Republican.\n\nWhat is the explanation for this?","upvotes":56,"user_id":"octaviosiepi"},{"content":"Will Biden govern for his coalition?","created_at":1604803711.0,"id":"jpvrhj","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpvrhj/will_biden_govern_for_his_coalition/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We know that the apparently successful election of Biden was due to more people voting from across the country, but also so many anti-Trump right-leaning voters choosing to vote for the great moderate. \n\nWith that in mind, will Biden consider these voters as a part of his coalition (beyond token statements and appointments), making active strides to help and support them? Or will he consider them effectively lost to Republicans in 2024, as he focuses on divisions on his own party?","upvotes":12,"user_id":"legendfriend"},{"content":"Will there be a return of any government officials either forced out or resigning in protest under Biden / Harris?","created_at":1604807533.0,"id":"jpwzo2","n_comments":58,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpwzo2/will_there_be_a_return_of_any_government/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There have been so many officials either forced out or resigned under the Trump Admin ideation over the past four years. From Inspectors General to ethics officials. Has there been any talk, and do you think, that any of these career professionals me be asked to return to a Biden /Harris administration?","upvotes":59,"user_id":"HKrustofsky"},{"content":"How will the Georgia runoff senate races look with Biden being the projected winner of the 2020 election?","created_at":1604800163.0,"id":"jpuro1","n_comments":249,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpuro1/how_will_the_georgia_runoff_senate_races_look/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Both senate races in Georgia will likely go into a runoff election that will be decided January 5th. With Trump leaving office January 20th how will the races look in Georgia? \n\nWill the republicans stick to the same strategy and remain close to Trump and promise to carry on his legacy? Will the Trump enthusiasm dwindle and less republicans will turn out to vote for the republican senators? Will these senators try to distance themselves from Trump now and if so will it hurt them?\n\nIf Trump does something far out of the norms of a lame duck president with anger about his loss, could this also hurt the republicans running?\n\nKnowing that Biden is elected and republicans want to keep a check of his power could this influence republicans to come out to support their pick even more?\n\nSource:\nhttps://www.npr.org/2020/11/06/931720639/georgia-senate-race-between-david-perdue-and-jon-ossoff-edges-closer-to-a-runoff","upvotes":126,"user_id":"vossboss161"},{"content":"Joe Biden wins 2020 U.S. Presidential Election","created_at":1604795894.0,"id":"jptxfm","n_comments":5927,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jptxfm/joe_biden_wins_2020_us_presidential_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The 2020 US Presidential election has been called by the major networks for Joe Biden who is now President-elect until January 20th when, absent any unlikely developments, he will be inaugurated and become the 46th President of the United States.\n\nUse this thread to discuss the election, its aftermath, and the road to the 20th.\n\n---\n\nPlease keep subreddit rules in mind when commenting here; this is not a carbon copy of the megathread from other subreddits also discussing the election. Our low investment rules are *slightly* relaxed but we have a million of you reprobates to moderate.\n\nWe know emotions are running high, and you may want to express yourself negatively toward others. This is not the subreddit for that. **Our civility rules will be strictly enforced here.** Bans will be issued without warning if you are not kind to one another.","upvotes":4289,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"With media communications increasingly moving back to the broadcast spectrum, could the Fairness Doctrine be revived?","created_at":1604747766.0,"id":"jpjgzx","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpjgzx/with_media_communications_increasingly_moving/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If I understand it correctly, the move from broadcast to cable rendered the Fairness Doctrine obsolete. But today, an increasing amount of media is accessed through the public spectrum by wireless devices. Could this be used as a mechanism to reintroduce the doctrine?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"jobrody"},{"content":"Does the RIAA and the MPAA (now known as the MPA) have too much influence and power and if so what can be done to reduce it?","created_at":1604764397.0,"id":"jpmxuh","n_comments":16,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jpmxuh/does_the_riaa_and_the_mpaa_now_known_as_the_mpa/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If it's the case that the RIAA and the MPA (who is more well known as the MPAA before they changed names) have too much influence on laws and politicians in the United States what can be done about it?. Too much influence meaning that they are able to get laws passed that are unpopular with the average citizen of the United States.","upvotes":20,"user_id":"I-still-want-Bernie"},{"content":"How different would the US elections be if they removed the First-past-the-post voting system (FPTP)?","created_at":1604702621.0,"id":"jp69xu","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jp69xu/how_different_would_the_us_elections_be_if_they/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the US the FPTP system ultimately makes running as a party other than the main two pointless. How much would it change the politics of the US and would you be in favour or changing the voting system.","upvotes":27,"user_id":"Chops95"},{"content":"How has decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana affected crime and jail/prison populations? What effects will Oregon\u2019s decriminalization of drugs have?","created_at":1604671476.0,"id":"jozrpj","n_comments":23,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jozrpj/how_has_decriminalizing_and_legalizing_marijuana/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This election there were multiple states that legalized marijuana. These are significant steps pulling back the war on drugs. How effective are these at reducing jail/prison populations and what effect have these changes had on crime? \n\nOregon is the first state to take it even further by decriminalizing all drugs in small amounts. There is also a significant increase in funding for rehabilitation. Will this encourage hard drug use or enable the state to combat drug problems beyond traditional crime and punishment?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"Republican support for Ranked choice voting","created_at":1604646992.0,"id":"jotgyl","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jotgyl/republican_support_for_ranked_choice_voting/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Democrats have been advocating for ranked choice for a while now, and especially after the 2016 election. And now that, it\u2019s looking like Trump is going to lose 2020 because of the libertarian party. So do you think there will ever be broad bipartisan support for ranked choice voting anytime soon? \n\nNow it is looking like it\u2019s not going to benefit any one party, at least not consistently. Or do you think it will be the democrats who start opposing it now, because looking like they\u2019re getting the advantage? Or do you believe Republicans wouldn\u2019t support it assuming this election result was a one time anomaly, and that ranked choice would be a disadvantage.","upvotes":12,"user_id":"karmaisded"},{"content":"How have political parties shifted in the US throughout history?","created_at":1604713461.0,"id":"jp9mlz","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jp9mlz/how_have_political_parties_shifted_in_the_us/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I will preface this by acknowledging my ignorance. But I know that throughout history there have typically been 2 predominant US political parties, but the dominating two have changed over time. Like when the Whig party used to win elections and stuff, how did that party die out and how have other parties risen? Also are there any trends indicating that this might happen again soon?","upvotes":30,"user_id":"SirPattinson"},{"content":"How would US national and international policy change if there were no electoral college?","created_at":1604648956.0,"id":"jou1a4","n_comments":80,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jou1a4/how_would_us_national_and_international_policy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"(NOTE: This thread is not for arguing the pros/cons of the EC, it's a hypothetical policy discussion)\n\nFor example, there's a huge national focus on fracking, because it's an important industry in Pennsylvania, an important swing state. Similarly, corn subsidies are popular in Iowa and not particularly important anywhere else. Trump started a trade war with China in an attempt to prop up the auto manufacturing and soybean industries in the Upper Midwest. Cuban outreach is hugely important thanks to most Cuban-Americans being in Florida. \n\nIn comparison, there's no national attention paid to Indian- or Asian-Americans, who are mostly centered in reliable voting areas. Other crops and fuel and areas of manufacturing don't get much hype. How would policy focuses change if various swing state industries no longer needed to be specifically pampered?","upvotes":57,"user_id":"SpitefulShrimp"},{"content":"How might a third party (currently existing or not) create a path to actual traction in 2024?","created_at":1604617228.0,"id":"jok7dz","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jok7dz/how_might_a_third_party_currently_existing_or_not/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm admittedly asking this question as someone that does not know too much about the topic. I know that in the modern era of elections, the third party candidate with the most traction was billionaire Ross Perot - could a run like his be replicated+built upon in 2024?","upvotes":8,"user_id":"Vampiretooth"},{"content":"How to increase voter turnout","created_at":1604621184.0,"id":"joldnz","n_comments":34,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/joldnz/how_to_increase_voter_turnout/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The US has notoriously low voter turnout compared to many other developed countries. Even this election which has the highest voter turnout for a while will fall well below the voter turnout of many countries in Europe. How do we increase voter turnout? Is is a candidate issue? Suppression? Both?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"llama548"},{"content":"When did you figure out your political leaning?","created_at":1604636512.0,"id":"joq9lf","n_comments":229,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/joq9lf/when_did_you_figure_out_your_political_leaning/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Was there a defining moment? Or rather a series of solidifying events? A book, family member, teacher, or friend?\n\nFor me, I paid almost no attention to political ideologies until senior year of high school when we watched a video about how difficult it is to live on minimum wage. \n\nI\u2019m curious if other people remember what was the first push to their current beliefs and how it affected your thinking at the time.","upvotes":55,"user_id":"rmudkip"},{"content":"Announcement: Please hold off on all postmortem posts until we know the full results.","created_at":1604640139.0,"id":"joremc","n_comments":480,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/joremc/announcement_please_hold_off_on_all_postmortem/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Until we know the full results of the presidential race and the senate elections (bar GA special) please don't make any posts asking about the future of each party / candidate.\n\nIn a week hopefully all such posts will be more than just bare speculation.\n\nLink to [2020 Congressional, State-level, and Ballot Measure Results Megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn253j/2020_congressional_statelevel_and_ballot_measure/) that this sticky post replaced.\n\nThank you everyone.\n\n---\n\nIn the meantime feel free to speculate as much as you want in this post!\n\nMeta discussion also allowed in here with regard to this subreddit only.\n\n(Do not discuss other subs)","upvotes":941,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"Do people vote on party agendas, or individual politicians and (individuals) positions?","created_at":1604635883.0,"id":"joq2j9","n_comments":69,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/joq2j9/do_people_vote_on_party_agendas_or_individual/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\nDo people vote on individual policy positions anymore? or is it mostly just what letter you have next to your name/which party lines you'll hold? What is the current state of electorate decision making, and how much leeway to individual politicians have within their party? \n\nHow much individual policy leeway in control do senators have? For example, if David Perdue in Georgia was replaced by a different Republican, how much would Senate politics be affected by such a change?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"thedeets1234"},{"content":"What recourse is there in the event of a known fraudulent election?","created_at":1604631046.0,"id":"jooiiz","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.78,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jooiiz/what_recourse_is_there_in_the_event_of_a_known/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For the sake of argument, let's say that a whistleblower from the USPS comes out and admits that they didn't deliver a billion ballots for one particular Senate race. They produce the ballots, and officials from that particular state verify each one's authenticity. Let's further assume that the president is from the same party as the affected candidate.\n\nIgnoring whatever punishments may or may not happen to those responsible, what happens next? Do we all just collectively shrug and say \"well that sucks\", or is there some process by which the votes could be retroactively counted and the correct candidate installed in the Senate?\n\nIf so, is there a statute of limitations of some sort? What happens if the whistleblower waits until 2022 - 2023 to come out of the woodwork, but produces the same evidence and the affected candidate is still around and willing to accept the job?\n\nWould this further provide ground to retroactively invalidate all of the false Senator's votes, and if so how would that happen (e.g. SCOTUS rulings)?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"SigmundFreud"},{"content":"How can a nation balance the needs of a heavily rural/urban political divide?","created_at":1604632970.0,"id":"jop4vh","n_comments":396,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jop4vh/how_can_a_nation_balance_the_needs_of_a_heavily/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the US, the population centers (cities) tend to vote left leaning while the less populated rural areas vote right leaning. When the party opposite to their views wins an election it seems like both sides feel their needs are not being heard or met, basically that they don't have representation. It seems that an all-encompassing federal government is not able to do this as we currently have it. \n\nWith the idea of fair/equal representation in mind:\n\n1. Is there a way the federal government could be organized to fairly represent both rural and urban voters without promoting animosity and divisiveness? \n2. What level of government should hold the most usable funding/decision making power - city, county, state, or federal and what types of decisions would best be left to each? How would taxation be organized to better reflect these roles? How could we get from where we are to your proposed position?\n3. Besides defense, what role do you think the federal government should have in governing?","upvotes":177,"user_id":"Bananamcpuffin"},{"content":"What do you think is the value of the electoral college?","created_at":1604629297.0,"id":"jonykq","n_comments":198,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jonykq/what_do_you_think_is_the_value_of_the_electoral/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Electoral College was established in 1788 by Article II of the\u00a0US Constitution, which also established the executive branch of the US government, and was revised by the\u00a0Twelfth Amendment\u00a0(ratified June 15, 1804), the\u00a0Fourteenth Amendment\u00a0(ratified July 1868), and the\u00a0Twenty-Third Amendment\u00a0(ratified Mar. 29, 1961). Because the procedure for electing the president is part of the Constitution, a Constitutional Amendment (which requires two-thirds approval in both houses of Congress plus approval by 38 states) would be required to abolish the Electoral College.\n\nThe Founding Fathers created the Electoral College as a compromise between electing the president via a vote in Congress only or via a popular vote only. The Electoral College comprises 538 electors; each state is allowed one elector for each Representative and Senator (DC is allowed 3 electors as established by the Twenty-Third Amendment).\n\nIn each state, a group of electors is chosen by each political party. On election day, voters choosing a presidential candidate are actually casting a vote for an elector. Most states use the \u201cwinner-take-all\u201d method, in which all electoral votes are awarded to the winner of the popular vote in that state. In Nebraska and Maine, the candidate that wins the state\u2019s overall popular vote receives two electors, and one elector from each congressional district is apportioned to the popular vote winner in that district. For a candidate to win the presidency, he or she must win at least 270 Electoral College votes.\n\nAt least 700 amendments have been proposed to modify or abolish the Electoral College.\n\nSourced from procon.org","upvotes":38,"user_id":"bobsmith808"},{"content":"Why was Mississippi an almost guaranteed Trump win?","created_at":1604596986.0,"id":"jofug7","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jofug7/why_was_mississippi_an_almost_guaranteed_trump_win/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Why was Mississippi an almost guaranteed Trump win?\n\nI\u2018m following the American presidential election with great interest currently, and while I was researching some background infos, one fact occurred very weird to me.\nAccording to various sources, the population of African Americans in Mississippi appears to be around 40%. Now I\u2018d like to add that historically speaking, non-white voters tend to vote Democratic, which of course makes sense. 89% of Americas Black population voted for Clinton in 2016 and probably around 87% voted Biden in this year. \n\nSo how was it possible for Trump to \u201awin\u2018 (I don\u2018t like that expression, but you know what I mean) Mississippi, especially when considering that he often comes across as (at least somewhat) racist. What are the reasons for this circumstance? Why is he so popular over there? \n\nSorry for grammatical errors and alike, I\u2018m looking forward to your explanations!","upvotes":16,"user_id":"-llCerberus-"},{"content":"I know how the American presidential election was designed like this, as America is essentially a united nations not a single country. But do you Americans actually identify yourself as a person who more belongs to your state (like New Yorker or Californian) than simply an American?","created_at":1604590290.0,"id":"joeny5","n_comments":860,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/joeny5/i_know_how_the_american_presidential_election_was/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I heard the presidential election system is mainly to prevent larger states from hogging every chance of taking control of the federal government, but I'm not sure Americans these days would mindlessly vote for someone who's nothing but from their own state or who advertizes the policies that's favor of some geographical regions of America.","upvotes":855,"user_id":"cassert24"},{"content":"Is Maine's electoral system of assigning votes a realistic alternative to popular vote?","created_at":1604590711.0,"id":"joeqrg","n_comments":51,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/joeqrg/is_maines_electoral_system_of_assigning_votes_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In Maine electoral votes are assigned based on congressional district vote, not the state wide vote.\n\nIs it better than the winner take all system that is in rest of the states?\n\nWill it decrease the political division or increase it?\n\nIsn't it a realistic alternative to popular vote?\n\nWhich party is most likely to benifit from it based on the current ideology/policy, i.e which party will not have to radically change itself?","upvotes":38,"user_id":"Blood__Rivers"},{"content":"Odds of Texas turning purple?","created_at":1604565676.0,"id":"jo8qam","n_comments":91,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jo8qam/odds_of_texas_turning_purple/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2012 republican presidential candidate won Texas by 17%. In 2016 by 10%. 2020 it seems the margin will be 6%. Based on these trends Texas seems to be on to way to becoming a battle ground state. Do you think this is likely/ in how long would this happen?","upvotes":35,"user_id":"llama548"},{"content":"What do we know of why there was such a drastic polling error and how does this affect future political strategies and forecasting?","created_at":1604566305.0,"id":"jo8wol","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jo8wol/what_do_we_know_of_why_there_was_such_a_drastic/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As the dust is settling it is becoming clear that there was a systemic and significant polling error among multiple states. Fivethirtyeight found multiple states in which polling averages had Biden competitive, winning or blowing out. Yet many of these averages were off by about 5-8 points. This polling error was seen across all over the battleground states. The three states that did not seem to be largely affected by this was MN, AZ, and CO, all of which were safely democrat. Even more so, looking at the polls themselves causing a deeper discontinuity of the polling and the results. For example some A rating polls had Biden winning WI by >10 points and as of now Biden is <1 point ahead. Susan Collins has not been shown to win a poll since July 2nd and as of now she is 9 points ahead of her opponent. These large inconsistencies are seen in multiple senate races as well as many down ballot races.\n\nWhat do we know of WHY the polling was so largely off? In 2016 it was suspected that the Comey letter was to blame for a last minute shift and for not properly weighing education as a factor. Those two things were to be believed to not be an issue in 2020. Yet a significant polling error has still persisted. \n\nSecondly, what does this mean looking forward? One thing that kept coming up was that democrats were extremely confident with races at the district level. These were not public polls and internally polling and shows these democratic internal polls were significantly off. How can democrats move forward and decide where to put political bets if they can not effectively poll voters?","upvotes":46,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"How Immune to Congress is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact?","created_at":1604585966.0,"id":"joduf7","n_comments":97,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/joduf7/how_immune_to_congress_is_the_national_popular/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Colorado just approved its participation in the NPVIC. The compact is an agreement to give all participants' electoral votes to the popular vote winner. I'm all for the NPVIC but one avenue of attack concerns me, which is the Compact Clause. [Article I, Section 10, Clause 3](https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-section-10-) of the Constitution states that \n>\"No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, ...enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State...\"\n\nSuppose some time in the future, the NPVIC gains enough support. Suppose also that at the same time, that iteration of Congress also supports it. A president is elected by force of the NPVIC. The next presidental election cycle, a new Congress is installed, but is hostile to the NPVIC and rescinds their consent. How would this jive with the states' right to choose their electors? [Article II, Section 1, Clause 2](https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/article-2/section-1/clause-2-4) states that \n>\"Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors...\"\n\nThis seems like a major weakness of the NPVIC if it is subject to the makeup of every second iteration of Congress, even with the protection of the Electors Clause. In what ways could we strengthen the NPVIC against this?","upvotes":75,"user_id":"AzoMage"},{"content":"Are Mail in Ballots trustworthy?","created_at":1604575390.0,"id":"jobcko","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.35,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jobcko/are_mail_in_ballots_trustworthy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"**Hello**\n\nAs a young voter, and with mail in ballots gaining a lot of popularity this year, I have some questions about this whole process that I have been thinking about a lot and am hoping you guys can help.\n\n1 . When a person requests and mails in a ballot, What proof is there that the person that asked for the mail in ballot is the actual person voting? (For example, someone requests a person who can\u2019t think for themselves, then places a vote for them without their knowledge)\n\n2 . What measures are in place to prevent a person from mailing in a ballot the day of, or before the election and voting again?\n\n3 . Do you believe the mail in ballot system (Or the entire election process) in place is trustworthy/ reliable enough to determine the next leader of our Country?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Fooch17"},{"content":"How likely are mail-in ballots to flip states already called by the Associated Press, and how long will it take to know?","created_at":1604521044.0,"id":"jnvp2f","n_comments":4,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jnvp2f/how_likely_are_mailin_ballots_to_flip_states/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As of right now (noon UTC) it's pretty neck-and-neck, with [Biden having 227 and Trump having 213](https://www.270towin.com/2020-election-results-live).\n\nOverall, the map is a lot redder than the polls would've had us believe. At the same time, some were saying to expect a red map on election based on the disproportionate use of mail-in ballots by blue voters.\n\nAre the AP projections somehow taking mail-in ballots into account, and/or have most of them already arrived and been included in the current count? Assuming no further interference by courts, how long will we have to wait for each state to have a final count?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"SigmundFreud"},{"content":"For Americans who voted in the election, have any of you voted for a candidate specifically because a celebrity endorses them?","created_at":1604547380.0,"id":"jo3bcy","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.75,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jo3bcy/for_americans_who_voted_in_the_election_have_any/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I find that so many celebrities have recently been more open on which candidate they support. Have any of you voted for a candidate because a celebrity that you like supports them? If so, feel free to share which celebrity. Also feel free to add if a celebrities encouragement to vote is the reason you decided to vote.","upvotes":18,"user_id":"AlexandraxC"},{"content":"Is there a possibility of Puerto Rico becoming a State?","created_at":1604521741.0,"id":"jnvues","n_comments":71,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jnvues/is_there_a_possibility_of_puerto_rico_becoming_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Yesterday along our general election we had a referendum which Puerto Rico choose yes for statehood by 52.19% of the votes. This referendum is the second time Statehood wins in a statehood referendum. I believe even though it is non binding this is basically the most representative of all. The pro statehood party won the governorship, the majority of the territorial house of representatives and Senate and finally our delegate for congress. I believe that for Puerto Rico becoming a state in this election it most win the democratic party in a trifecta for the chance of statehood.","upvotes":55,"user_id":"JLMJ10"},{"content":"What can a President realistically get done with their party holding ONLY the House of Representatives?","created_at":1604542393.0,"id":"jo1q26","n_comments":1143,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jo1q26/what_can_a_president_realistically_get_done_with/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I was trying to do a bit of research in this area myslef considering the current election landscape, but outside of articles on the contention between the Obama admin and McConnel Senate, I can't find specifically what's realistic to expect.\n\nIs there anything the Biden admin can do to move legislation? Supposedly Biden can bring everyone together, but I'm not going to hold my breath. Is this just a matter of the Administration and HOR shoving legislation down the Senate's throats and then trying to point out their obstructionism?","upvotes":1057,"user_id":"MickieMallorieJR"},{"content":"Why in towns is the Republican Party winning and in cities is the Democratic Party winning?","created_at":1604490692.0,"id":"jnpmjm","n_comments":657,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jnpmjm/why_in_towns_is_the_republican_party_winning_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I have noticed this and i think is curious at least, I'm from Mexico so i don't know very well about USA politics. Maybe it's a serious division in the way of thinking between citizens and town inhabitants, maybe it was something about their campaign and that Republicans are trying to consolidate a socialist government, at least that's what the media says in my country.","upvotes":790,"user_id":"Riatolo"},{"content":"Would it be beneficial for the United States to de-emphasize the separation between states for a more traditional system of governance?","created_at":1604471830.0,"id":"jnkkzt","n_comments":78,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jnkkzt/would_it_be_beneficial_for_the_united_states_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The US is a country that differs greatly from other countries in the fact that it\u2019s regions are much more diverse and separate. Most other countries don\u2019t have region-specific laws and political systems to the vast degree that the United States does. My question is whether this is a help or a hindrance. On the one hand, having divided states means certain political issues are less divisive, as they can be decided on the state level. On the other hand, things like the electoral college are founded on the principal of giving power to less populated/individual states, which can deprive the majority of having their way. Would centralizing power in the federal government in this way benefit the American people as a whole?","upvotes":46,"user_id":"Groundbreaking-Hand3"},{"content":"If Joe Biden is elected President of the United States in 2020, while the Democratic Party maintains their House of Representatives majority and gain a Senate majority, will there be a Republican Party response, similar to the Tea Party movement?","created_at":1604429365.0,"id":"jn8861","n_comments":119,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn8861/if_joe_biden_is_elected_president_of_the_united/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After Barack Obama was elected President of the United States in 2008, the Democratic Party had majorities in both the House of Representatives and Senate.\n\nHowever, the Republican Party then started the Tea Party movement in 2009 and 2010, culminating with the Republicans taking back the House, then the Senate in 2014 and eventually the Presidency in 2016 with Donald Trump.\n\nIf Joe Biden is elected President in 2020, over Trump, how likely is it that this process repeats, and what will it consist of or look like?","upvotes":70,"user_id":"Ryan_Holman"},{"content":"What are the chances we see an emergence of a new third party in the next 50 years that will revival the Democrat and Republican Parties?","created_at":1604422260.0,"id":"jn701k","n_comments":55,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn701k/what_are_the_chances_we_see_an_emergence_of_a_new/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Heading into the 2020 Election, our country seems to be at a crossroads. More than ever people seem to align with Democrat or Republican and lead an allegiance to their party. However the Republican Party seems to be split between \u201cTrumpism\u201d the far right conservatives who stand behind Trump and other far-right ideals and moderate republicans that voted for past Republicans such as McCain and Romney and do not support Trump. On the other side the Democratic Party is also split between the new, young progressives such as Ilhan Omar and AOC and the old Democratic guard of Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden. What are the odds that one of these factions breaks off and creates a successful third party sometime in the next 50 years? Or the odds of a party that seems to unite both parties into one emerging? \n\nThe main point I\u2019m getting at is will the United States see the formation of a multi-party system sometime in the next 50 years? And if so will we be able to stem that development from this past few years?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"noahloftonjones7"},{"content":"How/why did the (legal) immigration system in the US get so convoluted? How can it be fixed and why hasn\u2019t it happened yet?","created_at":1604451738.0,"id":"jne2ng","n_comments":260,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jne2ng/howwhy_did_the_legal_immigration_system_in_the_us/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Being an immigrant and eventual naturalized citizen to the US, it was fascinating to see how complicated the immigration system was set up. It seems like a far cry from the Ellis Island way of allowing immigrants to the country in the late 19th/early 20th century. \n\nThe polarization of (illegal) migrants is interesting, since there\u2019s a lot of talk about that yet not nearly as much discussion on the visa/immigration process itself. One can argue that illegal immigration is a result of a flawed visa and legal immigration system, and that one way to fix illegal migration is to fix the legal immigration system.\n\nHow and why did the visa/immigration process get so complicated? \n\nHow do you think the system should be reformed and why hasn\u2019t there been action by politicians? \n\nIs it lack of political will or apathy? Is it \u201cso bureaucratic\u201d that it\u2019s \u201cimpossible to fix it\u201d? \n\nI would love some perspective on this, because it seems like a bipartisan issue to \u201cfix\u201d the system, yet little talk on how to actually reform the process.","upvotes":512,"user_id":"Darabo"},{"content":"2020 Presidential Election Results Megathread","created_at":1604399839.0,"id":"jn26hz","n_comments":34627,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn26hz/2020_presidential_election_results_megathread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Well friends, the polls are beginning to close. \n\nPlease use this thread to discuss all news related to the presidential election. To discuss Congressional, gubernatorial, state-level races and ballot measures, check out our other [Megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn253j/2020_congressional_statelevel_and_ballot_measure/).\n\n---\nThe Discord moderators have set up a channel for discussing the election. Follow the link on the sidebar for Discord access!\n\n---\n\nIf you are somehow both a) on the internet and b) struggling to find election coverage, check out:\n\n[NYTimes](http://www.nytimes.com/)\n\n[WaPo](http://www.washingtonpost.com/)\n\n[WSJ](http://www.wsj.com/)\n\n[CSPAN](https://www.c-span.org/)\n\n---\n\nPlease keep subreddit rules in mind when commenting here; this is not a carbon copy of the megathread from other subreddits also discussing the election. Our low investment rules are *slightly* relaxed but we have a million of you reprobates to moderate.\n\nWe know emotions are running high as election day approaches, and you may want to express yourself negatively toward others. This is not the subreddit for that. **Our civility rules will be strictly enforced here.** Bans will be issued without warning if you are not kind to one another.","upvotes":531,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"2020 Congressional, State-level, and Ballot Measure Results Megathread","created_at":1604399693.0,"id":"jn253j","n_comments":518,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn253j/2020_congressional_statelevel_and_ballot_measure/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Well friends, the polls are beginning to close. \n\nPlease use this thread to discuss all news related the Congressional, gubernatorial, state-level races as well as ballot measures. To discuss Presidential elections, check out our Presidential Election [Megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn26hz/2020_presidential_election_results_megathread/).\n\n---\n\nThe Discord moderators have set up a channel for discussing the election. Follow the link on the sidebar for Discord access!\n\n---\n\nIf you are somehow both a) on the internet and b) struggling to find election coverage, check out:\n\n[NYTimes](http://www.nytimes.com/)\n\n[WaPo](http://www.washingtonpost.com/)\n\n[WSJ](http://www.wsj.com/)\n\n[CSPAN](https://www.c-span.org/)\n\n---\n\nPlease keep subreddit rules in mind when commenting here; this is not a carbon copy of the megathread from other subreddits also discussing the election. Our low investment rules are *slightly* relaxed but we have a million of you reprobates to moderate.\n\nWe know emotions are running high as election day approaches, and you may want to express yourself negatively toward others. This is not the subreddit for that. **Our civility rules will be strictly enforced here.** Bans will be issued without warning if you are not kind to one another.","upvotes":99,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"If Democrats take the Senate and House, who should be the majority leader and speaker?","created_at":1604389936.0,"id":"jmzd2p","n_comments":260,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jmzd2p/if_democrats_take_the_senate_and_house_who_should/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The obvious answer is a continuation of Schumer and Pelosi leadership, but is there any chance either steps aside or is voted out? Should there be?\n\nWho would most likely be their hypothetical replacements? Who would you like to see hypothetically replace either?","upvotes":123,"user_id":"CMShaffer07"},{"content":"2020 Election Day Megathread","created_at":1604399481.0,"id":"jn233m","n_comments":3719,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jn233m/2020_election_day_megathread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello everyone, the 2020 U.S. election is here and polling places have opened, or will be opening soon.\n\n---\n\nInformation regarding how to vote is available [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ilm226/how_to_vote/). Information regarding your ballot and your polling place is available [here](https://www.vote411.org/); simply enter your home address.\n\n---\n\nThe Discord moderators have set up a channel for discussing the election. Follow the link on the sidebar for Discord access!\n\n---\n\nIf you are somehow both a) on the internet and b) struggling to find election coverage, check out:\n\n[NYTimes](http://www.nytimes.com/)\n\n[WaPo](http://www.washingtonpost.com/)\n\n[WSJ](http://www.wsj.com/)\n\n[CSPAN](https://www.c-span.org/)\n\n---\n\nPlease keep subreddit rules in mind when commenting here; this is not a carbon copy of the megathread from other subreddits also discussing the election. Our low investment rules are *slightly* relaxed but we have a million of you reprobates to moderate.\n\nWe know emotions are running high as election day approaches, and you may want to express yourself negatively toward others. This is not the subreddit for that. **Our civility rules will be strictly enforced here.** Bans will be issued without warning if you are not kind to one another.","upvotes":743,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"If Trump claims victory on election night before all votes are counted, how will that be viewed internationally?","created_at":1604365688.0,"id":"jmrhpf","n_comments":83,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jmrhpf/if_trump_claims_victory_on_election_night_before/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There are [some reports](https://www.axios.com/trump-claim-election-victory-ballots-97eb12b9-5e35-402f-9ea3-0ccfb47f613f.html) that Trump might claim victory late Tuesday if it looks like he's ahead. [Fivethiryeight predicts that Trump's chances will look best in Pennsylvania on election night](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-pennsylvanias-vote-count-could-change-after-election-night/) and then dwindle as more mail in ballots are counted later in the week.\n\nIf Trump claims victory, what will the international response be? Will there be reports of American democracy under attack? Will terms like \"coup d'etat\" appear in international news? Or will news organizations be too unfamiliar with the interworkings of this unique election and report his premature victory as a legitimate one?","upvotes":47,"user_id":"TheBestNarcissist"},{"content":"What political donations get most bang for buck?","created_at":1604354563.0,"id":"jmnwv4","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jmnwv4/what_political_donations_get_most_bang_for_buck/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is geared more for individual contributions but what political organizations (republican or democrat or single issue) most efficiently and effectively use donations to help win elections? Which ones have the best track record for races they are involved in, either to win or close the electoral gap?","upvotes":19,"user_id":"tarekd19"},{"content":"Bridge building before thanksgiving: if you focus only on the issues, what are your top two issues that align you with your respective political party in the United States?","created_at":1604307742.0,"id":"jme01b","n_comments":75,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jme01b/bridge_building_before_thanksgiving_if_you_focus/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With such a divided country, this week is going to be hard for many people. But it's going to be even harder for those in politically divided families. Many folks on both sides of the fence seem to be in disbelief over how *anyone* could vote for the other party. Conversations are strained at best, volatile at worst. So since this has proved to be a valuable and civil forum for discussion, let's teach other.\n\nMy personal asks for responses: \n\n\n* no voting against responses - the point is to build bridges of who we are voting FOR (not against) and why\n* provide context and history, at a personal level, of why that issue and your party's take on the issue is important to you (example: a user is against abortion because they've suffered so many miscarriages, a user is for a higher minimum wage because they are in debt with no kids and two full-time employed adults)\n\nI hope to learn from all of you an empathetic approach to differing points of view. Knowing the why can make that happen.","upvotes":32,"user_id":"ldi1"},{"content":"How Effective are Presidential Rallies?","created_at":1604371167.0,"id":"jmtdmj","n_comments":240,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jmtdmj/how_effective_are_presidential_rallies/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Last week, both presidential candidates flew to Tampa for one day to hold a rally in front of a few thousand people, then promptly left town afterwards. Florida is clearly a critical battleground state, but exactly how effective can these rallies be? I imagine the big majority of people who attend a rally are already firmly in that candidate's camp, so getting them to turn out doesn't do anything to win votes.\n\nWould it be more effective for a candidate to save the time & money and run more TV commercials or some other campaign method?","upvotes":696,"user_id":"McCheesey1"},{"content":"If Trump becomes an electoral loser, will conservative media continue to defend him or pivot to covering and amplifying new candidates? How quickly will this occur?","created_at":1604372538.0,"id":"jmtueu","n_comments":126,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jmtueu/if_trump_becomes_an_electoral_loser_will/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If there is a worst-case scenario where Trump is declared a hopeless cause electorally on election night, will conservative media such as FOX abandon him? How soon? If there's a contested election, for a day or for five or for a week, at what point and under what circumstances would his media amplifiers abandon him?\n\nIf FOX or the rest of the conservative-sphere do abandon him, what is their move in the interregnum between Trump and a new conservative movement leader? While I've heard of Nikki Haley and others as a potential new party leader, do you still see Trump leading the party after an electoral defeat? To what degree do you expect him to do so as 'president in exile'?","upvotes":116,"user_id":"WhatIsPants"},{"content":"2020 Election Eve Megathread","created_at":1604319307.0,"id":"jmgv23","n_comments":3297,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jmgv23/2020_election_eve_megathread/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello everyone, happy election eve. Use this thread to discuss events and issues pertaining to the 2020 U.S. elections tomorrow, November 3 2020. Feel free to join the discussion on the PoliticalDiscussion discord linked on the sidebar as well!\n\n---\n\nInformation regarding how to vote is available [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ilm226/how_to_vote/). Information regarding your ballot and your polling place is available [here](https://www.vote411.org/); simply enter your home address.\n\n---\n\nLooking for the final polling megathread? It's [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ji6v1q/final_2020_polling_megathread_contest_october_26/) and will be closing down **very soon.**\n\n---\n\nPlease keep subreddit rules in mind when commenting here; this is not a carbon copy of the megathread from other subreddits also discussing the election. Our low investment rules are *slightly* relaxed but we have a million of you reprobates to moderate.\n\nWe know emotions are running high as election day approaches, and you may want to express yourself negatively toward others. This is not the subreddit for that. **Our civility rules will be strictly enforced here.** Bans will be issued without warning if you are not kind to one another.","upvotes":640,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"If Trump is re-elected what will the NeverTrumpers (meaning former Republicans not Democrats) do in his second term? Will they continue to have influence/attention in the media?","created_at":1604290302.0,"id":"jm93i9","n_comments":237,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jm93i9/if_trump_is_reelected_what_will_the_nevertrumpers/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The NeverTrump movement was started in 2016 Republican primaries with the aim to deny Trump the nomination. Once he won that, they shifted to the general election and tried to rally around Clinton or a third party (McMullin, Johnson), but Trump pulled off the shocker of a win for the presidency.\n\nDuring his first term, these folks grew in size and prominence (The Lincoln Project, RVAT, former GOP officials) and largely aligned themselves with Democrats to push Biden past Trump in 2020. They either changed their views on policy issues or put character issues ahead of policy goals in an effort to persuade voters to take them seriously and win influence among liberals and progressives.\n\nHowever, should Trump win a second term, what exactly would be the purpose for their continued existence given they would have failed to oust Trump from office? Would they still be listened to by either side, conservatives or liberals? Would their funding dry up or would they simply disappear like the anti-government Tea Party under Trump? Would they still be relevant in 2024?","upvotes":158,"user_id":"TaylorSwiftian"},{"content":"Should absentee/mail-in votes be counted if the person dies between the time they send in the ballot and election day?","created_at":1604280805.0,"id":"jm67tb","n_comments":88,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jm67tb/should_absenteemailin_votes_be_counted_if_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I read a few articles over the past week that showcased people who voted via mail-in ballot, but who then died before election day. This year there have been (?) cases already the past few weeks. After looking into it, it seems that states are split on whether to count the ballot or not. Should a person's vote be counted if they die between mailing in their vote and election day? What do non-US folks say about their country's process?","upvotes":60,"user_id":"kingdom529"},{"content":"Should the minimum wage be raised to $15/hour?","created_at":1604279035.0,"id":"jm5ow3","n_comments":1087,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jm5ow3/should_the_minimum_wage_be_raised_to_15hour/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Last year a bill passed the House, but not the Senate, proposing to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 at the federal level. As it is election season, the discussion about raising the federal minimum wage has come up again. Some states like California already have higher minimum wage laws in place while others stick to the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The current federal minimum wage has not been increased since 2009. \n\nBiden has lent his support behind this issue while Trump opposed the bill supporting the raise last July. Does it make economic sense to do so?\n\nEdit: I\u2019ve seen a lot of comments that this should be a states job, in theory I agree. However, as 21 of the 50 states use the federal minimum wage is it realistic to think states will actually do so?","upvotes":1097,"user_id":"Mak_and_Cheezy_"},{"content":"What are the few strongest factors / narratives / reasons that make you believe that we will have a Trump victory or a Biden victory?","created_at":1604153501.0,"id":"jldhxu","n_comments":170,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jldhxu/what_are_the_few_strongest_factors_narratives/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Some examples of factors include belief in the accuracy of polls; observation of changing demographics; individual factors in key swing states; strength of each party\u2019s narrative; willingness of each base to turn out and vote; and any other number of reasons.\n\nI\u2019m not interested in why Trump / Biden should become the President; but rather what do you think will eventually make the biggest / key differences as to why Trump / Biden will win this coming election.","upvotes":59,"user_id":"WWBSkywalker"},{"content":"Is the concept of Constitutional Convention relevant in the United States?","created_at":1604197568.0,"id":"jlneag","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jlneag/is_the_concept_of_constitutional_convention/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"By Constitutional Convention, I don\u2019t mean a meeting to write a Constitution; instead, I mean the notion that certain norms and traditions are so entrenched that, while they are not in the written Constitution, they might as well be. This concept is very important in the United Kingdom (which doesn\u2019t have a codified Constitution), as well as the other Commonwealth Realms (which, while most of them do have codified Constitutions, often leave important concepts out of them, e.g. the office of Prime Minister). Is this concept relevant in the United States?","upvotes":50,"user_id":"RedmondBarry1999"},{"content":"Will Loeffler's and Collins's constant attacks against one another deal serious damage to the one who goes to the GA special election runoff in January?","created_at":1604201668.0,"id":"jlol3g","n_comments":85,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jlol3g/will_loefflers_and_collinss_constant_attacks/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For the unaware, Georgia's Senate special election is a free-for all between every registered candidate. The top two candidates in the election will then proceed to a runoff on January 5th.\n\nLoeffler (R) the incumbent senator who was appointed earlier this year, is facing stiff intraparty opposition from Doug Collins (R), a congressman who has been among President Trump's most vocal supporters on Capitol Hill.\n\nWhichever of the two comes out on top on Tuesday is all but guaranteed to be facing the Democratic frontrunner Raphael Warnock in the runoff.\n\nThe two have focused more on fighting one another than Warnock, engaging in what has been termed a \"race to the right\" as each seeks to attract Trump's base. As a result, Warnock has been sble to gain quite a bit of ground among suburban voters: [FiveThirtyEight currently gives him a 64% chance of victory](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/senate/georgia-special/)\n\nThe attacks have been [quite](https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/collins-invokes-insider-trading-complaints-in-tv-attack-on-loeffler/BSUOVSXEP5DNZBW3L7NOM3ER4E/) [vitriolic](https://www.timesenterprise.com/news/state_news/on-campaign-trail-collins-fires-back-at-attack-ads/article_74763058-3e04-5df7-801c-c9aff57643f9.html), with each of the two seeking to undermine the other.\n\nGiven the state of the race today, have the two of them effectively sabotoged one another? Will the party be willing to coalesce over the final candidate?","upvotes":327,"user_id":"Sonofarakh"},{"content":"If Washington, D.C., were to be given statehood, what would you do with the electoral votes given to the new, smaller federal district?","created_at":1604184760.0,"id":"jljo9y","n_comments":107,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jljo9y/if_washington_dc_were_to_be_given_statehood_what/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"One question that I've had about the D.C. statehood process that I haven't seen a particularly detailed answer for is how the 23rd Amendment would be applied should D.C. be separated off and made a state. \n\n \n\nIn the [proposal](https://web.archive.org/web/20180307193616/https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1291) for D.C. statehood, it is mentioned that the Constitutional \"federal district\" would be shrunk significantly to little more than the National Mall area. However, so long as the [23rd Amendment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-third_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution) is in place, this federal area would be allocated electoral votes to be handled \"as directed by Congress\". Should the current system of democratic election remain, this might mean that [only the president's family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statehood_movement_in_the_District_of_Columbia#H.R._51) would get to determine the allocation of three electoral votes. The D.C. Statehood proposal recommends an expedited consideration of the 23rd Amendment's repeal.\n\n \n\n**My question is**: What, if anything, would you recommend Congress do to handle the allocation of 23rd Amendment electoral votes should D.C. statehood succeed?\n\nWould it be different if repeal of the 23rd failed?","upvotes":55,"user_id":"theChuck-Truck"},{"content":"Do protests work nowadays?","created_at":1604175276.0,"id":"jlhd2t","n_comments":359,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jlhd2t/do_protests_work_nowadays/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Protests in US against police brutality, protests in Belarus against the current regime, protests in Poland against making abortion illegal, even protests in Venezuela against Maduro a couple of years ago, all seem to have yielded very few actionable results. \n\nDoes protesting work in the modern world? Or is it a relic of the past?","upvotes":655,"user_id":"mishkaTHEmiller"},{"content":"Would a loss for Donald Trump be viewed as a rejection of him as president, or would it more specifically be blamed on COVID?","created_at":1604142425.0,"id":"jlb5sx","n_comments":300,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jlb5sx/would_a_loss_for_donald_trump_be_viewed_as_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"To expand, what takeaways might the GOP and others have from a Trump loss? Would COVID be seen as the one thing that brought him down and blighted an otherwise \"positive\" presidency? Or would a loss be an indictment on Trump himself and his brand of politics? Does COVID give Trump and the GOP cover for their policies?\n\nIf it depends on the nature of the loss, what conditions after Nov 3rd would promote what takeaways?","upvotes":263,"user_id":"tarekd19"},{"content":"How would a run-off in the regular Senate election in Georgia affect Senate business and rules?","created_at":1604128202.0,"id":"jl7f7r","n_comments":2,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jl7f7r/how_would_a_runoff_in_the_regular_senate_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As far as I can tell, the potential run-off in the regular Senate election in Georgia, scheduled for January 5, will be the first run-off to take place *after* the next Congress is sworn in. There was a run-off in 2008, but that was in December.\n\nThis has more implications than just the deciding of the majority. Win, lose, or run-off, Sen. David Perdue's term ends on January 3. If there's a run-off for this seat, there will be no Senator in that seat until a winner in the run-off is declared. Would Gov. Brian Kemp appoint Perdue to the seat in the meantime to give Republicans a full caucus and Georgia full representation? Should he?\n\nAnd, less importantly, how would this affect seniority if Perdue is reelected? Would he be considered a freshman Senator if there is a gap in his service?\n\n*Note: The special election is not a part of this because, in a special election, the appointee serves until their successor is sworn in.*","upvotes":29,"user_id":"tr851"},{"content":"Who are the faces of the Democrat and Republican party right now? Who can we expect those faces to be post-election day?","created_at":1604128174.0,"id":"jl7exc","n_comments":89,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jl7exc/who_are_the_faces_of_the_democrat_and_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's been said that right now at least President Donald Trump is the face of the Republican party. Those that disagree with him, are out of line and usually ridiculed, leaving them to have to at least appear to be on his side. Case in point, the Amy Coney Barrett hearings. I'm sure most people didn't want to confirm, but because their party holds the highest office in the land, for their party, for their seat, and for their constituents, voting against the president means their time in the senate will run short. Even Mitt voted for the shift, and this is a guy who has voted to convict the president.\n\nIf it were not Donald Trump, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would probably be a close second.\n\nFor the Democrats, pre-election day, I'd like to say it's starchy divided between Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer/Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Samders/AOC. Three way split tie. \n\nHowever, if Donald Trump loses the election, who can we expect to be the faces of both parties?\n\nIf he wins, who are the faces then? Discuss!","upvotes":38,"user_id":"10pumpsclassic"},{"content":"With early-voting numbers shattering records across the country, do you see casting ballots early becoming a trend in American elections, or will it mostly be a COVID-influenced one off?","created_at":1604132536.0,"id":"jl8ma8","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.99,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jl8ma8/with_earlyvoting_numbers_shattering_records/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[In Texas](https://www.npr.org/2020/10/30/929578710/more-than-9-million-texans-cast-ballots-early-topping-states-total-turnout-in-20), early voting numbers have surpassed the total number of votes cast in 2016. [In Wisconsin](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/23/wisconsin-early-voting-election-coronavirus), they're breaking records. This is a pattern [throughout the country](https://www.axios.com/2020-2016-vote-turnout-early-voting-e9da9e9c-df3d-46ac-ae81-2dea53e23993.html).\n\nThe coronavirus is the driving factor behind the early voting, and assuming the virus is under control by 2022/2024, can we expect the numbers to decline back to 2016 levels? Or have the advantages of early voting changed the mindset of voters and the numbers of early ballots cast in future elections will continue to far exceed the number cast in pre-pandemic elections?\n\nIf you believe the later to be true, what impact will this have on election results? Which party, if any, benefits more from voters casting their ballot early? Do you expect to see states implimenting new laws to increase (or decrease) the ease of early voting? Will more states switch to exclusively having mail-in-voting?","upvotes":63,"user_id":"Pineapple__Jews"},{"content":"Can a multi-party system work in the United States? What parties might make up an American multi-party democracy?","created_at":1604120984.0,"id":"jl5bej","n_comments":462,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jl5bej/can_a_multiparty_system_work_in_the_united_states/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This post is inspired by this [article](https://echeloninsights.com/in-the-news/october-omnibus-multiparty/) and particularly by this example ([Here is an image](https://i.redd.it/xdzqpzqe99w51.png)) of what parties might make up a U.S. multiparty system and what their broad beliefs might be as well as potential leadership figures. \n \nI have seen quite a few Americans, on both sides of the isle but chiefly on the Democratic side, upset about the two party dominance of the Republican and Democratic parties. It is certainly true that both parties have members who have quite different views but are in the same party. Also, third parties, like the Green Party and the Libertarian Party, generally exist on the peripheries of American electoral politics and in a multi-party system these parties might be able to better get a seat at the table. \n \nMy question is fourfold. \n* Is a multi-party system viable in the United States? \n* How would a multi-party system supersede the two party system? Would the \"old\" Republican and Democratic have a place in the new system? \n* What kind of parties might come into existence? How many would there be? \n* Are there countries with multi-party systems that proponents in the U.S. could look to for inspiration (or, vice versa, to steer clear of)?","upvotes":833,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"Will do the Enthusiasm Gap between Democrats and Republicans remain post-Trump?","created_at":1604092448.0,"id":"jkwikd","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkwikd/will_do_the_enthusiasm_gap_between_democrats_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Before the 2008 election, the Enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans was at an all-time high of +15 Democrat. This, along with other factors, resulted in a resounding victory by President Obama over late Senator McCain. Despite concerns/hope from many about Trump's energized base, it seems that [Democrats are leading Enthusiasm wise by 9 points.](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/americans-say-theyre-fired-up-to-vote-especially-democrats/)\n\nSenior voters, generally speaking, favor conservatives; but Biden seems to be leading Trump among elders, some of the more reliable in the US electorate. Turnout among youths and minorities also seems to be significantly higher this year, a sign that usually favors Democrats.\n\nThese factors will most certainly play a role in the upcoming election, but will it spill over into a Post-Trump era?","upvotes":30,"user_id":"Mercenary45"},{"content":"Why don't presidents or vice-presidents continue to run for lower-level offices after their presidency?","created_at":1604041660.0,"id":"jkl1rj","n_comments":46,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkl1rj/why_dont_presidents_or_vicepresidents_continue_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Something I always wondered is after a president finishes their term in public office, how come they don't continue to run for other forms for public office or government?\n\nMitt Romney and John McCain lost the presidency, but continue to run for senators, and get into office, so they don't count.\n\nBut candidates like Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, AL Gore were either in the highest or second highest office of the land. Is it just morally above them to run for mayor, or senator, governor, etc?\n\nWhy is not more more appealing to do so?","upvotes":37,"user_id":"10pumpsclassic"},{"content":"Biden Cabinet Picks?","created_at":1604068818.0,"id":"jkru4k","n_comments":321,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkru4k/biden_cabinet_picks/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It is increasingly looking like Biden will win the electoral college vote based upon most projections. Assuming he prevails and actually is inaugurated, and Democrats control the Senate (currently projected to be likely), who are the top contenders for key cabinet positions, who should he pick, and who will he pick, and why? Who should he consider that might not be obvious choices?","upvotes":67,"user_id":"GuacamoleKick"},{"content":"What is the future of the Caribbean and Latin America?","created_at":1604067760.0,"id":"jkrn2n","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkrn2n/what_is_the_future_of_the_caribbean_and_latin/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Latin America in general has had a rough history thanks to colonialism, foreign intervention thanks to one of their neighbors on top and countless dictators through history. Today, the region seems to be heading into the right direction in general but is still far from being on the same breath as Asia, Europe or North America. \n\nWhat do you think that the future holds for these regions, good or bad?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"Koioua"},{"content":"How will US foreign policy on China be affected for the next 4 years, possibly longer, if either Trump or Biden win the election?","created_at":1604072293.0,"id":"jksg6u","n_comments":221,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jksg6u/how_will_us_foreign_policy_on_china_be_affected/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Policy on China has shifted considerably under Trump compared to previous administrations.\n\nTrump introduced the Tariff War in an attempt to get businesses to move back to the States, whereas previous administrations were oft to trade with them relatively unrestricted.\n\nTreatment of China militarily has been fairly consistent across the administrations, with red lines drawn in the water over the South China Sea and enforced by the US\u2019 military presence in the region.\n\nIn general, attitudes toward China have shifted from relatively apathetic\u2014even if critical of their human rights abuses\u2014to much more competitive, if not outright contentious, over such issues as IP theft, subversion, human rights, trade policy, increasingly confrontational military activities, and most recently, their handling of the Coronavirus.\n\nWith all of this in mind, how would foreign policy toward China shift if Donald Trump wins a second term? What would he change? What would he continue?\n\nHow would foreign policy toward China shift if Joe Biden wins and gets into the office? What would he change? What would he continue?","upvotes":383,"user_id":"Bigbluebuttonman"},{"content":"Will Immigration Policy Shift if Biden Becomes President?","created_at":1604035721.0,"id":"jkj7m5","n_comments":90,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkj7m5/will_immigration_policy_shift_if_biden_becomes/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In practice, President Obama deported more people from the interior of the US than Trump has in his first term. However Trump has apprehended more people at the border than Obama did. Much has been made of the Trump policy in comparison to previous administration\u2019s policies. Will there be any real substantive change in immigration policy? Will any change implemented by a Biden administration be satisfactory to the Democratic partys left wing?","upvotes":37,"user_id":"BobBaratheon123"},{"content":"If Georgia goes to two runoffs, do we expect any change in turnout based on other November results?","created_at":1604011581.0,"id":"jkbck0","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkbck0/if_georgia_goes_to_two_runoffs_do_we_expect_any/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Georgia currently has two Senate seats up for election. If no candidate goes above 50%, a runoff election is set for January 5th. At the moment, it looks likely that the state will have two runoff elections on that day.\n\nHow will results of the Nov 3 election around the country affect these January 5th runoffs? Should we expect to see similar turnout as we do for the Nov 3 election? Which party does a runoff benefit, and which Nov 3 results make this more likely? For example, do we expect Democrats to be more energized following a supposed Biden win and needing only one of these seats to flip in order to take a majority?","upvotes":44,"user_id":"chrisfarleyraejepsen"},{"content":"How will rejected mail-in ballots impact the 2020 General Election?","created_at":1603994797.0,"id":"jk7bpi","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jk7bpi/how_will_rejected_mailin_ballots_impact_the_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the 2016 General Election, an estimated 300,000 mail-in ballots were rejected. Combined with the 2018 midterms, more than [750,000 mail-in ballots were rejected](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/750000-mail-ballots-rejected-2016-2018-matters/story?id=73645323).\n\nAn estimated 500,000 mail-in ballots have been rejected in the 2020 Primary Elections. \n[Wisconsin](https://www.wpr.org/how-wisconsins-23-000-rejected-absentee-ballots-could-spell-trouble-november-election) rejected more than 23,000 mail-in ballots during elections in April 2020. Donald Trump carried Wisconsin by a little less than 23,000 votes in 2016.\n\nStudies have shown that younger voters and minority voters tend to have their ballots rejected at a higher rate than demographic groups. How will rejected mail-in ballots affect the 2020 General Election considering it seems that more Democrats are voting by mail than their Republican counterparts?","upvotes":33,"user_id":"PolicyWonka"},{"content":"What is the Future for the Labour Party in Britain?","created_at":1604018267.0,"id":"jkdg8b","n_comments":49,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkdg8b/what_is_the_future_for_the_labour_party_in_britain/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Following a massive loss in the 2019 general election in the UK, Jeremy Corbyn [stepped down as party leader](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/socialist-jeremy-corbyn-steps-down-leader-labour-party-after-crushing-n1101166) and was replaced by Keir Starmer, a more centrist MP. Today, following a statement by Corbyn which said, \"[the scale of the \\[antisemistism\\] has been drastically overstated](https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1321768742817325057)\", he has been [suspended from Labour](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-politics-labour-antisemitism/uk-labour-suspends-ex-leader-corbyn-after-anti-semitism-failings-exposed-idUSKBN27E1TI).\n\n​\n\nWhat does this mean for the Labour party going forward? Could this lead to a schism in the party between the left and center wings of the party? Is there any action that Corbyn should do in response to this?","upvotes":50,"user_id":"jamestar1122"},{"content":"If Trump narrowly wins re-election, what will the Democratic Party\u2019s 2020 \u201cpost-mortem\u201d analysis be? What about if Trump wins decisively?","created_at":1604014934.0,"id":"jkcdvq","n_comments":2022,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jkcdvq/if_trump_narrowly_wins_reelection_what_will_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As the title states:\n\nIf Trump narrowly wins re-election, what will the Democratic Party\u2019s 2020 \u201cpost-mortem\u201d analysis be? What about if Trump wins decisively?\n\nWill the party try to moderate on economic or \u201ccultural\u201d issues? Or will it move in a more progressive direction on one or both axes?","upvotes":1164,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Why don't POTUS candidates who lose the general election ever run for president again?","created_at":1603963435.0,"id":"jk0vif","n_comments":165,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jk0vif/why_dont_potus_candidates_who_lose_the_general/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" I've noticed that presidential candidates (in the US) who lose in the primaries will return to run again and again and again (Biden has run several times already) but when a candidate reaches the general election they usually never run again (Mitt Romney, Al Gore, John Kerry, John McCain, etc). Why is that?","upvotes":76,"user_id":"gr8ums"},{"content":"Will the recent riots and looting in Philadelphia hurt Biden in the state?","created_at":1603961387.0,"id":"jk0bfx","n_comments":153,"percentage_upvoted":0.54,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jk0bfx/will_the_recent_riots_and_looting_in_philadelphia/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With 6 days aways from the election, one of the most important states right now Pennsylvania is experiencing some very divisive events on the political landscape. That is the riots and looting currently being seen by businesses in the state. The president has made Law and Order a key factor of his campaign by not only tying it to BLM but also condemning it and making assertions that this is what would be seen if Joe Biden and the Democrats came into power. Joe Biden has also condemned these riots and said that they have no place in America but is still clearly a supporter of BLM. Do you think that these riots will persuade voters into voting for Trump who may are scared of these events and like the sound of Law and Order or will it not move the needle like it hasn't done in Wisconsin in the summer?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"depressededgelord01"},{"content":"What do you think will be the future of Rojava?","created_at":1603933460.0,"id":"jjrpma","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jjrpma/what_do_you_think_will_be_the_future_of_rojava/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Rojava](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria) (aka \"The Kurds\") are one of the six main factions of the Syrian Civil War. They look to be one of the only groups surviving on a large scale. So, what do you think is going to happen to them?","upvotes":53,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"Should Scotland be independent?","created_at":1603932528.0,"id":"jjreki","n_comments":469,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jjreki/should_scotland_be_independent/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In March 2014 there was a vote for if Scotland should be independent. They voted no.\nBut with most of Scotland now having 2nd though. I beg the question to you reddit what do you all think. (Don\u2019t have to live in Scotland to comment)","upvotes":591,"user_id":"Cleo775"},{"content":"Will increasing the availability mail voting increase the efficacy of television, internet, and mail advertisements?","created_at":1603924571.0,"id":"jjovwn","n_comments":7,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jjovwn/will_increasing_the_availability_mail_voting/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A. Will the aforementioned media increase the momentary salience of the election, causing voters to complete and return their ballots immediately after exposure?\n\nB. Will the effectiveness of different types of ads (positive vs. negative) change? For example--will it make negative advertisements counterproductive? Or will it work the other way around?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"IAmNotYourBoss"},{"content":"What is the worst a lame duck government has done?","created_at":1603836395.0,"id":"jj1qx4","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jj1qx4/what_is_the_worst_a_lame_duck_government_has_done/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A lame-duck session of Congress in the United States occurs whenever one Congress meets after its successor is elected, but before the successor's term begins. The expression is now used not only for a special session called after a sine die adjournment, but also for any portion of a regular session that falls after an election. In current practice, any meeting of Congress after election day, but before the next Congress convenes the following January, is a lame-duck session.[1] Prior to 1933, when the 20th Amendment changed the dates of the congressional term, the last regular session of Congress was always a lame duck session.\n\nCongress has held 16 lame-duck sessions since 1940. Recesses preceding lame-duck sessions have usually begun by mid-October, and typically lasted between one and two months. Congress typically reconvened in mid-November and adjourned before Christmas, so that the lame-duck session lasted about a month. Some recesses, however, have begun as early as August 7 or as late as November 3, and ended as early as November 8 or as late as December 31. Lame-duck sessions have ended as early as November 22 and as late as January 3, and have extended over as few as one, and as many as 145, calendar days.\n\nSome lame-duck sessions have been held largely for pro forma reasons (e.g., 1948), on a standby basis (e.g., 1940, 1942), or to deal with a single specific matter (e.g., 1954, 1994, 1998). Some sessions, as well, have deferred major matters to the succeeding Congress (e.g., 1944, 1982, 2004), especially when a stronger majority for the same party was in prospect. Most, however, could be regarded as at least moderately productive. When the President has presented an extensive agenda to a lame-duck session controlled by his own party, it has often approved many of his recommendations (e.g., 1950, 2002, 2004), but when he has done so under conditions of divided government, he has had less success, and has often vetoed measures (e.g., 1970, 1974, 1982). Additionally, a major task of most lame-duck sessions in recent years has been to complete action on appropriations and the budget. In 1974, 1980, 1982, 2000, 2004, and 2012, this effort was at least somewhat successful, but in 1970 and 2002 a final resolution was largely left to the following Congress.\n\nLame-duck sessions do not usually occur in countries under a parliamentary form of government, whether the Westminster system or other models. Under a parliamentary system there are usually no fixed dates for elections or the beginning of terms, so that a new session of parliament will always begin with its first meeting after an election has been held. Often the previous parliament is dissolved by the head of state at the request of the head of government, therefore even in an emergency there is no parliament to call after the final session until the new parliament has been elected. In contrast to members of Congress who do wield their full authority until their term ends, the power of outgoing parliamentarians is limited by convention; any cabinet ministers that were members of the now dissolved parliament will serve in an \"acting\" or \"caretaker\" capacity (i.e. not being able to make important appointments nor policy declarations) until the new parliament convenes.","upvotes":69,"user_id":"kulltsb"},{"content":"Which Political Party Benefits More From More People Voting?","created_at":1603867786.0,"id":"jjbwoe","n_comments":529,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jjbwoe/which_political_party_benefits_more_from_more/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obviously everyone has seen hundreds of ads, commercials and other advertisements to go vote during this year's election. I was just wondering if that benefits one party more than another, or if both parties are equally funding the bombardment of advertisements and celebrities preaching to us to vote. Only wondering because I've never experienced anything like this ad campaign to vote this November and someone clearly has to be writing massive checks for these ads and stuff.","upvotes":583,"user_id":"Kinger420"},{"content":"How will immigration caused by climate change impact Rurope and more specifically the EU","created_at":1603866995.0,"id":"jjbnuj","n_comments":36,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jjbnuj/how_will_immigration_caused_by_climate_change/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We can already see how immigration caused by the conflict in the Middle East has affected the political climate in Europe: ie a strong rise in nationalism and the Brexit referendum. The IPCC has estimated that climate change will result in there being as many as 200 million climate refugees by 2050. Assuming this figure is correct, Even if only a small portion of this estimate are passing into Europe it will still be orders of magnitudes higher than recent immigration that we have seen. \n\nWhat do you think about the impacts which this will have on Europe are? And what approach should European countries adopt\n\nIm also particularly interested in the effect in which this will have upon cohesion amongst the EU countries","upvotes":18,"user_id":"dominic_hermoso"},{"content":"What circumstances would make a partisan SCOTUS capable of deciding the election?","created_at":1603790571.0,"id":"jirux3","n_comments":119,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jirux3/what_circumstances_would_make_a_partisan_scotus/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the confirmation of Barrett to the SCOTUS, the United States now has a 6-3 conservative court. With the election mere days away, and many speculating whether this would allow Trump to \"steal\" the election by taking advantage of this conservative majority, the question arises: Under what circumstances could the SCOTUS decide the election?\n\n* How is each Justice likely to vote?\n\n* What are the issues that may arise, and in what states?\n\n* Could a bad faith litigator making baseless claims take advantage of partisanship for their own benefit? How baseless could these claims be?\n\n* Assuming a majority of the Justices collectively sought to elect a particular candidate *at all costs*, heedless of whatever consequences to precedent, law, and the SCOTUS itself may follow, what would it take to make this happen?","upvotes":47,"user_id":"Cobalt_Caster"},{"content":"What is the best framework for deciding how to vote, apart from particular values, issues, or other specific criteria?","created_at":1603798121.0,"id":"jitswd","n_comments":94,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jitswd/what_is_the_best_framework_for_deciding_how_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"(Please bear with me as I am still trying to formulate this question.)\n\n**What is the best framework for deciding how to vote?**\n\nNote I am trying to avoid using actual criteria, such as whether a candidate supports Medicare-for-all or is a competent foreign policy strategist. Instead, I am asking, **what process or abstract decision-making paradigm would you recommend that all voters choose based on**, setting aside criteria for actually choosing a candidate? Why do you hold that framework to be better than any alternative?\n\nI am primarily asking about voting for POTUS, but feel free to mention how it might differ for other offices, or for other countries.\n\nSome na\u00efve examples might be:\n\n* Vote for the candidate who is on the ballot and who most closely represents your values.\n* Vote for the candidate whom has a significant chance to win who most closely holds your values. (Perhaps because you believe the ability to draw broad support should filter out lesser contenders.)\n* Vote for one of the top two candidates who most closely holds your values. \n* Vote for candidate who is the strongest in important personality traits needed to do the job well.\n* Vote for the candidate whom many years from now your grandchildren would approve of. \n* Vote for the candidate whom you can defend in conversations with interested friends and family. (Perhaps because you think your vote is primarily a symbol for your broader political discourse.)\n* Vote for the candidate who is a member of the party that is closest to your values. (Perhaps because you think only parties have the power to influence the process enough to matter.)\n* Vote for the candidate that has the best likelihood of success in promoting the three most important causes you support.\n\nNote that none of these involve actual concrete issues, qualifications, or other criteria--in theory, your answer could be applied by any voter to help them make a better decision, and they could insert their values, judgments, and causes into that framework.\n\nSo how would you recommend I decide my vote, without specifying actual criteria that I should use?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"NuancedThinker"},{"content":"Amy Coney Barrett has just been confirmed by the Senate to become a judge on the Supreme Court. What should the Democrats do to handle this situation should they win a trifecta this election?","created_at":1603798920.0,"id":"jitzx6","n_comments":2041,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jitzx6/amy_coney_barrett_has_just_been_confirmed_by_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Amy Coney Barrett has been [confirmed and sworn in](https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/amy-coney-barrett-senate-confirmation-vote/index.html) as the 115th Associate Judge on the Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court now has a 6-3 conservative majority.\n\nBarrett has caused lots of controversy throughout the country over the past month since she was nominated to replace Ruth Bader Ginsberg after she passed away in mid-September. Democrats have fought to have the confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice delayed until after the next president is sworn into office. Meanwhile Republicans were pushing her for her confirmation and hearings to be done before election day. \n\nDemocrats were previously denied the chance to nominate a Supreme Court Justice in 2016 when the GOP-dominated Senate refused to vote on a Supreme Court judge during an election year. Democrats have said that the GOP is being hypocritical because they are holding a confirmation only a month away from the election while they were denied their pick 8 months before the election. Republicans argue that the Senate has never voted on a SCOTUS pick when the Senate and Presidency are held by different parties. \n\nBecause of the high stakes for Democratic legislation in the future, and lots of worry over issues like healthcare and abortion, Democrats are considering several drastic measures to get back at the Republicans for this. Many have advocated to pack the Supreme Court by adding justices to create a liberal majority. Critics argue that this will just mean that when the GOP takes power again they will do the same thing. Democratic nominee Joe Biden has endorsed nor dismissed the idea of packing the courts, rather saying he would gather experts to help decide how to fix the justice system.\n\nOther ideas include eliminating the filibuster, term limits, retirement ages, jurisdiction-stripping, and a supermajority vote requirement for SCOTUS cases.\n\nIf Democrats win all three branches in this election, what is the best solution for them to go forward with?","upvotes":1181,"user_id":"Hij802"},{"content":"Biden has reaffirmed that he is ruling out instituting term limits for the Supreme Court. What effect, if any, will this have on the Democrat's response to the Senate's nomination?","created_at":1603779442.0,"id":"jioobg","n_comments":309,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jioobg/biden_has_reaffirmed_that_he_is_ruling_out/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Bloomberg source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-26/biden-rules-out-term-limits-for-supreme-court-justices\n\nArchive.is: https://archive.is/wpL5K\n\nOver the last few months there has been increasing pressure by the Democratic party to pass [Supreme Court reforms that would institute term limits.](https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/09/house-democrats-to-introduce-new-bill-for-supreme-court-term-limits/) This may have reached a stumbling block with a confirmation by the former Vice President in an interview today.\n\n\u201cNo. There is a question about whether or not \u2014 it\u2019s a lifetime appointment. I\u2019m not going to try to change that at all,\u201d \n\nBiden has stated his position against term limits for justice before, back in [January,](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/01/17/opinion/joe-biden-nytimes-interview.html) however the political environment has shifted significantly since that time and it seems like [the movement has been gaining support.](https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/522447-dozens-of-legal-experts-throw-weight-behind-supreme-court-term-limit)\n\nWill this statement reduce enthusiasm in a possible Democratic House and Senate? Does this reduce one more option that the Democratic party has to reform the court? Is this a good idea from Joe, considering that term limits [seem to have high support in polls?](https://www.scotusblog.com/2019/10/recent-polls-show-confidence-in-supreme-court-with-caveats/)\n\nEdit: changed \"rotating bench\" to \"term limits\" in paragraph 1, thanks. Biden has not ruled out a rotating bench.","upvotes":274,"user_id":"Jabbam"},{"content":"This election may have the highest voter turnout since 1908. What does that say about claims of voter suppression that have been made in recent years?","created_at":1603744805.0,"id":"jidsb9","n_comments":62,"percentage_upvoted":0.64,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jidsb9/this_election_may_have_the_highest_voter_turnout/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Not arguing attempts at voter suppression do not exist as they certainly do. Some of those claims are valid, while some are dubious, particularly when measuring the effect. \n\nWith this in mind, will the overwhelming amount of mail-in voting provide a comfort level that will reduce/eliminate the effects of voter suppression, real or imagined, in this and future elections? \n\nWill political parties double down in their attempts at suppression in other ways, such as limiting mail-in voting? \n\nFinally, who do you think benefits from what should be record turnout in the 2020 election, presidential and beyond?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"mozfustril"},{"content":"Should the Reappointment Act of 1929 be repealed? Why has repealing it not gained more traction within the Democratic sphere of election reform?","created_at":1603715789.0,"id":"ji8bcu","n_comments":74,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ji8bcu/should_the_reappointment_act_of_1929_be_repealed/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As you might know, the [Reappointment Act of 1929](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reapportionment_Act_of_1929#:~:text=The%20Reapportionment%20Act%20of%201929,Representatives%20according%20to%20each%20census.) capped the size of the House of Representatives at 435 members permanently. This was an act of Congress, so it could be undone with another act of Congress to uncap it permanently and have it move as population increases, or it could be capped at a higher number. The 435 number actually comes from the [Appointment Act of 1911](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apportionment_Act_of_1911), so we have gone over 100 years without an increase in the House of Representatives. \n\nThe original founders of the country initially proposed a constitutional amendment called the [Congressional Apportionment Amendment.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Apportionment_Amendment) This amendment would have required one representative for every 30,000 people, but would eventually climb to 50,000 per representative. If this amendment had been passed, would have currently have 6,563 members of the House of Representatives right now. \n\nThis cap has had a significant impact on Congress as it has led to Gerrymandering becoming increasingly effective, it has arguably depressed turnout among many people as their Representative has had to represent more and more people, and it has made Congress feel increasingly undemocratic among many people and voters as each persons vote means less. In terms of electoral consequences the cap has had, we have seen 2 elections in the last 20 years where the loser of the popular vote has won the electoral college, which is also now capped because of the Reappointment Act of 1929. Had there been 2-3x more representatives in the House, Al Gore would have been president in 2000 and Hillary Clinton likely would have been as well. This raises the question as to why Democrats aren't more supportive of increasing the size. \n\nWhile Democrats have proposed [HR1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_the_People_Act_of_2019#:~:text=The%20For%20The%20People%20Act,private%20donor%20money%20in%20politics.) which has a host of electoral changes and combats Gerrymandering, some might wonder why increasing the size of the House of Representatives isn't being floated as an idea among legislators and why Democrats aren't more on board with it. [Democrats overwhelmingly are hurt by partisan gerrymandering for example.](https://www.businessinsider.com/partisan-gerrymandering-has-benefited-republicans-more-than-democrats-2017-6) On top of that, Democrats have been especially hurt by this as we have seen post 2008 elections in the House of Representatives. To break down the last 10 years, I have highlighted the popular vote percentage of the House of Representatives and how many seats they ended up winning. Note that 2008 was before redistricting happened at the state level in 2010, making it likely the most \"fair\" map as a reference point. \n\nYear | Republican %| Democrat % |% difference| Republican Seats | Democrat Seats | Seat Difference\n---|---|---|---|--- |---|---\n2008 | 42.6% | **53.2%** | +10.6% Dem |178 | **257** | +79 D\n2010 | **51.7%** | 44.9% | +6.8% Rep |**242** | 193 | + 49 R\n2012 | 47.6% | **48.8%** | +1.2% Dem |**234** | 201 | +33 R\n2014 | **51.2%** |45.5% |+5.7% Rep | **247** | 188 | +59 R\n2016 | **49.1%** | 48.0% | +1.1% Rep | **241** | 194 | +47 R\n2018 | 44.8% | **53.4%** | +8.6% Dem|199 | \t**235** | +36 D\n\nThe fact that Republicans were able to steal the House for 2 years on top of making it incredibly unrepresentative of the country can be seen in 2012 and 2016, years where the House was only within 1% of each party yet they had commanding control over the chamber. Democrats were only able to flip the chamber with a 8.6% to get the same amount of control that Republicans had when they lost the popular vote by 1.2%. These numbers really highlight how the one body of Congress that is supposed to represent the people of the country is failing to do so. \n\nThis leads me back to my initial question, do you think the Reappointment Act of 1929 should be repealed? \nWhy have the Democrats not been proposing repealing it or increasing the size of the House in more conversations? It seems this reappointment bill has only hurt them these last 20 years and they would benefit greatly from making the House of Representatives do what it was designed to do, represent the people.","upvotes":47,"user_id":"politic_optimist20"},{"content":"The future of Amendment 4 in Florida.","created_at":1603750966.0,"id":"jiffe1","n_comments":41,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jiffe1/the_future_of_amendment_4_in_florida/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"65 percent of Florida voters voted to give felons the right to vote (minus sex offenders and violent crimes offenders). The process enfrabchised up to 1.6 million felons. Governor DeSantis signed a law from the Florida legislature in 2019 that said the felons had to pay all applicable fines before voting. This disenfranchised 775,000 or so floridians. There was a series of appeals and injunctions surrounding Amendment 4 and ultimately the US Supreme Court would not overturn the fines law of 2019. The current legal status of Amendment 4 is that felons have to pay all fines before voting due to a ruling from the 11th Circuit Court. Thus far, a paltry 67,000 voters put of 1.6 million habe been able to pay fines and are now enfranchisd. What is the future of Amendment 4? Could there be further legal recourse for felons to vote? Is thile fines law a poll tax in spirit? https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/court-cases/litigation-protect-amendment-4-florida","upvotes":52,"user_id":"Shazer3"},{"content":"Should we reform, defund, or abolish the police?","created_at":1603770604.0,"id":"jilra3","n_comments":378,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jilra3/should_we_reform_defund_or_abolish_the_police/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Over the past few months, there have been increasingly louder calls to bring much-needed change to law enforcement in the United States, following the murders of now well-known Black victims such as Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. These few examples represent a more widespread issue that has resulted in the disproportionate killing of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement. \n\nHow can we fix America\u2019s policing problem? Activists have differing opinions:\n\na) #ReformThePolice: Goal is to essentially make policing \u201cbetter\u201d, by investing more money into policing, which will result in cops receiving better pay, essentially making them better cops.\n\nb) #DefundThePolice: Goal is to reallocate funds that normally go into policing and reinvest those funds into various prevention programs (drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, etc). The institution of policing would remain, but many non-violent instances of crime would no longer require police involvement\n\nc) #AbolishThePolice: Policing is viewed as a flawed and corrupt institution, and must be abolished just as slavery was. The primary argument is that policing in America was established for the purpose of regulating Black lives (Slave Patrols of the South, and organized police organizations to regulate Blacks in the North following the Great Migration) and this regulation of Black lives continues on today. The criminalization of Black and Latinx people is what drives average Americans to view policing as a necessary American institution, fueling the notion that, \u201cwithout policing, you can\u2019t be safe.\u201d Abolitionists argue that policing has never made Black and Latinx people feel safe, so it must be an institution working for the interests of the white and elite members of society. CLARIFICATION: Abolishing the police DOES NOT mean letting crime run rampant. The goal of abolitionists is to essentially make it so that society no longer has a need for policing. It\u2019s not just saying we should disband all law enforcement in an instant, *poof*, it\u2019s a much longer process. \n\n*these are my best off-the-cuff descriptions of each movement*\n\nQuestions: Does America have a policing problem? If so, are any of these three paths to solutions legitimate? If you feel none of these options tackle the issue, what would you propose?","upvotes":92,"user_id":"m_ceazy"},{"content":"[Final 2020 Polling Megathread & Contest] October 26 - November 2","created_at":1603709514.0,"id":"ji6v1q","n_comments":4259,"percentage_upvoted":0.99,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ji6v1q/final_2020_polling_megathread_contest_october_26/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Welcome to to the ultimate \"Individual Polls Don't Matter but It's Way Too Late in the Election for Us to Change the Formula Now\" r/PoliticalDiscussion memorial polling megathread. \n\nPlease check the stickied comment for the Contest.\n\nLast week's thread may be found [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdrel8/polling_megathread_week_of_october_19_2020/).\n\n# Thread Rules\n\n**All top-level comments should be for individual polls released this week only and link to the poll.** Unlike subreddit text submissions, top-level comments do not need to ask a question. However they must summarize the poll in a meaningful way; link-only comments will be removed. Top-level comments also should not be overly editorialized. Discussion of those polls should take place in response to the top-level comment. \n\nU.S. presidential election polls posted in this thread must be from a [538-recognized pollster](http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/). Feedback at this point is probably too late to change our protocols for this election cycle, but I mean if you really want to you could let us know via [modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FPoliticalDiscussion). \n\nPlease remember to sort by new, keep conversation civil, and have a nice time","upvotes":296,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"Which States Should Biden and Trump Visit in the Final Week of the Election?","created_at":1603688442.0,"id":"ji13bf","n_comments":477,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ji13bf/which_states_should_biden_and_trump_visit_in_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"2020 is showing signs of a massive demographic shift that could shake up the electoral map for years to come. Polling shows formerly safe states for either party, like TX, GA, NC, AZ, and MN to be either closer than expected or in play. Meanwhile, democrats are fighting to lockdown the blue wall of WI, MI, and PA after it was breeched in 2016.\n\nGiven the current state of polling, which states do you think each candidate will benefit the most from visiting in the final week of the election? \n\nShould Trump ignore GA and TX and focus on FL? Should he write MN off and focus only on the midwestern states he won in 2016? Are there any states he won in 2016 that he needs to lock down?\n\nShould Biden campaign in just MI, PA, and WI, locking down his safest path to victory? Or should he expand the map to GA, TX, AZ, or OH?\n\nAnd does anyone need to worry about MN at all at this point?","upvotes":628,"user_id":"Juan_Carlo"},{"content":"Has US-backed regime change post-1900 been justified?","created_at":1603644655.0,"id":"jhqa26","n_comments":180,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jhqa26/has_usbacked_regime_change_post1900_been_justified/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Some examples from history post-1900:\n\n* 1900s: Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua and Cuba\n* 1910s: Nicaragua, Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia\n* 1940s: Panama, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Philippines, Austria, South Korea, China, Greece, Costa Rica, Albania and Syria (alleged)\n* 1950s: Korea, Egypt, Iran, Cuba, Philippines, Guatemala, Paraguay, Syria, Indonesia, Lebanon, South Vietnam, Iraq and Cuba again\n* 1960s: Congo, Laos, Dominican Republic, Laos again, Brazil, Iraq, Chile, Vietnam, Dominican Republic again, Indonesia and Cambodia\n* 1970s: Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Ethiopia, Angola, Zaire, Cambodia and Afghanistan\n* 1980s: Poland, El Salvador, Chad, Nicaragua, Grenada, Burkina Faso and Panama\n* 1990s: Iraq, Haiti, Iraq again, Haiti again, Zaire, Indonesia\n* 2000s: Yugoslavia, Venezuela, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Iran and Honduras\n* 2010s: Libya, Yemen and Venezuela\n\nFrom: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United\\_States\\_involvement\\_in\\_regime\\_change](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_involvement_in_regime_change)\n\n**Discussion Questions**\n\n* Have these been justified? \n* What about ones that weren't to do with World Wars?\n* Have these not been justified?","upvotes":62,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"How could a Biden Administration\u2019s stance on tackling Covid-19 differ from Trump\u2019s","created_at":1603627612.0,"id":"jhn47o","n_comments":701,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jhn47o/how_could_a_biden_administrations_stance_on/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The 2020 General election is coming up this November 3rd and over 30% of votes (compared to 2016) have been cast for either candidate. Now that we potentially have a chance at seeing a new administration (Bidens) tackle the Covid-19 in a different way the Trump administration did, my question is how would Biden\u2019s administration actually deal with the virus in comparison to what Trump\u2019s administration has/has not done? \n\nAs of right now COVID-19 has killed over 224,000 americans and over 8.5 million have been infect ([NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html)) \n\nAfter a potential transition of a new administration and a new congress, how could cases and deaths decrease or increase with this new administration and what will be done to ensure that these cases and deaths begin to decrease and that they don\u2019t increase in both deaths and cases again. \n\nIf their is no potential transition of power could Trump\u2019s current approach towards Covid-19 pandemic change or would it stay the same?\n\nIf a vaccine is discovered within one of these administrations how would each administration potentially act towards the vaccine? Would they approve to make it mandatory? Would they follow the advice from professional scientists? \n\nWhat steps will a new administration take to tackle the Covid-19 crisis? Would they make masks mandatory or else you get fined? Will certain social places and activities be further shutdown and could alternative solutions to shutting down the economy be discovered? Would businesses, lower-income residents, and citizens impacted by covid receive a stimulus check?","upvotes":671,"user_id":"Sha489"},{"content":"With sizeable fractures among supporters in terms of policy preferences, how is the Republican Party as unified as it appears to be?","created_at":1603516921.0,"id":"jgw3h8","n_comments":354,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jgw3h8/with_sizeable_fractures_among_supporters_in_terms/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"According to [this article](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-issues-that-divide-people-within-each-party/) on FiveThirtyEight by Perry Bacon Jr., Republicans are divided almost right down the middle on a number of policy issues:\n\n* supporting Trump's speech and behavior - 53-46\n* supporting a public option for health insurance - 45-47\n* supporting mask requirements from local governments - 56-43\n* supporting a $2t clean energy plan - 45-46\n* believing black Americans face \"a lot\" of discrimination - 52-47\n* supporting the separation of families at the border - 45-53\n* supporting a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants vs. deportation - 48-38\n* supporting a universal basic income - 52-48\n\nMany of these positions are directly opposed to the Republican platform and especially to Donald Trump's strongly conservative agenda. However, the President remains very popular among self-identified Republicans, and the party maintains a significant level of strength in government at both a federal and local level. Is there a good explanation for this disparity in policy positions and partisan alignment?","upvotes":633,"user_id":"awful_neutral"},{"content":"How would the removal of \"winner takes it all\" from the electoral college impact the balance between R/D?","created_at":1603473460.0,"id":"jgjqsr","n_comments":101,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jgjqsr/how_would_the_removal_of_winner_takes_it_all_from/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A constitutional change doesn't seem to be within reach, as only the democrats would have interest in removing the overrepresentation of rural-republican areas, wich the college is.\n\nA relatively small change like removing \"winner takes it all\" might be more realistic, while also giving a Californian-Republican reason to vote and vice versa. BUT would democrats or republicans benefit more from this change and therefore it's not possible because it would be blocked by the other one. Or would both parties get equal benefit from this change?","upvotes":51,"user_id":"KnittelAaron"},{"content":"What can politicians do to increase average intelligence and civil engagement?","created_at":1603470036.0,"id":"jgj3sk","n_comments":55,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jgj3sk/what_can_politicians_do_to_increase_average/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Let's say you wanted citizens of your country to be more educated and engaged in government and to spend more time on good things instead of entertainment. What policies should politicians support to achieve these goals.\n\nIn other words what can a politician pass to make people smarter and to spend more time doing \"good\" things instead of entertainment?\n\nEdit: I wanted to ask about civic engagement in the title but we need a lot more civil engagement too so we might as well talk about this as well.","upvotes":17,"user_id":"I-still-want-Bernie"},{"content":"Post Debate: Which candidate did better on policy and/or personal image during the debate?","created_at":1603456830.0,"id":"jggaiw","n_comments":952,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jggaiw/post_debate_which_candidate_did_better_on_policy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The final Presidential Debate of the 2020 election season has now concluded, with a very different format from the first debate, so here are some questions for discussion:\n\n\n\n* What soundbites will get get attention in the media for the benefit of those that didn't watch the debate?\n\n* What policy positions were effectively pushed by each candidate?\n\n* Which candidate best made their case why they should be president and was most convincing to voters?","upvotes":332,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"Is there a liberal reason to support conservative policy and are there conservative reasons to back liberal policies?","created_at":1603446041.0,"id":"jgdg1a","n_comments":187,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jgdg1a/is_there_a_liberal_reason_to_support_conservative/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So right now the politics around the world is extremely divisive and it seems like no side can agree with each other. Are there reasons for a conservative to back some liberal policy and vice versa.\n I have heard the conservative argument for Universal Basic Income as with UBI welfare would be able to be cut and that people would need less government services.\nI have also heard a liberal argument for increased border security as there is some evidence immigration negatively affects minorities and brings some crime over the border.","upvotes":38,"user_id":"letsbliwthisjoint"},{"content":"Why is Trump and the Republican party improving with nonwhite voters?","created_at":1603436345.0,"id":"jgaq3m","n_comments":245,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jgaq3m/why_is_trump_and_the_republican_party_improving/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"After 2016, many political observers noted that Trump's direct appeal to white nationalism, as well as the coronavirus's disproportionate devastate on minority populations, would push the growing nonwhite demographic to the Democratic coalition, while relying more and more on his base of non-college educated white voters.\n\nIn 2020, the opposite seems to be happening: Democrats are making rapid gains among college educated whites and at least partially regaining strength among non-college educated whites. Meanwhile, by nearly all available data, Trump is matching or exceeding his 2016 margins among nonwhite voters, especially Hispanics.\n\nWhat is Trump and the Republican party's increased appeal to nonwhite voters?","upvotes":37,"user_id":"75dollars"},{"content":"[Live Thread] Second and final 2020 Presidential Debate between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump","created_at":1603443016.0,"id":"jgcmha","n_comments":2687,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jgcmha/live_thread_second_and_final_2020_presidential/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The second of two presidential debates of the 2020 presidential election will begin tonight at 9pm ET. Three debates were originally scheduled, but the second debate was not held as the Commission on Presidential Debates decided that the debate would take place online due to the president recently testing positive for COVID-19, and President Trump was unwilling to partake in such a format.\n\nTonight's debate will be held at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be moderated by Kristin Welker of NBC.\n\nDebate topics [are expected to include](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/22/us/politics/trump-biden-issues.html): fighting COVID-19, American families, race in America, climate change, national security, and leadership.\n\nYou can watch the debate live through the following links:\n\n* [ABC YouTube stream](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o3jOBpIjS8&ab_channel=ABCNews)\n\n* [CNN YouTube stream](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RidN26q3rCc&ab_channel=CNN)\n\n---\n\nPlease keep discussion civil.","upvotes":689,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Can Joe Biden be expected to carry out his platform?","created_at":1603415578.0,"id":"jg3vb0","n_comments":79,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jg3vb0/can_joe_biden_be_expected_to_carry_out_his/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Joe Biden has a surprisingly progressive platform, but I\u2019m wary of his honesty. Obama was similarly \u201cprogressive\u201d, but ended up being very moderate when he actually took office. Can he be expected to follow through with his promises of things like clean energy, billionaire taxes, and college/healthcare reform?","upvotes":39,"user_id":"Pink_Mann"},{"content":"Will a Biden win in 2020 lead to a Trump reelection campaign in 2024?","created_at":1603404811.0,"id":"jg0dvu","n_comments":185,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jg0dvu/will_a_biden_win_in_2020_lead_to_a_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Grover Cleveland served his first term starting in 1884, lost reelection in 1888, and came back and won a second term in 1892. Could we expect to see something similar should Donald Trump be put in the same position?","upvotes":82,"user_id":"sunwithmyeyesclosed"},{"content":"Judicial review","created_at":1603376987.0,"id":"jfug56","n_comments":26,"percentage_upvoted":0.99,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jfug56/judicial_review/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I was reading the post about court packing and came across a comment about how the judicial branch was no longer what the founders envisioned after Marbury v Madison.\n\nThat case started judicial review.\n\nJudicial review is also often listed in the checks and balances for the separation of powers.\n\nIf the Supreme Court did not have this power it would be quite a bit weaker right?\n\nHow exactly did the founders envisioned the court functioning without judicial review I guess in my head I can't imagine a court without judicial review.\n\nAlso considering judicial review is a thing now what would you do?\n\nReduce the strength of the power, repeal it, or something else?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"thedeets1234"},{"content":"Will Macrons strong response to the killing of Samuel Paty win him bipartisan support?","created_at":1603414756.0,"id":"jg3kzd","n_comments":117,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jg3kzd/will_macrons_strong_response_to_the_killing_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Not an expert on French politics but Macron seemed to be unpopular with the centre and right of France so was suprised to see him stand up to radical Islam the way he did. Was this politically motivated or was he just reacting to the publics outrage? Some cities in France have put up large pictures of the prophet mohammed in defiance to the extremists so it would seem he has public support but does he risk losing some of the left?","upvotes":63,"user_id":"WhiteyFiskk"},{"content":"School funding discussion","created_at":1603410553.0,"id":"jg25en","n_comments":36,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jg25en/school_funding_discussion/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Currently, schools are funded by local level real estate taxes and property taxes. This causes a huge difference in quality of schools in wealthy and poor areas. Do you think that it should be equal level funding where each county funds the state and that total number is divided among the counties. So if there are counties A,B and C, and county A has a school fund of 3 million, county B had 2 million, and county 1 has 1 million, the state splits it to 2 million a county?","upvotes":12,"user_id":"chadharnav"},{"content":"What issues are made more or less important by the U.S. electoral college?","created_at":1603420282.0,"id":"jg5frd","n_comments":211,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jg5frd/what_issues_are_made_more_or_less_important_by/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"i.e., what would not get the attention it does if not for the electoral college, or what would get time on the national stage if we were based around a popular vote instead?\n\nExamples I can some up with, in case the question is unclear:\n\nCoal jobs seem to only get talked about because they matter in swing states; it's a relatively tiny chunk of the population otherwise.\n\nThe wildfires and droughts along the west coast seemed to go (relatively) ignored on a national scale, despite impacting a ton of Americans - since those states are \"Safe\", no one expects outcomes to change if you piss off or impress a few million Californians.","upvotes":395,"user_id":"FreakyCheeseMan"},{"content":"The NYT just ended their \u201cNYT at War\u201d subsection of reporting. How did the post 9/11 US wars go from dominating issues in the 2000s to basically forgotten about by the general public today in 2020?","created_at":1603361881.0,"id":"jfqzr9","n_comments":79,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jfqzr9/the_nyt_just_ended_their_nyt_at_war_subsection_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Coming up on 20 years for Afghanistan and 18 years for Iraq with a US military presence in the respective countries, as well as huge increases in drone strikes under Obama and Trump, and it has not been a major issue in the 2020 election, if a issue at all. Covid could explain some of that but I would argue this has been a trend for years.","upvotes":192,"user_id":"joe_shmoe1993"},{"content":"How would you compare the economy during President Trump's first three years in office (pre-Covid) to the second term of the Obama administration?","created_at":1603354935.0,"id":"jfp4xt","n_comments":91,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jfp4xt/how_would_you_compare_the_economy_during/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Trump has said that he built the greatest economy in the history of our nation. Meanwhile, Democrats say that he inherited a strong economy from President Obama. Who is right (or at least more correct)? How would you compare GDP growth, the unemployment rate, job creation, stock market performance, manufacturing jobs, etc. under Obama vs. Trump?","upvotes":47,"user_id":"fordprecept"},{"content":"Nigeria has been undergoing protests demanding the end of their Special Anti-Robbery Squad. What will occur in Nigeria? How should the international community respond?","created_at":1603353575.0,"id":"jforij","n_comments":35,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jforij/nigeria_has_been_undergoing_protests_demanding/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The[ Special Anti-Robbery Squad \\(SARS\\)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Anti-Robbery_Squad) is a Nigerian police unit ostensibly dedicated to combating robbery in Nigeria. It has come under criticism from Nigerian citizens and human rights groups for allegedly carrying out theft, extortion, torture, and kidnappings of their own under the guise of police action.\n\nRecent protests were catalyzed by a SARS officer shooting a Nigerian man in front of the Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, Delta state on video. Yesterday there were [witness reports](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54624611) of an alleged [mass shooting of protestors](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/20/nigerian-security-forces-use-live-fire-to-disperse-protesters) by government security forces in the city of Lagos.\n\nIf the allegations regarding SARS are true, how can the Nigerian protest movement best achieve their goals of disbanding SARS and police reform?\n\nHow should the Nigerian government respond in order to prevent unrest and/or abuses by police/government forces?\n\nWhat should be the reaction and response of the International community?","upvotes":750,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"If Democrats win the Presidency and Senate and follow through with threats to pack the Supreme Court, would there be appetite in either party for an amendment to the Constitution to clarify issues surrounding the judiciary?","created_at":1603349232.0,"id":"jfnjkl","n_comments":910,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jfnjkl/if_democrats_win_the_presidency_and_senate_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Since the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a movement to add seats to the Supreme Court (assuming Democrats hold the WH and Senate) as retribution for perceived hypocrisy of Senate Republicans has gained traction. A 6-3 court would potentially serve as a check against progressive action for decades, even in the wake of a \"wave\" election which leads to huge gains and a trifecta for the Democrats.\n\nAssuming the following:\n\n* Amy Comey Barret is confirmed before the election through slim majority\n* Biden wins the presidency by a wide margin\n* Democrats hold a majority in the Senate, but do not have 60 votes\n* The filibuster is repealed and 2 seats are added and filled with liberal justices (or moderates as a carrot for the GOP to play ball); or it seems extraordinarily likely to occur\n\nWould there be any appetite on either side for a Constitutional amendment to \"put the genie back in the bottle\", so to speak? Would Democrats be willing to limit their own power? Would Republicans be willing to limit their own capacity for revenge? Would enough states ratify such an amendment? What concessions might be required to make such a deal?\n\nTopics addressed in the amendment might include the following:\n\n* Codifying judicial review (currently an implied power)\n* Limiting the size of the Supreme Court to prevent court packing\n* Requiring a 2/3 majority to confirm \n* Requiring the Senate to hold hearings and disallowing seats to be held open indefinitely \n* A Buttigieg style plan to limit the impact of partisanship on the court","upvotes":683,"user_id":"Red_Rifle"},{"content":"Developments in RV/LV Polling and How to Interpret Polls Moving Forward","created_at":1603343521.0,"id":"jflsxj","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jflsxj/developments_in_rvlv_polling_and_how_to_interpret/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A trend has begun to make itself known in the polling world as of late: the registered voter/likely (RV/LV) voter polling gap is, in some cases, inverting. Typically there are more registered voters than likely voters, but likely voters are the voters more *likely* to vote. Historically pollsters have considered likely voters the more reliable metric, which is to say if a candidate polls +5 RV and +3 LV, the +3 is the more accurate one.\n\nHowever, a new trend has begun to show itself in a number of polls wherein one candidate polls higher LV than in RV. The reasons for this are unclear, with some suggesting it is due to early voting while others suggest it relates to voter enthusiasm. This trend (and the different explanations) is causing a degree of confusion, especially among the polling illiterate. The topic for discussion, then, is what to make of this so-called \"RV/LV inversion\" moving forward?\n\n*Will RV be the more reliable metric than LV?\n\n*Should one simply average RV and LV to produce a usable number, as some have suggested, or is this arbitrary and of little value?\n\n*What is causing this inversion?\n\n*Does this inversion exist or is it all a misinterpretation of the data?","upvotes":230,"user_id":"Cobalt_Caster"},{"content":"Why are people who support the War on Drugs, even a downgraded, less harsh version of it, generally muted in their advocacy?","created_at":1603303174.0,"id":"jf9zif","n_comments":61,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jf9zif/why_are_people_who_support_the_war_on_drugs_even/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Barely a week goes by that we don't see someone of prominence, primarily on the Left, calling for an end to campaign against illegal drugs. Two days ago: [AOC Wants To Work With Republicans To Legalize Marijuana And End War On Drugs](https://www.marijuanamoment.net/aoc-wants-to-work-with-republicans-to-legalize-marijuana-and-end-war-on-drugs/). And, 2019: [Kamala Harris Calls For Legalizing Marijuana And Ending War On Drugs In New Book](https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2019/01/08/kamala-harris-calls-for-legalizing-marijuana-and-ending-war-on-drugs-in-new-book/#34b366ac2eee)\n\nNationwide legalization of pot is a valid topic, but much advocacy goes further. Proposals range from [Oregon legalizing psychedelic mushrooms](https://nypost.com/2020/06/30/oregon-voters-push-to-legalize-psychedelic-mushrooms/) to calls for broad drug decriminalization in the U.S. -- often without explanation exactly what that would entail. Some Libertarians call for full legalization of all drugs, with sale in special stores.\n\nProponents of drug laws have conceded some of the worst impacts of the penalties, and enacted some relief, e.g. the [2018 First Step Act](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-announces-release-3100-inmates-under-first-step-act-publishes-risk-and), which alleviated some of the impacts of the powder-crack cocaine sentencing disparity.\n\nYet, generally speaking, defense of America's drug laws appears muted. Drug law reformers seem to dominate the debate, arguing that America could adopt a much relaxed stance on illegal drugs without dire outcomes. They argue: 1) Relaxed drug laws *will not* result in increased use; 2) Deterrence, the threat of drug law penalties, does little to dissuade use (an assertion that is proven, [some social scientists say](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/crime-and-punishment/201804/why-punishment-doesnt-reduce-crime)); and 3) Drug education effectively suppresses drug use and abuse.\n\nAny insights into this seeming reticence on the part of drug law supporters?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"Markdd8"},{"content":"What reasons are there for states to allow extra days after Nov. 3 to receive ballots?","created_at":1603329287.0,"id":"jfh42v","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.42,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jfh42v/what_reasons_are_there_for_states_to_allow_extra/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Like the title says, what reasons are there for states to allow extra days after Nov. 3 to receive ballots? Pennsylvania gets 3 days, Michigan wanted 14 I believe. Why? \n\nMy first guess is that the people are not getting their ballots early enough to fill them out and return them. But is this really the case? I think most states have sent out their ballots already.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"newlyamish"},{"content":"Is there any real way to reform the United Nations Security Council?","created_at":1603284157.0,"id":"jf6cjt","n_comments":111,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jf6cjt/is_there_any_real_way_to_reform_the_united/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Proposals to reform the Security Council, either by adding new permanent members, removing the veto, or getting rid of the permanent members altogether, are common. The problem that all of these proposals have encountered is that they would need the approval of the permanent five, who are obviously reluctant to limit their own power. Is their own real way the Security Council could be reformed to make the United Nations more effective? How could this be accomplished?","upvotes":125,"user_id":"RedmondBarry1999"},{"content":"USA: Why super PACs? (after Citizens United)","created_at":1603280958.0,"id":"jf5lzo","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jf5lzo/usa_why_super_pacs_after_citizens_united/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Sorry if this has already been addressed:\n\nIf I understand correctly, US corporations can make unlimited independent expenditures on US elections after [Citizens United v. FEC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission). Again if I understand correctly, large corporate donations to [super PACs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_action_committee#Super_PACs) require disclosure, unless a hard-to-get exception applies. **If that's the case, what are the remaining advantages of super PACs compared to the alternatives?**\n\nMy first thought would be that Corporation 1 doesn't want to run its own internal political operation while Corporation 2 runs its own operation, etc., so that they create a super PAC. However, AFAIK they could create a nonprofit or corporation of another type, so I would not consider this an advantage of a super PAC.\n\nRelated: What are the advantages/disadvantages compared to having both give to the Newspaper X and print their views as news? Would that be an antitrust violation if they weren't careful? What if they bought their own newspaper? Are there rules about coordination between super PACs and their donors? Maybe super PACs have tax benefits compared to the alternatives?","upvotes":34,"user_id":"Head-Mastodon"},{"content":"Realistically, does anyone see the electoral college system ever changing? Do you think it needs to?","created_at":1603208514.0,"id":"jekw7g","n_comments":103,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jekw7g/realistically_does_anyone_see_the_electoral/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"(Talking about the USA)\n\nTitle. Maybe you don\u2019t think it needs to change at all. Maybe it could be improved? Maybe you think it should be changed, but can\u2019t see anything happening without being shot down by partisanship at some point. Maybe you think it should change, and will in the future?\n\nSpeaking as an Australian (preferential voting over here) with no stakes in the argument.\n\nDiscuss :)","upvotes":32,"user_id":"JoffaCXD1"},{"content":"What state(s), if any, is most likely to split its election outcome between the Senate and the Presidential races?","created_at":1603272985.0,"id":"jf3ir5","n_comments":106,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jf3ir5/what_states_if_any_is_most_likely_to_split_its/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 2016, for the first time in US History, all Senate race outcomes were aligned with Presidential race outcomes in that same state. By that, I mean that if there was a Senate election in a state, whatever party won the Senate race also won that state's presidential electors; all Republican-elected Senator's home-states voted for Donald Trump, while all Democratic-elected Senator's home-states voted for Hillary Clinton. Before this, in every presidential cycle, there was at least one state that split by voting in a Senator from one party and a Presidential Candidate from the other. Many point to this as proof that 2016 voters were largely down-ballot voters, and picked all Democrats or all Republicans.\n\nWhat can we expect in 2020? Most Senate Republicans are now distancing themselves from the President, but before the pandemic were largely very close to him. Are there any states that will vote in a Republican senator and also for Joe Biden? Will Donald Trump carry any states that Democrats will flip the Senate seat? Or will this be a repeat of 2016 where there will be no splits in the ticket outcomes? Why or why not?","upvotes":262,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What kind of things are necessary to make Russia a democracy?","created_at":1603269027.0,"id":"jf2ef2","n_comments":59,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jf2ef2/what_kind_of_things_are_necessary_to_make_russia/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the 1990s, Russia was a nascent democracy, although in practice a vast amount of power was held by very few individuals, and Russia's democratic institutions, to the extent they existed, were weak, with a parliament constantly obstructed by a presidential veto, very strong presidential decree powers, and presidents constantly dismissing prime ministers, along with strong unilateral power of the president to control the military and security agencies which would be used, in failure, against Chechens until Putin came along, and constant showdowns between the Duma and the president with an attempted impeachment of Yeltsin, Yeltsin's tanks shelling the White House, and Black October. The term limits proved ineffective when Putin could simply remain prime minister for a single term. The federated units proved either too far from central power like in Chechnya, or too integrated, and the State Council in Parliament running off wild until Putin brought it in his grip, having disproportionate power over the confirmation of important officials like major judges.\n\nSo, what things are necessary to really turn Russia's political institutions into a more balanced nature, neither a collapsing remnant, nor a dictatorship? Both legislature and president, and also prime minister, are able to be corrupt, weak, partisan, oligarchical, or authoritarian, so where is the balance for a free Russia?","upvotes":84,"user_id":"Awesomeuser90"},{"content":"Are some ideas too dangerous to be freely allowed into general discussion, especially at the national level?","created_at":1603252871.0,"id":"jexd7a","n_comments":136,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jexd7a/are_some_ideas_too_dangerous_to_be_freely_allowed/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This relates in part to Karl Popper's 'paradox of tolerance' but with the tense political discourse (an extreme euphemism) it is a fair question to ask if there is a point which goes too far for open discussion and actually leads to justifiable censorship - by society at large and not just the platform?","upvotes":64,"user_id":"nickel4asoul"},{"content":"Could Doug Jones vote Yes on ACB nomination to aid in his re-election?","created_at":1603191082.0,"id":"jeh1n2","n_comments":95,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jeh1n2/could_doug_jones_vote_yes_on_acb_nomination_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It appears as though ACB will be confirmed before Election Day. Could Doug Jones, Incumbent Democrat Senator from deep-red Alabama, vote yes on her nomination to appear more palatable to hard core Alabama conservatives? Does he have anything to gain from this? Could this help him in the short term but hurt him in the long term?","upvotes":35,"user_id":"bballin1204"},{"content":"Republicans are showing increasing numbers of new voter registrations for their party, narrowing the gap between themselves and Democrats. How will this impact the outcome of the election in critical swing states?","created_at":1603163747.0,"id":"je8ggl","n_comments":19,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/je8ggl/republicans_are_showing_increasing_numbers_of_new/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"From the NYT: \u201cWith President Trump trailing in public polls in nearly every major battleground state, Republicans are pointing to what they see as more promising data: Updated voter registration tallies show that Republicans have narrowed the gap with Democrats in three critical states.\n\nAs the presidential campaign heads into its final weeks, Republicans hope that gains in voter registration in the three states \u2014 Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania \u2014 and heavy turnout by those new party members might just be enough to propel Mr. Trump to a second term.\u201d\n\nhttps://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/19/us/politics/vote-registration-Florida-North-Carolina-Pennsylvania.html?referringSource=articleShare","upvotes":24,"user_id":"username2393"},{"content":"What might the Supreme Court ruling on the PA mail-in ballot extension signal about future election related rulings?","created_at":1603187751.0,"id":"jeg4lq","n_comments":210,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jeg4lq/what_might_the_supreme_court_ruling_on_the_pa/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Tonight the Supreme Court ruled against the Pennsylvania GOP requesting a stay of the PA Supreme Court's ruling that allows absentee ballots to be counted even if they are received on November 6th as long as the ballots are postmarked by or on November 3rd.](https://www.npr.org/2020/10/19/922411176/supreme-court-rules-pennsylvania-can-count-ballots-received-after-election-day) The ruling was 4-4 decision wherein Chief Justice Roberts joined the liberal justices to deny the stay, while the conservative justices ruled to permit the stay. A tie in the Supreme Court means the lower ruling stands, and the lower ruling was the PA Supreme Court denying the stay.\n\nThe SCOTUS notably did not provide much of its reasoning behind why it ruled--or, more importantly, the individual justices did not put forth their opinions. And so it falls to outsiders to view what the ruling might foretell about future election related rulings.\n\n* If Barrett is added as a Justice and the SCOTUS becomes balanced 6-3, is this a decision that is likely to be overturned?\n\n* What can this decision suggest about how each justice will rule in other cases relating to the election?\n\n* Does this case suggest that partisanship will control how the SCOTUS will rule? If one justice is no longer able to alter the ruling by voting with the other side, how far does this case suggest the SCOTUS will go to achieve a partisan outcome?","upvotes":378,"user_id":"Cobalt_Caster"},{"content":"What will be the consequences of the most recent Bolivian election?","created_at":1603183501.0,"id":"jeexfw","n_comments":86,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jeexfw/what_will_be_the_consequences_of_the_most_recent/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For those unaware, the 2020 redo of the previous 2019 Bolivian election took place yesterday, with an overwhelming support for the Socialist party (the party Morales led), leading to the candidate having over 50% without a runoff; the opposition has since conceded.\n\nWhat shall be the consequences of the change? Will Bolivia shift back to what it was during the Morales years, or will the Socialist party go in a different direction?","upvotes":65,"user_id":"timpinen"},{"content":"If Donald Trump is re-elected, what will his Cabinet look like?","created_at":1603161913.0,"id":"je7saf","n_comments":40,"percentage_upvoted":0.76,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/je7saf/if_donald_trump_is_reelected_what_will_his/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I guess I'm on a bit of a theme here! Building off of previous discussions, how do you think Donald Trump's Cabinet would or would not change if he is re-elected? Who would be out and why? Who would they be replaced with? Who gets to keep their position, and why? How could the Senate's potential flip make a difference?","upvotes":33,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"What effect has the shifting of journalism from print newspaper to online mediums had on political partisanship and the erosion of a shared truth?","created_at":1603154958.0,"id":"je5cvg","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/je5cvg/what_effect_has_the_shifting_of_journalism_from/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It used to be that most people received the same newspaper as their neighbors for a nominal fee and people generally consumed a similar news diet. Now with an online format, most of the highly respected news outlets have a paywall, discouraging casual reading from anyone unable or unwilling to pay. Social media and other sites that claim to be \"news\" become more appealing to those who have a casual interest in the news and don't want to pay for 5 different subscriptions. From there, it's easy to splinter into more specific corners of social media or specific sites catering to a subset of views, creating the echo chambers that have led to so much divisiveness. \n\nOverall, what (if any) impact do you think the movement of newspapers from print to online has had on political discussion and partisanship? Is it as significant as the changes in television media coverage? Why or why not?","upvotes":59,"user_id":"n3rdychick"},{"content":"Would Democrats benefit by dropping the 2nd amendment from their platform all together? What do you think the future of 2nd amendment politics is?","created_at":1603155377.0,"id":"je5hmo","n_comments":585,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/je5hmo/would_democrats_benefit_by_dropping_the_2nd/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm curious to see what you guys think of this. This might just be my internet perspective and it might not reflect reality, but it seems like gun ownership across the entire political spectrum is at an all-time high. Also haven't seen Biden tweet or talk about it in a hot minute and I'm wondering if there's a reason for that. I hardly see left-leaning people come out against guns in huge strides anymore (this also might be because there hasn't been a mass shooting event in recent memory, and the collective energy is focused on Corona + Trump). And when I visit any internet gun community anywhere it is usually chock full of single issue voters and more than enough people saying \"well I want to vote dem but why would I vote away my rights.\" Honestly I think single issue voting is pretty much synonymous with the 2nd amendment and abortion is a distant second. Gun culture is so ingrained in American culture that I wouldn't call it a stretch to say millions and millions of people value the 2nd amendment on an equal level as the 1st. And maybe the Democratic party could tap into these voters? Or it's entirely possible that I'm misrepresenting the number of people that would flip their party affiliation over the issue. I'm guessing it's mostly male teens and 20-somethings who are vocal on the internet about this but never vote.\n\nI'm not well versed on the history of this topic, the idea that democrats and left leaning people are now more pro-2A than ever before could just be my biased observation, but thought I'd put the question out there. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. maybe there's still significant support for firearm restrictions in other parts of the country. Would love to have a discussion on it thanks","upvotes":115,"user_id":"cz3ch0sl0v4k1a"},{"content":"Do you support or oppose political strikes?","created_at":1603128862.0,"id":"jdylp3","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdylp3/do_you_support_or_oppose_political_strikes/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Political strikes are strikes that don't just restrict themselves to the local issues of wages, hours and conditions in a workplace. They can be about protecting the environment or ending some law passed by the government, even overthrowing dictatorships.\n\nAs an Australian, I'd like to use 3 famous examples from Australian history, I'll provide Wikipedia links if anybody wants to explore this issue further:\n\n* 1938: The [Dalfram Dispute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1938_Dalfram_dispute) \\- Dockworkers refused to load iron onto ships destined for Japan and Nazi Germany - notably in protest of the Nanking Massacre.\n* 1945 - 1949: The [Black Armada Ban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Armada) \\- Dockworkers refused to resupply and assist ships being used to fight against Indonesians during their war for independence\n* 1970 - 1977: The [Green Bans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_ban) \\- construction workers refused to work on projects across Australia that would damage ecology, heritage, low-income neighbourhoods or assisted oppressive cultural practices (ie they wouldn't help renovate a university that expelled a student for being gay)\n\nIf you oppose them, for the sake of argument, do you think the Australian government reacted too harshly in response to these various political strikes?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"Anarcho_Humanist"},{"content":"What made Ross Perot a viable third party candidate in the early 90s?","created_at":1603150729.0,"id":"je3xnj","n_comments":172,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/je3xnj/what_made_ross_perot_a_viable_third_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I remember living in Portland at the time and there was a lot of enthusiasm for him. It seemed like his platform would appeal to modern-day Trumpers including more spending and anti-NAFTA. I sometimes wonder why Trump didn\u2019t create a third party since he is not necessarily ideologically aligned with the traditional republican platform. Is there currently a charismatic and brash individual in politics that could compete with Trump when it comes to stirring up the fanatacism and cult-like mentality? Could a third party be successful in this political climate with the right person?","upvotes":135,"user_id":"commoncarp666"},{"content":"Is the \"Unitary Executive\" theory a genie which can't be put back in the bottle?","created_at":1603152700.0,"id":"je4lp7","n_comments":400,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/je4lp7/is_the_unitary_executive_theory_a_genie_which/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Although the Executive Branch has a clearly defined responsibility as a co-equal branch of Government, the position also has very broad and vaguely described powers over immigration, national security, trade and treaty negotiations. Those powers often overlap, creating grey areas in which the President's powers are poorly defined, if at all.\n\nThese definitions are broad by design, allowing Presidents to make decisions without prior judicial review, sometimes with limited information and without fear of reprisal. The President needs this leeway to do a difficult job, dealing with situations that are often fluid and unique.\n\nIn the past decorum, deference to government agencies and a sense of restraint (in terms of setting precedent) have kept Presidents from testing the limits of these grey areas. Trump is not the first to do so, but he is the first to do so in such a brazen way.\n\nNow that the precedent has been made, can Biden or anyone else put that genie back in the bottle or is the \"Unitary Executive\" with us to stay?","upvotes":558,"user_id":"heekma"},{"content":"Who were the best US Republican Presidents of all time?","created_at":1603075475.0,"id":"jdlqap","n_comments":126,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdlqap/who_were_the_best_us_republican_presidents_of_all/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" For a meta-analysis of the best US Presidents, check out [this table from Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_rankings_of_presidents_of_the_United_States#Scholar_survey_results) \u2013 the rankings are fairly consistent. Cross-checking against this nice [list](https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/oct/15/us-presidents-listed) of all US presidents and their political party affiliations, we can pull out the most highly ranked Republican presidents. They are:\n\n1. **Abraham Lincoln (1861-1864)**\n2. **Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1908)**\n3. **Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1960)**\n\nFor more information on the major achievements of each of these presidents, see [this post](https://greenstarsproject.org/2020/10/04/best-republican-presidents-trump-republican-party-values/).","upvotes":46,"user_id":"JKayBay"},{"content":"What is the political future of the family of President Donald Trump?","created_at":1603105636.0,"id":"jdu0r4","n_comments":189,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdu0r4/what_is_the_political_future_of_the_family_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Donald Trump has [five children](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_of_Donald_Trump), four of whom are adults. His three eldest children from his first marriage, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric have played a conspicuous roles in his Presidential campaign as well as his administration. His daughter Ivanka, as well as her husband Jared Kushner, serve as senior advisors to President Trump. \n \nWhile Donald Trump brand of politics is controversial and his polices and personality have earned him many enemies, about [4 in 10 American approve of the President's job performance](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/trump-approval-ratings/) and this has remained relatively steady throughout his Presidency. While there has been a great deal of discussion over possible people to take advantage of the \"Trump vote\" (Josh Hawley, Nikki Haley, Tom Cotton are names that come to mind), I wonder if a member of the Trump clan may try to forge a political dynasty. \n\nRegardless of whether President Trump leaves office in 2021 or 2025, will one of his children attempt to run for office themselves? If they do, will they go after their father's job as President or a seat in Congress or something else? Could they be elected to Congress? Could they find themselves in a position of another Republican administration?","upvotes":122,"user_id":"vienna95"},{"content":"One Million Subscribers","created_at":1603100727.0,"id":"jdsua6","n_comments":84,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdsua6/one_million_subscribers/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Good evening. We have apparently reached one million subscribers. Our rules have not changed. Carry on.","upvotes":554,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"[Polling Megathread] Week of October 19, 2020","created_at":1603094993.0,"id":"jdrel8","n_comments":1991,"percentage_upvoted":0.99,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdrel8/polling_megathread_week_of_october_19_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Welcome to the polling megathread for the week of October 19, 2020.\n\n**All top-level comments should be for individual polls released this week only and link to the poll.** Unlike subreddit text submissions, top-level comments do not need to ask a question. However they must summarize the poll in a meaningful way; link-only comments will be removed. Top-level comments also should not be overly editorialized. Discussion of those polls should take place in response to the top-level comment. \n\nU.S. presidential election polls posted in this thread must be from a [538-recognized pollster](http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/). Feedback is welcome via [modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FPoliticalDiscussion). \n\nPlease remember to sort by new, keep conversation civil, and enjoy!","upvotes":131,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"Is there a way for the US federal government to become a proportional system without a constitutional amendment, and how do you think that would be a better or worse system than the current winner take all one?","created_at":1603089206.0,"id":"jdpuzv","n_comments":61,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdpuzv/is_there_a_way_for_the_us_federal_government_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"By proportional, I mean if a party gets 5% of the vote, they get that many seats in the legislature. \n\n\nJust wondering if this would require an amendment or even a convention to pull off. I've also read that there can be weird issues, where tiny parties can act as kingmakers, but it feels like a more representative system, where someone like the Green Party would have 5% of the seats in the legislature, instead of getting 5% of the vote with nothing to show for it.","upvotes":52,"user_id":"misstheground12"},{"content":"Why did Republican primary voters overwhelmingly choose Trump?","created_at":1603087835.0,"id":"jdpgvk","n_comments":86,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdpgvk/why_did_republican_primary_voters_overwhelmingly/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On June 1, Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight tracker listed Biden's chance of winning at 70%, and President Trump at 30%. However, the odds of Trump facing a tough general election were based on issues relevant prior to the primaries. In late July/August, Pew listed the top 4 issues as the Economy, Health Care, Supreme Court appointments, and the Coronavirus \\[1\\]. While the stock market has performed well during Trump's administration, and unemployment rate reaching 3.5% before the pandemic \\[2\\], the economic damage is a near certainty, especially with low probability of a second stimulus package before 2021. The Supreme Court appointment situation has shifted drastically since primary season; voters could not have anticipated those developments. On the Coronavirus response, Trump's approval ratings have been net negative \\[3\\]. \n\nBeyond the issues, what was the psychology driving primary voters: was the perception of a challenging general not the expectation, and if it wasn't, would that have influenced primary voter's candidate choice? Presumably, a rational primary voter would select a candidate with the strongest odds in the general.\n\n \n\\[1\\]: [https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2020/08/13/important-issues-in-the-2020-election/](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2020/08/13/important-issues-in-the-2020-election/) \n\\[2\\]: [https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNRATE](https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNRATE) \n\\[3\\]: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-coronavirus/trumps-handling-of-coronavirus-pandemic-hits-record-low-approval-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKBN26T3OF](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-coronavirus/trumps-handling-of-coronavirus-pandemic-hits-record-low-approval-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKBN26T3OF)","upvotes":47,"user_id":"vVGacxACBh"},{"content":"Are Singapore's limits on freedom of speech a good model for the rest of the world?","created_at":1603059440.0,"id":"jdh2a1","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdh2a1/are_singapores_limits_on_freedom_of_speech_a_good/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Two days ago, a French middle-school teacher named Samuel Paty was killed and beheaded by a Muslim refugee for showing his students a Charlie Hebdo cartoon of Muhammad in a moral and civic education class on freedom of expression. More than five years ago, twelve employees of Charlie Hebdo were killed for publishing that cartoon.\n\nWhile Singapore's government condemned the 2015 attacks, the Charlie Hebdo cartoon of Muhammad would never be legally printed or published in Singapore. This is due to the fact that Singapore has numerous laws that **prohibit speech that causes disharmony among religious groups. It is a criminal offence to for anyone to deliberately wound the religious or racial feelings of any person**.\n\nInterestingly, Singapore also legally prohibits online harassment and cyberbullying against anyone regardless of ages.\n\nAll these restrictions on freedom of speech are part of an effort to ensure harmony between its multiethnic population and prevent the violent ethnic conflicts that accompanied Singapore's expulsion from Malaysia and independence from ever happening again. From decades of evidence, the efforts seem to have worked and Singapore has not been suffering from racial violence or religious terrorism that has plagued other multi-ethnic societies in recent years.\n\nIn an infamous 2015 incident that received international coverage and commentary, the blogger Amos Yee was arrested and jailed for \"intention of wounding the feelings of Christians\". His imprisonment was widely condemned by human right organizations worldwide such as Amnesty International. Shortly after his release, he fled and gained asylum in the United States but has been getting in trouble with the law for different reasons.\n\n**To replicate Singapore's success in preserving social harmony, should France, the United States, and the rest of the world implement similar laws against \"hate speech\"? Or are Singapore's laws and government authoritarian and backwards, like many in the West have said?**\n\n**Disclaimer**: The purpose of this post is to generate discussion on comparative politics. It does not say anything about my personal political views in any way.\n\nEdit: formating","upvotes":19,"user_id":"GalahadDrei"},{"content":"What can California do to resolve its housing crisis?","created_at":1603079332.0,"id":"jdmx4m","n_comments":619,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jdmx4m/what_can_california_do_to_resolve_its_housing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\nCalifornia has the second-highest average house price in the nation, behind only Hawaii. Numerous attempts have been made to reduce the cost of housing, but almost all have fallen flat. \n\nSome attribute the high cost of housing to Prop 13, the California Environmental Quality Act (which is often abused by what are nicknamed \u201cNIMBYs\u201d, standing for \u201cnot in my backyard\u201d), and other regulations on housing. It is unlikely that Prop 13 can be repealed, as it is often referred to as the \u201cthird rail\u201d of California politics. \n\n\nAre there any viable options that the California legislature could take on to noticeably reduce the extremely high housing costs in the state?","upvotes":633,"user_id":"OnlineAmphibian"},{"content":"What effects did the Telecommunications Act of 1996 have on our political landscape 24 years later?","created_at":1603007591.0,"id":"jd5xew","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jd5xew/what_effects_did_the_telecommunications_act_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We are about 24 years since the 1996 Telecommunications Act that deregulated the broadcasting and communications market. Most importantly, it led to media-cross ownership allowing most publications in a country to be owned by a small group of people. AT&T, Disney, Comcast, and Viacom to name a few. Essentially the consolidation of media ownership. Is this a good thing for a healthy democracy?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"CatDaddyReturns"},{"content":"What would an \"autopsy report\" look like for the Democratic party if Joe Biden loses?","created_at":1602981088.0,"id":"jcy9bl","n_comments":172,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcy9bl/what_would_an_autopsy_report_look_like_for_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"While his national lead is huge, Biden's lead in the swing state aggregate polls [is smaller](https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/2020_elections_electoral_college_map.html) than Clinton's was at this point in 2016, Biden has a smaller lead in the [betting odds](https://www.realclearpolitics.com/elections/betting_odds/2016_president/), and [just 38% of voters expect Biden to win](https://www.investors.com/news/2020-election-poll-joe-biden-vs-trump-two-key-groups-ibd-tipp-presidential-poll/) while 36% think Trump will win.\n\n\"Obama On Clinton\u2019s Loss: \u2018Good Ideas Don\u2019t Matter If People Don\u2019t Hear Them\u2019- [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/barack-obama-democrats-loss\\_n\\_582a23eae4b0c4b63b0e041b](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/barack-obama-democrats-loss_n_582a23eae4b0c4b63b0e041b)\n\n\"Many of them [refused to fall in line.](https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/11/why-hillary-clinton-lost/507704/) Eight percent of African American voters under 30 chose a third-party candidate, as did 5 percent of Latinos under 30, according to an analysis of the election results by the Democratic pollster Cornell Belcher\"\n\n\"Democrats close to Bill Clinton said Thursday that one mistake Clinton's top aides made was not listening to the former president more when he [urged the campaign to spend more time focusing on disaffected white, working class voters](https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/politics/hillary-clinton-loss/index.html).\"\n\n\"In results that narrow, Clinton\u2019s loss could be attributed to any number of factors \u2014 FBI Director Jim Comey\u2019s letter shifting late deciders, the lack of a compelling economic message, the apparent Russian hacking. But heartbroken and frustrated in-state battleground operatives worry that a lesson being missed is a simple one: [Get the basics of campaigning right.\"](https://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/michigan-hillary-clinton-trump-232547)","upvotes":46,"user_id":"hermannschultz13"},{"content":"How correct (or incorrect) is \"Modern Monetary Theory\"?","created_at":1602971305.0,"id":"jcvesc","n_comments":27,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcvesc/how_correct_or_incorrect_is_modern_monetary_theory/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Modern Monetary Theory seems to believe, at least to an extent, that the government basically makes its own money and that the pre-existing economic doctrines surrounding debt and deficit spending is incorrect, and that the US government could pay off its debt now, or at least fairly quickly, with little consequence.\n\n[Wikipedia,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Monetary_Theory) [Vox,](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/4/16/18251646/modern-monetary-theory-new-moment-explained) [and the NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/09/opinion/us-deficit-coronavirus.html) all explain M.M.T., with NYT even arguing in favor of it.\n\nHow correct is M.M.T., then? True? Not true? Partially true? \n\nAnd why?","upvotes":17,"user_id":"Bigbluebuttonman"},{"content":"Does the size and/or population density of a city affect its political leanings?","created_at":1602999502.0,"id":"jd3qdu","n_comments":484,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jd3qdu/does_the_size_andor_population_density_of_a_city/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Everyone knows that cities of 1-2 million+ that are densely populated are usually pretty Liberal and vote for left wing parties. In smaller cities with lower population densities and populations, I do think it is a bit different and these areas could count as \"swing areas\" that matter in elections. An example of this could be the UK 2019 general election where the tories won a few cities in Northern England. Does population size play a factor in a city's political alignment or are there other factors to consider?","upvotes":520,"user_id":"Captain_365"},{"content":"What is the future of the EU after Brexit. Especially with a no deal Brexit?","created_at":1602988998.0,"id":"jd0nmp","n_comments":34,"percentage_upvoted":0.77,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jd0nmp/what_is_the_future_of_the_eu_after_brexit/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Recently Boris has proclaimed that [EU trade negotiations are over.](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-politics-54566897) this is all over fishing rights, and the EUs bad faith negotiation. If Britain does commit to a no deal will the EU experience a new wave of Frexit, Grexit, and Swexit? Will it mean the EU will have to actually face down its other much larger Problems like Ukraine, Hungry, Turkey, Russia, Lydia, The economic depression in southern Europe, The Euro, The Bank over leveraging, Refuges, Oil, and even China?","upvotes":14,"user_id":"BlerStar95"},{"content":"If Joe Biden wins, who will be in his Cabinet?","created_at":1602981178.0,"id":"jcyaeh","n_comments":204,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcyaeh/if_joe_biden_wins_who_will_be_in_his_cabinet/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Who do you think is in contention to fill various Secretary posts? This could be who you hope he would choose and why, or who you think he will choose.\n\n1. State\n2. Treasury\n3. Defense\n4. Health and Human Services\n5. Commerce\n6. Labor\n7. Homeland Security\n\nI know there are many other positions that need to be filled, but if we had to write them all out, let's face it, we'd be here forever! Nobody wants that. They are all important to various aspects of society, but in light of the current state of the country (COVID, economy, public trust, etc.), let's start with these. There is another post that asks specifically about filling the Attorney General position, so I've left that off this list.","upvotes":75,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada are desert states with similar demographics and populations. So why has Arizona traditionally leaned Republican despite the other two states being solidly Democratic?","created_at":1602962115.0,"id":"jctddp","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jctddp/arizona_new_mexico_and_nevada_are_desert_states/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It makes sense that Utah would be a red state, because it's much whiter and Mormons heavily lean conservative. But Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada have a similar population percentage of Hispanics. Not only that, but the bulk of each state's population lives in 2 or 3 big cities that are usually Democratic. Most of Arizona's population lives in the Phoenix metro area which leans blue. Does Arizona have that many rural voters to counterbalance Phoenix and Tucson?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"Geronimo_Rides_Again"},{"content":"Are 'career politicians' becoming a problem in America?","created_at":1602928140.0,"id":"jcmq42","n_comments":79,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcmq42/are_career_politicians_becoming_a_problem_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello,\n\nIn the UK, we've got an issue with politicians who essentially...have always been politicians. They go from a political campaign job to the local council to an mp seat until suddenly they're in the cabinet. Is this becoming an issue in America, or do people think that the separation of powers insulates the political system enough from this?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"je97"},{"content":"What are the chances that Puerto Rico becomes a state in the near future?","created_at":1602926348.0,"id":"jcmao6","n_comments":144,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcmao6/what_are_the_chances_that_puerto_rico_becomes_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I know that there\u2019s a referendum on statehood in November, so what are the chances that it succeeds?\nIf it fails, when would the next referendum be, if another one is scheduled? I know that Democrats are hoping to admit DC and Puerto Rico if they win the senate, so will that affect the statehood process in some way?","upvotes":55,"user_id":"MrTheodoreBear"},{"content":"Can Gerrymandering be addressed through Federal Legislation without a Constitutional Amendment?","created_at":1602927506.0,"id":"jcmkpc","n_comments":66,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcmkpc/can_gerrymandering_be_addressed_through_federal/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is not a question about what policy or methodology would be best for fair districting, I understand that is complicated. This is about whether or not it is feasible for some solution to Gerrymandering to be legislated at the federal level through an act of Congress, or if it could only be done via Amendment? It is my understanding that the Federal government cannot take districting control away from states without an Amendment, but could they outline a list of criteria the States must come into compliance with?","upvotes":110,"user_id":"Jimithyashford"},{"content":"Why do we always vote for the two-party system; What would it take to break this duopoly and offer more choices to the average voter?","created_at":1602884435.0,"id":"jc9zuw","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.45,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jc9zuw/why_do_we_always_vote_for_the_twoparty_system/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"From my understanding the US once had many different parties, now it's always just two. There are the Greens and Libertarians on the ballot of some states, but they don't even get any televised air time. There are also many qualified independent candidates that we rarely hear about. I'm trying to figure out if this is purely systemic or if we are just heavily conditioned to only vote red or blue.","upvotes":0,"user_id":"RevolutionaryGuest21"},{"content":"How will Joe Biden spend his political capital?","created_at":1602913750.0,"id":"jcizgo","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcizgo/how_will_joe_biden_spend_his_political_capital/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Joe Biden has just been sworn in on January 20, 2021. There was no SCOTUS intervention in the general election. Joe Biden clearly won by capturing 350-400 electoral votes. The status of COVID-19 in the country has remained unchanged since the fall. Amy Coney Barrett has been confirmed to the court. Democrats hold a small majority in the Senate and a large majority in the House.\n\n\nThere are obviously some assumptions made in this hypothetical scenario, but I\u2019m basing these assumptions on current polling/projections from 538. The importance of a new President\u2019s first one hundred days in office and the political capital that comes with it have been followed closely over the years. With all of this in mind, what do you project Joe Biden spending that political capital on? In addition, what do you believe he should spend it on?","upvotes":42,"user_id":"brainkandy87"},{"content":"Assuming democrats gain control of the White House, Senate, and House on election day, how likely is it that Washington D.C. will become the 51st state?","created_at":1602913884.0,"id":"jcj0wb","n_comments":182,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcj0wb/assuming_democrats_gain_control_of_the_white/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On June 26th, 2020, the House of Representatives [voted to approve statehood](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-statehood-vote/2020/06/25/c2ac1670-b6ee-11ea-a8da-693df3d7674a_story.html) for Washington D.C., paving the way for it to become the 51st state.\n\nSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to bring a vote on the issue before the Senate, stopping any progress on D.C. statehood. The Trump Administration also voiced opposition.\n\nAssuming democrats regain control of both bodies of Congress and the White House, is D.C. likely to become a state? What obstacles remain? And how quickly could the process theoretically be completed?","upvotes":68,"user_id":"jimmyslaysdragons"},{"content":"Who should Biden pick as his Attorney General? Who is likely on his short list?","created_at":1602898374.0,"id":"jce9hg","n_comments":154,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jce9hg/who_should_biden_pick_as_his_attorney_general_who/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"At last night\u2019s town hall, Biden committed to a hands off approach to his DOJ should he win the election. When asked whether he would prosecute President Trump for obstruction of justice, he specifically said that that would be up to the DOJ, and criticized President Trump for using AG Barr as his personal attorney.\n\nWho would Biden likely nominate as his Attorney General, and would that nomination be a good choice, given the the leeway Biden is likely to give them? How would the DOJ likely behave under their leadership? Who else is likely on Biden\u2019s list, and who should be considered?","upvotes":102,"user_id":"WoozyJoe"},{"content":"The Non-Hispanic White Population is Decreasing Sooner Than Expected. What Are the Political Ramifications of This?","created_at":1602889589.0,"id":"jcbgke","n_comments":164,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcbgke/the_nonhispanic_white_population_is_decreasing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://www.brookings.edu/research/new-census-data-shows-the-nation-is-diversifying-even-faster-than-predicted/\n\nTo paraphrase the article for those who don't want to read it: \n\nIt was expected to see these trends begin to manifest in 2024. But it happened much earlier than researchers thought. White births have decreased and white gains overall have decreased in major urban areas. This outweighed by Black and Latino gains and births in the metro areas. Overall areas that were predominantly white, particularly in rural areas saw more loses than they saw gains. The median age for whites is 47, for Blacks it's 34, for Latinos is 29 and for multiracial people it's 20. Latinos and Asians are the groups with the highest increases in population followed by Blacks and Native Americans. We'll get the full picture when the census is actually over and the results get analyzed. \n\nSo what does this mean politically? How do the parties change their methods of governing and outreach? Specifically what does the Republican party do since their base is dwindling and is not being replaced as quickly as previously thought or at all. The article briefly mentions at the end that a younger and more diverse America is going to have different challenges and our leaders need to be ready to address them. What are these challenges and how do they need to be addressed? \n\nBonus question: what are the societal impacts of white Americans no longer being the outright majority as time goes on?","upvotes":53,"user_id":"IsaiahTrenton"},{"content":"How has the degree to which marital infidelity affects electability changed over the past few decades?","created_at":1602888326.0,"id":"jcb39r","n_comments":224,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jcb39r/how_has_the_degree_to_which_marital_infidelity/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There's a long history of scandals relating to politicians having affairs (and other personal scandals). Gary Hart's 1988 presidential campaign was tanked by an affair being exposed, Bill Clinton's presidency was tainted by infidelity, and so on and so forth. \n\nRecently, Democratic Senate candidate Cal Cunningham was discovered to be having an affair. Nonetheless, [recent polling shows](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/despite-a-sexting-scandal-democrat-cal-cunningham-is-favored-in-north-carolinas-senate-race/) that he's a slight favorite to win the seat.\n\n* How has the degree to which marital infidelity affects electability changed over the past few decades? \n\n* How should voters think about personal moral failings in considering candidates for elected office?\n\n* How has partisanship affected the degree to which these scandals do or do not matter?","upvotes":507,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Are we likely to ever see a liberal rival group to the Federalist Society in terms of Influence?","created_at":1602821846.0,"id":"jbve9r","n_comments":169,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbve9r/are_we_likely_to_ever_see_a_liberal_rival_group/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the Supreme Court most likely about to be seated with several Federalist Society members, I was thinking back to [this article](https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/01/23/why-theres-no-liberal-federalist-society-224033) on the failure (so far) of the left to provide a group matching its influence. With all factors considered, could we ever see a progressive group ever match up to the Federalist Society's influence in law in politics? Or is it likely we'll just continue to see the Federalist Society continue to dominate the legal world unchallenged for the next few decades?","upvotes":59,"user_id":"whereamInowgoddamnit"},{"content":"At what point is the Media going to feel comfortable calling this election?","created_at":1602811673.0,"id":"jbs370","n_comments":81,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbs370/at_what_point_is_the_media_going_to_feel/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Election night always feels tense as we head towards 270 for either candidate, 2020 will be no different. This time around we will have what looks to be record shattering early/mail in votes, which depending on the state will be counted ahead of time or not until the night of. \n\nAccording to fivethirtyeight, Biden is favored to win this election. Biden has many more paths to 270 than the incumbent. There is still what feels like a lot of noise and confusion about when this election will be called. \n\nAt what point do you think that we will see major news networks calling this election for either party, and how might hesitance affect the outcome of the election if it is close?","upvotes":62,"user_id":"missmegz1492"},{"content":"Could the Next Administration Grant Amnesty? What Are the Legal Roadblocks to That?","created_at":1602803053.0,"id":"jbp8dm","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":0.69,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbp8dm/could_the_next_administration_grant_amnesty_what/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In 1986, President Ronald Reagan granted amnesty to illegal immigrants with the Immigration Control and Reform Act. This gave 3 million illegal immigrants permanent residency. A similar action has been proposed but not enacted since. During the next term, regardless of who is president, could the next administration grant amnesty to illegal immigrants? What would be the legal roadblocks and political ramifications of such an act?","upvotes":5,"user_id":"IsaiahTrenton"},{"content":"Should buying a gun be more or less difficult than passing a background check?","created_at":1602813065.0,"id":"jbsjlf","n_comments":206,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbsjlf/should_buying_a_gun_be_more_or_less_difficult/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In America you can go to your local gun store, fill out your paperwork. Have the store conduct a background check. Then go an buy your gun if you pass. \n\nShould different types of guns have different restrictions? Should a bow require a background check. What about a crossbow? Should there be a follow-up check? Should ammo clips larger than a certain size require a background check? Should we use hunting regulations to determine what kind of guns people buy?","upvotes":42,"user_id":"Ameraldas"},{"content":"Should Censorship on Social Media Be Considered a 1st Amendment Issue?","created_at":1602820310.0,"id":"jbuwav","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.38,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbuwav/should_censorship_on_social_media_be_considered_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I have noticed some very contradictory stances by both Liberals and Conservatives on the issue of social media censorship. In the famous 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United, it was determined that corporations are protected by the 1st Amendment. This decision has been generally criticized by the left but applauded by the right. \n\nThese positions are seemingly reversed in the recent debates over social media with the right claiming the censorship of right wing voices on social media violates their own 1st Amendment right. Contrarily, the left seems to applaud the actions by these social media giants and point to the 1st amendment rights by these corporations as defense for their actions.\n\nCan these views be reconciled and do you believe Citizen\u2019s United should provide social media with the ability to censor any voices arbitrarily?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"TipsyPeanuts"},{"content":"After the fall of Golden Dawn in Greece what do you think it\u2019s the future of the European far right?","created_at":1602801059.0,"id":"jbom27","n_comments":15,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbom27/after_the_fall_of_golden_dawn_in_greece_what_do/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Currently the far right is relevant in most European countries, and governs a few of them, after their spectacular rise this last year you think they might be close to losing force? Which of them look week and which strong according to polls? ( with far right I am referring to those recently formed parties that are very similar to Trumps,like voz in Spain, UKIP in Britain, National front in France, etc)","upvotes":28,"user_id":"Nomix15"},{"content":"How would the election results affect US policy towards China?","created_at":1602795795.0,"id":"jbn49z","n_comments":9,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbn49z/how_would_the_election_results_affect_us_policy/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Most anti-China people in Hong Kong are supportive of Trump only due to the belief that only a Trump administration can contain China as opposed to Biden\u2019s. They believed that Trump would have a more unpredictable foreign policy that will pose a greater threat to China.\n\nHow credible is the claim above? How much of the election results can impact US foreign policy towards China? How credible are the claims that only Trump can contain China? What should I expect from a Biden administration had he won the election regarding policies towards China?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"Eric2517"},{"content":"What is the relationship right now between Russia and China and would they back each other if one of them went to War?","created_at":1602785287.0,"id":"jbksdr","n_comments":9,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbksdr/what_is_the_relationship_right_now_between_russia/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Russia and China are very big and important countries on the Global stage. Russia is the largest nation on Earth and China has the largest population. China has the 2nd largest economy and are a direct threat to US dominance in the Pacific. Both China and Russia share history and they both want more power. However in recent times the relationship between the two has become somewhat unstable. Russia suspended an Arms sale to China, Russia just signed a deal with India who China is currently having disputes with and Russia seems to be more open to being an intermediary between China and the West. This has made experts question whether or not if push comes to shove Russia would back China in a war with the West or the allies of the West.","upvotes":14,"user_id":"letsbliwthisjoint"},{"content":"Let's have a discussion about voting your own interest","created_at":1602798531.0,"id":"jbnvow","n_comments":2,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbnvow/lets_have_a_discussion_about_voting_your_own/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Not going to name names of candidates here, but I have heard so much talk about how certain people are voting their own interests. It seems to me by the context of what I've heard, what is meant is probably certain Americans are voting against their livelihood and economic interests. There are several types of interest that should be considered when analyzing how somebody votes. Economic interest, values interest, single issue interest, party interest, and ideology to name a few. I'm sure there is a lot of intersectionality in the examples I have given but there is also things to consider that fashion interest like socioeconomic class, experiences, ect. I have been myself quick to say \"that guy is voting against his own interests\" without considering other factors. I guess having a conversation about this issue also means realizing that different people will apply the criticism with different understandings of what they mean and the situational context. The boring answer is different strokes for different folks, but could there be a broader reason for why people apply this criticism?","upvotes":4,"user_id":"Shazer3"},{"content":"What would an American Fascism look like? How it would most likely develop within the American context?","created_at":1602767876.0,"id":"jbhhcc","n_comments":627,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbhhcc/what_would_an_american_fascism_look_like_how_it/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"One of the principal claims I've heard from *The Fascism Watchers*, so to say, is that \"Fascism contorts to the country it affects; it doesn't come patterned with Swastikas every time.\" This is exemplified with the oft-quoted statement \"If Fascism comes to America, it will come wrapped in the American flag.\"\n\nIn this context, what would an American Fascism look like? How would it be made palatable with the American public? How could it achieve power in the United States without being immediately rejected and removed?\n\nWould it necessarily be racist? Or can it be Fascist without being racist? For example, would an American Fascist necessarily need to hate black people or some other race, or could such a person believe in some notion of \"White, blue, and red blood\" among Americans, irrespective of race?\n\nWhat would the foreign policy most likely be? Restricted largely to the mainland, or being expansionist and hostile on the world stage as a matter of principle?\n\nWhat would domestic policy look like? Would it perhaps co-opt such things as \"The Pledge of Allegiance\" in service of maintaining its power, but much more rigorously enforced in an authoritarian manner?\n\nHow would it view American history? How would it twist American history? How would it utilize its conceptions of history in service of its goals?\n\nHow close is modern America to *An American Fascism,* within the context of the answers to the previous questions? Far? Close? Somewhere in the middle? Based on your answers, how susceptible is America to such a potential ideology?","upvotes":746,"user_id":"Bigbluebuttonman"},{"content":"What factors are trending Georgia towards the left ?","created_at":1602770536.0,"id":"jbi167","n_comments":167,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbi167/what_factors_are_trending_georgia_towards_the_left/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"538 just put Georgia in the blue part of their projection snake for the presidential race. \n\n>With the addition of a [new Quinnipiac University poll](https://poll.qu.edu/georgia/release-detail?ReleaseID=3679) showing him 7 percentage points ahead there \u2014 more about that poll in a moment \u2014 Biden\u2019s chances in Georgia rose from 46 percent to 51 percent. \n> \n>In 2016, Trump won Georgia by only 5 points in an election where he lost the popular vote by 2 points nationally\n\nWhat is causing this otherwise \"Bible Belt\" conservative state to trend blue ? Is this just anti-Trump sentiment or is this part of the broader trend seen in other Southern states like Texas ?\n\n[Source](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/will-georgia-turn-blue/)","upvotes":180,"user_id":"KingSlayer94"},{"content":"If D.C. and Puerto Rico Become States What Does the Federal Government Do Next to Improve Those States?","created_at":1602766467.0,"id":"jbh6fa","n_comments":250,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jbh6fa/if_dc_and_puerto_rico_become_states_what_does_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There is a lot talk about admitting D.C and Puerto Rico as states and the political advantages that gives to Democrats on a national level. However not much talk is done about how the federal government then goes about assisting those states in their existing problems. I don't know a lot about D.C but Puerto Rico has an infrastructure crisis regarding it's electrical system and a high poverty rate. \n\nWhat are some steps the federal government could/should take to improve living conditions on the island? \n\nAs a bonus question: how do you see the GOP responding to the addition of two new states?","upvotes":108,"user_id":"IsaiahTrenton"},{"content":"Are there correlations to science advancement and the President's party in the US?","created_at":1602737679.0,"id":"jb9duv","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.71,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jb9duv/are_there_correlations_to_science_advancement_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Does the party that is leading the country impact the scientific advancements happening under that party? If not advancements, funding?\n\nIf so, which party has funded or seen the most innovation and progress in science? Are there reputable sources that track this?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"ReformNeeded"},{"content":"What changes could be made to improve Redistricting this cycle?","created_at":1602726474.0,"id":"jb5mq1","n_comments":34,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jb5mq1/what_changes_could_be_made_to_improve/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The census ends this Friday (make sure you've filled out your form!), and states will begin the redistricting process in the coming year. Partisan gerrymandering is always a hot-button issue, especially after recent court challenges in Pennsylvania and North Carolina discarded maps created by the legislature because politically, racially, and economically-disenfranchising districts were drawn. What concrete steps can/should state legislatures take to ensure district lines are redrawn appropriately?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"At what point do you think the polls will start tightening","created_at":1602730973.0,"id":"jb74s7","n_comments":877,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jb74s7/at_what_point_do_you_think_the_polls_will_start/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In a typical election year, you can usually expect the polls to tighten in the closing weeks. We are now less than three weeks away from Election Day, and Biden's polling average (according to RCP) is still nine points above Trump. At what point do you expect to see the polls start to narrow, or alternatively, at what point do you think it will be significant if the polls HAVEN'T started to narrow by that time?","upvotes":671,"user_id":"SuperCrappyFuntime"},{"content":"What parties whould we see if the U.S. changed to a voting system of proportional representation ?","created_at":1602718668.0,"id":"jb301t","n_comments":43,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jb301t/what_parties_whould_we_see_if_the_us_changed_to_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If the US switched from majority voting to proportional representation and we saw a flurry of new party formation by citizens and interest groups. Which one-issue parties (strange or not) would have a chance of winning seats in parliament?","upvotes":42,"user_id":"ShlomoBerlin"},{"content":"What kind of questions do you expect a Supreme Court nominee to answer during their confirmation hearing?","created_at":1602662325.0,"id":"japlki","n_comments":90,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/japlki/what_kind_of_questions_do_you_expect_a_supreme/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I was listening to the Amy Coney Barrett confirmation hearing and it seemed like she would not answer most of the questions from Democrats, saying that she can't comment on hypothetical situations or precedent. She also would not inject her opinion on a case. Do you think questions like \"What do you think about 'insert specific court case here'\" or \"Do you think 'specific action here' is unconstituational\" are fair game for a Supreme Court nominee to answer during a confirmation hearing? What kind of questions do you expect a Supreme Court nominee to actually answer during their confirmation hearing?","upvotes":81,"user_id":"akbmartizzz"},{"content":"Amy Coney Barrett says Roe v Wade is not settled law or super precedent. If this is reversed, will this help democrats or republicans politically more?","created_at":1602649583.0,"id":"jalory","n_comments":297,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jalory/amy_coney_barrett_says_roe_v_wade_is_not_settled/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Amy Coney Barrett is making it more and more clear that she does not believe Roe v Wade is settled. While reversing roe v Wade does not make abortion illegal, but instead simply prevents states from making abortion illegal. Four justices of the existing SCOTUS have already shown they are willing to allow state\u2019s to heavily restrict abortion with the recent Louisiana case. \n\nIf and when states rights are expanded to restrict abortion, will this help republicans or democrats more? Abortion hasbeen such a single issue which have preventing voters to side with democrats on all levels of government. With the ball then kicked down to the state government, will republicans still have that such a strong wedge issue at the federal level or will it become more of a state by state issue?","upvotes":72,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"Why aren\u2019t US political leaders retiring?","created_at":1602652529.0,"id":"jamniz","n_comments":566,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jamniz/why_arent_us_political_leaders_retiring/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In most organizations, older leaders will eventually feel pressure to make room for the next generation at the top. Or they will just retire, because they want to spend more time with family, golf more, travel, etc.\n\nWhy do our old leaders not feel the same pressure?","upvotes":1278,"user_id":"thenole"},{"content":"If President Trump wins a close election through unconventional means such as faithless electors or a favorable judicial ruling, how likely is it that a blue state attempts to peacefully secede? How viable would such an attempt be?","created_at":1602626147.0,"id":"jadvld","n_comments":93,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jadvld/if_president_trump_wins_a_close_election_through/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It is possible that in this cycle, President Trump is reelected with the help of a Constitutional, yet unconventional occurrence. \n\nFor example, if Pennsylvania's popular vote goes to Biden, but its Republican legislature passes legislation to give itself the authority to override the popular vote and send electors for Trump; Gov. Wolf (D) vetoes the bill, but it goes to SCOTUS who voids Wolf's veto power on the basis that Article II grants sole authority to appoint electors to state legislatures. (The Atlantic recently reported that the PA Republican party is preparing for a similar scenario.)\n\nThis is an *example*, and my question presumes any outcome like this where an unusual or unprecedented, yet Constitutional, series of events results in a very narrow Trump win.\n\nIn this eventuality there is likely to be outrage from the left, considering almost certainly in this scenario Trump will have lost the popular vote.\n\nWould solidly blue states such as Massachusetts, California, or Washington make serious attempts to peacefully secede, perhaps by joining forces (CA/OR/WA, or MA/RI/CT/NY)? If they did, would they have a reasonable chance of succeeding and becoming independent countries?","upvotes":24,"user_id":"zudnic"},{"content":"Where do your personal views on the role of the US Judiciary fall in regards to \"Textualist\" vs. \"Living\"?","created_at":1602638944.0,"id":"jai3xq","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jai3xq/where_do_your_personal_views_on_the_role_of_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the USSC confirmation hearings on everyone's mind I am seeing a number of themes discussed, primary around court packing or \"ideologically balancing\" the court, and so on. I absolutely understand where commenters are coming from and their frustration at how they see Republicans as \"stealing\" their pick or \"packing\" the court by filling lower court vacancies at an unprecedented rate. A lot of the discussion is focused on the end result: \"Us vs. Them\", \"liberal appointed vs conservative appointed\". Surprisingly though, I really don't see many comments on how users feel the role of the Judiciary should be handled.\n\n\nAs a reminder - there are generally two camps that judges fall in, fairly closely aligned with the two major political parties. The first is \"Textualism\", also known as \"Originalism\". Practitioners that adhere to this theory believe that the law in question should be reviewed as written and in the cases of constitutionality - should be compared to the text \"as written\" in the Constitution. \n\n\nCritics of this group say that as times change, the constitution, or our interpretation of it, should change. In particular, a critic might point to Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission and state that the founders could have never conceived of the amount and influence money plays in federal elections. Therefore it is naive to allow unlimited money from a corporation or group of people to play such a large role even though the Constitution allows it. Further they might argue that corporations or wealthy individuals can drown out the voices of the many and directly impact our democracy.\n\n\nThe second group is what are generally referred to as \"Living Constitution\" scholars. These judges believe that we should look to the motive behind why a law was written and base our analysis on that. They believe that as time passes, the needs and concerns of the past may not be as relevant today. That we can hold true to the promise of the Constitution even if we don't follow it to the letter. \n\n\nCritics of the \"Living Constitution\" approach would say that Citizens United was correctly decided. That a corporation or group of people is free to spend their money however they wish to advance their ideas as part of the first amendment. That any sort of limit would be a direct limit on the 1st Amendment rights guaranteed to them. They would also say that limits such as these are not coded into law and that the Justices were overstepping their powers by \"legislating from the bench\".\n\n\nShould we look at the Constitution and understand the motivations behind the text and apply them to today or should we view the text as it is written and base our laws inside of that framework?","upvotes":15,"user_id":"_LeftShark"},{"content":"Why is the Senate election in Michigan so close, especially when there is bigger gap for President of the United States in the state?","created_at":1602635069.0,"id":"jagt50","n_comments":16,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jagt50/why_is_the_senate_election_in_michigan_so_close/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For the 2020 Senate election in Michigan, incumbent Senator Gary Peters is seeking re-election as the Democratic Party nominee. He is being challenged by Republican Party nominee John James, a businessperson and United States Army veteran who lost the 2018 Senate election to incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow.\n\n[Polling](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackbrewster/2020/10/12/todays-2020-election-polls-warning-signs-flash-for-peters-in-michigan-senate-race/#21fbfa774ab2) for the election shows that Peters has a one percent lead over James, which is essentially a draw.\n\nMeanwhile, for President of the United States in the state, former Vice President Joe Biden (Democratic) is leading incumbent President Donald Trump (Republican) by [seven](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/520534-great-lakes-poll-shows-trump-trailing-in-michigan-pennsylvania-and) to [eight](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackbrewster/2020/10/12/todays-2020-election-polls-warning-signs-flash-for-peters-in-michigan-senate-race/#21fbfa774ab2) percent.\n\n* Why is the Senate election so much closer than the Presidential election in Michigan?\n\n* Do people dislike Peters so much or like James so much?\n\n* What is the rationale for the people who apparently support both Biden and James?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"Ryan_Holman"},{"content":"What should the US foreign policy be towards Venezuela? Why?","created_at":1602610764.0,"id":"jaa554","n_comments":14,"percentage_upvoted":0.73,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/jaa554/what_should_the_us_foreign_policy_be_towards/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Extremely brief context: Venezuela is an oil rich country in South America. Hugo Chavez became the President in 1998 and held office until his death in 2013. During this time there was a surge in oil prices, Venezuela's main export, and this money went to a mix of things like social programs and healthcare as well as was lost to massive fraud and corruption. The US, for many reasons, did not like Chavez. In 2013 he died while in office and his Vice President, Nicolas Maduro, subsequently became the leader - confirmed quickly by election. Even in 2013 Venezuela was already experiencing problems related to deflated oil prices and widespread corruption, but since 2013 the situation has become exponentially worse. Today more than 10% of the population has fled, there is widespread hunger and lack of access to basic commodities, and there are now two President's claiming authority - Maduro and the leader of the opposition, Juan Guaid\u00f3. The situation is very, very bad and getting worse.\n\nI am curious **what the policy options are for the US**?\n\n1. Trade embargo/ sanctions.\n 1. Good: it restricts the flow of capital available to Maduro\n 2. Bad: it hurts the people of the country by making access to basic goods even more difficult, and people in precarious situations are more easily controlled by a dictator.\n2. Open trade.\n 1. Good: Helps the people get access to necessities\n 2. Bad: this legitimizes the rule of an illegitimate ruler (Maduro has refused to hold free and fair elections)\n3. Act as intermediary between Maduro and Guaid\u00f3.\n 1. Good: Reconciliation is often an important step towards advancing a country towards peace and stability.\n 2. Bad: Maduro will be granted concessions and he won't face justice for what he's done.\n 3. Additional note: Maduro has no reason to come to the table as he will inevitably lose power.\n4. Provide massive humanitarian aid.\n 1. Good: Fewer people die.\n 2. Bad: Continues to entrench Maduro's power (as the population looks externally for solutions to internal problems).\n5. Invade.\n 1. Good: Forcibly deposing Maduro could theoretically open the possibility that someone else can become President.\n 2. Bad: Long history of US abuse of military power in Latin America.\n\nThe US has a long history of helping its international corporations at the expense of the people in the area, so I am hesitant for the US to take any larger role in Venezuela then they have to, but that still doesn't answer the question of what the US should be doing, right now, to help the people of Venezuela.\n\nWhat do you think/recommend politico's of Reddit, and why?\n\nTL;DR: Venezuela's situation is bad. Historically the US doesn't help. What should the US be doing about it today?\n\n\\[Edit: Bad at reddit\\]","upvotes":7,"user_id":"wentforawalk"},{"content":"California Republicans, including party staff, have publicly pushed voters toward depositing ballots in fake boxes in churches, gun stores, and other places. What is their motivation for this? What's the worst that could happen with those ballots?","created_at":1602568685.0,"id":"ja0jgk","n_comments":352,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ja0jgk/california_republicans_including_party_staff_have/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Here is a link to a story that discusses it: [https://www.vice.com/en/article/dyza4k/california-republicans-have-installed-fake-ballot-boxes-at-churches-gyms-and-gun-stores](https://www.vice.com/en/article/dyza4k/california-republicans-have-installed-fake-ballot-boxes-at-churches-gyms-and-gun-stores)\n\nWithin the article, it mentions a public tweet posted by Jordan Tygh, who is a paid campaign staffer for the state Republican Party. I bring this up only to show that that this isn't just overzealous rogue supporters, but from the party itself, which (a) presumably understands the rules well enough to know this is against the low and (b) raises the question of why they'd do something to put many of their own voters at risk.","upvotes":739,"user_id":"Redbean01"},{"content":"What would the impacts be of Democrats packing the Supreme Court?","created_at":1602556157.0,"id":"j9wiht","n_comments":625,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9wiht/what_would_the_impacts_be_of_democrats_packing/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Recently this has been under discussion ever since some Democrats discussed SCOTUS packing possibilities in response to Amy Conett Barrett\u2019s nomination.\n\nJoe Biden and Kamala Harris in particular have also dodged the question of court packing, simply refused to answer, or even somewhat fumbled, such as when Biden said [\u201cThey don\u2019t deserve to kn- I won\u2019t play Trump\u2019s game,\u201d](https://youtu.be/-ZEUosf5Liw) which was quickly capitalized upon by Trump\u2019s political ads.\n\nWhat would the impact of packing the Supreme Court be? How would it affect the doings of congress and courts thereafter?\n\nIs it a much needed change to an old structure? Or would it simply make the going-ons of government worse, possibly starting a \u201ccourt war\u201d with even more changes in precedent and norms by either party to counter the actions of the other one?","upvotes":151,"user_id":"Bigbluebuttonman"},{"content":"By What Degree Would You Regional Cultures/Values Effect Political Decisions These Days?","created_at":1602571380.0,"id":"ja1bak","n_comments":274,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ja1bak/by_what_degree_would_you_regional_culturesvalues/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A question I've been wondering about a lot is the effect of the internet on regionalism in the United States. It used to be that the North and the South were culturally distinct. Same with East and West and the Midwest. However with increased access to high speed internet someone from South Dakota can have friends in Hawaii. To that end, a person in a rural state can access information they would not have had access to 20 years ago. I'm not sure if I'm verbalizing myself correctly, but to what extent would you say regional cultures in the United States effects ones political choices or opinions? To expand on that, do you believe that regions in the United States are as culturally distinct as they used to be? Why or why not?","upvotes":370,"user_id":"IsaiahTrenton"},{"content":"Is the Electoral College good or bad by today's standards?","created_at":1602548276.0,"id":"j9twy7","n_comments":91,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9twy7/is_the_electoral_college_good_or_bad_by_todays/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've been digging through on how and why the Electoral College is important and tried to figure if it's good or bad by today's standards and considering the election is right around the corner the debate of the Electoral College will probably come up again and I really don't know where I stand on it.\n\nI've heard both sides of the Electoral College ranging from\nleft views (abolish the EC it's outdated, it was made because of slavery, it doesn't protect small states/it gives small states too much power, it doesn't do it's job right)\n\nTo right views (the US was never supposed to be a direct democracy, the Founding Fathers opposed direct democracy, it'll give big states/cities too much power, many states have different views so the majority will screw over the minority)\n\nSo is the EC good good or bad by today's standards?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"TheMob-TommyVercetti"},{"content":"What political events would have to happen for a President Biden to pack the Court?","created_at":1602542947.0,"id":"j9s876","n_comments":66,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9s876/what_political_events_would_have_to_happen_for_a/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden has so far not taken a stance on whether he would pursue reform of the Supreme Court as president. Lately, this question has become an issue in the media. Republicans believe that Biden's non-answer can be used to motivate their base during the election. Democrats, still frustrated with Republicans' treatment of the Court over the past four years, are itching to fix what they have seen as foul play by Republicans.\n\nHowever, the question itself is quite hypothetical, and hinges on a series of political events taking place. Biden would first, of course, have to win the election. Democrats would presumably need to hold both chambers in Congress. But even if this was the case, would there be appetite on the national stage for Court reform? What would have to happen in order for Democrats and President Biden to pick up this issue?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"onsmith"},{"content":"What can the Trump campaign realistically do in these last 3 weeks to pull off a 2016 election type of a comeback?","created_at":1602546327.0,"id":"j9tab9","n_comments":216,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9tab9/what_can_the_trump_campaign_realistically_do_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"At this point in the 2016 race, Trump was coming off the blowback from the Access Hollywood tape released on October 7 2016. \"While many Republican commentators seem to agree with [**Michael Gerson\u2019s assessment that Trump\u2019s comments were \u201cpredatory,\u201d and \u201cdemeaning,\u201d**](http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/shields-gerson-2005-trump-tape-russian-hacking-upcoming-debate/) there was no immediate sign on Friday of a broader shift in voting loyalty away from the party\u2019s nominee.\" Some GOP Senators like Corey Gardner, Lisa Murkowski, John Sullivan, John Thune, GOP Governors Bill Haslam and Gary Herbert [refused to vote for Trump howeve](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/headline-republicans-react-trump-comments-objectifying-women)r\n\nOn October 10 2016, Clinton and Trump faced off in a heated second debate. A [**CNN/ORC poll**](http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2016/images/10/10/debate.2.poll.pdf) said Clinton won, but also showed that Trump exceeded expectations.\n\nSurprisingly, [Hillary actually had a larger lead than Biden](https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/2020_elections_electoral_college_map.html) does at this point in 2016 in the *swing states*. Take note at WI, MI, NC. And with PA and FL- virtually the same in 2020 as they were in 2016.\n\nIs this race slipping away from Trump or is there any indication he can make a comeback?","upvotes":57,"user_id":"hermannschultz13"},{"content":"Should the airline industry be nationalized?","created_at":1602517458.0,"id":"j9mlty","n_comments":598,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9mlty/should_the_airline_industry_be_nationalized/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Currently Congress is in discussions to bailout the airplane industry to the tune of [25 billion dollars](https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-usa-airlines/trump-urges-congress-to-provide-25-billion-bailout-for-us-airlines-idUSKBN26S06J). This is an addition to the atbleast 25 billion they already received as part of the [CARES Act] (https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-usa-airlines/trump-urges-congress-to-provide-25-billion-bailout-for-us-airlines-idUSKBN26S06J). The industry also received 15 billion [after 9/11.](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/9-11-airline-bailout-so-who-got-what/#app). \n\nCovid and 9/11 obviously weren't the airlines fault, but they have been regularly criticized for [mismanagement of their finances](https://www.vice.com/en/article/dygmv7/airlines-are-getting-a-dollar25-billion-bailout-but-youre-still-not-getting-your-money-back). \n\nSo how would you feel about nationalizing the airline industry? The two main arguments I tend to hear in support for *not* nationalizing industries are that private companies tend to be more innovative and efficient than the federal government. \n\nWhat innovations, if any, do you believe the airline industry is responsible for, and do you consider flying to be an efficient experience? Are there other arguments to be made for not nationalizing airlines? What arguments are there in favor of nationalizing the industry? \n\nIf you do oppose nationalization, how do you feel about the bailouts? Are airlines too big to fail?","upvotes":411,"user_id":"Pineapple__Jews"},{"content":"What do you think Biden policy towards Syria will be? is there any chance of easing the sanctions imposed on Syria?","created_at":1602445921.0,"id":"j943ca","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j943ca/what_do_you_think_biden_policy_towards_syria_will/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm Syrian and live in Syria, beside your opinion on \"are the sanctions good or bad\" do you think Biden will ease his relationship with the Syrian government or be even more tough?\n\nthe post has been removed twice for \"no or little content\", but I'm not sure what to type tbh. (if this is the wrong place to post this question tell me pls where I should post it)","upvotes":22,"user_id":"baselq1996"},{"content":"[Polling Megathread] Week of October 12, 2020","created_at":1602505872.0,"id":"j9kbac","n_comments":1806,"percentage_upvoted":0.99,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9kbac/polling_megathread_week_of_october_12_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Welcome to the polling megathread for the week of October 12, 2020.\n\n**All top-level comments should be for individual polls released this week only and link to the poll.** Unlike subreddit text submissions, top-level comments do not need to ask a question. However they must summarize the poll in a meaningful way; link-only comments will be removed. Top-level comments also should not be overly editorialized. Discussion of those polls should take place in response to the top-level comment. \n\nU.S. presidential election polls posted in this thread must be from a [538-recognized pollster](http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/). Feedback is welcome via [modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FPoliticalDiscussion). \n\nPlease remember to sort by new, keep conversation civil, and enjoy!","upvotes":201,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"[United States and Canada] How should all 50 states, DC, 14 territories in the US, as well as the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada, handle the possible abolition of time change (Daylight Saving Time)?","created_at":1602490841.0,"id":"j9gpqy","n_comments":45,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9gpqy/united_states_and_canada_how_should_all_50_states/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I am a Canadian, living in the province of Ontario. For context, our province contains about 38% of the country's population (14.6 million out of 38 million). Things like financial market opening and closing times are based on EDT or EST depending on whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect (second Sunday of March to first Sunday of November). This also affects schedules for interprovincial and international transportation (such as planes, trains and buses).\n\nNow, a bill is introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario called the [Bill 214, Time Amendment Act, 2020](https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-214). Ontario's legislative branch is a unicameral one, and so in practice, a simple majority vote of the one and only house will be sufficient for the bill to pass.\n\nThis bill appears to have support of the government (Progressive Conservative Party). Considering that we have a majority government in this session, and it appears to also have broad popular support and the support of [doctors](https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/time-to-change-doctors-suggest-daylight-saving-switch-does-more-harm-than-good-420858/), so I expect that the bill will be passed.\n\nThe problem is that if this bill passes, it will take effect, in theory, on November 7, 2021. It affects all manner of things where multiple jurisdictions are involved.\n\nFor example, I work for a company based in California (from my home in Ontario--I have never been to the United States), and their start times vary, but my latest possible start time is 8:30 AM (PST or PDT) which is 11:30 AM (EST or EDT). If California does not have equivalent legislation passed and expected to come into effect, I could potentially suddenly wake up on November 8, 2021 to starting my work day at 12:30 PM EDT (which has never occured ever since I started working here almost 3 years ago).\n\nGiven that in broad terms, Canada and the United States are both \"decentralized\" countries (in that the provinces and states, not the federal governments, handle times) with multiple timezones (that largely align with each other, including the dates on which times change). Is there a way for pieces of legislation to be passed on both sides of the border to take effect on November 7, 2021 and stop the clocks from being turned at 3 AM EST? The reason I ask this is because changes to time, when not done uniformly, cause massive disruptions to everything from transportation to trade (including the trading of financial securities).","upvotes":127,"user_id":"random20190826"},{"content":"What state/local ballot initiatives are worth watching this election cycle?","created_at":1602486929.0,"id":"j9fp55","n_comments":373,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j9fp55/what_statelocal_ballot_initiatives_are_worth/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Candidate elections are obviously important, but won't be the only thing on the ballot in many states.\n\nWhat interesting ballot initiatives will be on the ballots in the different states that allow voters to vote directly on various propositions?\n\nShould they pass? How are they polling?","upvotes":565,"user_id":"LiberalTerryN"},{"content":"Moratorium on new accounts","created_at":1602408128.0,"id":"j8wehk","n_comments":1,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8wehk/moratorium_on_new_accounts/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Good afternoon everyone,\n\nUntil further notice, submissions and comments from accounts created on or after today 10/10/2020 will be removed automatically. This moratorium will be lifted once the U.S. Presidential race has substantially concluded. If the major networks are confident in a call, we likely will be as well.\n\nAny questions or comments may be directed to modmail.","upvotes":2152,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"Why is the Trump Campaign consistently making unpopular moves, and what does that say about his broader campaign strategy?","created_at":1602371657.0,"id":"j8m5ef","n_comments":104,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8m5ef/why_is_the_trump_campaign_consistently_making/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court is the least \"unpopular\" on this list with voters narrowly disapproving 46/42 in a recent CNN poll which splits basically on party lines. A recent YouGov poll shows however there is a ten point spread among independent voters with 49/39, this is backed up by other earlier polls that show her nomination is not popular among voters that Trump needs to add to his coalition. \n\nTrump's handling of his COVID diagnosis has even worse numbers across the board. SurveyUSA shows Biden's lead quadrupling from +4 to +16 nationally after his diagnosis. A Franklin Pierce/Boston U poll was even worse news for the President with Biden's lead going from +5 to +21. This isn't the last word on the issue, there are other polls that show no changed minds after the diagnosis, but I was unable to find a reliable poll that showed any net positive for Trump or his behavior related to COVID. \n\nTrump's drive around his supporters has polled as resoundly unpopular, one YouGov poll gave it 62/28. Politico found that 60% of voters disagreed with his statement that we should not be afraid of COVID. Only 29% thought it was a good idea for him to discharge himself from Walter Reed. \n\nIt's a little too early to tell but Trump's pulling out of a virtual debate is polling mildly negative and Trump's statements on a stimulus package are likely not to be popular with voters. An earlier poll said that 68% of registered voters wanted a package to the the top priority and before Trump's statement by a small margin more people blamed congressional democrats than anybody else. It's hard to see how his statements don't move the dial in those polls. \n\n[https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/trumps-bout-with-covid-19-might-be-hurting-his-reelection-chances/](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/trumps-bout-with-covid-19-might-be-hurting-his-reelection-chances/)\n\nAll this to say that over the past few weeks Trump has repeatedly made decisions that poll unpopularly with the general public and more importantly the voters he needs to pick up in order to win this election. Unless there has been a major polling error, if the election was held today Biden wins by a significant margin. Why is Trump making these decisions, most of which were known to be unpopular before he did so? What is the broader campaign strategy, if there is one? How likely is it that after the events of the past two weeks that Trump is able to close his polling gaps?","upvotes":95,"user_id":"missmegz1492"},{"content":"Why do you support your candidate?","created_at":1602358151.0,"id":"j8iwhm","n_comments":126,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8iwhm/why_do_you_support_your_candidate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In this election cycle, everything seems so polarized that it can be really hard to hear someone through without disagreeing with them. If anyone would be willing to answer totally candidly, in a respectful way, which candidate you support and what some of your personal biggest reasons are for supporting them?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"cognitivepear"},{"content":"Will this election (or the next) create a political realignment like 1932 or (arguably) 1968?","created_at":1602394707.0,"id":"j8svd7","n_comments":300,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8svd7/will_this_election_or_the_next_create_a_political/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"1932 saw the Republicans routed and the ascendancy of the New Deal Coalition that would hold power for more than three decades. In 1968, Dixicrats aligned with Nixon and segregationist George Wallace leading to Humphrey only winning two former slave states, Maryland and Johnson's home state of Texas. Conservatives from both parties have held significant power since then even when comparatively liberal Democrats held the presidency.\n\nThis year we are seeing a tremendous shift making many states Trump won handily into potential battleground states for presidential electors and/or U.S. Senate seats.\n\nPlease discuss:\n\nIs this a temporary phenomenon due to the singular polarization of Trump's presidency from which conservatism will bounce back as they did between Watergate and Reagan or is this a broader shift away from conservatism even in conservative bastions like the New Deal?","upvotes":189,"user_id":"minus_minus"},{"content":"Did the parties really switch?","created_at":1602395762.0,"id":"j8t6p7","n_comments":61,"percentage_upvoted":0.55,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8t6p7/did_the_parties_really_switch/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Many conservatives such as Ben Shapiro, Steven Crowder, etc. suggest that the parties never *really* switched, and their proof for this is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Out of the 21 democrats who voted against the Civil Rights Act, only one went on to become republican. The rest either continued being voted into office being affiliated with the democratic party for the rest of their lives, or their positions were filled by other democrats. \n\nI\u2019m not sure where I stand on this. Herbert Hoover and Theodore Roosevelt both identified as republican, yet they supported many policies that today are associated with the democratic party. Both supported high government control and intervention, TR hated big corporations and supported trust-busting, and Hoover wanted higher wages during the 1929 depression.\n\nDid the parties ever *really* switch, or is the whole thing just a myth?","upvotes":6,"user_id":"cman6435"},{"content":"How do you think the results of the US election will affect politics worldwide?","created_at":1602386342.0,"id":"j8qgwp","n_comments":38,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8qgwp/how_do_you_think_the_results_of_the_us_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I am specifically concerned with the European far-right, will they loose strength if Trump loses? Will the old time European Social - democrats regain power after a Biden victory ? Are there any historical examples of the election in the US altering the ideological map of Europe or viceversa? Let me know your thoughts","upvotes":60,"user_id":"Nomix15"},{"content":"How to judge the legacy of President Trump?","created_at":1602380783.0,"id":"j8ot4p","n_comments":124,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8ot4p/how_to_judge_the_legacy_of_president_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"President Trump likes to tout his record economy as something positive by which to judge his presidency. The economy is complicated and there are thousands of metrics by which to judge it. Does there exist, or what should exist as historical benchmarks by which to judge how good or bad a president is? By what should President Trump be judged compared to other presidents?","upvotes":43,"user_id":"Shazer3"},{"content":"Can someone get convicted of a war crime if their country or side wins the war?","created_at":1602383261.0,"id":"j8pju6","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.8,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8pju6/can_someone_get_convicted_of_a_war_crime_if_their/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Can you be convicted of a war crime if your side wins?\nI came to this thought in history class talking about the atomic bombings, they seemed so inhuman, and apparently it partially was to scare russia. Was it worth it to spend hundreds of thousands of innocent lives to win the war?\nI think this boils down a little deeper to, was it needed to get japan's surrender, or were they already about too? Was the second bomb really needed, or was it just a show of power?\nI don't think an official was tried at all, and Im not sure if the US has even apologized about it.\nJust want your guys opinion on this.","upvotes":22,"user_id":"itsScylic"},{"content":"What Happens if an Election-winning Senator, President, or Vice President Dies before Taking Office?","created_at":1602305010.0,"id":"j86ycc","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j86ycc/what_happens_if_an_electionwinning_senator/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" \n\nThis is an honest \"policies and procedures\" question. With so many senators testing positive for COVID, the president having/had it, and speculation around the vice president having it, I'm wondering what happens if any of these candidates win the popular vote, but then pass away before they can take office.\n\n1. How are people's votes redistributed, if at all?\n2. Does someone or some governing body appoint replacements?\n3. Is there another vote/election for their position?\n4. Does it just go to the next candidate with the highest number of votes (kind of like a Ranked Choice vote)?\n\nThanks for the discussion or solid answers.","upvotes":23,"user_id":"Terakian"},{"content":"Is the Moderate Republican dying out?","created_at":1602319222.0,"id":"j8ayxn","n_comments":167,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8ayxn/is_the_moderate_republican_dying_out/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Over 90% of Republicans support Trump](https://news.gallup.com/poll/203198/presidential-approval-ratings-donald-trump.aspx), and Never Trumpers seem to really just be a minority. \n\nBut Trump seems to be likely to lose the election in November, perhaps even in a landslide. This seems to mean that people don't want a further right candidate like Trump. Is the tea party already dying?\n\nOr is the traditional, fiscally-conservative, and \"reasonable\" Republican Party dying off? \n\nIs this a schism in the party that could result in a Democratic coalition controlling America for some time? \n\nOr will Republicans rebound with policies that will draw minorities and younger, fiscally conservative Americans to their cause","upvotes":92,"user_id":"Mercenary45"},{"content":"Why does Joe Biden not do so well amongst the 45-64 age group in a lot of the midwestern states? In comparison to the 65+ group which Biden does do well.","created_at":1602344550.0,"id":"j8gh0o","n_comments":647,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j8gh0o/why_does_joe_biden_not_do_so_well_amongst_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If you look at the nytimes polls for some of these states [Ohio](https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/oh-nv-crosstabs/d91c22da8b8953eb/full.pdf), [Pennsylvania](https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/flpa-0930-crosstabs/16c21b7ab34ed4d1/full.pdf), [Minnesota](https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/crosstabs-mn-nh-nv-wi/aefa3a3ec36370e9/full.pdf), and [Wisconsin](https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/crosstabs-mn-nh-nv-wi/aefa3a3ec36370e9/full.pdf), Trump loses 18-29, 30-44 ages ranges but usually wins 45-64 age range. But then he tends to lose the 65+ voters. Why is the 45-64 so much more likely to support Trump in comparison to the 65+ voters?\n\nNote that there are a few exceptions to this rule but in general it holds true. E.g. ohio 65+ still support trump over biden by two points.","upvotes":994,"user_id":"toogloo1"},{"content":"What Supreme Court decision(s) of the last decade (2010-2020) will have the most profound impact on society/law?","created_at":1602302942.0,"id":"j86b33","n_comments":63,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j86b33/what_supreme_court_decisions_of_the_last_decade/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There were important federalism decisions, like the ACA cases, Shelby County v. Holder, or Citizens United to name a few. But there were plenty of notable civil rights/liberties decisions too, like Windsor, Hobby Lobby, and Obergefell. What recent case(s) do you think will have the greatest effect on the US in the coming decades?","upvotes":78,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"Armenia and Azerbaijan Clashes.","created_at":1602266051.0,"id":"j7w5br","n_comments":36,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j7w5br/armenia_and_azerbaijan_clashes/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Considering the ongoing clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan forces, we know the situation could spiral out to control anytime. What do you people think, what role should US and other powerful countries play in this situation?","upvotes":32,"user_id":"rickeyclarke01"},{"content":"What is Pelosi's motivation for proposing the Commission on Presidential Capacity?","created_at":1602298141.0,"id":"j84tq9","n_comments":456,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j84tq9/what_is_pelosis_motivation_for_proposing_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"From C-Span: \"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) unveiled legislation to create the Commission on Presidential Capacity. Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Raskin explained Congress' role designated in the 25th Amendment and clarified the commission is for future presidents.\"\n\nWhat are Pelosi's and the Democrats' political motivations for proposing this legislation? Is there a possibility that it could backfire on them in the event of a Democratic presidency and a Republican congress?","upvotes":673,"user_id":"Entertainment-These"},{"content":"What are the possible airtime outcomes of Trump pulling out of the 2nd Presidential Debate?","created_at":1602199715.0,"id":"j7f3v0","n_comments":155,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j7f3v0/what_are_the_possible_airtime_outcomes_of_trump/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":" \n\nThe Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday morning that the second Presidential Debate will be held virtually. The style of this debate was/is to be a town hall event.\n\nHowever, shortly after the change was announced, Trump said he would refuse to participate, indicating he would not \"waste \\[his\\] time with a virtual debate.\" His campaign has indicated it may hold a rally instead. \n\nRecognizing that the FCC's equal time rule seems to exempt debates, if Trump declines to participate and the event instead becomes a one-candidate town hall on broadcast television, does that mean the broadcasting network must offer equal air time to Trump's rally or other alternative event? Or, alternatively, is Trump's refusal to participate seen as \"declining\" the opportunity offered by the network/Commission and the town hall could still be broadcast with Biden alone while not running afoul of the equal time rule? Are there other possible outcomes? \n\nSources:\n\n[2nd presidential debate moves virtual, Trump says he won't 'waste my time' (ABC NEWS)](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/2nd-debate-trump-biden-virtual/story?id=73496668)\n\n[\u2018I\u2019m not going to waste my time\u2019: Trump says he won\u2019t do virtual debate against Biden (POLITICO)](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/08/trump-biden-virtual-second-debate-427810)\n\n[THE FIRST AMENDMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA - Equal Time Rule](https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/949/equal-time-rule)","upvotes":62,"user_id":"floralbomber"},{"content":"What would Biden do if European countries kept electing far right/Nationalist parties?","created_at":1602225001.0,"id":"j7n1hv","n_comments":450,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j7n1hv/what_would_biden_do_if_european_countries_kept/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden has made re-engagement with Europe a key goal of his foreign policy. So how would Biden react to say...Salvini and Meloni taking power in Italy? Or The Sweden Democrats taking power in Sweden? Biden is big on the EU, human rights and internationalism. But what would he do if Europe stopped being as big on those things? Would he try and fight the results or would he work with the new governments? Albeit reluctantly...","upvotes":660,"user_id":"Therusso-irishman"},{"content":"How much infighting could there be between progressives and moderates in a Biden Presidency?","created_at":1602225261.0,"id":"j7n47y","n_comments":430,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j7n47y/how_much_infighting_could_there_be_between/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden is a moderate and has made massive efforts to appeal to moderates. However the progressive wing of the democrats party is growing increasingly more powerful and influential. The progressives were anti Biden untill the day he became the nominee, which also makes things awkward. Do you think that this will lead to internal clashes during the Biden Presidency?","upvotes":91,"user_id":"Therusso-irishman"},{"content":"Why did both Senator Harris and Vice President Pence come out strongly in favor of fracking during the VP debate despite its lack of public support?","created_at":1602171927.0,"id":"j78ywe","n_comments":79,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j78ywe/why_did_both_senator_harris_and_vice_president/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Source on fracking support.](https://www.sightline.org/2020/07/28/public-opinion-is-moving-against-natural-gas-and-fracking/)\n\n\nThat source includes a YouGov poll conducted in September 2019 that showed 46% of registered voters support a ban as opposed to 33% that were not in favor of a ban. And in Pennsylvania, an important swing state in the 2020 election, a January 2020 Franklin and Marshall College poll revealed voters favor a ban 48% to 39%.\n\n\nWhatever the actual risks and benefits of fracking are, it does not seem to be popular with any demographic. Why, then, did both running mates come out so strongly for it?","upvotes":60,"user_id":"Zagden"},{"content":"Post VP Debate: What will cause an impact?","created_at":1602153834.0,"id":"j752ok","n_comments":612,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j752ok/post_vp_debate_what_will_cause_an_impact/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Now that we've seen the one and only Vice Presidential debate of the 2020 US election, a mostly civil and more policy focused affair than last week's debate here are some questions:\n\n* What will get picked up by the media?\n\n* What policy positions got pushed that voters will remember and care about?\n\n* How does the contract between this debate and last week's debate impact the images of the candidates?","upvotes":234,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"[Live Thread] Vice Presidential debate between Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence","created_at":1602147566.0,"id":"j73ed8","n_comments":1790,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j73ed8/live_thread_vice_presidential_debate_between/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Please use this thread for discussion of the vice presidential debate between Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence.\n\nThe debate will take place at the University of Utah with Susan Page of USA Today moderating.\n\nThe debate can be live streamed [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_G0ia3JOVs&ab_channel=C-SPAN) through C-SPAN's YouTube channel.\n\nPlease keep discussion civil.","upvotes":767,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"Should Joe Biden Skip the Second Presidential Debate Scheduled for October 15th?","created_at":1602120283.0,"id":"j6v4h1","n_comments":93,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6v4h1/should_joe_biden_skip_the_second_presidential/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On October 1st we discovered that President Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid-19.\n\n​\n\nWould it be reasonable for Joe Biden to skip the next debate, citing risk of infection during a pandemic?\n\n​\n\n Is it possible for Trump to still be infectious a full two weeks after testing positive? \n\n\nWould Joe Biden experience blowback from the voters for skipping a debate? Would it be seen as prudent?","upvotes":48,"user_id":"jackofslayers"},{"content":"Will the Vice Presidential Debate matter at all this year?","created_at":1602131783.0,"id":"j6yvjg","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6yvjg/will_the_vice_presidential_debate_matter_at_all/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Conventional wisdom regarding the debates is that they don't really matter too much, if at all, but considering the circumstances surrounding both presidential candidates (both are over 70 and one has covid-19), will the Vice Presidential Debate matter more than it has in previous years?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"Dorsia_MaitreD"},{"content":"Who is likely to replace Pennsylvania Republican Senator Pat Toomey after his retirement in 2022?","created_at":1602134467.0,"id":"j6zpjp","n_comments":35,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6zpjp/who_is_likely_to_replace_pennsylvania_republican/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Republican Sen. Pat Toomey formally announced Monday he will neither run for reelection nor run for governor in 2022, a major blow to Republicans' long-term plans of competing statewide in Pennsylvania. Who are the most likely contenders to take his senate seat?","upvotes":56,"user_id":"islingcorpuscollosum"},{"content":"The Trump Campaign is reducing ad spending in some Midwestern states (MI, WI, MN) and eliminating it in others (OH, IA). What does this mean for the 2020 election?","created_at":1602130071.0,"id":"j6ycep","n_comments":472,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6ycep/the_trump_campaign_is_reducing_ad_spending_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The Trump campaign \\[is pulling out of more ad markets, primarily in the Midwest\\]([https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/henrygomez/trump-campaign-ads-pulled-back-ohio-wisconsin](https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/henrygomez/trump-campaign-ads-pulled-back-ohio-wisconsin)). From the article:\n\n\\> President Donald Trump\u2019s reelection campaign is slashing television spending in the Midwest, canceling millions of dollars in advertising in states that carried him to victory in 2016.\n\n\\>He\u2019s been off the local airwaves completely in Iowa and Ohio. The campaign also has given up at least $2 million worth of reservations in both Michigan and Wisconsin since early September. And in Minnesota, a state Trump almost won four years ago and has expressed confidence in flipping, his team already has chopped about $5 million from its projected fall TV budget.\n\nDoes this mean Trump is ceding that he can't compete in the midwest? What paths to victory remain to him if he cedes, at minimum, WI and MI?","upvotes":865,"user_id":"Thalesian"},{"content":"What are Democrats plans to deal with a 6-3 conservative SCOTUS, assuming they win the House, Senate, and Presidency?","created_at":1602122879.0,"id":"j6vywj","n_comments":432,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6vywj/what_are_democrats_plans_to_deal_with_a_63/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It seems like, even if the Dems win a trifecta, the Supreme Court will simply rule any legislation passed by the Congress unconstitutional, and may in fact strike down Roe v Wade and Obergefell vs Holmes. How could a Democratic Congress and Presidency respond to these challenges?","upvotes":68,"user_id":"ExpertAttempt"},{"content":"future of america-japan relations","created_at":1602111215.0,"id":"j6sa42","n_comments":18,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6sa42/future_of_americajapan_relations/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The published **military budget of Japan** for 2021 will 5.56 trillion yen (approximately US$50 billion) But there is no real armed force in Japan, only self-defense force. US bases provides safety in in Japan and region. But Do you think Japan Government can make their own strong military forces without american help?","upvotes":22,"user_id":"AsiaOnline"},{"content":"What will happen to the Republican Party after Trump?","created_at":1602110030.0,"id":"j6rxin","n_comments":801,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6rxin/what_will_happen_to_the_republican_party_after/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"If Trump is elected out, what direction will the Republican Party go?\n\nWill they start appealing to more conservative Hispanic/minority demographics, or will they continue to double down on the white evangelical vote?\n\nWill they continue to use populist rhetoric, or go back to the fiscal conservative/libertarian talking points?","upvotes":661,"user_id":"rollingboulder89"},{"content":"Why does Roe v Wade not have the same staying power that Obergefell v Hodges has?","created_at":1602024792.0,"id":"j66fxs","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.81,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j66fxs/why_does_roe_v_wade_not_have_the_same_staying/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obergefell v Hodges, the landmark decision that concluded marriage rights were applicable to any sexuality, was only decided in 2015. Since then, it seems as though people have just accepted it as a part of life and moved on, and you don\u2019t really hear many mainstream politicians or judges (outside of Thomas and Alito) question whether it should be overturned. It seems like equal marriage rights are here to stay. \n\nThis is profoundly contrasted with the decision made in Roe v Wade. Although this case was decided nearly 50 years ago, it is an unfailing aspect of life that you will have a challenge to it at least once every couple of years. There have been several cases that have modified the original ruling, but overall it seems as though a very solid chunk of American society has rejected the conclusion of the case. \n\nMy question: why does Roe not have the same staying power on the American conscience as Obergefell? There\u2019s plenty of parallels between the two: they\u2019re issues that animate the religious right, they\u2019re issues that people argued about (and, with Roe, still do) relentlessly, etc. Why does it seem like Americans have accepted one ruling, and not the other?","upvotes":28,"user_id":"Legalistigician"},{"content":"President Trump has called off stimulus negotiations until after the election. How will this move impact said election? What should the second stimulus contain, whenever it is passed? Which of the major sticking points will be hardest to overcome when negotiations resume?","created_at":1602042783.0,"id":"j6c79j","n_comments":111,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6c79j/president_trump_has_called_off_stimulus/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1313551794623127552\n\nThe tweets:\n\n>Nancy Pelosi is asking for $2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run, high crime, Democrat States, money that is in no way related to COVID-19. We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith. I am rejecting their...\n\n>...request, and looking to the future of our Country. I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business. I have asked...\n\n>...@senatemajldr Mitch McConnell not to delay, but to instead focus full time on approving my outstanding nominee to the United States Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett. Our Economy is doing very well. The Stock Market is at record levels, JOBS and unemployment...\n\n>...also coming back in record numbers. We are leading the World in Economic Recovery, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!\n\nhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/10/06/covid-stimulus-update-trump-rejects-democratic-offer-eyes-election/3627003001/\n\nFrom the article:\n\n>Democrats seemed to have grow more bullish about a deal going into last weekend. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday on MSNBC she was \u201coptimistic\u201d about a deal, saying Trump\u2019s positive COVID-19 diagnosis \u201cchanges the dynamic.\u201d She and Mnuchin talked Monday as they continued to work through remaining areas of disagreement.\n\n>Pelosi said in a letter to House Democrats Friday she and Mnuchin were working through five main areas of disagreement:\n\n> * The dollar amount of the federal boost to unemployment benefits\n> * Funding for school and state and local governments\n> * Tax credit provisions for children and families \n> * Testing and contact tracing funding\n> * Appropriations for Democratic priorities like transit \n\n>Trump, who had urged Republicans to accept more aid, tweeted in all caps Saturday, \"OUR GREAT USA WANTS & NEEDS STIMULUS. WORK TOGETHER AND GET IT DONE.\u201d","upvotes":78,"user_id":"magic_missile"},{"content":"What are some lesser known or particularly important ballot initiatives across the United States in the 2020 General Election?","created_at":1602045487.0,"id":"j6d39y","n_comments":49,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6d39y/what_are_some_lesser_known_or_particularly/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Though the major state and federal races are covered a lot here, I know there are a bunch of issues, like the Constitutional Amendment to amend the tax code in Illinois, that deserve some information and discussion as well.","upvotes":51,"user_id":"BUSean"},{"content":"What will the impact on competitive senate races in swing states (NC, MT, IA, AK, GA, etc) be if Biden takes this massive lead into Election Day? Will voters hedge their vote and vote for an R senate?","created_at":1602045553.0,"id":"j6d40z","n_comments":36,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6d40z/what_will_the_impact_on_competitive_senate_races/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Biden\u2019s lead has ballooned to +14, +16, +16, and +21 in post Trump hospitalization polls (or subsets of polls). Will voters see this and vote for a Republican senate to avoid a dem sweep or are enough voters solidly Democratic and want a full sweep?","upvotes":30,"user_id":"fluffyglof"},{"content":"Why didn\u2019t we put Osama Bin Laden on trial? What if we had put him on trial?","created_at":1602063897.0,"id":"j6i6f6","n_comments":417,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6i6f6/why_didnt_we_put_osama_bin_laden_on_trial_what_if/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So I\u2019ve been mulling over this.\n\nWhen the US was attacked by Japan, we fought Japan and went to war with them. Just like after 9/11, went to war with Al Qaeda.\n\nSo why didn\u2019t we put Osama on trial?\n\nBecause after WW2 ended, we put Japan\u2019s top brass on trial (even if it was botched by Cold War considerations and other interests outside of prosecuting the war criminals).\n\nBut we never did that for Osama Bin Ladin.\n\nWhy didn\u2019t we? Was it planned to put him on trial and circumstance intervened (he resisted)?\n\nWhat would have been the ramifications if we had put him on trial, compared to the present day, where we didn\u2019t?","upvotes":670,"user_id":"Bigbluebuttonman"},{"content":"Was the Republican Party's revival throughout the 2010s political revolution or political evolution?","created_at":1602047253.0,"id":"j6dn4p","n_comments":151,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j6dn4p/was_the_republican_partys_revival_throughout_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Looking back to 2010, the Tea Party Movement came into focus as a national force, running candidates who were hardline fiscal conservatives, opposed to federal interference in almost every realm from healthcare, education, and social welfare to name a few. Republicans won back the House, then the Senate in 2014, and finally the presidency in 2016. Republicans maintain the majority of state legislatures and Governorships, even though Democrats have won the popular vote in 7 of the last 8 Presidential elections, have won back the House, and could retake the Senate and/or the Presidency this Fall. \n\n\nWas the GOP's success in the last decade the inevitable swing of the political pendulum in response to the Obama Presidency, losing the the House in '06, the Obama-Era \"supermajority,\" and the down-ballot sweeps of state and local offices? Or, will we look back on it as a right-wing uprising, a political revolution? Or is it something else all together?","upvotes":124,"user_id":"10thunderpigs"},{"content":"How will US foreign policy change if Biden wins in November?","created_at":1602018424.0,"id":"j64pii","n_comments":51,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j64pii/how_will_us_foreign_policy_change_if_biden_wins/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Under the Trump Administration, US foreign policy has arguably become more influenced by domestic elements (innenpolitik). This can be seen through its withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Paris Agreement, along with the continual imposition of tariffs on exports into the US, a traditional method of trade protectionism.\n\nShould Biden win the elections in November 2020, is the current trend in US foreign policy more likely to continue or reverse? Why?","upvotes":48,"user_id":"OldProtectionism"},{"content":"Should Election By Lottery and the creation of Citizen Assemblies be used as a replacement of elected legislatures?","created_at":1602035659.0,"id":"j69vhs","n_comments":344,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j69vhs/should_election_by_lottery_and_the_creation_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Citizen Assemblies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens%27_assembly) are a deliberative body formed by lottery, or [sortition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sortition). After the use of sortition in Ancient Athens, it seemed to be relegated to history but in recent times there has been a revival of its study, with modern work done on \"deliberative polls\", \"minipublics\", \"Citizen Assemblies\", or other brand names. \n\nThe concept is simple:\n\n1. A deliberative or legislative body is constructing using random scientific sampling of a population of around 100 to 1000 members. \n2. The chosen are paid to voluntarily participate in the body called a Citizen's Assembly.\n3. The assembly deliberates on a topic. \n4. There is typically a \"learning phase\" where academics educate the assembly on the topic at hand. \n5. There is an \"open forum phase\" where members of the public, interest groups, and politicians submit comments on the topic at hand. \n6. There is a \"discussion phase\" where the assembly deliberates over the proposal. \n7. There is a \"decision phase\" where members vote in favor or against proposals. \n\nIn other words this body works much like any other legislative body, except that its members are randomly chosen. Political scientists have been experimenting with Citizen Assemblies over the years...\n\n* They were used to [recommend Single Transferable Voting for British columbia](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0032329206297147) (a ranked choice, multi-winner proportional representation system). The recommendation was however ignored in the referendum.\n* Citizens assemblies have been used in Ireland to build support in [legalizing gay marriage and legalizing abortion](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/16/citizens-assembly-ireland-abortion-referendum). Irish citizen assemblies have also recommended[ carbon taxes on petrochemicals and livestock and dairy production](https://2016-2018.citizensassembly.ie/en/How-the-State-can-make-Ireland-a-leader-in-tackling-climate-change/How-the-State-can-make-Ireland-a-leader-in-tackling-climate-change.html). \n* Recent Citizen Assemblies on Climate change have also been performed in [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_convention_for_ecological_transition) and the UK, all where members came out in favor of increased regulations and/or taxation in order to limit carbon emissions. \n* Assemblies have also been used outside Western nations, including [Mongolia](https://news.stanford.edu/2017/05/02/collaboration-stanford-leads-mongolian-parliament-passing-law-public-opinion-polling/), Tanzania, and China. \n\nAs of yet, these assemblies have only been used as advisory boards to the actual government. Would they also make effective legislatures?","upvotes":412,"user_id":"subheight640"},{"content":"When is violence justified? How do you know?","created_at":1602034674.0,"id":"j69k1y","n_comments":93,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j69k1y/when_is_violence_justified_how_do_you_know/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A fairly broad ranging question. It seems quite clear that any society (liberal, fascist, communist) ultimately requires violence of some kind, general means of coercion and force that keeps everyone on the same page - but what is and is not a legitimate target, and what is and is not a legitimate wielder of violence - varies wildly. \n\nSome discrete examples that discussion could touch on:\n\nViolence used to imprison people\n\nViolence used to break strikes, violence in stopping strike-breakers \n\nViolence of military in securing national benefits, violence against a military. \n\nViolence for political purposes, as in pre-emptively suppressing fascist movements\n\nViolence for political purposes, as in quelling domestic unrest, or on the flip side - violence in pursuit of revolution.","upvotes":59,"user_id":"Your_People_Justify"},{"content":"Consequences of Democrats making Roe v Wade into a law?","created_at":1602024132.0,"id":"j66915","n_comments":12,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j66915/consequences_of_democrats_making_roe_v_wade_into/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's very likely that Amy Comey is going to be confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice before the 2020 election, and thus the Court will have a 6-3 conservative majority. What would be the political consequences of a future Dem administration and Congress enshrining access to abortion up to the end of the first trimester into law to prevent the shifting majority of the Court from calling abortion rights into question?\n\nDo the Dems and GOP gain or lose any voters? Does abortion lose its status as a culture war issue?","upvotes":9,"user_id":"parduscat"},{"content":"Red States vs Blue States, how easy is it to vote?","created_at":1602016129.0,"id":"j645ce","n_comments":25,"percentage_upvoted":1.0,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j645ce/red_states_vs_blue_states_how_easy_is_it_to_vote/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hi, I'm from the UK, my entire voting life I've had a one minute walk from my home to the polling station to cast my vote.\nToday I heard about the current issue in which the publics ability to vote has been limited in Texas. \nThe Republican governor there has removed a lot of County's ballot box drop offs, where some people may have to travel 30 miles plus to actually vote, as well, this led me to see that a few years ago around 1300 voting booths etc were closed in Southern states.\n\nIn the UK the Labour Party are typically pro-voting and run adverts during elections on registering to vote, whilst the Conservative Party usually run limited voter registration campaigns. Whilst the parties aren't quite similar (Most Democrats would probably find themselves on the left of the Conservative Party, and most Republicans are rare in UK politics and would probably have the most hardline Conservative baulk) they are the only similar comparison of opposing main parties.\n\nAnyway, I guess my question is, is it is easier to vote in Blue States or Red States, is this a partisan issue and is one party more likely to promote voting and political inclusion over the other?\n\nThanks.","upvotes":15,"user_id":"CheekySamurai"},{"content":"How exactly are polls weighing white working class voters this time compared to 2016?","created_at":1601959981.0,"id":"j5rnhc","n_comments":80,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j5rnhc/how_exactly_are_polls_weighing_white_working/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've read on various posts/blogs that state polls in the midwest in 2016 underrepresented the white working class. The pollsters have supposedly changed their weighing formulas but I don't know exactly what changes they've made. This question can be extended to how are pollsters weighing population in 2016 vs 2020, not just for white working class voters.","upvotes":99,"user_id":"toogloo1"},{"content":"How do you define your political beliefs vs. the stereotypes that are associated with it?","created_at":1601951793.0,"id":"j5p2jl","n_comments":94,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j5p2jl/how_do_you_define_your_political_beliefs_vs_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I see a lot of discussion around labels, which is often disingenuous because labels typically dehumanize people into just being boxes based on others perceptions... But.. for the sake of discussion, I have a question around how invidiual people perceive their own beliefs.\n\nBased on **What you identify with** What are the differences in the following ACCORDING TO YOU: \n\nNote: The point is to define your own. I ask that you be intellectually honest and avoid as much hyperbole or stereotyping as possible. \n\n\nExtra points if you can provide the main differences (factually) between yourself and similar or opposite beliefs:\n\nExamples: (Non US please contribute as well!)\n\n* Tory vs. Labour\n* Left vs. Liberal\n* Socialist / Leftist\n* Socialist / Liberal\n* Republican / Conservative\n* Conservative / Trump Conservative (or Trump Republican)\n* Tory vs. Boris Tory\n* Libertarian / Left or Right\n* Choose your own adventure","upvotes":40,"user_id":"Oddlyme"},{"content":"In politics, is their a technical difference between a minority opinion and a fringe opinion?","created_at":1601953711.0,"id":"j5pon9","n_comments":33,"percentage_upvoted":0.78,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j5pon9/in_politics_is_their_a_technical_difference/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"For example, would an opinion with 5% support be a minority opinion or a fringe opinion? What about an opinion with 1% of public support? Is there a general threshold or range of support that differentiates the two?","upvotes":21,"user_id":"GrizzlyRob97"},{"content":"[Polling Megathread] Week of October 5, 2020","created_at":1601955354.0,"id":"j5q7j4","n_comments":2253,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j5q7j4/polling_megathread_week_of_october_5_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Welcome to the polling megathread for the week of October 5, 2020.\n\n**All top-level comments should be for individual polls released this week only and link to the poll.** Unlike subreddit text submissions, top-level comments do not need to ask a question. However they must summarize the poll in a meaningful way; link-only comments will be removed. Top-level comments also should not be overly editorialized. Discussion of those polls should take place in response to the top-level comment. \n\nU.S. presidential election polls posted in this thread must be from a [538-recognized pollster](http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/). Feedback is welcome via [modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FPoliticalDiscussion). \n\nPlease remember to sort by new, keep conversation civil, and enjoy!","upvotes":453,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"Why does it seem like the party leaders (Pelosi, Schumer, McConnell, McCarthy etc.) are the only ones doing the actual arguing over legislation? What do the other members of Congress contribute to the writing of a bill?","created_at":1601895362.0,"id":"j5bx5x","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j5bx5x/why_does_it_seem_like_the_party_leaders_pelosi/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"When a bill get drafted and has to fight its way through Congress, it seems like the same 3 or 4 majority and minority House and Senate leaders are meeting in backrooms to negotiate the nitpicky details of a policy. For example I was just listening to NPR about the possibility of a stimulus bill and they mention how Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer had their 10th or 11th meeting with Steve Mnuchin about how to make the bill work. The other members of Congress don't seem to have any input over the drafting of a bill, but yet they mention that should the Dems succeed in getting what they want, (which again, from my pov is essentially what Pelosi and Schumer want) it would allow Joe Schmoe from the 2nd Congressional district of Flyover State to claim to his constituents that he did something for them and thus deserve reelection. That's the part I don't really get. What do the 430 other members of Congress contribute to a bill and do _they_ ever get to negotiate with their other colleagues over nitpicky details?","upvotes":39,"user_id":"I_love_limey_butts"},{"content":"Why did Congress not issue a declaration of war against Iraq in 2002 or 2003?","created_at":1601883165.0,"id":"j58yg7","n_comments":142,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j58yg7/why_did_congress_not_issue_a_declaration_of_war/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002, authorizing the use of the United States Armed Forces against Saddam Hussein's Iraq government. The Resolution was challenged in court by a coalition of U.S. soldiers, parents of U.S. soldiers, and members of Congress in Doe v. Bush, but the case was dismissed by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The majority opinion said:\n\n> An extreme case might arise, for example, if Congress gave absolute discretion to the President to start a war at his or her will... Plaintiffs' objection to the October Resolution does not, of course, involve any such claim. Nor does it involve a situation where the President acts without any apparent congressional authorization, or against congressional opposition... To the contrary, Congress has been deeply involved in significant debate, activity, and authorization connected to our relations with Iraq for over a decade, under three different presidents of both major political parties, and during periods when each party has controlled Congress.\n\nSo by all accounts the Resolution was fully legal and constitutional. But why did Congress not take it a step further and issue a full-throated declaration of war? The US went to war with the government of a foreign nation, invaded that nation, engaged in hostilities with its armed forces, overthrew that government, and proceeded to occupy the country. This is not unlike what the United States did against Germany, Japan, and Italy during World War Two. With two notable exceptions: Iraq never declared war against the United States, nor did Iraq launch an attack against the United States.\n\nThese two facts notwithstanding, why did Congress not declare war? Is it necessary for another country to declare war against the US first, or for that country to attack the US first? Did some members of Congress push at any point for a formal declaration of war? Why stop at a resolution?","upvotes":566,"user_id":"RoutineProcedure"},{"content":"What happens if a presidential candidate dies mid-election?","created_at":1601883939.0,"id":"j595g8","n_comments":8,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j595g8/what_happens_if_a_presidential_candidate_dies/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Ever since 2016 this has been something that has bugged me, and with recent events I feel comfortable asking this without ending up on some kind of watch list. When I'm talking about this I'm talking about at this point when there's a clear candidate for both parties, not the primary.\n\nIt can be for any reason, foul play, an act of god (struck by a meteor for example, absurd I know, but it gets the point across), natural causes, medical complications or a freak accident. The end result is that said party's candidate is dead.\n\nIf that were to happen how would either the Democratic or Republican parties handle it? Would the vice-president candidate take over and pick their (now Vice President)? Would they hold an emergency primary to get a replacement or would they just be forced to drop out of the race and forfeit?\n\nI suspect that both parties have a contingency plan in the event that this would happen (which it never should, but life is unpredictable), if not that seems like a serious problem. This has never happened before (to the major parties) and with how things are currently there's a grim possibility it might happen in the absolute worst-case scenario.\n\np.s. If this was the wrong place to post this I'm sorry, this seemed like the right place to me.","upvotes":20,"user_id":"Ace-Gaming1"},{"content":"Reuniting the US Senate - abolishing the Dual-Track System?","created_at":1601804044.0,"id":"j4qsdz","n_comments":110,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j4qsdz/reuniting_the_us_senate_abolishing_the_dualtrack/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I was recently reading about the Senate and why it is so divided along partisan lines, and I came across one potential source of a lot of the issues - the Dual-Track system.\n\nIn 1970 the Senate voted to establish a Dual-Track system, which allowed for a debate over legislation or vote to be \"tabled\" for the time being so that the Senate could move on to other issues. This was done to prevent the Senate from halting due to a filibuster. Since a 2/3 majority of the senate was needed to limit filibustering, only a relatively united Senate could move forward. Additionally, filibustering was difficult since senators would have to actually stand and talk for hours on end.\n\nNowadays, because the Senate can simply move on to other business, filibustering is all but a gesture, since if the minority party simply says it will filibuster, the majority just tables the issue and moves on. This, however, has caused an [exponential](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster_in_the_United_States_Senate#The_two-track_system,_60-vote_rule_and_rise_of_the_routine_filibuster_(1970_onward)) rise in filibustering since 1970, which caused the senate, in 1975, to change the 2/3 majority to a 3/5 majority. And now, since 2013 and 2017, to a simple majority for presidential nominees.\n\nIt seems that this is a dangerous path to be headed down, and has made the Senate even more partisan than it's ever been. With another Supreme Court justice appointee back on the menu, does this need to be looked at again? Should the number of votes to end filibustering be returned to 3/5, or even 2/3 of the Senate? Should the minority party be required to actually stand and filibuster so that they have to pick and choose carefully what they want to filibuster, not to mention perform it?\n\nMore importantly, how would we even go about reverting what seems to be an obvious mistake made back in 1970? Would a divided Senate ever agree to go back to the old rules?\n\nHere's an interesting [article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-filibuster-isnt-what-it-used-to-be-its-time-to-bring-the-old-way-back/2017/03/29/f8242af0-13e9-11e7-9e4f-09aa75d3ec57_story.html) I found on the matter.","upvotes":76,"user_id":"_Pointless_"},{"content":"Adding a Census Question Related to Voting Eligibility","created_at":1601769444.0,"id":"j4hfc4","n_comments":29,"percentage_upvoted":0.32,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j4hfc4/adding_a_census_question_related_to_voting/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The census serves a dual purpose. Firstly to allocate funding for things like road construction, education, and welfare, and secondly to divide congressional districts. Currently the census doesn't separate people who are needed to be counted in the first (everyone living there permanently) and those who need to be counted for the second.\n\nAs a result there are several groups including permanent immigrants (illegal and legal), felons, and children who are counted for the purposes of apportionment and thus given representation, but not given the right to vote for how they should be represented.\n\nWould our democracy be improved by only giving representation to people we believe should be allowed to vote? If we think these groups deserve representation shouldn't they be allowed to vote and if we don't believe they do why do we give them representation?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Blueopus2"},{"content":"If the appointment of Amy Coney Barret is successful, up to six of the current nine justices will be Catholic. What has been the cause of the recent Catholic shift of the Supreme Court? Should there be more religious diversity in nominations?","created_at":1601786240.0,"id":"j4majv","n_comments":78,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j4majv/if_the_appointment_of_amy_coney_barret_is/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Catholic identification in the United States stands around 20%, as of 2020. However, it is likely soon that the supreme court will be (up to)* 66% Catholic. Does this matter? \n\nIdentifies as Catholic:\n\n1. As mentioned, Amy Coney Barret is a devout Catholic (trump appointment)\n2. Samuel Alito (Bush appointment)\n3. Brett Kavanaugh (Trump appointment)\n4. Clarence Thomas (Bush Sr. appointment)\n**Although Thomas identified as protestant at the time of his appointment, however he has return to Catholicism\n5. Sonia Sotomayor (Obama appointment)\n\nraised Catholic*:\n\n6. Neil Gorsuch (although now belongs to Episcopal Church)\n\nTo further drive this point home, the two previous judges that trump has replaced with Catholics, ... were also Catholic:\n\n7. Anthony Kennedy (Reagan Appointment)\n8. Antonin Scalia (Reagan Appointment)\n\n\n... So why so many Catholics?\n\nI couldn't find any religious demographics on lawyers quickly, is the profession dominated by Catholics or something?\nSome ideas I had off the bat, devout christians would likely make opinions that favored the Republican agenda (i.e. abortion), and 7 of the justices I mentioned are all Republican picks. But why not other devout christians with similar views on abortion, such as evangelicals? What about the one Obama pick (sotomayor)?\n\nAnother is that Catholics are perhaps more racially diverse, and so satisfy a stronger diversity goal for presidents in making up the Court (achieved with Thomas and Sotomayor)?\n\nWhat do you think? Is religious diversity not important for the Supreme court? Should it be?","upvotes":89,"user_id":"stufosta"},{"content":"Two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee - both Republicans - have tested positive for coronavirus today (10-2-2020). How does this impact the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court?","created_at":1601717085.0,"id":"j4716d","n_comments":338,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j4716d/two_members_of_the_senate_judiciary_committee/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) [tested positive early today](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/02/mike-lee-tests-positive-covid-425172). This evening, Thom Tillis (R-NC) [also tested positive](https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article246188995.html). Lee has not been wearing masks to committee meetings and in one-on-ones with the prospective nominee, [who says she tested positive this summer](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/barrett-coronavirus-court-trump/2020/10/02/ecf7c7ce-04cf-11eb-8879-7663b816bfa5_story.html). Thom Tillis was wearing a mask occasionally but has still contracted coronavirus. The coronavirus status of other committee members is currently unknown. \n\nSenate Majority Leader (R-KY) [intends to carry on normally with a safety review, while Democrats call for a halt to the proceedings](https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-republicans-say-coronavirus-wont-delay-supreme-court-nomination-11601649999). [There is strong concern that the nomination event in the Rose Garden may have been a super-spreader event](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/scotus-nomination-coronavirus-superspreader-white-house-senator-mike-lee-b749466.html ), with people ranging from journalists to Senators to the Dean of Notre Dam to even the President himself having positive tests a week after the event. \n\nSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and ranking member of the Judiciary Committee Diane Feinstein (D-CA) [have strongly indicated they would prefer to see the process halted for safety reasons](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/schumer-and-feinstein-suggest-delay-to-amy-coney-barrett-hearings-over-coronavirus). The former chief of staff to former Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has pointed out that Judiciary committee rules currently say [two members of the minority party must be present for the nomination to continue](https://twitter.com/ajentleson/status/1312078888886054914?s=21). In addition, Mitch McConnell has never approved of remote voting in the Senate, and [stated he believes it is contrary to the spirit of the constitution](https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/21/politics/house-remote-voting-pandemic-mcconnell/index.html). \n\nSo the question is this: can the nomination proceed given how many members of the committee are bow sick and in quarantine? Can/should Democrats use the existing rules to halt the nomination?","upvotes":620,"user_id":"Thalesian"},{"content":"What could democrats like about Trump, and/or Republicans about Biden?","created_at":1601711214.0,"id":"j45m5p","n_comments":1095,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j45m5p/what_could_democrats_like_about_trump_andor/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hi,\n\nI've been wondering for a while about things that bridge the gap between the increasingly divided positions in US politics. I'm wondering what peoples opinions are regarding this question: What is there for republicans to like about Biden and Democrats about Trump? This is pretty wide, it includes the platforms and the candidates themselves, but hopefully this should spark some meaningful discussion.","upvotes":780,"user_id":"je97"},{"content":"How could Donald Trump's COVID impact the election?","created_at":1601644468.0,"id":"j3oobk","n_comments":1769,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j3oobk/how_could_donald_trumps_covid_impact_the_election/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Donald Trump has COVID.](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/02/president-donald-trump-says-he-has-tested-positive-for-coronavirus.html)\n\nIn light of this development, the question of what impact, if any, this will have on the race becomes immediately relevant. There are many possible points and possibilities for consideration:\n\n* What happens if a candidate were to die of COVID this close to the election?\n\n* What happens if a candidate suffers a protracted illness but does not die?\n\n* Will this provide Trump a boost in the polls? A sympathy vote? Will it have no impact? A negative impact?\n\n* Is Biden at risk due to his presence at the debate on Tuesday?\n\n* How will vice presidents play into this?\n\n* If Pence, who has been in personal contact with Trump, is also infected, could a situation wherein Pelosi, as Speaker of the House, serves as president?\n\nSurely there are more issues to discuss and I do not want to limit conversation to those outlined above. This is potentially a major development in the race.","upvotes":1607,"user_id":"Cobalt_Caster"},{"content":"Do you think it\u2019s possible that democracy has an upper limit on population after which the ability to maintain meaningful progress while also a reasonable amount of civil stability begins to break down?","created_at":1601604429.0,"id":"j3dv5c","n_comments":116,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j3dv5c/do_you_think_its_possible_that_democracy_has_an/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In light of the ever increasing extremity of political division between the left and the right, I wonder if it is simply a fact of collective behavior that democracy can\u2019t work if there are too many people with too many differing opinions. Has the United States become too big to remain a single country while also remaining democratic.\n\n*In before \u201cThe US isnt a democracy.\u201d I know, but it is generally democratic.","upvotes":91,"user_id":"CarryTheBoat"},{"content":"Trump and Biden have very different views on climate change. Who do you agree with and why?","created_at":1601604118.0,"id":"j3drgh","n_comments":109,"percentage_upvoted":0.44,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j3drgh/trump_and_biden_have_very_different_views_on/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The majority of scientists agree that climate change is real and getting worse. The UN announced that in 11 years the effects will become irreversible. Climate change has already taken the lives of hundreds and costed us millions due to forest fires, increasingly destructive storms, and decreasing air quality.\n\nIn 2017 Trump removed the US from the Paris Agreement and proceeded to either remove or lighten up on many pollution regulations. This made it cheaper to operate power plants and in doing so, made the US more self reliant for power.\n\nTrump says that he will continue to remove regulations on carbon emissions which would make gas and cars cheaper. His solution to climate change is to have better forest management and plant more trees.\n\nBiden's plan for climate change is to immediately return to the Paris Agreement and re-institute the greenhouse gas regulations. He also says he will introduce a plan to switch to green energy while creating thousands of jobs.\n\nWho's POV do you agree with and why? Do you think they will be able to follow through on their promises?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"paws97"},{"content":"How to convince the public to wear masks/gloves if they are resistant?","created_at":1601574875.0,"id":"j35lwd","n_comments":56,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j35lwd/how_to_convince_the_public_to_wear_masksgloves_if/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As you all know, this pandemic has taken a major toll on the entire global community. In some societies, people do abide by COVID protective measures. Yet, in other societies people are resistant (or do not want to abide).What sort of messaging and media material or campaigns would convince the public to abide by the measures? Let's please discuss this!","upvotes":35,"user_id":"montagestudent"},{"content":"Early voting surge and poll numbers.","created_at":1601589816.0,"id":"j395gb","n_comments":31,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j395gb/early_voting_surge_and_poll_numbers/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[NPR's recent reporting](https://www.npr.org/2020/09/28/917861538/almost-a-million-ballots-already-cast-in-2020-presidential-election) speaks to the volume of absentee voting conducted already, and it's a massive difference from prior years. While some of this is due to relaxing of state laws around absentee ballots, it's still a significant picture of what's to come before election day.\n\n​\n\nWith the debates finally underway, we've entered the period of \"what might change voters' minds between now and Nov 3rd.\" A million ballots cast nationwide before the first debate took place suggests further proof many are unwavering in their opinions of either the President or Former Vice-President Joe Biden. Many discussions have resurged around the concept of \"polls today aren't reflective of what will happen on Nov 3rd,\" however how true can this idea hold in this election cycle given the unprecedented early voting numbers?\n\n​\n\nCan we still say polls are as unreliable as they have been in the past, or does this year warrant extra attention to them as they will increasingly involve respondents who have actually voted and cannot change their vote?","upvotes":80,"user_id":"Dog-Strong"},{"content":"How will the Democratic and Republican party change if Trump wins in a landslide?","created_at":1601585917.0,"id":"j382nu","n_comments":129,"percentage_upvoted":0.72,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j382nu/how_will_the_democratic_and_republican_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The polls right now are showing Biden is in the lead and it is generally expected that even if Trump wins, it would likely be close and he will still lose the popular vote. \n\nHowever, what if the polls were once again really wrong and Trump won in a landslide. How will a result like that change the Democratic and Republican party in terms of their policies and the values they represent? What kind of candidates will we expect in 2024?","upvotes":41,"user_id":"unitydivide"},{"content":"The Vice Presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris is coming up soon on October 7th. After this week's debate, what are your expectations?","created_at":1601573062.0,"id":"j359qq","n_comments":869,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j359qq/the_vice_presidential_debate_between_mike_pence/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In what ways will this debate be different? Will this debate carry more weight or less weight for undecided voters? What are the most important issues to be discussed? Are there any burning questions that should be asked?\n\nDepending on what happens during this debate, what effect do you think it will have on the election as a whole?","upvotes":1169,"user_id":"PM_ME_TODAYS_VICTORY"},{"content":"If a third party were to win a state does that change anything about the swing States to win a presidency?","created_at":1601504665.0,"id":"j2n2ys","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.62,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2n2ys/if_a_third_party_were_to_win_a_state_does_that/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With how crazy this election has been I do not see it impossible although likely improbable that a third-party candidate were to win an actual state. But if that were to happen does that change the swing States necessary to win the presidency? What if it was a state like Indiana with 19? Electoral votes how much does that change the landscape and makeup of what's necessary to win the office?","upvotes":5,"user_id":"IndyPoker979"},{"content":"Voter turnout","created_at":1601512749.0,"id":"j2pn2x","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2pn2x/voter_turnout/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There is greatly expanded absentee and early voting this year. ~1,000,000 people have already voted vs ~9,000 in 2016. Does this mean overall turnout will be much greater than in 2016? Or are people just voting differently due to COVID or expanded access in general? Can we predict turnout accurately this far in advance?","upvotes":20,"user_id":"RavenRaxa"},{"content":"What do you think is the most realistic timeline for an election result in November?","created_at":1601525853.0,"id":"j2ttln","n_comments":68,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2ttln/what_do_you_think_is_the_most_realistic_timeline/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"As Chris Wallace mentioned last night, it is very likely we will not have a result on 11/3. There are a few swing states that cannot even open ballots until the day of the election. What do you think is a reasonable time to expect results?","upvotes":33,"user_id":"missmegz1492"},{"content":"Would changing the elections of government officials to strictly popular vote majorly increase turnout?","created_at":1601550117.0,"id":"j30kdv","n_comments":72,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j30kdv/would_changing_the_elections_of_government/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"A lot of people now a days don\u2019t vote because they believe their vote \u201cdoesn\u2019t matter\u201d in some aspects it doesn\u2019t for certain elections, and the voter turnout suffers because of that. So would getting rid of the electoral college and changing the system to popular vote increase the turnout?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"Loganknox7"},{"content":"How would you design a live fact checking mechanism for the debates?","created_at":1601547316.0,"id":"j2zuoq","n_comments":29,"percentage_upvoted":0.85,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2zuoq/how_would_you_design_a_live_fact_checking/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There has been a lot of talk regarding having live fact checking to expose lies that may be said by Trump and Biden in the debates. \n\nHow would you design this live fact checking mechanism so that it can keep the debate being fluid at the same time that it is exposing lies that are being said by the candidates?","upvotes":13,"user_id":"lfuego"},{"content":"Why do Americans condone the bipartisanship?","created_at":1601491291.0,"id":"j2js6h","n_comments":69,"percentage_upvoted":0.64,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2js6h/why_do_americans_condone_the_bipartisanship/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Genuine question from a European. I get that the system in America makes it very hard for a third party to arise, but it's not prohibitive! In elections where the opinion \"both candidates are bad\" is often expressed, such as these and the previous, why do very few Americans vote a third party?","upvotes":17,"user_id":"High_hungry_Im_dad"},{"content":"How should the next Presidential debate be restructured?","created_at":1601516958.0,"id":"j2r0ia","n_comments":249,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2r0ia/how_should_the_next_presidential_debate_be/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The commission on Presidential debates just announced that \"additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues\". \n\nWhat should these measures be after last night's debate?","upvotes":127,"user_id":"MyNewAccount962"},{"content":"What impact will poll watchers have on the election?","created_at":1601467591.0,"id":"j2f2wu","n_comments":111,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2f2wu/what_impact_will_poll_watchers_have_on_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The 2020 presidential election marks the first election in decades wherein the Republican Party is not forbidden by court order from sending poll watchers to voting centers. The Republican Party has since recruited [50,000](https://www.npr.org/2020/09/29/918317570/democrats-worry-gop-efforts-to-recruit-poll-watchers-may-lead-to-voter-intimidat). Democrats claim this constitutes voter intimidation.\n\nIn the first debate between President Trump and Mr. Biden, Trump made remarks that many people are interpreting as a call for Trump supporters to engage in poll watching activity.\n\nWhat impact, if any, would these Republican poll watchers have on voter turnout? Would they/could they constitute voter intimidation?\n\nOn a clarifying note, \"poll watcher\" in this context does not mean someone who is stationed to observe the actual vote tallying in an election center.","upvotes":57,"user_id":"Cobalt_Caster"},{"content":"Is Canada the Right Model for a Better U.S. Health Care System?","created_at":1601414386.0,"id":"j1z1v4","n_comments":13,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j1z1v4/is_canada_the_right_model_for_a_better_us_health/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Healthcare is a big topic, especially today with the pandemic going on. I'm sure this discussion has been had before. But now, in the face of a persistent pandemic, is Canada's healthcare system the right model for the U.S.? How much would it cost? (I know people will present Bernie's Medicare plan, but that was FAR more generous than Canada's system)","upvotes":18,"user_id":"123lose"},{"content":"Post Debate: Which moments will resonate?","created_at":1601463634.0,"id":"j2e2er","n_comments":2130,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2e2er/post_debate_which_moments_will_resonate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"We've now seen the first debate of the 2020 US presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.\n\nWhat soundbites will get attention from the media and campaigns during the interim between debates?\n\nWhat policy positions got expanded upon or highlighted?\n\nDepending on the answers to the prior two questions, which candidate best made their case why they should be president and was most convincing to voters?","upvotes":758,"user_id":"The_Egalitarian"},{"content":"[Live Thread] First 2020 Presidential Debate between former Vice President Joe Biden","created_at":1601453153.0,"id":"j2bdne","n_comments":2451,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j2bdne/live_thread_first_2020_presidential_debate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The first of three presidential debates of the 2020 presidential election will begin tonight at 9pm ET. The debate is being hosted at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio with Fox News's Chris Wallace moderating.\n\nDebate topics [are expected to include](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/22/biden-trump-debate-topics-420043): Trump's and Biden\u2019s records, the Supreme Court, the coronavirus pandemic, race and violence in cities, election integrity, and the economy.\n\nYou can watch the debate live through the following links:\n\n* [C-SPAN's YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW1lY5jFNcQ&ab_channel=C-SPAN)\n* [ABC's YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdJ8SDOFrdw&ab_channel=ABCNews)\n* [Fox News's YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofkPfm3tFxo&ab_channel=FoxNews)\n\n\nPlease keep discussion civil.","upvotes":381,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"The Ramifications of the US Congress creating an independent panel to district individual states from the federal level.","created_at":1601429420.0,"id":"j23xsb","n_comments":27,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j23xsb/the_ramifications_of_the_us_congress_creating_an/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Cazidin and today I ask one simple question.\n\nWhat would the ramifications be if the US Congress created an independent agency or panel to district all fifty states in a non-partisan way in an effort to mitigate gerrymandering, if at all possible?","upvotes":18,"user_id":"Cazidin"},{"content":"What might be the October Surprise, if it isn\u2019t already upon us?","created_at":1601429982.0,"id":"j244wn","n_comments":97,"percentage_upvoted":0.88,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j244wn/what_might_be_the_october_surprise_if_it_isnt/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Every presidential election year in the United States, something large typically hits the news waves that influences peoples\u2019 opinions for the election in October. This, among the general populous and the media, is considered the \u201cOctober Surprise\u201d. For the 2020 elections, what could this be? Major events have occurred in the past few weeks, such as the death of RBG and recently Trump\u2019s tax returns. Both of these issues won\u2019t be going away, so could this be the Surprise, or might there be something on the horizon to watch?","upvotes":37,"user_id":"Dat_Guy_Named_Guy"},{"content":"If the Dems win the Senate, do you think they should legislate political norms into laws?","created_at":1601434496.0,"id":"j25ob9","n_comments":52,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j25ob9/if_the_dems_win_the_senate_do_you_think_they/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"\nNorms that most Presidential candidates have been following such as releasing 10-15 years of tax returns, filling all cabinet positions within 2-3 months, turning over all business interests into a blind trust, giving teeth to the Hatch Act.. \n\nOr should we continue to rely on candidates to follow them as part of tradition?","upvotes":110,"user_id":"tablecontrol"},{"content":"What happens if the Senate Flips and Trump loses the Popular Vote but wins the Electoral College?","created_at":1601438084.0,"id":"j26uey","n_comments":186,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j26uey/what_happens_if_the_senate_flips_and_trump_loses/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Nate Silver's election forecast recently put the chance of a [Senate flip at 61%](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/senate/) of current models. He puts Biden at [an 11% chance](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/) of winning the popular vote but losing the electoral college. This is [about the same](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2016-election-forecast/) as he estimated last time with Clinton (10.5%).\n\nThe senate has 23 republican seats up for reelection but only 12 democratic ones. So even assuming random chance the Democrats have many more opportunities to win than to lose. So let's imagine we have a similar result to 2016 but with a small Democrat senate victory that barely gives them control (say 51-53 seats).\n\nGoing into a hypothetical what does this do to the political landscape? The obvious answer to this question is gridlock. But how the gridlock would play out is highly uncertain and leaves many unanswered questions like:\n\n* Do the democrats take revenge and block all judges and presidential appointments as the GOP threatened to do to Hillary?\n* What happens to public opinion if Amy Coney Barrett gets confirmed but the senate power shifts shortly afterwards?\n* Does Trump push to expand executive power through administrative rule making as Obama did?\n* What does 2 years of grid lock do to the Trump presidency and momentum?\n* What does this do for the trajectory of the country post-Trump? Given the wave elections hypothesis theoretically you'd expect a generic Republican to be at a disadvantage vs. a generic Democrat after retaining power for 8 years, since the president is likely to be blamed for any negative events.\n* What would this do the electoral college? After 3 recent results of a plurality candidate losing does it survive reform attempts?\n* What impact does this have on political polarization? What is the path forward after a result neither side is likely to enjoy?\n* What impact does this have on public discourse and civil unrest?","upvotes":116,"user_id":"nn123654"},{"content":"How can Democracy succeed when in a post-truth era?","created_at":1601438441.0,"id":"j26yjy","n_comments":658,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j26yjy/how_can_democracy_succeed_when_in_a_posttruth_era/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"So much has been written about our post-truth era.\n\nIn order for informed decisions to be made, objective facts have to be collectively understood before they can be acted on. We can't collectively understand objective facts when there aren't any objective facts due to alt-facts and misinformation spreading rampantly.\n\nRelying completely on appeals to emotion and personal belief forces us further down the rabbit hole of sides and makes politics more and more a \"team sport\" where positions are decided on issues before issues have even come up.\n\nPerhaps my question is too general, but I don't yet know how to whittle the question down any more. How can Democracy succeed in these circumstances when it becomes nearly impossible for an informed populace to exist?","upvotes":1191,"user_id":"TreeImaginary8241"},{"content":"The first presidential debate is tonight. What strategy should each candidate use?","created_at":1601423164.0,"id":"j21rj6","n_comments":96,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j21rj6/the_first_presidential_debate_is_tonight_what/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The first presidential debate will occur tonight at 9 PM EST. It will be moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News, who also moderated a debate between Clinton and Trump in 2016.\n\nAn \\[article on Politico\\]([https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/29/trump-debate-performance-2016-422838](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/29/trump-debate-performance-2016-422838)) today argues that Trump is being underestimated going into the debates. On the other hand, others have argued that Biden's performance need only be adequate in order to be declared the \"winner\".\n\nIf Trump wants to use the debates effectively, what should his strategy be? Should he take a conciliatory tone and attempt to woo undecided voters (despite the fact that there are fewer undecided voters than in 2016)? Should he double down on his tax bill and SCOTUS appointments, playing to his base? Should he refuse to answer any of the questions directly and revert to his basic stump speech? Should he go for the jugular with attacks on Hunter Biden and \"Sleepy Joe\"? There are a multitude of potential strategies, and some will surely be more effective than others.\n\nOn the other hand, what should Biden do to ensure that he is seen as the \"winner\" tonight? Should he be more reserved, or should he play the attack dog? Should he make the debate all about Trump, or should he spend most of his time playing up his own positive factors? Should he fact-check Trump on stage, or is this an ineffective way to persuade voters?\n\nSome have argued that the \\[debates don't matter\\]([https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/29/debates-dont-matter-422839](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/29/debates-dont-matter-422839)) unless one candidate has a major gaffe. So is this a moot point? Should candidates play defense, hope to avoid a major gaffe, and simply write off the debate as one night that can't be dedicated to a more effective way of campaigning?","upvotes":68,"user_id":"DrMDQ"},{"content":"If the House of Representatives were to choose the next President, who is likely to win more state delegations?","created_at":1601370635.0,"id":"j1p91y","n_comments":266,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j1p91y/if_the_house_of_representatives_were_to_choose/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the case of an Electoral College tie at 269-269, or if the election results were unclear as of Jan 6, 2021, the US House of Representatives might choose the next President. The way the selection is done is not by pure representative voting, but is kind of like an Electoral College in its own way - each state gets a single vote, and the majority of representatives from that state determine the state's vote. In fact, Speaker Nancy Pelosi is strategizing around that already:\n\nhttps://www.npr.org/2020/09/28/917730388/pelosi-prepares-democrats-for-rare-possibility-the-house-may-decide-the-election\n\nIn such a case, who is more likely to win? Will the Democrats or Republicans control more state delegations? What does the polling indicate?","upvotes":256,"user_id":"edisonian"},{"content":"[Polling Megathread] Week of September 28, 2020","created_at":1601364486.0,"id":"j1nili","n_comments":1994,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j1nili/polling_megathread_week_of_september_28_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Welcome to the polling megathread for the week of September 28, 2020.\n\n**All top-level comments should be for individual polls released this week only and link to the poll.** Unlike subreddit text submissions, top-level comments do not need to ask a question. However they must summarize the poll in a meaningful way; link-only comments will be removed. Top-level comments also should not be overly editorialized. Discussion of those polls should take place in response to the top-level comment. \n\nU.S. presidential election polls posted in this thread must be from a [538-recognized pollster](http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/). Feedback is welcome via [modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FPoliticalDiscussion). \n\nPlease remember to sort by new, keep conversation civil, and enjoy!","upvotes":346,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"The base of Donald Trump: allegiances to the man or the platform?","created_at":1601330155.0,"id":"j1cfum","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j1cfum/the_base_of_donald_trump_allegiances_to_the_man/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"It's a well known fact that President Trump's base of followers are fiercely loyal and don't abandon him for much of anything. This comes to the co sternation of many who say they are voting against their own interest. Is it enough to say that these people have voted for the man they see as the political outsider, successful business man, champion of anti political correctness, brash truth teller, ect. Or do they vote for the platform which is pro capitalism, tax cuts, pro deregulation, anti globalist,, anti abortion, culture warrior? The question i am asking is does Trump derive his loyalty from personal or platform?","upvotes":10,"user_id":"Shazer3"},{"content":"Azerbaijan has attacked Armenia what does this mean for Geopolotics, and Middle East stability?","created_at":1601292252.0,"id":"j14nzg","n_comments":50,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j14nzg/azerbaijan_has_attacked_armenia_what_does_this/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"On Sunday September 27th Azerbaijan [launched](https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/09/27/europe/armenia-azerbaijan-tensions-nagorno-karabakh-intl/index.html) an air, and artillery barrage into the province of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is a break away province that is ethnically Armenian. The two countries have been at an uneasy peace since 1994 when Russia Mediated the peace. However the two sides have had small clashes in the past. This one has lead to [16 reported dead, and over 100 injured](https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/09/27/nagorno-karabakh-announces-martial-law-and-total-mobilisation/amp/) many being civilians on both sides.\n\nCurrently Armenia has declared Martial Law, and has ordered a full Mobilization. While Azerbaijan has only declared martial law. The current stand off has been denounced by both Russia, and the United States. However [Turkey](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hurriyetdailynews.com/amp/turkey-to-support-azerbaijan-with-all-its-means-against-armenias-attacks-158629) has pledged to support Azerbaijan by any means necessary.\n\nWith recent peace deals in the middle east the question is will this destabilize the whole region once more? If the two countries go into a full blown war it is undoubtedle that the Cacuses will be destabilized with the State of Georgia already being unstable, but with Turkey involved, and a large Azerbaijan population in Iran. Will this cause the whole region to be engulfed in war?","upvotes":87,"user_id":"BlerStar95"},{"content":"The US President is both the head of state and head of government, but in many other countries, those powers are occupied by separate people. Could the US benefit from following a similar model?","created_at":1601271496.0,"id":"j0zfdi","n_comments":74,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j0zfdi/the_us_president_is_both_the_head_of_state_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In the aftermath of Andrew Johnson's impeachment in the 1870s, it was speculated that the US would switch to a semi-presidential (or even parliamentary) system, with the speaker of the house becoming the head of government as a quasi-prime minister. Of course, this did not happen, and the president is still both the head of government and head of state.\n\nIn general, many countries with parliamentary systems have a monarch/emperor/president as their head of state, usually a ceremonial figurehead who is in charge of domestic affairs and hold emergency powers, while they appoint a chancellor/prime minister as their head of government and commander-in-chief, who are cabinet leaders and represents the country in international affairs (again, in general). Germany, The UK, and Japan are examples of this.\n\nThere's also semi-presidential systems who separate those powers but in different ways. France, for example, elects a president as their head of state, who's responsible for international and military affairs, and appoints a prime minister as their head of government, who is in charge of domestic issues. \n\nGiven the size, economic development, and global prominence of the US, should that speculation from the 1870s be revisited and a switch considered? What would be its ramifications and, should a switch happen, how could those powers be distributed or rearranged?","upvotes":58,"user_id":"DexFenik"},{"content":"NY Times Just Published Story on Trump's Tax Returns; How will it affect the 2020 Race?","created_at":1601273265.0,"id":"j0zx0o","n_comments":933,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j0zx0o/ny_times_just_published_story_on_trumps_tax/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Here](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/27/us/donald-trump-taxes.html) is the link to the story.\n\nI feel like this wasn't the first time a story broke about his tax returns revealing business failures though I am not sure. Was curious your thoughts on the following: \n\n* Will we see this topic come up on the debates? Do you think Trump can effectively spin this and come up with a sufficient answer were this to come up in the debate?\n* Do you think this will affect the voting decision of Trump's base? The marginal voter? Will it at least affect turnout among Republicans?\n* I know in the past year there was a national security angle to this topic\u2014does Trump (or any president) having substantial debt pose a serious liability or national security risk?\n\nNY Times has published this on the front page in all caps so I feel it is a breaking, important story at least for their team. I see some discussions on Twitter going on as well. \n\nI have my doubts about the ability of this story to change people's minds though it is tough to say. I think the biggest opportunity for Biden is to use this story as a way to undermine the strong-man image that Trump's followers have of the president. \n\nWhat do you think?","upvotes":1699,"user_id":"im2wddrf"},{"content":"What are the chances of a second COVID relief bill passing the Senate before the election?","created_at":1601258713.0,"id":"j0vono","n_comments":157,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j0vono/what_are_the_chances_of_a_second_covid_relief/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Obviously the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has presented an unforeseen complication for the Senate in terms of what they can get done before the election. Will they realistically be able to debate and confirm Amy Coney Barrett as well as debate and pass a new relief package? Is it politically desirable, especially for President Trump, to get some kind of relief bill passed before the election? He has expressed support for a second round of stimulus checks - what else might a second relief bill include?","upvotes":49,"user_id":"None-Of-You-Are-Real"},{"content":"How aggressive should Democrats be with their attempts to slow down the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett?","created_at":1601198849.0,"id":"j0i59y","n_comments":1277,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j0i59y/how_aggressive_should_democrats_be_with_their/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Now that president Trump has announced his nominee for the supreme court vacancy, the ball is put into the senate's hands. Democrats have a variety of tools in their hands but how hard and aggressive should their attacks be and how should they slow down the senate's attempt to speed through this nomination. Democrats have a few tools ranging from minor procedural delays to delaying passing of the budget to bringing up impeachment charges. Despite all this, it remains unlikely that this nomination will not pass so there are also discussions that democrats should even consider boycotting the whole thing all together.\n\nWhat would be the best path here politically for the democrats?","upvotes":842,"user_id":"Visco0825"},{"content":"Should the Apportionment Act of 1911 be Repealed?","created_at":1601132774.0,"id":"j01esa","n_comments":227,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/j01esa/should_the_apportionment_act_of_1911_be_repealed/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[The Apportionment Act of 1911](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apportionment_Act_of_1911) limited the number of Representatives in the house to 435. This has had a number of effects from making Apportionment according to population difficult. To stopping the increase in the number of electoral college votes unless a new state is added. So the question is should the Apportionment act of 1911 be repealed?","upvotes":134,"user_id":"BlerStar95"},{"content":"The majority of Cuban Americans vote for the GOP. Has this trend always existed (since the first large wave of Cuban immigrants), or did it come about over time?","created_at":1601116352.0,"id":"izxi6n","n_comments":159,"percentage_upvoted":0.93,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/izxi6n/the_majority_of_cuban_americans_vote_for_the_gop/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"While today some of the GOP portrays Democrats as far-left, historically, the Democratic party was very anti-communist (JFK's Bay of Pigs Invasion, Johnson supporting Vietnam War, etc.) \n\nIf they haven't always been supporters of the GOP, was there a coordinated effort from the GOP to energize Cuban American voters, or did it occur naturally through continuous rhetoric about Democrats being far-left?\n\nAre there any lessons that can be learned from their recruitment effort/rhetoric?","upvotes":82,"user_id":"j0hnl33"},{"content":"If Amy Coney Barrett is seated on the Supreme Court, what should we expect from the court over the next several years?","created_at":1601097186.0,"id":"izs6et","n_comments":1305,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/izs6et/if_amy_coney_barrett_is_seated_on_the_supreme/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"With the conventional wisdom being that President Trump will nominate Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court (and now multiple sources are reporting that is in fact the plan), what are the implications for SCOTUS if she is in fact seated, either before or after Election Day?\n\nObviously it would mean the court has a 6-3 conservative tilt, but we have seen Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh forge their own path on some cases. Without knowing much about Coney Barrett's history as a jurist, does she tend to lean heavily conservative? Is she a more of an originalist or more of a political conservative? And what impact would her vote have on some of the cases before SCOTUS this year and looking forward?","upvotes":909,"user_id":"anias2410"},{"content":"How many valid votes should be discarded to prevent one invalid vote from being counted? Or, how many potentially invalid votes should be accepted to prevent one valid vote from being denied?","created_at":1601081325.0,"id":"izn202","n_comments":30,"percentage_upvoted":0.84,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/izn202/how_many_valid_votes_should_be_discarded_to/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"This is somewhat similar in concept to [sensitivity and specificity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensitivity_and_specificity) in statistics. In law, it may relate to the [Benjamin Franklin quote](https://www.bartleby.com/73/953.html):\n\n>That it is better 100 guilty Persons should escape than that one innocent Person should suffer, is a Maxim that has been long and generally approved.\n\nFrom an election standpoint, the goal is to count all valid votes, and no invalid votes. \n\nIn taking steps to reduce invalid votes, you run the risk of discounting valid votes. \n\nHow many valid votes should be discarded to prevent one invalid vote from being counted? Or, how many potentially invalid votes should be accepted to prevent one valid vote from being denied?\n\nDoes this math change if it is suspected that groups are not acting in good faith?","upvotes":26,"user_id":"EccentricCentric"},{"content":"What impact do lawyers, legal challenges and courts have on the upcoming election?","created_at":1601021540.0,"id":"iz92s5","n_comments":17,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iz92s5/what_impact_do_lawyers_legal_challenges_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I'm curious, overall, what is the impact of legal challenges and motions have on an election, or what's possible in an election.\n\nCan one or both parties challenge:\n\n* the counts themselves\n\n* who does the counting\n\n* how the votes are kept or stored during or after the election\n\n* when to count or when to stop counting votes\n\n* which electors are chosen to cast votes and what say the legislature has in this process\n\n* whether or not faithless electors are allowed\n\n* whether voter intimidation happened at any number of sites. What the punishment for voter intimidation is. (If the intimidators were fined $100k, but the vote was successfully suppressed, then that's a pretty profitable trade)\n\n* Voting availability -- if a voting facility was at full capacity for the full duration, then it's clear that some people didn't have an opportunity to vote purely by the number of voting machines or locations availability.\n\nAlso:\n\n* Which court accepts these arguments?\n\n* Is there an appeals process, and does it get fast tracked by appeals courts or the supreme court?","upvotes":23,"user_id":"arbitrageME"},{"content":"How likely is a SC nominee to be voted on before the election?","created_at":1601032382.0,"id":"izbwnx","n_comments":105,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/izbwnx/how_likely_is_a_sc_nominee_to_be_voted_on_before/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Question in title. As of now, this would be the most quickly confirmed Supreme Court nominee. On top of that, we have a pandemic and a national election going on.\n\n\nIn a very literal sense, where will they find the time to have hearings and voting in the middle of all of this? Is there some cutoff point after which, we can probably determine that it just won't happen in time for the election? As in, if they don't get it done by a week before the election, would the Senate still pursue a confirmation for before the election?\n\nIs it net politically advantageous for the Republicans to expedite the process? How likely is it that we see a SC nominee voted on by the Senate before November 3rd?","upvotes":44,"user_id":"Qzply76"},{"content":"What, if anything, would it take to truly shake up the US presidential race?","created_at":1601020347.0,"id":"iz8qlj","n_comments":166,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iz8qlj/what_if_anything_would_it_take_to_truly_shake_up/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I\u2019m referring to polling specifically. According to 538 and RCP averages, Biden has held a remarkably consistent and significant lead in national polls and in most key battleground states. Biden has hovered mostly around 49-51% support, Trump in the 41-43% range. \n\nThat consistency is despite multiple unprecedented events; a global pandemic, nationwide protests and unrest, a Supreme Court vacancy, a massive economic collapse, highly-controversial statements and actions etc. Historically, any of these would have likely caused meaningful changes in polling. \n\nI\u2019m sure we\u2019re in store for (multiple?) October surprises. What plausible scenarios might truly shift the race? Either in favor of Trump or Biden.","upvotes":60,"user_id":"The1Rube"},{"content":"The Trump campaign continues to pull back from ad buys in most swing states ($4.5 million canceled this week), focusing on AZ, GA, and FL. Will his weak presence on TV paid media hurt his campaign, or are the dynamics of this race reducing the influence of paid advertising?","created_at":1600989573.0,"id":"iyz6f0","n_comments":446,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iyz6f0/the_trump_campaign_continues_to_pull_back_from_ad/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The above text captures the point, [here\u2019s the story it is based on](Trump Retreats From Advertising in Key Battlefields https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-24/trump-retreats-from-advertising-in-key-battlefields-adwars-2020). \n\n> President Donald Trump\u2019s campaign has canceled $4.5 million in ad buys in key battleground states this week, raising more signs of trouble for his re-election effort, even as Democratic nominee Joe Biden expands his advertising footprint.\n\n>Faced with a shrinking cash balance, Trump has pulled back on television ads in all but three states where the race is close: Arizona, Florida and Georgia. And his ads have disappeared from must-win states like Ohio and Iowa, where he and Biden are essentially tied.\n\n> ...\n\n> But with early voting already underway in Minnesota, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, Trump has pulled nearly $1 million in ads in those three states this week.\n\nAn alternative hypothesis is that his campaign is facing real cash trouble, but it\u2019s hard to believe [given the $200 million they raised in August alone](https://www.npr.org/2020/09/09/911191349/trump-republicans-raise-210-million-in-august-far-behind-democrats-haul). Irregardless of Biden\u2019s record-shattering $340 million raised that month, $200 million should be plenty to compete in the rust belt.","upvotes":925,"user_id":"Thalesian"},{"content":"How much do the recent protests and riots help or hurt Trumps reelection?","created_at":1600945010.0,"id":"iyoyqa","n_comments":239,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iyoyqa/how_much_do_the_recent_protests_and_riots_help_or/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I've seen lots of people with different opinions on this subject as to whether the recent rise in racial tensions serves in Trumps favor as the \"law and order\" president. Some say it will definitely scare people onto choosing the incumbent, but others say that most people can see right through and realize it is Trumps mess. \n\nWhich way will it likely go?","upvotes":97,"user_id":"REVERSEZOOM2"},{"content":"Should US expats have their own representatives and senators?","created_at":1600948818.0,"id":"iypz38","n_comments":123,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iypz38/should_us_expats_have_their_own_representatives/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"There are currently 9 million Americans living abroad. Only 10 states have a higher population than the number of expats. Expats are taxed while living abroad, but only receive representation for the state they last lived in (which is often blind to the needs of expats). \n\nShould expats have their own representatives and senators representing them? What effect would it have on the US political balance if so?","upvotes":61,"user_id":"pwnies"},{"content":"The Trump campaign is reportedly considering appointing loyal electors in battleground states with Republican legislatures to bypass the election results. Could the Trump campaign legitimately win the election this way despite losing the Electoral College?","created_at":1600907481.0,"id":"iydigb","n_comments":1485,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iydigb/the_trump_campaign_is_reportedly_considering/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"In an article by [The Atlantic](https://theweek.com/speedreads/939191/trump-campaign-reportedly-discussing-contingency-plans-bypass-election-results), a strategy reportedly being considered by the Trump campaign involves \"discussing contingency plans to bypass election results and appoint loyal electors in battleground states where Republicans hold the legislative majority,\" meaning they would have faithless electors vote for Trump even if Biden won the state. Would Trump actually be able to pull off a win this way? Is this something the president has the authority to do as well?\n\nNote: I used an article from \"TheWeek.com\" which references the Atlantic article since Atlantic is a soft paywall.","upvotes":2339,"user_id":"Topher1999"},{"content":"How might the frustration and political engagement of young people be activated to mobilize the approx. 49% of eligible voters that do not vote?","created_at":1600915571.0,"id":"iyg9qh","n_comments":167,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iyg9qh/how_might_the_frustration_and_political/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"I\u2019m trying to understand what leads to/leaves many disconnected from voting in an age of strong opinions? \n\nIs it simply a matter of strong opinions is a smaller than it seems demographic and most don\u2019t actually feel that strongly?\n\nAre you a frequent voter or infrequent/nonvoter? What motivates that for you?","upvotes":69,"user_id":"afropunkprxncess"},{"content":"When speaking to reporters yesterday he indicated he is open to confirming a new Supreme Court Justice this year. One of his justifications for this decision is that America is a center-right country.\n\nHe said \"he recognizes that we may have a Court that has more of a conservative bent than its had over the last few decades, but my liberal friends have over many decades gotten very used to the idea of having a liberal Court, but that's not written in the stars.\"...\n\n\"But it's also appropriate for a nation which is, if you will center-right, to have a Court which reflects center-right points of view, which again are not changing the law from what it states, but instead following the law and following the constitution.\"\n\nIs this an accurate assessment of the United States politically? Is this a valid justification for his position?\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WD8QUAwnOU","created_at":1600919697.0,"id":"iyhopf","n_comments":379,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iyhopf/is_senator_mitt_romneys_assertion_that_america_is/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Is Senator Mitt Romney's assertion that America is a center-right country accurate?","upvotes":199,"user_id":"teutonicnight99"},{"content":"What are the justifications for denying statehood to territories which the US does govern and tax but which do not have congressional seats, electoral votes, etc? Why ought Washington DC, the US Virgin Island, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa not be granted statehood, apart from internal party concerns about which way they may vote?\n\nPlease note: I know the internal politics in each of these places to bring a request for statehood have their own issues, this question is regarding political justifications for our existing congress to deny them their requests for full representation.","created_at":1600847612.0,"id":"ixz91i","n_comments":786,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixz91i/what_are_some_justifications_for_denying/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What are some justifications for denying statehood to US territories that are not based on their likelihood to vote for one or the other party?","upvotes":575,"user_id":"Jimithyashford"},{"content":"This argument has been one that hasn\u2019t gotten as much coverage as other points such as the electoral college but has people on both sides of the argument. \n\n\nThose in favor of repealing argue that it would make senators beholden to their state and not national politics or parties.\n\nThose not in favor of repealing argue that with direct election people have a direct voice in both chambers of congress instead of just the House of Representatives.","created_at":1600848432.0,"id":"ixzh41","n_comments":124,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixzh41/would_repealing_the_17th_amendment_direct/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Would repealing the 17th amendment (Direct Election of Senators) improve or degrade the current political climate in the US?","upvotes":36,"user_id":"robmfuller"},{"content":"Per the article [here](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/22/romney-supports-holding-a-vote-on-next-supreme-court-nominee-419898), it appears likely Mitt Romney will be supporting whatever nominee comes to the Senate. \n\nIs the filling of the vacancy all but certain at this point? Do you think Romney will follow through on supporting Trump\u2019s nominee?\n\nIn addition, how do the people of Utah feel? Seems like not filling the seat would spell political suicide for Romney.\n\nI am also interested in seeing whether Romney will leverage any power in shaping who the nominee will be. Since two Republican senators do not support holding a vote, Murkowski and Collins, it appears Romney may hold some leverage over McConnell since Republicans can not afford to lose any more senators. Per the article, \u201cIf the nominee reaches the Senate floor, I intend to vote based upon *their qualifications*\u201d (emphasis mine). Perhaps he won\u2019t support a Justice that is too far-wing or beholden to executive power.\n\nWhat do you think?","created_at":1600816975.0,"id":"ixphnc","n_comments":442,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixphnc/romney_supports_holding_vote_to_fill_ginsberg_seat/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Romney Supports Holding Vote to Fill Ginsberg Seat","upvotes":88,"user_id":"im2wddrf"},{"content":"The constitution grants Congress the right to alter the structure and composition of the Supreme Court; for instance, Congress can add extra seats. But many proposals for SCOTUS reform involve setting a term limit on justices before forcing them to retire and/or return to the circuit courts. But can Congress actually do that? What are the limits on Congress's ability to alter the court, without an amendment being necessary?","created_at":1600841902.0,"id":"ixxncb","n_comments":46,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixxncb/can_scotus_term_length_be_altered_ie_limited/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Can SCOTUS term length be altered (i.e. limited) without a constitutional amendment?","upvotes":24,"user_id":"swaqq_overflow"},{"content":"In my county, when voting in person, we now fill out a paper ballot and drop it in a ballot box. At the end of the election, they are taken to a central location, where they are scanned. Between that and opening the double envelope mail-in ballots, it [took days to get the results of the 2020 primary](https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pa-2020-primary-election-results-mail-ballots-20200602.html).\n\nAlso, I live in Pennsylvania, where [naked ballots](https://www.phillyvoice.com/naked-ballots-pennsylvania-2020-electiion-mail-in-absentee-trump-biden/) are warming up to be 2020's \"hanging chads.\" \n\nIs there any chance we have a clear winner on the morning of Nov. 4, or are we looking at weeks/months of recounts and lawsuits?","created_at":1600810959.0,"id":"ixnmgv","n_comments":205,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixnmgv/when_do_you_expect_well_have_a_clear_winner_of/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"When do you expect we'll have a clear winner of the US Presidential election?","upvotes":45,"user_id":"SnapCrackleMom"},{"content":"My first post here, sorry if this breaks any rules. Anyway, my question is how do we know that the polls we're seeing are accurate given how infamously off guard it caught us in 2016? I know people like to say \"the polls were actually correct if you account for x or y.. \" but it still seemed like the culture concluded Clinton was going to win, and she didn't. What mistakes led to that false assumption and are the same ones being made with regard to Biden now?","created_at":1600814408.0,"id":"ixonop","n_comments":57,"percentage_upvoted":0.7,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixonop/how_do_we_know_polls_are_correct_this_time/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How do we know polls are correct this time?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"I_love_limey_butts"},{"content":"Welcome to the polling megathread for the week of September 21, 2020.\n\n**All top-level comments should be for individual polls released this week only and link to the poll.** Unlike subreddit text submissions, top-level comments do not need to ask a question. However they must summarize the poll in a meaningful way; link-only comments will be removed. Top-level comments also should not be overly editorialized. Discussion of those polls should take place in response to the top-level comment. \n\nU.S. presidential election polls posted in this thread must be from a [538-recognized pollster](http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/). Feedback is welcome via [modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FPoliticalDiscussion). \n\nPlease remember to sort by new, keep conversation civil, and enjoy!","created_at":1600762305.0,"id":"ixcnwl","n_comments":1399,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixcnwl/polling_megathread_week_of_september_21_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Polling Megathread] Week of September 21, 2020","upvotes":285,"user_id":"Anxa"},{"content":"In both media and in the campaigns, Biden's Senate career has been notable absent from the political discussion, except to note how long of a career Biden had. There has been few portrayals of what Biden did during his time in the Senate or where he stood on the issues except in broad strokes like noting his support of the 1994 crime bill and the 2002 Iraq War vote.\n\nMoreover, there has been barely any deep dive of any legislative particulars that might cause Biden embarrassment or controversy by the news media or even from Trump aside from Hunter Biden's Ukraine work. This is not a partisan question since both sides seem to not actually want to delve into what Biden did in the Senate.\n\nUsually, the rival campaign would have seeded the media with plenty of opposition research, but for some reason Trump has not done this. Neither has the media shown any curiosity about Biden's 47 years in the Senate.\n\nWill the public see any greater information about Biden in the debates or into the stretch run as a possible October surprise? This is unusual because both candidates are usually heavily vetted during the months leading up to the election, but Biden's Senate record has been barely touched.","created_at":1600783444.0,"id":"ixhvmq","n_comments":91,"percentage_upvoted":0.78,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ixhvmq/why_have_we_heard_so_little_of_bidens_senate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Why have we heard so little of Biden's Senate lengthy career since he became the presumptive nominee?","upvotes":64,"user_id":"TaylorSwiftian"},{"content":"Most Americans [appear to want them to become a new state](https://news.gallup.com/poll/260744/americans-continue-support-puerto-rico-statehood.aspx), with Republicans split and Democrats heavily in favor.\n\nBut is there a clear consensus from Puerto Ricans? The last two non-binding referendums in the territory have shown majority support for the statehood, but also have been criticized for the [wording of the questions](https://ctmirror.org/2015/06/23/congress-tackles-issue-of-puerto-ricos-status/), and the last referendum in 2017 [was heavily boycotted](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/11/us/puerto-ricans-vote-on-the-question-of-statehood.html). A [poll](http://prdecide.elnuevodia.com/detalle/reportaje/311_plebiscite-boycott-fails-to-seduce-the-masses/) conducted shortly before the latest referendum found support for statehood at over 50%, with none of the other options reaching 20%, however, that same poll found that 72% of registered voters were planning on voting, when ultimately only 23% did, so I'm not sure what to make of it.\n\nWhat are your thoughts on the last two referendums and what they tell us about Puerto Rican support for statehood?\n\nThere will be another non-binding referendum in Puerto Rico [this November](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/puerto-rico-hold-statehood-referendum-amid-disillusion-70723188), will this one prove conclusive or also be disputed?","created_at":1600690729.0,"id":"iwtds7","n_comments":616,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwtds7/does_puerto_rico_want_to_become_a_state/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Does Puerto Rico want to become a state?","upvotes":566,"user_id":"Pineapple__Jews"},{"content":"In summary, the [National Popular Vote Interstate Compact\u00a0](https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/written-explanation)will guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Once enough states have signed on they have pledged to use their electoral college votes only for the popular vote winner. It needs states comprising 74 more electoral votes to trigger. \n\n>The bill has\u00a0passed at least one chamber in 9\u00a0additional states with 88\u00a0more electoral votes (AR, AZ, ME, MI, MN, NC, NV, OK, VA).\n\nWhat are the chances any of the legislatures in these states become more receptive to this compact?","created_at":1600669495.0,"id":"iwnpkw","n_comments":490,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwnpkw/the_national_popular_vote_interstate_compact_is/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is 74 electoral votes from being triggered. How many more can potentially be picked up this election cycle?","upvotes":702,"user_id":"jackatman"},{"content":"The US Senate is an arcane organization governed by a complicated set or rules. [The rules can be found here](https://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_index_subjects/Rules_and_Procedure_vrd.htm).\n\nThe rules have been a frequent topic of debate for decades. Notable rules discussions include:\n\n* The filibuster and the vote for cloture (end a filibuster).\n* The scheduling of votes.\n* The advice and consent to presidential appointments\n* Sitting senator's ability to engage in stock trades\n* The rules for disciplining a sitting senator.\n* The rules for holding an impeachment trial.\n* The rules for campaign fundraising for sitting senators.\n* The arrangement of officers and committees.\n\n​\n\nSo, I'm curious.\n\n1. Have the rules served the institution well? \n2. What rules changes would you like to see?\n3. Do you think the speed of rules changes recently has been appropriate?","created_at":1600724672.0,"id":"ix0otw","n_comments":104,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ix0otw/what_do_you_think_of_the_us_senate_rules/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What do you think of the US Senate rules?","upvotes":28,"user_id":"tag8833"},{"content":"Focusing mostly on this year and maybe 2016 but I would like to see some discussion around just how much of an effect TV news has on US politics. This was inspired by a comment I saw on a Youtube video; an interview of Andrew Yang(random I know). The comment said something like Yang didn't get elected because; elections are a popularity contest and although the internet might like him TV is still the most popular and whoever the TV viewers like the most, will get the most votes.\n\nIn the 2016 presidential election there were almost 139 million people that cast a ballot. For reference in this years democratic primary almost 37 million people cast a ballot.\n\nNow if we look at cable TV news ratings for March of this year, there was an average of 29.4 million viewers between FOX, CNN, and MSNBC for their evening broadcast news programs. Source below.\n\nFor network nightly news respectively; ABC averaged 12 million, NBC 10 million, and CBS 7 million viewers.\n\nIf I am understanding that correctly between network and cable that's almost 60 million viewers nightly in March of this year. Like I said earlier, 139 million cast a ballot in 2016.\n\n[https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2020/05/13/tv-news-ratings-remain-strong-but-pandemic-fatigue-seems-to-be-setting-in/#236255206f12](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2020/05/13/tv-news-ratings-remain-strong-but-pandemic-fatigue-seems-to-be-setting-in/#236255206f12)\n\nIn a survey by Pew Research center \n\n25% said the mainly get their news from a news website or app, 18% from social media, 16% Cable TV, 16% Local TV, 13% Network TV, 8% Radio, and 3% Print. \n\n[https://www.journalism.org/2020/07/30/americans-who-mainly-get-their-news-on-social-media-are-less-engaged-less-knowledgeable/](https://www.journalism.org/2020/07/30/americans-who-mainly-get-their-news-on-social-media-are-less-engaged-less-knowledgeable/)\n\nBetween Cable and Network TV combined that is 29% of peoples main source, add in local and TV is 45% of peoples main source of news.\n\nI know it is hard/impossible to quantify something like the effect of TV on elections but I am interested in generating some discussion about it, civilly please. And to further the discussion I would like to hear what people think about the motivations of said TV networks. The obvious one is to increase viewers to increase ad revenue but I am wondering to what effect this plays into outcome of elections. For example how much of what they choose to show and talk about effects how people vote, in both primaries and generals? They obviously operate for profit but how much does profit get in the way of good information or fair information? What can the electorate do about it? I know the network news stations are federally regulated and can be prosecuted for false information although it happens rarely from what I read. Cable networks are not regulated and their news programs don't have as much accountability.\n\n[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/fox-news-entertainment-switch/](https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/fox-news-entertainment-switch/)\n\nAnyways I hope to generate some good discussion around TV news and its impact on our politics, Hope to expand my perspective.","created_at":1600665505.0,"id":"iwmhfk","n_comments":80,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwmhfk/how_much_of_an_effect_does_tv_news_have_on/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How much of an effect does TV news have on primaries and general elections; and subsequently how does the motivations of said TV news networks effect elections?","upvotes":431,"user_id":"folksywisdomfromback"},{"content":"The 2020 Census has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in its effort to perform its census count and complete their Constitutional mandate to count whole number of persons in each State. The Census Bureau has released a statement that if held to their current timeline their results could look manipulated and be inaccurate. Arguments of political meddling and partisanship has been covered extensively. What I am curious though is there a non-partisan argument for not extending the deadline of the Census? Especially one that makes sense and in line with the spirit of the law.","created_at":1600720137.0,"id":"iwzg76","n_comments":11,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwzg76/is_there_a_nonpartisan_argument_to_why_the_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Is there a non-partisan argument to why the 2020 Census cannot be extended until 2021?","upvotes":25,"user_id":"tomanonimos"},{"content":"What Democratic candidate has the best chance in the Louisiana Senate race? I can't seem to find any polling on the race. It's a 'jungle primary' I think. \n\nThere appears to be at least 5 Democratic candidates currently in the race. I can't figure out who the Democratic frontrunner is though.\n\nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_Senate_election_in_Louisiana\n\nhttps://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_Louisiana,_2020\n\nhttps://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/senate/louisiana/","created_at":1600734149.0,"id":"ix3mki","n_comments":10,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ix3mki/what_democratic_candidate_has_the_best_chance_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What Democratic candidate has the best chance in the Louisiana Senate race?","upvotes":7,"user_id":"teutonicnight99"},{"content":"With RBG's passing, it seems increasingly likely that the current administration will be filling the vacancy. Several of the first group of names have mentioned that they do not consider Roe v Wade to be unreviewable by the SC. Assuming a conservative justice is appointed, what are the actual implications of the ruling being overturned and what might happen if comes to pass?","created_at":1600670095.0,"id":"iwnwi1","n_comments":376,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwnwi1/how_realistic_is_roe_v_wade_being_overturned_and/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How realistic is Roe v. Wade being overturned and what are the possible real world implications if that happens?","upvotes":162,"user_id":"SomeRandomRealtor"},{"content":"Nancy Pelosi said today that the democratic house has [\"arrows in our quiver\"](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/20/pelosi-house-supreme-court-nomination-418773) to block a Supreme Court nomination. She later released a statement saying that they do not seek to cause a government shutdown as a method of doing so, probably because they think it would be very unpopular.\n\nWhat powers, if any, do elected Democrats in the house or senate have to delay the nominating process until at least after Nov 3, if not January 1, and what do you think would be the political ramifications of these tactics?\n\nWhat would be an effective tactic for Democratic voters and officials to take, if their goal is to block the nominee?","created_at":1600665305.0,"id":"iwmf9s","n_comments":326,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwmf9s/what_powers_do_democrats_have_to_block_a_supreme/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What powers do Democrats have to block a Supreme Court nomination?","upvotes":73,"user_id":"GiantK0ala"},{"content":"If Kamala Harris is elected Vice President of the United States, she would need to resign as a Senator from California. Harris was next up for re-election in 2022.\n\nGovernor of California Gavin Newsom would appoint the replacement Senator, and a special election would follow later in 2021.\n\nMy question is: who replaces Harris, and are they simply a placeholder or do they actively compete in the special election?\n\nIn 2018, the most notable Democratic Party challenger to incumbent Senator Diane Feinstein was Kevin de Leon, then a State Senator from California and now a Member-elect of the Los Angeles, California City Council. Meanwhile, when Harris first ran in 2016, her opponent was Representative from California Lorretta Sanchez.","created_at":1600656136.0,"id":"iwji99","n_comments":22,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwji99/assuming_kamala_harris_is_elected_vice_president/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Assuming Kamala Harris is elected Vice President of the United States in November 2020, meaning she would need to resign as a Senator from California, who would replace her?","upvotes":45,"user_id":"Ryan_Holman"},{"content":"What tough questions would you ask Joe Biden & Donald Trump if you were moderating a debate? There's only going to be 3 debates I guess. The first is next Tuesday on Sept. 29th. VP debate is October 7th. Second is October 15th. Final is October 22nd.\n\nChris Wallace moderates the first. I don't think Trump is preparing for the debate in any way based on what I've read. Biden stated he wants to be a fact checker on the debate stage. 90 minutes long.\n\nThe VP debate is moderated by Susan Page, Washington bureau chief USA Today. 90 minutes long.\n\nThe 2nd debate is moderated by Steve Scully, political editor of CSPAN. 90 minutes long. It's a town hall format in Miami. \n\nThe 3rd debate is moderated by Kristen Welker, NBC News White House correspondent and co-anchor of Today Weekend. 90 minutes long.","created_at":1600621629.0,"id":"iwaka9","n_comments":181,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwaka9/what_tough_questions_would_you_ask_joe_biden/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What tough questions would you ask Joe Biden & Donald Trump if you were moderating a debate?","upvotes":46,"user_id":"teutonicnight99"},{"content":"Based on a discussion I had with a coworker the other day. Say a novel form of SARS similar to Covid arose in January of 2004, and spread along a timeline similar to real-life, just in time for the 2004 Presidential Election. How much would it dominate the election in an environment without social media other than Myspace, and without the internet being as ubiquitous? How would working form home have worked? How would school closures have worked? How much would the pandemic have pushed other issues like the Iraq war, same-sex marriage, and George Bush's plans to add private investment to Social Security and close the Medicare donut hole into the background?","created_at":1600565187.0,"id":"ivwsma","n_comments":123,"percentage_upvoted":0.96,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ivwsma/how_would_something_like_covid_have_been_handled/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How would something like Covid have been handled say 16 years ago, prior to the internet being so ubiquitous?","upvotes":544,"user_id":"dpfw"},{"content":"Justice Ginsburg was criticized by many in the left when she declined to step down during the early days of President Obama's second term. She later came out and explained her rationale, [noting the following](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ruth-bader-ginsburg-reveals-why-she-didnt-retire-during-obamas-term-2019-09-19):\n\n> \u201cIt has been suggested by more than one commentator, including some law professors, that I should have stepped down during President Obama\u2019s second term,\u201d said Ginsburg, 86, as reported by CNBC. \u201cWhen that suggestion is made, I ask the question: Who do you think that the President could nominate that could get through the Republican Senate? \u2018Who you would prefer on the court [rather] than me?\u201d\n\nWhile Justice Ginsburg was likely correct that the Republican senate would not have confirmed a young progressive that could take up her mantle as the progressive anchor of the Court (e.g. Judge Sri Srinivasan), a candidate like Judge Merrick Garland would have likely been confirmed if nominated in early 2013. \n\nWhile it's likely a moderate would have gotten through a confirmation hearing in 2013, it's certainly not a foregone conclusion. As a result, an important consideration would be assessing impactful 5-4 decisions 2013 where Ginsburg sat in the majority, because if the Senate Republicans under McConnell had blocked her replacement, these decisions would have ended 4-4. No case fits this description more than [Obergefell v. Hodges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obergefell_v._Hodges), where Ginsburg joined a 5-4 majority to legalize same-sex marriage.\n\nHowever, given that McConnell [wasted less than a day](https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/18/politics/congress-fight-rgb-seat/index.html) to clarify that he would ignore [Justice Ginsburg's dying request](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/18/ginsburg-rbg-dying-wish-418108) to \"not be replaced until a new president is installed\", on balance, was her decision a good one?","created_at":1600624026.0,"id":"iwb18j","n_comments":21,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iwb18j/did_ruth_bader_ginsburg_err_by_not_stepping_down/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Did Ruth Bader Ginsburg err by not stepping down in 2013 during the first year of Obama's second term?","upvotes":26,"user_id":"The-Kingsman"},{"content":"So, this is obviously going to be the main issue next year if Democrats win the Senate and White House. \n\nNow, by all accounts, the Filibuster appear to be on the way out. You have senators like Chris Coons making it clear that the Filibuster is an obstacle that has to be eliminated if Democrats are to govern. \n\nNow regarding court packing, We know that the Supreme Court will be hearing about the ACA a week after the Election which mean that the ACA is once again front and center in politics. \n\nThere are other issues like abortions that would be impacted by a 6-3 Conservative majority but Healthcare is definitely either number 1 or 2 of the most important issue that will be impacted immediately. \n\nWith that in mind, what do you believe will happen with the Court?","created_at":1600553193.0,"id":"ivt516","n_comments":933,"percentage_upvoted":0.92,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ivt516/should_democrats_expandpack_the_supreme_court_if/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Should Democrats expand/pack the Supreme Court if they win full control of the Senate and White House?","upvotes":469,"user_id":"Farscape12Monkeys"},{"content":"Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed away at age 87 from cancer. Her passing leaves open a supreme court vacancy 46 days before the presidential election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated that President Trump's appointment will receive a floor vote.\n\n\nCoverage from:\n\n[NYTimes](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/us/ruth-bader-ginsburg-dead.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage)\n\n[CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/18/politics/ruth-bader-ginsburg-dead/index.html)\n\n[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/us/ruth-bader-ginsburg-dies-at-87)","created_at":1600503403.0,"id":"ivhy0i","n_comments":2310,"percentage_upvoted":0.98,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ivhy0i/megathread_ruth_bader_ginsburg_has_passed_away_at/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Megathread] Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed away at 87, opening a Supreme Court vacancy","upvotes":1931,"user_id":"Miskellaneousness"},{"content":"It's no secret that abortion became a politicized and partisan issue after conservative and evangelical leaders realized that it can mobilize their base to go out and vote. Before this realization, \"the overwhelming response [to *Row v Wade*] was silence, even approval.\"^[1](https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/religious-right-real-origins-107133) Furthermore, Democratic and Republican opinions on abortion were pretty similar up until the 80s.^[2](https://www.vox.com/2019/4/10/18295513/abortion-2020-roe-joe-biden-democrats-republicans)\n\nNowadays, anti-abortion has become pretty typical stance among conservatives (some who even vote for the GOP solely because of it): \"Fully 30% of people who consider themselves 'pro-life' say they would only vote for a candidate who shares that view compared to 19% of people who consider themselves 'pro-choice.'\"^[3](https://www.npr.org/2020/09/17/913589176/the-complicated-importance-of-abortion-to-trump-voters)\n\nClimate change, racial justice, police brutality, wealth inequality, healthcare... Will there ever be an issue that captivates liberals to vote as much as anti-abortion does for conservatives? Or is there already such an issue, but the Democratic Party just hasn't found the right messaging yet?","created_at":1600477037.0,"id":"iv9wld","n_comments":577,"percentage_upvoted":0.94,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iv9wld/will_there_ever_be_an_issue_that_captivates/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Will there ever be an issue that captivates liberals to vote as much as anti-abortion does for conservatives?","upvotes":574,"user_id":"Jet_Attention_617"},{"content":"With the upcoming elections, many talk about how our electoral systems, mainly the electoral college and the Senate, overrepresent rural white voters, giving an advantage to the Republican Party. \n\nHowever, just a decade ago, Democrats had 60 seats in the Senate. The party had 2 seats each from North Dakota, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Montana along with one seat each from Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Alaska. Out of those 14 seats, only 2 remain today. Similarly, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, West Virginia had democratic majority state legislatures until 2010. Even though these states had voted for Republicans on the national level, local Democrats had a lot of power until the Obama era. It's unimaginable to see Democrats in rural congressional seats as they were pre-2010. The 2010 and 2014 midterms seemed to purge out all these local Democrats and hand over power entirely to the Republican Party. \n\nEven the Electoral college map changed completely. Missouri was a bellwether state that Obama only lost by 3,000 votes in 2008. Iowa and Ohio used to be lean Democratic states and are now lean Republican states at best. These losses signal a larger trend of rural white voters all across the country leaving the Democratic Party. Why did these voters so rapidly defect to the Republican Party and so quickly change the electoral landscape? Was it the ACA, the Democratic Party moving left on social issues, or was it Citizens United and the Republican propaganda machine? It's hard to imagine such a large change occurring over the last decade.","created_at":1600494144.0,"id":"ivf9bv","n_comments":179,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ivf9bv/why_did_rural_voters_flee_the_democratic_party/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Why did rural voters flee the Democratic Party during the Obama presidency?","upvotes":65,"user_id":"rickymode871"},{"content":"In our social media enveloped culture how has the instant availability of information changed the political landscape of the U.S. or the world at large? Have the changes social media brought about benefited our political culture or hindered it, maybe even setting it back?","created_at":1600503419.0,"id":"ivhy5g","n_comments":63,"percentage_upvoted":0.91,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ivhy5g/how_large_of_an_impact_has_social_media_had_on/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How large of an impact has social media had on politics?","upvotes":28,"user_id":"TitillatedMoose128"},{"content":"One of the biggest examples of this is the shift of younger Latino men to conservatism. \n\n> [In Arizona, for example, only half of Latino men under 50 say they will vote for Biden, far fewer than the nearly 70 percent of young Latina women. Among older Latinos in Arizona, there is practically no difference between male and female preferences, with Biden\u2019s edge among women at just 3 percent.](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/09/does-joe-biden-have-latino-voter-problem/616394/)\n\nThere is also a noteable gender gap among Black voters. \n\n> [Roughly 24 percent of black men polled by WSJ/NBC approve of Trump\u2019s efforts while in office (72 percent of black men disapprove), but that number plummets to 6 percent when black women are asked the same question.](https://www.vox.com/2020/3/9/21151095/black-women-trump-gop-conservatism-gap-2020)\n\nOn the other side, Biden is dramatically increasing his support among women compared to Hillary Clinton, especially white women (since women of color are basically maxed out).\n\n> [Biden is earning a historic amount of support from female voters for a presidential nominee when examining polling over the last 70 years. Biden is leading among female registered voters by 59% to 35%, a 25-point margin when the numbers aren't rounded. That's a significant increase from his 19-point advantage earlier this year and the 14-point lead Hillary Clinton had in the final 2016 preelection polls of registered voters. Clinton had a 13-point edge with likely female voters.](https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/13/politics/biden-women-voters-analysis/index.html)\n\nThis seems to be true across age groups as well.\n\n> [A significant majority of women do not like what they see. The nonpartisan group All in Together recently commissioned a poll with Lake Research and Emerson College Polling of 1,273 registered women, oversampling 668 registered female voters in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arizona, Virginia, Colorado, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The poll found: \u201cWomen voters favor Biden by 11-points [higher than Hillary Clinton\u2019s margin in 2016], men voters prefer Trump by a 7-point margin (50% Trump, 43% Biden, 7% undecided), for a gender gap of 18-points. \u2026 Despite the Trump campaign\u2019s efforts to gain suburban women\u2019s support, they are breaking for Biden by a 14% margin. Senior women are also voting for Biden (54%) over Trump (42%) with 5% undecided.\u201d Unsurprisingly, Black women favor Biden by a huge margin (84 percent to 12 percent), as do women younger than 30 (78 percent to 18 percent).](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/09/14/if-trump-loses-you-can-thank-women/)\n\nSo, the million dollar question... what are the political and electoral implications of this?","created_at":1600472997.0,"id":"iv8lnk","n_comments":105,"percentage_upvoted":0.89,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iv8lnk/what_are_the_implications_of_the_electorate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What are the implications of the electorate becoming more divided along gender rather than race?","upvotes":57,"user_id":"Ferguson97"},{"content":"Recent articles in [Time Magazine](https://time.com/5889093/joe-biden-michigan-campaign/) as well as [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/17/us/politics/joe-biden-campaign.html) describe Biden's presidential campaign as a mostly virtual affair that was slow to build it's ground game and staff local offices in light of the pandemic. Despite these conditions, many Democratic Party members in key swing states have complained about a lack of visibility or ground game in these states and have reported feeling nervous about this.\n\nIn the Time article, the Biden campaign is reported to have reached 1.4 million people through 500 virtual events after the Democratic Convention as well as sent 500,000 text messages in the week before Labor Day. However, one Democratic official speaking anonymously argued \u201cCalling a telephone number isn\u2019t a connection,\u201d and warned that \u201cSome of the same people that said everything was okay four years ago are the same people saying everything\u2019s okay now\u201d. A grassroots organizer in Michigan worried that focusing entirely on phone calls and emails means ignoring voters who may not appear in the Biden campaign's data. \u201cIf you\u2019re not in the system,\u201d she says, \u201cJoe Biden doesn\u2019t even know how to reach you\u201d. Conversely, one Dem official interviewed in The New York Times article believed that voters will be accepting of Biden's small in-person events, saying \u201cI\u2019m getting this much stronger sense that people respect him for that decision because he doesn\u2019t want to kill people,\u201d.\n\nTo the best of my knowledge, the United States has never conducted a presidential campaign during a pandemic under social distancing measures, and especially not during an election that many view as extremely consequential. Are the concerns about the lack of a physical presence valid? Is Biden at a disadvantage with reaching out to voters considering that the Trump campaign has been flouting social distancing and holding large, in-person rallies?","created_at":1600425812.0,"id":"iuxxcx","n_comments":246,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iuxxcx/recent_articles_describe_bidens_presidential/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Recent articles describe Biden's presidential campaign as having a small physical presence in key swing states, and how that's making local Dem supporters nervous. Do these concerns have merit? Can the Biden campaign reach out to enough voters virtually while social distancing to win the election?","upvotes":456,"user_id":"ComradeNapolein"},{"content":"Firts off, not a native (in any sense of the term) of USA, so pardon my possible ignorance.\n\nTo my understanding, traditionally the US Attorney Generals are supposed to keep themselves separated from party politics. If so, then how abnormal have Barr's opinions given in interviews by him been in a historical perspective?\n\nFor exanple, Brothers Kennedy were president and AG at the same, did they manage (or try) to keep the offices separate?","created_at":1600447390.0,"id":"iv2f5t","n_comments":56,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iv2f5t/is_barr_stepping_out_of_line_as_attorney_general/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Is Barr stepping out of line as Attorney General?","upvotes":49,"user_id":"iDerfel"},{"content":"Mail in ballots are rejected at around 1% because people don't fill them in correctly. First time mail in voters fail more often. Normally that's no big deal because both parties vote by mail in voting at roughly equal levels so they're rejected at roughly equal levels. Are Democrats screwing themselves over by encouraging mail in voters instead of early voting?\n\nThe 538 article below says black voters in North Carolina are having their ballots rejected at 4 times the rate of white voters because they're mostly first time mail in voters while older white voters have been mailing in their vote for years. Many swing States allow the state to follow up on and fix bad ballots, but they can only ever fix a portion of the ballots. Assuming this trend continues would this disadvantage Democrats? Will a turnout increase from having Democratic voters vote by mail counter the decreased success rate of vote by mail?\n\nhttps://fivethirtyeight.com/features/north-carolina-is-already-rejecting-black-voters-mail-in-ballots-more-often-than-white-voters/","created_at":1600398676.0,"id":"iuq705","n_comments":39,"percentage_upvoted":0.83,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iuq705/are_democrats_disadvantaging_themselves_with_mail/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Are Democrats disadvantaging themselves with mail in voting?","upvotes":38,"user_id":"PermanentEvolution"},{"content":"As of 10:03 EST 17 September, 2020 there is no trade deal between the UK and the EU for the post transition period of Brexit. If in the upcoming (roughly) 105 days and 10 hours a trade deal is not reached this will have bad implications (both immediate and long term) for the UK. \n\nIn this scenario how bad does it become and does it turn the tide of public opinion against being Eurpskeptic and campaign to rejoin? Or does the UK become splintered with revived talks of Scottish independence? Something else ?","created_at":1600380592.0,"id":"iuk79j","n_comments":35,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iuk79j/without_a_trade_deal_would_a_disastrous_post/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Without a trade deal, would a disastrous post transition Brexit result in the UK rejoining the EU?","upvotes":38,"user_id":"sheerfire96"},{"content":"As the climate continues to rapidly change, crop failures, changes in temperature, flooding, and increased prevalence of natural disasters will render much of the equatorial world uninhabitable within the coming decades.\n\nAs of now, 1% of the worlds' landmass is considered a \"barely livable hot zone\". By 2070, this percentage could increase to as much as 19% of the world's landmass, which is home to billions of people, including broad swathes of Latin America, the African Sahel, and south-east Asia.\n\nThe people living in these areas may have no choice but to flee for safer areas. These areas will include countries in the global north such as the United States, which is already seeing the first of these climate migrants attempting to gain access to the country. In addition, these countries will see an increase in their populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced from their homes by climatic events, such as the New Orleans diaspora who were forced to abandon their homes due to Hurricane Katrina.\n\nWhat actions should the countries of the global north, especially the United States, take now in order to prepare for this crisis? As the crisis worsens, what actions should be taken to address it?\n\n​\n\nThe Great Climate Migration - Abrahm Lustgarten\n\n[https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/23/magazine/climate-migration.html?action=click&algo=als\\_engaged1\\_desk\\_filter&block=editors\\_picks\\_recirc&fellback=false&imp\\_id=265014796&impression\\_id=2d60a2e0-d0b4-11ea-aa5a-531ef54c493d&index=0&pgtype=Article®ion=ccolumn&req\\_id=648816687&surface=home-featured&action=click&module=editorContent&pgtype=Article®ion=CompanionColumn&contentCollection=Trending](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/23/magazine/climate-migration.html?action=click&algo=als_engaged1_desk_filter&block=editors_picks_recirc&fellback=false&imp_id=265014796&impression_id=2d60a2e0-d0b4-11ea-aa5a-531ef54c493d&index=0&pgtype=Article®ion=ccolumn&req_id=648816687&surface=home-featured&action=click&module=editorContent&pgtype=Article®ion=CompanionColumn&contentCollection=Trending)\n\nWebsite with excerpts in case of paywall issues\n\n[https://www.climate-refugees.org/spotlight/2020/7/23-climatemigration](https://www.climate-refugees.org/spotlight/2020/7/23-climatemigration)","created_at":1600390845.0,"id":"iunk5x","n_comments":56,"percentage_upvoted":0.79,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iunk5x/what_should_developed_countries_like_the_united/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What should developed countries like the United States do to address climate migration?","upvotes":16,"user_id":"cynical_enchilada"},{"content":"[The Project for the New American Century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_for_the_New_American_Century) was a think tank supported by various members of the Bush Administration, such as Dick Cheney and George W Bush.\n\nThe think tank called for the removal of Saddam Hussein, which occurred after 9/11 with [the Iraq War.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War) The think tank called for the pre-eminence of the US military and increased military spending, which has continued to this day under [Donald Trump](https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/21/trump-signs-738-billion-defense-bill.html) and is further egged on even by his opposition, [Joe Biden.](https://www.democracynow.org/2020/9/11/headlines/joe_biden_says_he_may_further_increase_military_spending_if_elected)\n\nIn addition, it called for a global pre-eminence of the US military, which is reflected in [the sheer amount of US bases in the world.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_military_bases#Overseas_2)\n\nThe think tank called for the US to be involved in multiple theatre wars, reflecting US foreign policy where we have been involved in multiple theaters, [primarily in the Middle East.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_foreign_policy_in_the_Middle_East)\n\nHowever, theatres in other areas of the world have also been considered, such as [Venezuela.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/25/us-is-thinking-invading-venezuela-thats-unlikely-lead-democracy/)\n\nSo in light of how much of PNAC's desires and goals were seemingly implemented after 9/11, how much did this think tank influence the United States foreign policy directions?","created_at":1600318905.0,"id":"iu4n3v","n_comments":138,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iu4n3v/how_much_did_the_project_for_the_new_american/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How much did \"The Project for The New American Century\" influence United States foreign policy?","upvotes":389,"user_id":"Bigbluebuttonman"},{"content":"Donald Trump is making the claim that this is the most Important election in US history. In a way thats true as we cannot affect the past. But the real question is what was the most Important election in US history that could have changed everything?","created_at":1600351983.0,"id":"iudrpa","n_comments":78,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iudrpa/what_iswas_the_most_important_us_election_in/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What is/Was the most important US election in history?","upvotes":41,"user_id":"BlerStar95"},{"content":"Welcome to the polling megathread for the week of September 14, 2020.\n\n**All top-level comments should be for individual polls released this week only and link to the poll.** Unlike subreddit text submissions, top-level comments do not need to ask a question. However they must summarize the poll in a meaningful way; link-only comments will be removed. Top-level comments also should not be overly editorialized. Discussion of those polls should take place in response to the top-level comment. \n\nU.S. presidential election polls posted in this thread must be from a [538-recognized pollster](http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/). Feedback is welcome via [modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FPoliticalDiscussion). \n\nPlease remember to sort by new, keep conversation civil, and enjoy!","created_at":1600238163.0,"id":"itjbh2","n_comments":1242,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/itjbh2/polling_megathread_week_of_september_14_2020/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"[Polling Megathread] Week of September 14, 2020","upvotes":299,"user_id":"argusdusty"},{"content":"Virginia Democratic Party Staffers Unionize.\n\nI believe this movement started to kick into gear with the Bernie Sanders campaign. Campaign workers tend to work for unbelievably long hours--over over 100 hours a week, often for minimal salary. Staffers are paid salary, but if they began to advocate for time-and-a-half after forty hours, or for markedly higher wages or better conditions--much less actually organize a strike--I can't imagine how much it would be massively disruptive to the current campaigning model.\n\nThat said, campaign workers essentially become willingly brainwashed for their candidate. They start off pretty ideological to begin with, spend a lot of time regurgitating talking points when speaking with voters, and need to self-justify the long hours and low pay. Due to that, it's difficult for me to envision campaign workers advocating for anything too radical. But over many years of campaigning they may begin to establish new baselines such as mandatory healthcare, a higher salary, and better conditions overall that could make Democratic staffers more costly than Republican ones. Conversely, one could argue that better working conditions would attract better-quality workers.\n\nWhat do you think? If we were to A/B test, and all Democratic campaigns unionized for the foreseeable future while all Republican campaigns remained union-free, would it be a net loss for the Democrats? A net gain? Or would it leave things largely unchanged?","created_at":1600213686.0,"id":"itbehu","n_comments":20,"percentage_upvoted":0.87,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/itbehu/virginia_democratic_party_staffers_just_unionized/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Virginia Democratic Party staffers just unionized. In what way would it change elections if Democrats (and Democratic campaigns) unionized and Republicans didn't?","upvotes":57,"user_id":"meta_irl"},{"content":"Politics in the United States has become hyper polarized with party identity at the poles becoming the norm much more than moderate Republicans or Democrats. Party line voting has become much more prevalent. What are the key cause or causes of this? Is there anything good to come from hyper partisanship and polarization? If not, 8s there a way to reverse this trend?","created_at":1600159223.0,"id":"isy118","n_comments":757,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/isy118/causes_for_hyper_partisanship_and_polarization/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Causes for hyper partisanship and polarization.","upvotes":500,"user_id":"ParticularGlass1821"},{"content":"Marijuana legalization is an issue that is popular nationwide, with several states having legalization on the ballot this November. However, most states with legal recreational use do not have protections for users, sometimes specifically stating in the law that employers are allowed to maintain a zero tolerance policy. Some states have protections for applicants and employees that use medical marijuana, but many states still have issues with medical card holders being fired for marijuana usage. \n\nSome jobs might have exceptions to this rule, such as police officers and security guards, but the majority of businesses do not have safety issues regarding drug use outside the workplace.\n\nIf marijuana is recreationally legal, should employers still be allowed to fire an employee or reject an application for a positive drug test? Or should marijuana use be treated like alcohol, where its allowed as long as its not on the clock? Or should only medical marijuana use be exempted?","created_at":1600094307.0,"id":"isfpq1","n_comments":420,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/isfpq1/should_legislatures_in_states_with_legal/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Should legislatures in states with legal marijuana prohibit employers from firing or testing employees or applicants for marijuana use?","upvotes":1097,"user_id":"Hij802"},{"content":"You look at the trend and most minorities will always vote Blue. All [538 Electoral Votes ](https://brilliantmaps.com/if-only-x-voted/) would have gone to Hillary Clinton if only POC voted.\n\nThe [2018 Midterm Election ](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/11/08/the-2018-midterm-vote-divisions-by-race-gender-education/%3Famp%3D1) is a clear indication of how minority voters predominately vote blue. 90% of Black Americans, 69% of Hispanic Americans, and 77% of Asian Americans. \n.","created_at":1600135431.0,"id":"isqanu","n_comments":177,"percentage_upvoted":0.65,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/isqanu/how_come_most_people_of_color_vote_for_the/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How come most People of Color vote for the Democratic Party?","upvotes":26,"user_id":"DinahHamza07"},{"content":"As you all might know India and china have large boarder desputes. This is something the region is known for. As a product of colonialism, and bad survey work the region is suffering from it today.\n\nCurrently their have been multiple skirmishes, and India captured a Chinese base. Last week the two powers met in Moscow to hash out a deescilation plan. However both sides have violated the plan. So whats the liklyhood of the two powers going to war?\n\nEdit: Japan and Australia have allied with India in case of war.","created_at":1600052355.0,"id":"is4b8g","n_comments":309,"percentage_upvoted":0.9,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/is4b8g/will_india_and_china_go_to_war/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Will India and China go to war?","upvotes":445,"user_id":"BlerStar95"},{"content":"In an ideal country, where let's suppose all leaders are honest, competent, and technocrat, and there's enough money/wealth, does it work to have a political system that combines individual liberty and free competitive markets with egalitarian policies that make possible healthcare for all, free education, inclusion of migrants, and affordable housing, etc.?\n\nThis is a very hypothetical question but I'm basically interested in knowing if a system that combines all the good characteristics of capitalism with all those of socialism can exist and succeed. It seems like in practice many of the intended policies could clash in such a society. But is there an ideal political system, even beside those two notions? \n\nAlso, is there an academic term for the study of ideal governance?\n\n\nEDIT: Thanks for all the thoughtful comments! I realize I wasn't as clear as I wanted to be, and I know that this can be subjective and probably unrealistic. But I gave two economic models as mere examples, not to make a point that one is better than the other or that only these are valid, and because the economy is a big part of any functioning society. But with \"ideal,\" I meant an equitable system where not necessarily all humans are rich and happy but where everyone can have a bare minimum and basic rights and live decently (have a roof, get an education...) without struggling too much to make ends meet. Making this possible requires some level of wealth redistribution, but in this supposed utopia, billionaires can still exist, if that makes sense.","created_at":1600057233.0,"id":"is5w75","n_comments":76,"percentage_upvoted":0.74,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/is5w75/does_the_ideal_governance_system_exist/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Does the Ideal Governance System Exist?","upvotes":29,"user_id":"edyonreddit"},{"content":"I plan on joining the Navy and earning a spot in the SEAL program so I\u2019m just curious what people think about these special units that are sent all across the globe to fight and train foreign militaries.","created_at":1600145875.0,"id":"istyjd","n_comments":28,"percentage_upvoted":0.42,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/istyjd/should_the_us_continue_to_use_special/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Should the US continue to use special forces/operations units in other countries?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"CV2819"},{"content":"I am wondering what's your opinion on political and economic future of Western Balkans (Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, North Macedonia...)\n\nRight now the region is facing multiple problems:\n\n\\- still not fully resolved ethnic tensions and conflicts\n\n\\- still not fully decided whose sphere of influence this region will belong to, therefore extreme confusion in foreign policy and therefore general air of instability\n\n\\- terrible demographic trends, both negative natural population growth (more deaths than births, sub-replacement fertility) AND strong emigration acting at the same time...\n\nIn spite of all this economy is not performing that bad, it had some decent growth in recent decades... BUT it's still far behind European average.\n\nAnd while income per capita and human development index are much better than in true \"third world\" or developing countries, it's not the same having a certain level of development while being in Africa and having that same level of development while being in the middle of Europe and surrounded by countries like Austria, Italy, Greece, etc... We are always feeling like the worst pupil in the whole class, it's very frustrating when all the countries in your surroundings are much more developed than you.\n\nFor these reasons people are generally apathetic politically, don't believe in the system, and many are looking to emigrate.\n\nAll that being said, what remains is:\n\n\\- Balkan countries have a good, temperate climate and relatively good natural resources... Those are beautiful places to live, geographically speaking\n\n\\- They are physically extremely close to the core EU countries\n\n\\- The population density is low in comparison to EU and declining... this means a great opportunity for sustainable development as there's a lot of resources and free land per capita\n\n\\- As such, the territory could be attractive both to immigrants from Asia, and Africa (though they still often just transit through this region on their way to countries like Germany), and to foreign investors (due to low price of work)\n\n\\- It could also be interesting to tourists, or even pensioners from richer European countries (why not retire in Bosnia, and keep receiving your pension from UK or Germany... with a typical EU pension, you could live in Bosnia like a lord, enjoying great food and relaxed way of life)\n\nBut despite all this, it seems that this region is simply stuck... it's constantly lagging behind, and as decades pass people are more and more apathetic... Brain drain is huge also...\n\nI am wondering if there's any way that these trends reverse in the future?\n\nCan geographic proximity have some kind of diffusion effects, so that region becomes in all aspects more similar to the countries that surround it?\n\nWill the demographic structure change? If so many young and perspective people leave this region who will remain there? Will someone replace them?\n\nWhat will happen with that, not-so-small chunk of territory that's becoming emptier and emptier each year?","created_at":1600003426.0,"id":"irsgb8","n_comments":65,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/irsgb8/future_of_western_balkans/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Future of Western Balkans","upvotes":281,"user_id":"asymptotic-nutrition"},{"content":"On Joe Rogan's podcast with Tim Kennedy, [Joe Rogan offered to](https://twitter.com/TimKennedyMMA/status/1305294772656115712) moderate a debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The proposed debate would be 4 hours long and would not have an audience. Trump responded by [tweeting that he's interested.](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1305487258036781056)\n\nTrump and Biden are already [set for 3 presidential debates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_presidential_debates) in a traditional environment.\n\nMy question is then: Should Joe Biden accept Joe Rogan's offer? What would be the reasons to accept or decline the offer?","created_at":1600136742.0,"id":"isqr9j","n_comments":205,"percentage_upvoted":0.46,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/isqr9j/should_biden_accept_trumps_offer_to_participate/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"Should Biden accept Trump's offer to participate in a 4 hour long debate moderated by Joe Rogan?","upvotes":0,"user_id":"Retroity"},{"content":"Regardless of whether or not the polls back it up, or if it's supported by history, there seems to be a general assumption that Republican policies are better for the economy than Democratic policies, because Republicans tend to support fewer regulations.\n\nRealistically speaking, what are the long-term economic implications of a Biden presidency? Which sectors might be affected disproportionately? Is it true that Republicans are generally \"better\" for the economy? Does the presidency even have have much sway over the economy as people think?","created_at":1600035096.0,"id":"iryxtt","n_comments":88,"percentage_upvoted":0.82,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/iryxtt/how_will_the_economy_and_stock_market/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"How will the economy and stock market realistically be affected if Biden wins the presidency?","upvotes":28,"user_id":"PM_ME_TODAYS_VICTORY"},{"content":"The Trump campaign has recently pulled most of its TV spending as Biden has pulled ahead in the fundraising arms race. Even despite their cash constraints, the Trump campaign has made some interesting decisions in where to allocate their limited resources. For instance, the AP reports:\n\n>Trump\u2019s limited spending targeted some of those [swing] states, but it was also directed to places like Iowa and Montana, which he won handily in 2016. This week he is spending about $1.6 million to Biden\u2019s $18.3 million.\n\nThe Trump campaign has also spent more money in Georgia than Minnesota [[1]](https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/06/politics/battlegrounds-campaign-ad-spending/index.html). Iowa, Montana, and Georgia all have competitive senate races, but are not expected to play major roles in the presidential campaign.\n\nMeanwhile, [\"the $152.9 million Trump and his affiliated PACs have spent on digital ads is more than twice as much as Biden's digital ad buys.\"](https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/06/politics/battlegrounds-campaign-ad-spending/index.html)\n\nDoes the Trump campaign expect digital to be a more fruitful target for their ad buys? Is there any way to tell if their digital map resembles their TV map? Why would the campaign be spending on senate races at the expense of the presidential?","created_at":1599947867.0,"id":"ird1qb","n_comments":336,"percentage_upvoted":0.95,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/ird1qb/what_is_the_trump_campaigns_current_advertising/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What is the Trump campaign's current advertising strategy? Why invest in states like Iowa and Montana?","upvotes":579,"user_id":"Bill_Nihilist"},{"content":"\nWhat would the aftermath be of an election that is close in the electoral college?\n\nWould the losing declare the results illegitimate? Would the losing side take action against the results?\n\nRight now, https://www.270towin.com/maps/ declares it consensus that Biden is favored to win 278 electoral votes, and Trump is favored to win 169 electoral votes.\n\nBut what if it is close? It might not take much: 538\u2019s forecast at https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2020-election-forecast/ predicts that Pennsylvania is the turning point state, and that Trump has a 26% chance to win it.\n\nUnder certain circumstances, the electoral college could even tie if Biden wins the second district of Nebraska and Arizona but loses Pennsylvania and Florida. \n\nShould the country be worried about the aftermath of a close electoral college?","created_at":1599997002.0,"id":"irr0mp","n_comments":92,"percentage_upvoted":0.86,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/irr0mp/what_happens_if_the_election_is_close/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What happens if the election is close?","upvotes":27,"user_id":"SwellPapyrus"},{"content":"For good reason, much of the political discourse tends to revolve around higher ticket races. The presidency and races for federal office in general attract a lot of buzz and are subject to a great deal of intrigue and analysis. This includes fundraising as well. Amanda Litman of the organization Run for Something pointed out today that the Biden campaign raised more money in the month of August than every single democrat running for state legislature in all of 2020. This speaks to the hyper-focus that a lot of Americans have on the top of the ticket race, especially in our increasingly nationalized political environment. \n\n[There are many state legislative seats up for grabs in 2020, so which ones will you be watching, and why?](https://ballotpedia.org/State_legislative_elections,_2020) Which ones do you see as the most contentious/consequential? Which will you be following closely on election day?","created_at":1599953660.0,"id":"irep6i","n_comments":51,"percentage_upvoted":0.97,"permalink":"/r/PoliticalDiscussion/comments/irep6i/what_are_some_of_the_most_pivotal_us_state/","subreddit":"PoliticalDiscussion","title":"What are some of the most pivotal U.S. state legislative and local races to watch in 2020, and why?","upvotes":105,"user_id":"IAmTheJudasTree"}],"trust":1.0}
