Politics in Question
Julia Azari, Lee Drutman, and James Wallner
A podcast about how our political institutions are failing us and ideas for fixing them. Join hosts Lee Drutman and James Wallner as they imagine and argue over what American politics could look like if citizens questioned everything. Politics In Question is a joint venture of New America and the Foundation for American Innovation.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 22, 2020 • 56min
Is populism a problem?
In this week’s episode, Julia, Lee, and James tackle populism. They consider what it is, where it comes from, and its influence on American politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Oct 24, 2019 • 47min
What's the deal with the separation of powers?
In this week’s episode, Julia, Lee, and James tackle the separation of powers. They consider why it exists and explore its consequences for our politics in 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Oct 9, 2019 • 51min
How should we think about impeachment?
In this week’s episode, Julia, Lee, and James think through the House’s inquiry into whether it should impeach President Trump. They consider the history of presidential impeachments, discuss their constitutional implications, and assess the potential political consequences if the House decides to move forward in this instance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Oct 1, 2019 • 39min
What is a gerrymander?
In today’s episode, Julia, Lee, and James go in search of the storied gerrymander. They consider how it impacts our politics, examine what the courts say about it, and ask how we can reform the electoral process to minimize any negative consequences it may have on what happens (or does not happen) in the House of Representatives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sep 19, 2019 • 47min
Should we abolish the Senate?
In today’s episode, Julia, Lee, and James tackle the Senate and the debate whether it is time to scrap it. They ask why it is that we have a Senate, discuss the role it plays in our politics, and consider how today’s institution measures up. Does the Senate cause the government to be dysfunctional? If so, what can we do about it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 6, 2019 • 41min
Are we in a political realignment?
Julia, Lee, and James try to make sense of what is currently happening inside the Democratic and Republican parties. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 23, 2019 • 44min
Can ranked choice voting save us?
Julia, Lee, and James talk about the reform plan people can’t stop talking about.P Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 9, 2019 • 41min
Are primary elections really that bad?
The Electoral College has been in the news lately. But it isn’t the only thing people are talking about when it comes to how we pick our next president. Before electors cast their ballots for president and vice president, political parties must pick their candidates in primary elections. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 26, 2019 • 41min
Should the Electoral College be abolished?
In this week’s episode, Julia casts an absentee ballot on-air while discussing proposals to eliminate the Electoral College with Lee and James. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


