Inside Political Science

Between the recent U.S. Senate primary elections and the developing conflict with Iran, tensions are rising in Washington, D.C. That begs the question: what power does President Trump hold, and does he have the support of the American people? Kirby and Todd agree that U.S. citizens do not seem to be backing the President’s choice to ignite war in the same way they have in the past. The two argue that presidents seem to face less constraint in foreign relations than in domestic affairs. At the same time, recent U.S. Senate primaries suggest that the President’s endorsements seem to be the predictor of who wins within the party. Kirby and Todd question whether Texas has the potential to turn blue as U.S. Senate Democratic candidate James Talarico gains popularity. Does he pose a threat to the Texas Republican Party? The hosts also discuss the pros and cons of presidential appointments and the interests of each political party when selecting politicians for those roles. Tune in to hear how power, primaries, and the politics of war will continue to shape the U.S. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Democracy is evidently changing, and so is the field of journalism. In this episode, Kirby and Todd are joined by Axios’ Senior Contributor and Director of the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Maragaret Talev to discuss how journalism and democracy go hand-in-hand. The former White House correspondent argues that now, more than ever, many politicians are bypassing the news filter, changing journalism’s role in politics. With evolving forms of media and an overwhelming amount of information, Kirby questions how mainstream news outlets can remain relevant and stay in business. Later, Talev argues that censorship shows the “poor health of democracy.” She emphasizes the idea that it is a personal responsibility to be media literate. The professors agree that local news is crucial to political participation and fostering a deep sense of community. Despite the crisis facing journalism and democracy, Talev says there is hope for a brighter future. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

What’s the Federal Reserve, and how does it function? Join Kirby and Todd as they sit down with Texas A&M professor Bill Clark to learn about the significance of The Fed and how it affects our economy. Although the institution is said to operate independently from the government, Clark says the Federal Reserve is actually “partially independent,” with dependence on policymakers like Congress and the President. The professors explain that the economy is the institution’s main focus when maintaining balance. Clark refers to the Republican Party as “inflation hawks,” whose main focus is to decrease inflation, and the Democratic Party as “fiscally liberal,” whose main focus is to reduce unemployment rates. Later, they discuss the framework of the Federal Reserve, emphasizing that it is a system made up of Federal Reserve Banks across the nation that provide more representative feedback for the economy. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Kirby and Todd are back for another semester with new topics beyond the realm of politics! In this episode, they invite Keith Gaddie, author of Bragging Rites: College Football’s Titles, and an expert on the politics of football within the Southeastern Conference. With the implementation of NIL rights, the NCAA transfer portal and the post-season systems, are we past the point of no return? Although athletes are being valued and properly compensated, are they losing sight of the value of their studies? Loyalties towards schools seem to be a thing of the past. Can Congress step in? The professors suggest an easy solution, but don’t think Congress will step in anytime soon. Later, they compare the current conditions of college sports to the past and argue that, in some ways, change is for the better. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Do Americans think the country is on the wrong track? Between the economy, healthcare, housing, and elections, affordability is a major concern for many Americans. Kirby and Todd discuss how the term has taken over political media. It’s a “new mantra,” they say, but who’s to blame for the lack of affordability many Americans say they’re facing? Later, they talk about the increase in housing prices and the worries of many young Americans. Will they fulfill the “American dream?” Does it reflect uncertainty within the economy? With recent discussion surrounding healthcare and its various programs, what’s ultimately fair and affordable for most Americans? Kirby and Todd say that with patience, there’s hope for a better future. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience

In this episode, co-host Kirby Goidel is joined by pollster Clifford Young to dive into their new book, "Nativist Nation.” Todd inquires about the current state of the country and how nativism has affected the U.S. Is it a cultural or economic issue? Does nativism define American politics? Who belongs in America? Kirby claims that nativism has always been present in politics, but there’s a time when it lights a fire and is more prominent. Cliff Young says it’s a political driver in the United States. Later, they discuss the role American nativism has on immigration. Do American born citizens feel threatened by immigrants? Do immigrants challenge what it means to be American? Want to learn more, check out Kirby & Clifford’s book, “Nativist Nation.” For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience

It’s off-year election season, but how much significance do these elections have? With the New York City mayoral election in the national spotlight, Kirby and Todd touch on the effects of the election’s outcomes. To what extent does the mayor truly hold power? Although voter mobilization encourages people to get up and vote, it’s the persuasion that truly makes a difference. Later, they touch on the ongoing government shutdown, the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Kirby and Todd question whether the differing benefits for Democratic Party leaders and Republican Party leaders are worth the government standstill. Kirby says if the shutdown truly had profound immediate effects, then our government leaders wouldn’t risk playing the political game – but at what cost? For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience

Have government shutdowns become a strategy for political parties? With the recent American government shutdown, Kirby and Todd say we’ve been here before, except they predict the impact might be greater. Both sides are decisive and don’t want to reach a compromise, but can either party make their case? The two discuss how the shutdown could impact the American people, and they hope that politicians recognize this. They raise questions about who is affected and how they’re affected. As Americans' trust in institutions declines, what impact does this have on democracy? Kirby says, “If we expect the government to do less, the government should do less better.” They share hope that the government shutdown could be a unifying force for our nation, but we’ll have to wait and see. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

With recent events in America, many people are questioning the American system. Kirby and Todd sit down with Texas A&M Visiting Professor Clifford Young to weigh in on the current state of the country and possible solutions to political challenges. The three discuss how, as satisfaction levels of democracy have decreased, so has political unification. Is the increase in political violence and extremism because of U.S. leaders? Cliff believes the world should have leaders who don’t add fuel to the fire. As educators, their ultimate goal is to provide students with frameworks to make sense of the world. Join the conversation and ease your anxiety with Kirby, Todd, and Cliff as they give context to the political concerns in America. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

The United States of America is entering a new political climate since President Trump took office nine months ago – what are the people saying? Is there a shift in the crime rate? Do people agree with the immigration policies being enforced? What is going on with the economy? With so much change, it can be hard to keep up. Kirby and Todd say President Trump seems to be realigning the political system of the United States. Given the Republican Party's typical ideological alignment with business, they wonder whether increased government involvement could lead American businesses to lose their freedom. What does the Republican Party ultimately want for the country and the American people? Will the Democratic Party be able to bounce back? Kirby and Todd discuss these questions and more in the latest episode of Inside Political Science. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Texas Republicans and Democrats are at odds over redistricting – what does this mean for the future? There’s a lot going on in Texas and across the country. As President Trump embarks on his seventh month in office, Kirby and Todd say he embraces uncertainty, including asking Texas to find more Republican-leaning Congressional districts. Will the evasive strategies of the Texas Democratic Party stop the redistricting push? Kirby and Todd talk about the risks that come with gerrymandering, and why both sides are guilty depending on who’s in power. Later, they dive into party factions and the economy, arguing that politicians tend to overpromise and underperform. The battle for Texas’ Senate seat heats up, as our hosts discuss John Cornyn and Ken Paxton’s attack strategies. Finally, how will tariffs affect the next election cycle? For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

How are German politics different from American politics? And which country does it better? Todd presents a special student-focused episode from Passau, Germany, during a Bush School Study Abroad trip. Two Texas A&M students and two University of Passau students engage in a roundtable discussion about the future of politics in the United States and Germany. With election season wrapped up in both nations, students discuss the outcomes and repercussions, and say that after talking about elections for so long, they’re ready for a break. With the rise of social media, students say they don’t know many peers who are in the political center; instead, they believe more young people are moving to political extremes. Plus, the students share their views on American and German governance and which political system works better. Could the U.S. ever replicate the EU? Later, populism hits the debate floor, making students question whether political parties will turn back to their values if political destabilization continues. Finally, Todd asks how students get their news. Do they feel more informed than older generations? Yes and no, but the students can agree on one thing: they’re far less likely to fall for fake news than their parents. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

What’s the role of a pollster? Is it about getting the numbers right? Or can they help us predict the future? Kirby invites Cliff Young from Ipsos to the show to discuss how pollsters measure and interpret public opinion. Cliff says pollsters serve as a bridge between those who govern and those who are governed. They try to understand what people are thinking and how that affects future political outcomes. He says people only see the accuracy of the polls, but there’s a lot more to it: providing narrative and context is critical, and ultimately, their goal is to avoid election surprises. Later, Kirby and Cliff break down nativism and its impact on immigration and tariff policies. There’s a clash over what makes someone an American - is it about birthplace or is it about ideals? With Trump’s focus on immigration and current events in California, Cliff and Kirby agree that nativism isn’t necessarily increasing, but is becoming more polarized. Will we reach a consensus and move on as a nation to another issue? They say no, at least not in the short term. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

What issues matter to college students? Is there hope for a political common ground among the next generation? Three Texas A&M students join Kirby and Todd for a robust discussion of student perspectives. As young voters, they are discovering how to be a part of the political process. They bring up national issues like the economy, debt and free speech, but also local issues that directly affect them, including affordable housing and immigration. Rent concerns are a big part of the conversation, as the students debate if and how they can create change. Kirby and Todd ask where students get their news and how social media coverage influences the narrative. Are Aggie students inherently political or are they too nice to disagree? Plus, the students ask: where are the high-paying jobs we were promised if we went to college? For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Will the U.S. lose its world power? Are we on a path to a lower quality of life? In this episode, Kirby and Todd bring on Dr. Matt Motta to talk about the politicization of scientific research and how it affects our lives and power. As the federal government makes budget cuts, Dr. Motta wonders what will happen to important research. He argues that things like GPS, the internet and medicine are direct results of scientific investment. Plus, how will universities, which do much of the country’s research, be affected? Universities can be valuable assets to local communities, but will the decision makers realize that? Finally, the group discusses our technically complex world full of expertise and opinions. Dr. Motta says it’s okay to be skeptical of science and recognizes that scientists aren’t always perfect. He wants to push them to better explain the value of their work, admit when they’re wrong and show people how the power of science can change the world for the better. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Keeping people in jail can get expensive. But public safety is vital. So is letting people out on bail effective? Kirby and Todd bring two guests to the show to discuss bail reform in their new episode. First, Ken Good, a bail attorney and board member for the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, shares what he thinks good bail reform looks like. He encourages accountability and wants to give judges and police officers the tools to do their jobs. Later, George Naufal, a research scientist at Texas A&M’s Public Policy Research Institute, discusses his work on a Harris County equitable bail study. He shares what his team found and why he hopes judges can use research and data in the future rather than just their instincts. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

If it feels hard to keep up with the whiplash of politics these last few weeks, you’re not alone! Kirby and Todd are back with a new episode about everything happening: from tariffs and the constant battle between free trade and fair trade; to Elon Musk proclaiming that “the entire destiny of humanity” rests on a Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Plus, is President Trump’s ‘third term’ discussion a distraction ploy, or is he serious - and are Democrats taking the bait? And why are right-wing podcasts so much more popular than left-wing podcasts? Later in the episode, Kirby is joined by George Washington University professor Dr. Christopher Warshaw. They discuss why state and local politics are so complicated to study and why they don’t get as much attention as national politics. Stay for the end to get a little nugget from Kirby and Todd as they explain why Californians moving to Texas likely won’t turn Texas blue. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Our Constitution was built for presidents like Donald Trump. That’s the argument from Kirby and Todd in their latest episode. Kirby says the Constitution was set up for presidents to grab power and Congress to provide checks and balances - much like Trump is doing. But everyone knows the next mid-term election will change the balance again. Kirby and Todd discuss a variety of topics in this episode, including judge clashes, immigration, the economy, Republican messaging and why Democrats just can’t seem to get their party back together. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

President Trump is doing what we expect leaders to do. Congress isn’t - and that’s a problem. Kirby and Todd are back to discuss the sledgehammer the president is taking to the government and the budget. They say so much is happening that no one really knows what’s happening! But what they do know is that our checks and balances system isn’t working. Trump is using his power as leaders should. Congress should be checking him to keep things balanced… except they aren’t. And that’s their fault. Our hosts discuss why, plus how cutting a trillion dollars from the budget won’t be enough to bring down the national debt. By the way, did you know the last balanced budget was in 2001? And they explore messaging: why Republicans are winning with their government waste message and why Democrats can’t find a message to shift the focus. Later in the episode, Kirby is visited by Harvard professor Josh Kertzer. They discuss why Americans have strong opinions about foreign policy, why political elites have ordinary problems and how Trump will handle negotiations, influence, Russia, tariffs and more. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Things aren’t cheap. Good thing Texas has money. Kirby and Todd talk Texas politics with guest Brandon Rottinghaus in this new episode. As the legislative session kicks into high gear, what are Governor Abbott’s priorities? Will the state House or Senate help him get more done? There are a lot of expensive things on the governor’s agenda, so what can get done? The trio discusses how the school voucher issue has become a national concern, how higher education institutions will fare and if the governor is thinking about a 2028 run. Plus, how do state Democrats respond to another cycle of their purple movement failing? After a break, the topic shifts to national politics and scandals. Kirby and Todd ask Brandon if scandals still matter. Brandon argues they’re no longer career-ending. They discuss who really sets a president’s agenda and how President Trump continues to break norms. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.