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.
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In Front of Our Noses: Judicial Nominees and Their Public Obeisance

Loyalty tests on display by those seeking lifetime appointments to the bench.

SaturTabs

Saturday’s Forum

A Photo for Friday

“Through the Branches”

Back to Voter ID

A never-ending story.

More WaPo Thoughts

It’s bad business to alienate key customers.

Thursday’s Forum

Mike Johnson’s Ahistorical Theology

On nations, borders, and laws.

Wednesday’s Forum

A Bad Bunny Observation or Two

It’s Super Bowl week!

Federal agents ram a man's vehicle and demand identification at Park Avenue and 35th Street in Minneapolis on January 12, 2026. The Latino man says he was let go once they realized he was a US citizen. While doing so, a crowd as well as more officers continued to arrive before releasing tear gas and pepper spraying members of the media and their cameras. Federal agents ram a man's vehicle and demand identification at Park Avenue and 35th Street in Minneapolis on January 12, 2026. The Latino man says he was let go once they realized he was a US citizen. While doing so, a crowd as well as more officers continued to arrive before releasing tear gas and pepper spraying members of the media and their cameras.

Take off the Masks

There is no reason for ICE operatives to wear masks save they don’t want to be held accountable.

Tuesday’s Forum

Another One For the “Why Do They Call Us Nazis?” File

A student group at the University of Illinois adds to the list.

A Headline for the Trump Era

Combining two items that will be hallmarks of his second term.

AG Monday

This week, the 70s TV movies, the Night Stalker and the Night Strangler.

January 2026 Was a Long Month

Just exhaustingly long…

SaturTabs

Melania

The reviews are in…

Grifty Grifters Who Grift

He’s back to easy street.

The Affordability President

This’ll help those approval numbers…

A Photo for Friday

“White on White”

FBI Raids Georgia Election Center

The big lie of 2020 continues.

Tabby Thursday

Thursday’s Forum

So, Noem Was Just Following Orders?

The finger-pointing continues

In Front of Our Noses: Trump’s Values

Two examples to throw on the pile.

Wednesday’s Forum

Bovino Out of Minneapolis

And maybe out entirely.

Tuesday’s Forum

House Races Shifting D-ward

So says the Cook Political Report

Bovino Needs to Read the First Amendment

Gestapo is as Gestapo does.

AG Monday

This week: 1974’s Zardoz.

Video Tells The Tale

And, like with Renee Good, it tells us that the administration is brazenly lying to us.

Kakistocracy On Display

We are not being governed by smart people.

Saturday’s Forum

Being a Tough Guy Ain’t as Easy as it Looks!

The movies always make it seem so simple!

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.

An FYI: I am a Bit Exhausted

Trump fatigue is real.

Thursday’s Tabs