Power, Projection, and Gerrymandering: Why Restraint Feels Radical in American Politics

Board-certified psychiatrists break down a rare political event: leaders choosing restraint instead of power.

In this episode of Shrink the Nation, we examine why Indiana lawmakers refusing to gerrymander feels so shocking—and what it reveals about narcissism, projection, moral injury, and fear of losing control in American politics.

We explore:

• Why anxious political systems prioritize winning over legitimacy
• How narcissistic leadership struggles to imagine a future without itself
• The psychology behind gerrymandering, voting restrictions, and “rule-breaking as strategy”
• Why politics has morphed into a lifestyle brand—hoodies, hats, and outrage replacing governance
• How fear of loss drives fraud narratives, voter suppression, and identity panic across parties

This isn’t about red vs. blue. It’s about what happens to democracy when power becomes emotional regulation—and why the rare act of doing nothing may be the most mature move left.

Pour something strong.
Sit on the couch.
Let’s talk about power, panic, and the soothing illusion of merch.