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.

Jobs Report

A better than expected January, but downward revisions for 2025.

Thursday’s Forum

In Front of Noses: Petty Policy-Making

Of course, “policy-making” is giving more credit than is due.

Wednesday’s Forum

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House en route Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on Friday, December 19, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House en route Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The 25th Amendment isn’t Coming to Save Us

Even if the Chinese come for the Stanley Cup.

Tuesday’s Forum

AG Monday

This week: “The Terminator”

Another Significant Special Election Defeat for the Republicans

Another data point that shows Trump’s unpopularity.

photo of wood, woman, monument, female, statue, portrait, symbol, balance, astrology, sculpture, art, grace, justice, head, marble, horizontal, large, law, carving, right, fate, character, forward, case law, horoscope, payday, ancient history, zodiac sign, signs of the zodiac, justitia photo of wood, woman, monument, female, statue, portrait, symbol, balance, astrology, sculpture, art, grace, justice, head, marble, horizontal, large, law, carving, right, fate, character, forward, case law, horoscope, payday, ancient history, zodiac sign, signs of the zodiac, justitia

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.