Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories

Are Americans democracy hypocrites?

U.S. Capitol with red and blue clouds
Andrey Denisyuk/Getty Images

In the latest episode of the “Politics in Question” podcast, Lee Drutman and Wallner James talk about Bonnie Tyler, Tina Turner and Americans' views of democracy. What is democracy? How do Americans view it? Do they think about democracy differently when it gets in their way? Does that make them "democracy hypocrites"? Why are Americans holding out for a hero in such moments? And does democratic self-government need another hero to make it work? These are some of the questions Lee and James ask.

The episode delves into the evolving dynamics of American politics, particularly focusing on the shifting attitudes towards democracy. The conversation touches on the polarization seen among Donald Trump’s supporters and the challenges arising when political leaders advocate actions that seemingly undermine democratic principles.


The speakers explore the concept that Americans are increasingly less interested in engaging in politics as a space for open debate and more inclined towards a desire for certainty and control. They discuss whether that shift in mindset is detrimental to democracy, as certainty becomes the enemy of democratic processes. The podcast emphasizes the need to make room for uncertainty, highlighting the importance of allowing individuals to be unsure, change their minds and engage in open discussions without seeking absolute certainty.

The conversation expands to discuss the role of democracy and the potential threats posed by an overwhelming focus on winning rather than engaging in meaningful, multidimensional and multiparty politics. The speakers argue for breaking the two-party system, advocating for a more nuanced and flexible political landscape that goes beyond a quest for a permanent majority.

They also call for a shift in perspective on American democracy, moving away from an attempt to fix it as if it were a problem and instead recognizing it as a dynamic space that requires multidimensional and multiparty engagement.

Read More

Fulcrum Roundtable: NextGen Takes the Mic
man in blue and black crew neck t-shirt holding microphone
Photo by Medy Siregar on Unsplash

Fulcrum Roundtable: NextGen Takes the Mic

Welcome to the Fulcrum Roundtable, where we share insights and discussions with Fulcrum's collaborators on some of the most talked-about topics.

Consistent with the Fulcrum's mission, this program aims to share diverse perspectives to broaden our readers' viewpoints.

Keep ReadingShow less
How the Savannah Bananas Are Battling America’s Loneliness Epidemic

Members of the Man-Nana crew dance during a game between the Savannah Bananas and The Firefighters at Fenway Park on July 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Getty Images, Jaiden Tripi

How the Savannah Bananas Are Battling America’s Loneliness Epidemic

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, maybe bananas can cure our societal ill of loneliness.

In a time when the U.S. surgeon general has declared loneliness a public health epidemic, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, Americans are desperately searching for authentic connection, and the Savannah Bananas offer a welcome respite.

Keep ReadingShow less
Michael Chippendale: Realistic, Not Idealistic Government

Michael Chippendale, Minority Leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives

Credit: Hugo Balta

Michael Chippendale: Realistic, Not Idealistic Government

Michael Chippendale is a seasoned Republican legislator and the current Minority Leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. Representing District 40—which includes Coventry, Foster, and Glocester—Chippendale has served in the General Assembly since 2010, steadily rising through the ranks of GOP leadership.

Chippendale was unanimously elected House Minority Leader in June 2022 and re-elected in December 2024. Prior to this, he served as Minority Whip from 2018 to 2022. His leadership style is marked by a focus on government efficiency, tax reform, and regulatory relief for small businesses.

Keep ReadingShow less