Posts by Steven L. Taylor

Steven L. Taylor
About Steven L. Taylor
Steven L. Taylor is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science and former College of Arts and Sciences Dean. His main areas of expertise include parties, elections, and the institutional design of democracies. His most recent book is the co-authored A Different Democracy: American Government in a 31-Country Perspective. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas and his BA from the University of California, Irvine. He has been blogging since 2003 (originally at the now defunct Poliblog). Follow Steven on Twitter and/or BlueSky.

Another Bad Jobs Report

Job losses and an increased unemployment rate.

Unserious and Reprehensible

Memes, movies, TV shows, and actual war. One of these things is not like the other.

A Photo for Friday

“Big and Small”

Breaking: Noem Out at DHS

But, unfortunately, not exactly gone, either.

It’s Easy: Just Kill the Bad Guys

Or, why having simpletons in charge is a bad idea.

The Role of Primaries on Display in Texas

Just more evidence of how our institutions help shape our parties.

I’ll Have What Friedman is Smoking…

Are our columnists learning? (I think you know the answer).

President Airstrike

The peace president in action.

AG Monday

Time for a close encounter. Can you guess what kind?

(The Lack of) Public Support for Attacking Iran

Usually president care what the public thinks, especially at times of major military action. Not this time.

On Regime Change

What it is and isn’t. Some polisci basics.

Dictatorial

Trump’s love of the unilateral is on display with serious consequences.

End of Feb Forum

President Donald Trump signs a mineral agreement during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the Cabinet Room, Monday, October 20, 2025. President Donald Trump signs a mineral agreement during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the Cabinet Room, Monday, October 20, 2025.

Approaching a Major Red Line on Elections

A potential Executive Order on elections.

In Front of Our Noses: Manipulating the Media Landscape

Trump admin helping pick winners and losers

A Photo for Friday

“On the Rocks”

Friday’s Forum

On “Heritage Americans”

Are some of us more American than others?

Tabby Thursday

Thursday’s Forum

Wednesday’s Forum

President Donald Trump thanks the crowd after remarks at the Salute to America Celebration, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. President Donald Trump thanks the crowd after remarks at the Salute to America Celebration, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

Trump’s Approval Rating

Not so huge.

Tuesday’s Forum

In Front of Our Noses: Partyin’ Patel

Official business, dontcha know.

In Front of Our Noses: This is Just Weird

Really, more under RFK’s nose.

On Whiteness: Protecting Culture or Maintaining Supremacy?

The appointment of white supremacist to a State Department slot creates some thoughts.

AG Monday!

Monday’s Forum

A Photo of Christian Nationalism

Right in front of our noses, one might say.

Sunday’s Forum

Meanwhile, in North Korea…

More trophies and banners for Dear Leader.

More Trump Tariffs

He really likes tariffs.

Saturday’s Forum

The Trump Economy Continues to Underwhelm

Trade deficits, growth, and manufacturing not what was promised.

Breaking: Trump Loses SCOTUS Tariff Case

A 6-3 ruling takes away one of Trump’s favorite toys.

A Photo for Friday

“The Old Ent”

Friday’s Forum

Thursday’s Forum

Hump Day Tabs

Wednesday’s Forum