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.
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.

The Economics President, Continued

Nothing like a war of choice to send indicators in the wrong direction.

Mid-Week Tabbery

Backyard Repudiation

Democrat wins special election to represent Trump’s home district in Florida.

Meanwhile, in North Korea…

In front of our noses: Authoritarian symbolism. (Yes, a cross-over ep!)

In Front of Our Noses: A Parade of Bozos

At a time of increased terrorist threat, look who is in charge of key departments.

AG Monday

TNG Part 2!

The Economics President

How it started and how it’s going.

In Front of Our Noses: The Most Classiest President Ever!

Trump has thoughts on the passing of Robert Muller.

Only the Best Appointees (Teleporting Edition)

Tales from the dumbest timeline.

TGI Tabs!

Meanwhile, in North Korea

A coin for Dear Leader.

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the Dignified Transfer of remains of six U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the Dignified Transfer of remains of six U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

Wars Have Consequences

Energy prices are likely to be affected for some time.

Mid-Week Tabs

Trump Demands a Coalition

That’s not how any of this works.

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.

The Trump Doctrine

When people tell you who they are, believe them the first time.

A Few Thousand Words About Our Very Serious Commander-in-Chief

Or “Things to do while the military has an excursion.”

On “Realism” and Trump’s Attacks on Iran

An IR theory that is often misapplied in my view (especially by certain kinds of practitioners).

Ancient Geeks Monday

Talkin’ ST: TNG, Part 1

SaturTabs

President Donald Trump delivers remarks to military families at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Friday, February 13, 2026. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to military families at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Friday, February 13, 2026.

High Oil Prices are Good!

Dear Leader says so.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine conduct a press briefing on Operation Epic Fury at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., March 10, 2026. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine conduct a press briefing on Operation Epic Fury at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., March 10, 2026.

In Front of Our Noses: Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

Plus: the Strait of Hormuz.

A Photo for Friday

“Taking a Sip”

The Dumbest Timeline

A new ongoing series?

Tabby Thursday

AG Monday!

Inside an ICE Detention Camp

A report on a concentration of detainees.

Wars Have Consequences

Oil prices are sharply up.