Jonathan Ladd
Assoc Prof in the McCourt School and Dept of Government at Georgetown. A political scientist who studies public opinion, polling, and media effects. jonathanmladd.com
Occasionally a Marilynne Robinson stan account.
Apologies for typos.
- If you think of Supreme Court justices as philosopher kings who care about holding the American republic in their trust, you will be perpetually surprised and disappointed. If, instead, you think of them as very similar to 6 Republican and 3 Democratic senators, then things make much more sense
- The current Supreme Court is, unfortunately, very partisan, and some have been shown to take bribes. So, hope for the best, be prepared for the worst. Remember that the Constitution is enforced by the Supreme Court, but it is created by and belongs to the American people. It is our Constitution.
- [Not loaded yet]
- 2 weeks before a national election, national conditions and public opinion on issues are basically fixed. The best strategy is respond to the polls and prime your best issues. 12-24 months out from the election, arguably the best strategy is to try to shape national conditions and public opinion. /2
- Thread. Defending the Constitution is the right thing to do and a winning political issue. Here is a link to the article:
- I am pleased to have this article, “The End of Rule of Law in America” in The Atlantic this morning. Thank you, Jeffrey Goldberg, @theatlantic.com, @washingtonweekpbs.social, @adriennelaf.bsky.social, @beccarosen.bsky.social
- The political science theory that you win by not fighting back--that thermostatic backlash politics works like a slingshot, making you better off if you lose--is a type of Leninism. Increase the contradictions. The best way to win is to lose badly first. I'm aware of no evidence to support it.
- They chopped Jamal Khashoggi up with a bone saw and snuck him out of the embassy in pieces.
- Another example where the problem isn't the text of the American Constitution, but the failure of our politicians, judges, and pundits to enforce its most important provisions.
- It is bracing to reread the Framers’ bone-deep fears about foreign corruption of the presidency and realize Trump is exactly what they were trying to prevent. slate.com/news-and-pol...
- My view is that American housing/zoning should be radically deregulated. Environmental reviews for govt projects should probably be abolished, as they've been twisted to produce perverse effects. But if we can't defend our Constitutional system against Trump, none of this matters.
- Taking benefits away from some U.S. citizens based only on ancestry. Seems like a clear violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested by ICE agents wearing masks to conceal their identities.
