Good on Paper Do Voters Reward Good Policy?
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Dec 17, 2024 Hunter Rendleman, a political scientist at UC Berkeley, delves into the relationship between good policy and electoral success. He discusses the Earned Income Tax Credit’s role in alleviating poverty and how this impacts voter behavior. The conversation explores voter sophistication and perceptions of policies, revealing that citizens can reward political leaders for beneficial initiatives, even when credit attribution is complex. Additionally, Rendleman highlights challenges in political representation and academic publishing, making for a thought-provoking discussion.
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Voter Behavior
- Voters often choose based on vibes and identity, not just policy.
- Academic views on voter behavior vary, with economists emphasizing pocketbook voting and others highlighting identity.
Thanks, Obama
- Hunter Rendleman's personal experience helping people claim EITCs showed many attributed it to the president.
- This contrasts with research suggesting people don't know where the EITC comes from.
Policy Attribution
- Attributing policy benefits to specific politicians is complex, as multiple actors are involved.
- It's unclear whether voters need perfect attribution or if a general party association is sufficient.
