DiscoverThe Vandal TheoryEpisode 9.6: Politics and polarization
Episode 9.6: Politics and polarization

Episode 9.6: Politics and polarization

Update: 2025-03-31
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Description

Question: What drives people to the polls?

Markie McBrayer (go.uidaho.edu/43rzyqw) is an assistant professor of political science in the Department of Politics and Philosophy (go.uidaho.edu/423Gc3F) at University of Idaho. Her research focuses on American politics and policy with a focus on political institutions, representation and social inequality. Today she’s discussing takeaways from the recent presidential election, polarization and what to do if you’re overwhelmed by the news.

Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.

Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).
“Apprentice” (go.uidaho.edu/4hRKKjR) by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo.

Chapters
(00:00 ) Introduction
(00:56 ) On politics
(02:55 ) Getting to know Markie
(03:44 ) 2024 election takeaways
(09:40 ) Did Kamala lose because she’s a woman?
(12:52 ) Women’s impact on policy
(16:29 ) The need for better data
(19:12 ) What to do about polarization
(23:38 ) Subscribe to a newspaper and pet a dog
(27:57 ) Conclusion
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Episode 9.6: Politics and polarization

Episode 9.6: Politics and polarization

University of Idaho