Not Another Politics Podcast
What Are The Forces Shaping Polarization in Congress?
Jan 16, 2025
Political scientist Daniel Moskowitz from the University of Chicago joins the discussion, bringing his expertise on congressional polarization. They dive into surprising new data that challenges the common narrative of ever-increasing extremism in politics. Moskowitz reveals how factors like voting dynamics, candidate replacement, and the impact of social media shape today’s divided Congress. They also explore the complexities of ideological shifts and the pressures faced by moderates, painting a vivid picture of the modern political landscape.
47:37
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Quick takeaways
- Polarization in Congress is largely driven by the arrival of more extreme newcomers rather than changes in existing members' ideologies.
- Traditional assessments of polarization, like roll call voting, fail to accurately reflect ideological shifts due to changing legislative agendas.
Deep dives
Exploring Polarization in Congress
The conversation centers around understanding the polarization within the U.S. Congress, particularly focusing not on voter behavior, but on the actions and positions of politicians. A notable discussion involves the work of researchers who are measuring elite polarization through innovative methods, moving beyond traditional roll call voting analyses. By examining how congressional candidates respond to the same survey questions over time, they aim to identify whether these politicians are becoming more extreme in their positions. This approach also addresses the difficulties of discerning true ideological shifts from changes in the legislative agenda, which can skew perceptions of polarization.
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