Lee Drutman
@leedrutman.bsky.social
Political scientist. Believer in democracy, whatever the hell that is.
- Substack: https://leedrutman.substack.com
- Podcast: http://politicsinquestion.com
- Senior Fellow: New America
- Co-Founder: https://www.fixourhouse.org
- Substack: https://leedrutman.substack.com
- Podcast: http://politicsinquestion.com
- Senior Fellow: New America
- Co-Founder: https://www.fixourhouse.org
There are moments in which I think we are trapped in a state of constant alarm, and maybe this is not the most productive state to be in.
On the other hand -- there is a lot to be alarmed about. I think.
On the other hand -- there is a lot to be alarmed about. I think.
November 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
There are moments in which I think we are trapped in a state of constant alarm, and maybe this is not the most productive state to be in.
On the other hand -- there is a lot to be alarmed about. I think.
On the other hand -- there is a lot to be alarmed about. I think.
Ranked-choice voting makes sense for party primaries because party primaries often feature fractured fields.
“Scoop: Dems eye ranked-choice voting for primaries” electionlawblog.org?p=153200
"Scoop: Dems eye ranked-choice voting for primaries" #ELB
Axios: Democratic politicians and activists are quietly lobbying to upend the way the party picks its presidential nominee by urging the use of ranked-choice voting. Driving the news: Democratic Natio...
electionlawblog.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Ranked-choice voting makes sense for party primaries because party primaries often feature fractured fields.
Reminder: Continuing to use the single-member districts that make these gerrymandering wars so deadly is a choice.
Congress has the power to elevate House elections to proportional representation, and to end this pointless and barbaric blood-letting.
Congress has the power to elevate House elections to proportional representation, and to end this pointless and barbaric blood-letting.
NEW: The Trump administration has filed an amicus brief at SCOTUS supporting Texas' request for a stay of the decision striking for the congressional map. #txlege
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25...
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25...
November 24, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Reminder: Continuing to use the single-member districts that make these gerrymandering wars so deadly is a choice.
Congress has the power to elevate House elections to proportional representation, and to end this pointless and barbaric blood-letting.
Congress has the power to elevate House elections to proportional representation, and to end this pointless and barbaric blood-letting.
Political systems don't reform themselves.
They reform under pressure: popular discontent, new party competition, crisis.
Americans are mad. Crisis is here.
What's missing? Minor parties with ballot lines and leverage.
It's time to start building.
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
They reform under pressure: popular discontent, new party competition, crisis.
Americans are mad. Crisis is here.
What's missing? Minor parties with ballot lines and leverage.
It's time to start building.
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
How fusion voting builds the new parties that can break the two-party doom loop
Some reforms just rearrange the gridlock. This one unlocks the pieces that matter.
leedrutman.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Political systems don't reform themselves.
They reform under pressure: popular discontent, new party competition, crisis.
Americans are mad. Crisis is here.
What's missing? Minor parties with ballot lines and leverage.
It's time to start building.
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
They reform under pressure: popular discontent, new party competition, crisis.
Americans are mad. Crisis is here.
What's missing? Minor parties with ballot lines and leverage.
It's time to start building.
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
Majorities of Americans want more political parties -- and less executive power!
www.frameworksinstitute.org/app/uploads/...
www.frameworksinstitute.org/app/uploads/...
November 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Majorities of Americans want more political parties -- and less executive power!
www.frameworksinstitute.org/app/uploads/...
www.frameworksinstitute.org/app/uploads/...
The next generation continues to scream to any pollster who will listen: we need transformative changes!
Who will carry this mantle in the 2028 Democratic primary? The opportunity is there.
Who will carry this mantle in the 2028 Democratic primary? The opportunity is there.
November 21, 2025 at 11:58 AM
The next generation continues to scream to any pollster who will listen: we need transformative changes!
Who will carry this mantle in the 2028 Democratic primary? The opportunity is there.
Who will carry this mantle in the 2028 Democratic primary? The opportunity is there.
Reposted by Lee Drutman
The radical right *is* rising across much of Europe. But the narrative that young people are leading the charge is overblown.
Gen Z is turning away from mainstream parties, but often the beneficiaries are left-insurgents like England's Greens, France's LFI, or Germany's Linke.
Gen Z is turning away from mainstream parties, but often the beneficiaries are left-insurgents like England's Greens, France's LFI, or Germany's Linke.
The Greens are winning the support of around half of 18 to 24 year olds.
Reform are on 5%. So much for young people's turn to the right!
And the Young Greens now have 40,000 members - the biggest youth and students wing in British politics
Reform are on 5%. So much for young people's turn to the right!
And the Young Greens now have 40,000 members - the biggest youth and students wing in British politics
November 20, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The radical right *is* rising across much of Europe. But the narrative that young people are leading the charge is overblown.
Gen Z is turning away from mainstream parties, but often the beneficiaries are left-insurgents like England's Greens, France's LFI, or Germany's Linke.
Gen Z is turning away from mainstream parties, but often the beneficiaries are left-insurgents like England's Greens, France's LFI, or Germany's Linke.
Rather than specifically fuel disinformation or misinformation, I think social media has fueled negativity and distemper, because that's what mostly gets shared and clicked.
Does this seem right? Or am I too pessimistic?
Does this seem right? Or am I too pessimistic?
November 20, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Rather than specifically fuel disinformation or misinformation, I think social media has fueled negativity and distemper, because that's what mostly gets shared and clicked.
Does this seem right? Or am I too pessimistic?
Does this seem right? Or am I too pessimistic?
Reposted by Lee Drutman
And yet elite mainstream discourse seems to be hyperfixated on how the left flank of the Democratic Party alienates people
Not the point of @gelliottmorris.com piece, but look at this divide among Republicans on social issues. Half of them look like normal people and the other half are way out of step with the rest of the country. There’s a bit of a mirror on the left but much smaller.
November 20, 2025 at 2:45 PM
And yet elite mainstream discourse seems to be hyperfixated on how the left flank of the Democratic Party alienates people
This is consistent with analyses I've done over the years. The closer you get to the "middle" the more you get weakly engaged voters with a menagerie of heterogeneous non-ideologies. A few principled moderates do exist, sure. But they are far fewer than common narratives suggest.
Good morning. I've got a banger new post out today that develops a new method for placing voters on the left-right ideological spectrum, and adds a new, "non-ideological"/affordability axis to usual way we chart & think about US voters (esp swing voters). www.gelliottmorris.com/p/not-just-l...
Not just left vs right: Most voters think about affordability and material wellbeing, not in ideological terms
Most voters want a party that emphasizes cost of living issues and makes the world a better place. Few Americans think in solidly ideologically terms. "Moderates" are mostly non-ideological.
www.gelliottmorris.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:24 PM
This is consistent with analyses I've done over the years. The closer you get to the "middle" the more you get weakly engaged voters with a menagerie of heterogeneous non-ideologies. A few principled moderates do exist, sure. But they are far fewer than common narratives suggest.
Reposted by Lee Drutman
The core problem: without another label, a Democrat is just a Democrat. The national party brand drowns out everything else. Fusion voting lets alternative labels exist. It’s not about better candidates—it’s about more parties. @leedrutman.bsky.social @newamerica.org @politicalreform.newamerica.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:05 PM
The core problem: without another label, a Democrat is just a Democrat. The national party brand drowns out everything else. Fusion voting lets alternative labels exist. It’s not about better candidates—it’s about more parties. @leedrutman.bsky.social @newamerica.org @politicalreform.newamerica.org
It's not just you. News headlines have become more negative in the 21st century -- particularly in partisan outlets
THIS IS BAD!
THIS IS BAD!
November 19, 2025 at 6:18 PM
It's not just you. News headlines have become more negative in the 21st century -- particularly in partisan outlets
THIS IS BAD!
THIS IS BAD!
Riddle me this paradox: Democrats ahead in the generic ballot 55%-41%, but only 29% of people have confidence in Democrats (compared to 35% for Rs).
Something voting against the party in the White House, negative partisanship, just one poll, etc... But still...
maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/a-look...
Something voting against the party in the White House, negative partisanship, just one poll, etc... But still...
maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/a-look...
November 19, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Riddle me this paradox: Democrats ahead in the generic ballot 55%-41%, but only 29% of people have confidence in Democrats (compared to 35% for Rs).
Something voting against the party in the White House, negative partisanship, just one poll, etc... But still...
maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/a-look...
Something voting against the party in the White House, negative partisanship, just one poll, etc... But still...
maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/a-look...
And who says bipartisanship is dead?
The Epstein files release bill just passed the House with only one nay vote -- Clay Higgins
November 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
And who says bipartisanship is dead?
There has to be a better way to do elections than endless litigation.
Oh wait, there is...get rid of the single-member districts that make constant redistricting so profitable. Use proportional representation instead!
Oh wait, there is...get rid of the single-member districts that make constant redistricting so profitable. Use proportional representation instead!
BREAKING: A three-judge court blocks Texas from using the congressional map passed by its Republican-controlled legislature in August for the 2026 midterms as part of the gerrymandering fight sparked by President Trump. An appeal to the Supreme Court is expected
www.courtlistener.com/docket/60654...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/60654...
Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction – #1437 in Leagu...
Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction
www.courtlistener.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:21 PM
There has to be a better way to do elections than endless litigation.
Oh wait, there is...get rid of the single-member districts that make constant redistricting so profitable. Use proportional representation instead!
Oh wait, there is...get rid of the single-member districts that make constant redistricting so profitable. Use proportional representation instead!
Reposted by Lee Drutman
My statement on McMahon's plan to dismember the U.S. Department of Education.
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
November 18, 2025 at 6:02 PM
My statement on McMahon's plan to dismember the U.S. Department of Education.
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
I'd be very surprised if the Supreme Court does not ultimately side with Texas Republicans here, but who knows?
November 18, 2025 at 6:08 PM
I'd be very surprised if the Supreme Court does not ultimately side with Texas Republicans here, but who knows?
Cognitive dissonance is one helluva reality-distortion field
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/b...
November 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Cognitive dissonance is one helluva reality-distortion field
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/b...
"Some laws may be easier to change than others. But we should never mistake mere change for actual progress. Progress gets us closer to a desired goal. Change is, well, just change for the sake of change. Not progress."
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
How fusion voting builds the new parties that can break the two-party doom loop
Some reforms just rearrange the gridlock. This one unlocks the pieces that matter.
leedrutman.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:44 PM
"Some laws may be easier to change than others. But we should never mistake mere change for actual progress. Progress gets us closer to a desired goal. Change is, well, just change for the sake of change. Not progress."
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
leedrutman.substack.com/p/how-fusion...
Reposted by Lee Drutman
If you care about a better democracy, check out the This Old Democracy podcast with @msifry.bsky.social. From fusion voting to proportional representation—and lots more—guests like @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social and @leedrutman.bsky.social make it a must-listen. Time to renovate our country!
This Old Democracy: A Project of the Center for Ballot Freedom
This Old Democracy is a regular podcast that explores the ideas, movements, and people working to rescue our faltering political system — and rebuild American democracy on a stronger, more inclusive, ...
centerforballotfreedom.org
November 17, 2025 at 3:31 PM
If you care about a better democracy, check out the This Old Democracy podcast with @msifry.bsky.social. From fusion voting to proportional representation—and lots more—guests like @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social and @leedrutman.bsky.social make it a must-listen. Time to renovate our country!
Will the Trump-Epstein connection ever break through to MAGA?
There is some evidence that at 30-40% "incongruent information", people turn against their candidates.
But below that, doubling-down is strong. Cognitive dissonance is hard for people to handle.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
There is some evidence that at 30-40% "incongruent information", people turn against their candidates.
But below that, doubling-down is strong. Cognitive dissonance is hard for people to handle.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Will the Trump-Epstein connection ever break through to MAGA?
There is some evidence that at 30-40% "incongruent information", people turn against their candidates.
But below that, doubling-down is strong. Cognitive dissonance is hard for people to handle.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
There is some evidence that at 30-40% "incongruent information", people turn against their candidates.
But below that, doubling-down is strong. Cognitive dissonance is hard for people to handle.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
"Collapsing democracies follow on collapsing political parties."
I think about this line from @kimlanelaw.bsky.social a lot.
oxcon.ouplaw.com/display/10.1...
I think about this line from @kimlanelaw.bsky.social a lot.
oxcon.ouplaw.com/display/10.1...
November 13, 2025 at 12:58 PM
"Collapsing democracies follow on collapsing political parties."
I think about this line from @kimlanelaw.bsky.social a lot.
oxcon.ouplaw.com/display/10.1...
I think about this line from @kimlanelaw.bsky.social a lot.
oxcon.ouplaw.com/display/10.1...
Reposted by Lee Drutman
Episode 2 of This Old Democracy: @msifry.bsky.social talks with political scientist @leedrutman.bsky.social of @newamerica.org about breaking the two-party doom loop and why the U.S. needs a multi-party democracy. @politicalreform.newamerica.org
🎧 Listen: centerforballotfreedom.org/this-old-dem...
🎧 Listen: centerforballotfreedom.org/this-old-dem...
November 12, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Episode 2 of This Old Democracy: @msifry.bsky.social talks with political scientist @leedrutman.bsky.social of @newamerica.org about breaking the two-party doom loop and why the U.S. needs a multi-party democracy. @politicalreform.newamerica.org
🎧 Listen: centerforballotfreedom.org/this-old-dem...
🎧 Listen: centerforballotfreedom.org/this-old-dem...
Reposted by Lee Drutman
Fusion voting hits the sweet spot of impact + feasibility. It lets people vote their values without “wasting” their votes—opening space for new political identities, real dissenting power, and even a revitalized center in our civic life. @leedrutman.bsky.social @newamerica.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Fusion voting hits the sweet spot of impact + feasibility. It lets people vote their values without “wasting” their votes—opening space for new political identities, real dissenting power, and even a revitalized center in our civic life. @leedrutman.bsky.social @newamerica.org
Google Trends shows seven states where searches for "SNAP benefits" have outpaced searches for "Taylor Swift" over the last 30 days.
November 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Google Trends shows seven states where searches for "SNAP benefits" have outpaced searches for "Taylor Swift" over the last 30 days.