Latest / Systemic Error Podcast
The race to the bottom — and how tribalism made scandal-plagued politicians unstoppable
Parties Reward Rot, Then Blame the VotersThe SetupThe source story is simple enough: Texas Republicans nominated Ken Paxton, an impeached attorney general facing corruption and bribery accusations, over John Cornyn. Maine Democrats nominated Graham Platner, a political novice carrying allegations of sexual misconduct and a SS tattoo scandal, over Governor Janet Mills. The article treats this as a puzzle about voter psychology. It is also a story about institutions choosing damage because they think damage is still useful.Who Actually Has PowerThe real power in both races does not sit with the…
The skinny
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