There is a simmering debate about the science of politics. For example, here’s a recent uninformed and deliciously uninformative anger-fueled argument that political science does not “serve the public”—a notion that any good political scientist knows is the warm bed of those too lazy to consider the vacuity of the notion of “serving the public.” … Read more
The US Senate is currently considering immigration reform, with a bipartisan group of Senators working toward a compromise on one of the higher profile post-election issues. At the same time, the Obama Administration has been preparing its own plan, which was leaked by USA Today. President Obama called on Congress to address the issue in … Read more
I have to be honest—I don’t actually know the criteria for being classified as naughty or nice by Santa. I also don’t know how I would find out. I do know that he flies around the world giving out “incentives” once a year. …It turns out that the Obama Administration is stealing a page from … Read more
I’ve been reading several papers lately that examine the effects of various government policies on various social and economic outcomes. Increasingly, I find myself wondering what these studies actually conclude with “null” results. (By the way, I am sure that this issue has been raised before, but I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately, … Read more
A federal appeals court has ruled invalid the three recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board President Obama made on Jan. 4, 2012. (My birthday, as it so happens.) The basics of the situation are pretty well known. During this time period, the Senate was holding pro forma sessions during which almost no members were present. The court … Read more
In light of my take on last night’s legislative shenanigans, a few very smart people have asked me, in a sense, “sure, perhaps, but do you REALLY think that’s what happened?” Most of these objections (and the media’s narrative) suggest that Boehner thought he had enough votes for H.J.Res.66 and, upon seeing the too-close-for-comfort on HR 6684, … Read more
Note: a road map is in order. I first describe what happened tonight in the House of Representatives. Then I discuss one game theoretic take on Boehner’s “pulling of `Plan B’…” Tonight, the House of Representatives passed a rule, H.Res.841, that called for the consideration of two measures, HR 6684, and H.J.Res.66. Both of these … Read more
To all you single guys out there, it’s not how you start the date, it’s how you finish it, sir. A lot of people can, you know, start the date with flowers and candy, but if you don’t finish the date – you know what I mean? — Shaquille O’Neal Budget negotiations are kind of like … Read more
Of course, the fiscal cliff is attracting a lot of attention (including by me). This is understandable, as it has been built up for two years, follows directly from the current partisan-cum-policy wrangling of the Democrats and GOP, and — most importantly — stars Barry O. and Johnny B. in a wacky “odd couple-meets-buddy film” … Read more
On the eve of the most universal of American family holidays, I am thinking of the question of names. In particular, the interaction of surnames and marriage. In the interest of both “setting the stage” and providing at least the appearance of a disclaimer, I should acknowledge, that (1) I am married and (2) my … Read more