“Open the primaries” is the wrong answer to the right question
Why isn't November the election that matters? Single-member districts are the problem. Primary reform doesn't fix that.
Undercurrent Events
Political science for people who haven't given up on democracy.
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Latest episodes
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
Campaign finance reform for a multiparty America
Some thoughts on managing the money when we upgrade our electoral system.
Why you can’t just ban gerrymandering
Fair maps require a definition of fair. There isn't one. There are infinite ones.
A brief, 237-year history of gerrymandering in America
Districting has never been “fair.” Maybe the problem is the districting.
Why Democracy Reforms (Not Affordability) Must Be the Focus of the Next Democratic Trifecta
A recording from Lee Drutman and Perry Bacon Jr's live video
The Supreme Court killed voting rights and escalated the gerrymandering wars. Here’s what Congress needs to do in response
The racial gerrymandering free-for-all is now on. The only real solution is proportional representation.
The Democratic Party is about to make the most predictable mistake in American politics
Democrats will win in 2026 and 2028. The problem is winning in a system with a two-year half-life.
Minneapolis Has Three of Four Ingredients for a Turning Point
A cascade may be forming. But does it have anywhere to land?
Live with Joe Walsh
A recording from Lee Drutman and Joe Walsh's live video
Reflections on the five most popular Undercurrent Events of 2025
And the one piece I had the most fun writing. A year in review, Undercurrents style