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A Few Reasonable Words

A Few Reasonable Words features three professors trying desperately to soothe the frayed nerves of the American public with the comforting balm of political science. We analyze current political events through the lens of political theory and research in American politics. Every week we offer a quick reminder about the basics in a segment called Civics for Grownups. We also include recommended readings. Learn more: https://afrwpodcast.wordpress.com/
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Now displaying: 2019

A podcast from three professors trying desperately to soothe the frayed nerves of the American public with the comforting balm of political science.

Check out our website to learn more!

Dec 18, 2019

The House is considering two Articles of Impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of congress. What does that mean, and how should we think about charges like this against a president? 

Nov 28, 2019

What exactly is the Universal Basic Income? Is it a good idea? We take a trip back to the Political Science Reform Corner to find out. 

Oct 20, 2019

Impeachment is in the air, but what does impeachment really mean? How should we think about impeachment as a political phenomenon and what can the history of impeachment tell us about our current situation?

Sep 30, 2019

At least three semi-serious candidates are challenging President Trump for the 2020 Republican nomination. Is that weird? How common are primary challenges to incumbent presidents? What does the history tell us about how to think about this year's crop?

Sep 8, 2019

Debates about health care policy are all the rage among 2020 Presidential candidates. How should a thoughtful voter think about these discussions? And why exactly are we still talking about health care nearly 10 years after Obamacare?

Aug 11, 2019

The Dems took over the House of Representatives with an ambitious legislative agenda, but what are they actually proposing? And does it have any chance to pass? Why even suggest big, sweeping legislation if they know the Senate & President won't budge?

Jul 30, 2019

Seems like everybody's talking about electability, but what does that really mean? What can we actually know about a candidate's electability, and is thinking about it a good way to make decisions about who to support?

Jul 4, 2019

Happy Independence Day! To celebrate, we examine Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" and discuss how it remains relevant to the ways we think about patriotism, tradition, and the founding ideals of the U.S.

Jun 26, 2019

We're back just in time for the enormous Democratic primary field's two-part debate extravaganza! Why are there so many candidates? Is it a good thing, or something to be fret about? Let AFRW guide you through the impenetrable forest of candidates!

Feb 3, 2019

Should election day be a national holiday? Maybe! We put the proposal through our reform corner ringer to see whether or not it would be a good idea to establish a Voting Day holiday.

Jan 4, 2019

How should we feel about sneaky partisan power maneuvers? Is it the beginnings of a tyrannical overthrow of democracy itself or just the normal push-and-pull of democratic politics? We explore recent events in Michigan & Wisconsin to try and figure it out.

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