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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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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!

Nov 2, 2020

We are back! And just in time to give you a rundown of what might be in store for us come Tuesday, and beyond. Democracy, y'all: it's a trip! 

Jul 1, 2020

Amidst nationwide protests against police brutality & structural racism, we ask: what exactly is structural racism & how does it relate to problems in law enforcement? What does the scholarship on race & policing tell us about how to address the problems inspiring the protests?

Apr 3, 2020

What exactly is Plato's beef with democracy? Can it teach us anything about the problems our democracy might be facing today? And is Plato really an enemy of democracy, or is it more complicated than that? And why does Tim like Plato so much anyway?

Feb 8, 2020

What happened in the Iowa caucus? And is it actually a big deal? Why do we nominate presidential candidates with this complicated system of caucuses and primaries? And what is the deal with Iowa & New Hampshire always getting to be first anyway?

Feb 3, 2020

SPECIAL LIVE EPISODE! How do political scientists think about primaries? How should someone who wants to think like a political scientist think about the current Democratic primary? (nb: spotty sound quality alert!)

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.

Dec 11, 2018

Questions about legitimacy (stolen elections, fraud, voter suppression) have surrounded reactions to the recent election here in the U.S. What does it means to have a legitimate election and why do political scientists think this is such an important concept and value in a democratic system?

Nov 3, 2018

It's election time, America! You've certainly heard from the pundits and the campaigns, but what do political scientists think about midterm elections in general and this midterm election in particular? What should we expect? What is so important about midterms? And why should we (maybe) not call them "midterms" at all? 

Oct 18, 2018

Our first ever live episode! In front of an audience of real live human beings, we discuss the idea of mandatory voting. What is compulsory voting? Do other countries require their citizens to vote? Should we do that? Plus: Q&A with the audience! Fun!

Sep 22, 2018

Instant Runoff Voting or Ranked-Choice Voting: What is it, who does it, and is it a good idea? We'll answer all your questions in our most recent trip to the political science reform corner.

Aug 24, 2018

Why does voter registration to be a hassle? Can reforms like Automatic Voter Registration or Same Day Voter Registration make it easier for folks to vote? Is there any downside to making it easier for folks to register to vote?

Aug 14, 2018

Vote By Mail: Is it a good idea? We take a trip to the Political Science Reform Corner to find out.

Jul 25, 2018

Everyone complains about corrupt politicians, but what does corruption really mean in democratic politics? What is the difference between the complicated, messy, and unsatisfying business of everyday politics, and truly problematic political corruption? Is it reasonable to expect moral virtue and total honesty from our elected leaders, or are our complaints somewhat naive?

Jul 3, 2018

It's America's birthday! But what exactly does it mean to be an American? We explore theories of what it means to be an American - is it a kind of national identity, a commitment to particular ideas, a set of civic practices, or something else entirely?

Jun 25, 2018

What's the deal with primaries? Why do they happen? Why do they matter? Do we really have to pay attention to them? Do I really have to vote twice this year? (Hint: Yes!) And what is the role of political parties in primaries? What should it be? Can a party really "meddle" in its own primaries? (Hint: No!)

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