Matt’s Five Points

Matt’s Five Points is a newsletter that analyzes U.S. politics and political science with an emphasis on the Republican Party's internal dynamics, legislative procedures, and the influence of social media on political engagement. It also includes reflections on local politics, personal insights from card games, and institutional changes in electoral processes.

Republican Party Legislative Processes Political Engagement Institutional Change Social Media Local Politics Card Games

The hottest Substack posts of Matt’s Five Points

And their main takeaways

Harvard in the 315

0 implied HN points • 13 May 11
🚌 Education Higher education Student outcomes
  1. Getting a big donation, like $5 billion, could really change a college, but it's important to spend it wisely to attract better students and improve the school's reputation.
  2. Most of what makes a great school is who the students are when they enroll, rather than just what the school offers. If top students come to a school, it might do better overall.
  3. Money can help improve things like faculty and resources, but it won't fix everything. A big influx of cash could cause changes that might not have the desired effect on the school's identity.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #4: Michele Bachmann

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Voter Behavior
  1. Michele Bachmann is one of several candidates in the GOP primary race. Each candidate brings unique views and policies to the table.
  2. The use of Venn diagrams helps to visualize the overlaps and differences between these candidates. It makes comparing them easier.
  3. Understanding these candidates is important for voters, especially as they navigate their choices in the primary elections.

On the history of political phrases

0 implied HN points • 17 May 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Campaign strategies Legislative Process Political Rhetoric Public Policy
  1. The phrase 'waste, fraud, and abuse' became popular in American politics around the late 1970s. It seems strange that it didn't exist earlier, given how much it's talked about now.
  2. Many political phrases we hear today have roots that go back much further in history. Phrases like 'split-ticket' and 'corrupt bargain' have been around since the 19th century.
  3. Even though 'waste, fraud, and abuse' is commonly criticized, it has only recently gained attention in the political spotlight, showing how language in politics evolves over time.

The 2012 GOP nomination, as told by the 1860 general election

0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Voting Systems Historical Analysis
  1. In a multi-candidate election, it's possible for a winner to get less than half the votes due to a split among other candidates. This makes understanding how the voting system works very important.
  2. The winner-takes-all approach in some states means that a candidate can lose the popular vote but still win overall by securing enough electors from states where they had a plurality.
  3. Political tensions and divisions can lead to multiple candidates running, making it hard for opponents to unite against a common front, which can affect the outcome of the election.

File under awesome

0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 11
🎾 Sports Athletics Teams Players Events Culture
  1. Seeing someone wear a #37 Strasburg jersey is a cool sight. It reminds us of baseball's history, especially the Expos.
  2. Jerseys can spark memories and conversations about teams and players. It's fun to share those moments with others.
  3. Fashion can connect us to sports and their past, showing pride in our favorite teams.
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On Ron Paul + Linkin' Logs

0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinions Elections Civil Liberties Libertarianism Political Commentary
  1. Ron Paul has lost support because of his past connections to segregationist ideas and conspiracy theories. Many people can no longer back him as a candidate due to these revelations.
  2. Despite his discrediting, Ron Paul raised important issues about civil liberties and foreign policy that were not addressed by other candidates. His absence is seen as a loss for the Republican party and the country.
  3. The search for a credible libertarian politician who can effectively advocate for important issues continues, and there's a feeling of frustration over the lack of options available.

FIVE POINTS: A Long December

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Political parties Congress Government
  1. The tax bill is likely to pass before Christmas, even though many believe it is unpopular. Members of Congress usually vote based on what their districts want.
  2. Conservative Republicans may face challenges in spending deals because they can't block legislation without Democratic support. This could lead to more centrist spending bills.
  3. Doug Jones's win in Alabama won’t change much in the short term, but it might make Republicans more cautious and strengthen the bargaining power of individual GOP senators.

Sad Tuesday

0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Congress Government Public Policy
  1. When a Representative dies, the Clerk of the House takes over their duties and the office continues functioning until a new Representative is elected.
  2. The deceased Representative's family receives financial benefits, including salary payments and a death gratuity.
  3. The House adjusts its total number of Members, and a special election is called to fill the vacant seat left by the Representative's passing.

Reading Week

0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Behavior Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Negative political ads are often talked about, but their actual impact might not be as big as people think. It's important to look at examples critically.
  2. There are interesting discussions about spending in presidential elections. Comparing this spending to things like GDP can give a better perspective on the costs involved.
  3. Knowing the history of things, like the invention of pinball or the writing of Ulysses S. Grant, can add depth to our understanding of culture and politics.

Counterfactuals, Consequences, and Election Importance

0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political History Political theory Consequentialism
  1. Elections are often labeled the 'most important', but some are truly more significant than others. It's helpful to compare them using different criteria, like the changes they brought about.
  2. Understanding what is 'important' versus what is 'consequential' helps clarify elections' effects. 'Important' events shape outcomes, while 'consequential' events influence timing or method without changing the end result.
  3. Two notable elections in American history are 1800 and 1860. The 1800 election was crucial for establishing a democracy, while the 1860 election led to expected tensions and conflict, showing how sometimes the less dramatic event can be more important.

Super Bowl Coda: Twelve Ideas Circulating in Manhattan

0 implied HN points • 10 Feb 12
🎾 Sports Football Super Bowl Athletes Coaching Statistics
  1. The Giants didn't plan to have 12 players on the field during the game. It was a mistake, not a strategy.
  2. Eli Manning is seen as an elite quarterback and his ability in tough situations gives the Giants an edge in close games.
  3. Having a first-round bye in the playoffs might not be as beneficial as it seems, as recent statistics show that teams with byes have struggled to win their games.

Hollow Victory

0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Libertarianism Government Policy
  1. Legalizing gay marriage is a step forward, but it doesn't fully solve the issue of marriage inequality.
  2. Marriage should not involve government benefits for anyone, regardless of their relationship type.
  3. The government should not favor one type of relationship over another, as this creates unequal treatment among people living similar lives.

Turnover

0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Political culture Staffing Employment Trends
  1. High staff turnover can affect the efficiency of congressional offices, but it's not always as serious as it seems. Many staffers move between offices, which can mean they still have valuable experience.
  2. The study on turnover is affected by unique situations, like the 2010 election when many staffers changed jobs because of a big shakeup. This makes the data a bit tricky to interpret.
  3. Spending more on staff salaries doesn't automatically make offices better at representing their constituents. Each office has a budget that also covers things like supplies and communications.

Resigned but Not Forgotten

0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Elections Governance Political Process
  1. Resigning from the House of Representatives involves writing a formal letter to both the state governor and the House, notifying them of the decision. This ensures that the resignation is official and follows proper procedures.
  2. When a Representative resigns, it creates a vacancy that allows the state to hold special elections to fill the position. This process is important to keep the House fully represented.
  3. The resignation also affects the total number of members in the House. When someone resigns, the official count of the House changes, which can impact voting and quorum requirements.

Day One?

0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Presidency Legislation Political History
  1. Presidential candidates often make big promises for their first day in office, but the actual execution can be complicated by factors like inauguration falling on a Sunday.
  2. Historically, inaugurations have faced challenges due to timing and the need for a new president to take the oath of office legally.
  3. The implementation of the 20th amendment ensures clearer rules about inauguration timing, preventing gaps in presidential authority.

And that, as they say, is what makes a horse race

0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political media Campaign Strategy Polling Political parties
  1. The media benefits from portraying elections as competitive so they can attract more viewers and advertisers.
  2. Democrats want the GOP primary to appear close so it can weaken resources for the Republican candidates.
  3. Different parties and states involved in the primaries gain advantages and resources when the race seems undecided, even if it really isn't.

In this world but not of this world

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Presidency Congress Political Dynamics Governance
  1. The President has a different job than Congress members, needing to achieve goals quickly because they serve a maximum of eight years. This often leads to frustration with the slower pace of Congress.
  2. Unlike Congress members, the President must focus on winning important votes and achieving results to justify their role. This creates a pressure that can lead to risky decisions for quick victories.
  3. The unique position of the President can make them feel isolated in Washington, as their goals and strategies often clash with the longer-term approaches of other political actors.

Talking about the filibuster

0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Political strategy Congress Political Reporting
  1. The term 'filibuster' can be confusing and it's important to use it correctly when discussing Senate events. Just because a vote fails doesn't mean the filibuster didn't happen.
  2. Using clear language like 'defeated by a motion to end debate' can provide better understanding than just saying 'filibustered.' It tells readers exactly what occurred.
  3. The concept of a filibuster is more about strategy and tactics than just blocking a vote. Various actions can lead to preventing a majority vote, and it's good to see it as a process, not just one event.

Good, Bad, Ugly. Well, at least the latter two.

0 implied HN points • 01 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Civil Rights Judiciary Policy Debate
  1. A new bill may give the President more power to cut spending, which could weaken Congress's control over budgets. It could lead to the President influencing lawmakers more than ever, making it harder for them to secure funding for their projects.
  2. There was a discussion about whether U.S. citizens can be detained without trial. The debate showed that just because something is deemed constitutional doesn't mean it's the right or smart thing to do.
  3. Congress has the power to create or repeal laws on issues like detention. They shouldn't rely solely on court decisions to guide what policies they create, because the wisdom of those policies should be their responsibility.

Thanksgiving Briefing Book, Part I: The Outlook

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Legislation Political Analysis
  1. Part I of the Thanksgiving Briefing Book gives an overview of current trends and issues. It's important to stay informed about what's going on right now.
  2. Readers can expect more detailed insights in the upcoming parts of the briefing. It's a series that builds on each section for a complete understanding.
  3. Sharing this information with others can help spread awareness of the topics discussed. Engaging with the material makes it more impactful.

Game Seven

0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 11
🎾 Sports Baseball Game analysis Sports History Player Performance
  1. Game sevens in sports can be really exciting, even if people think they might be boring. Many past game sevens have delivered great moments and thrilling finishes.
  2. Some of the most unforgettable world series moments come from game sevens, showcasing intense drama and memorable plays. This history shows that these games are often worth watching.
  3. Baseball's unique kind of drama during the postseason is different from other sports. Even though people might find baseball slow, the excitement can build in a way unlike any other sport.

Sundry Sunday Items

0 implied HN points • 23 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Elections Education system
  1. The end of the Iraq war is a positive step, and it could lead to less American military presence worldwide.
  2. The Lincoln Memorial's main message is about unity rather than just anti-slavery, showing how national memorials reflect political ideas.
  3. Local school board elections are crucial for parents and should be prioritized over larger elections like congressional ones.

How was the play, Mrs. Link'in?

0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 12
🎭️ Culture Arts Theatre Literature Film Media
  1. Laughing with friends is important. If a fun children's song doesn't make you giggle, your friendship might be in trouble.
  2. Politics can impact elections significantly. Sometimes it's worth losing a seat for a better party strategy.
  3. Good writing and interesting thoughts are everywhere. Even if you don't always agree, there are smart voices out there sharing great ideas.

This is a binding decision, until it isn't

0 implied HN points • 16 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Long-term Planning
  1. It’s really tough for politicians to make long-term plans when those plans require short-term sacrifices. People often want quick benefits, which makes it hard to stick to long-term goals.
  2. Legislators can't create laws that limit future laws, which makes it hard to bind future decisions. Any new law can change or undo past laws, making long-term commitments challenging.
  3. The best way to ensure stability might involve giving more power to the executive branch instead of the legislature. But politicians are usually reluctant to give up their power.

On youthful talent

0 implied HN points • 20 Jul 11
🎾 Sports Baseball Talent History Statistics Athletes
  1. Young talent can achieve impressive things at a very young age, like Bob Feller striking out 17 batters as a rookie at 17.
  2. Many people might not know that other young players have also reached great accomplishments at a young age.
  3. Youthful talent often gets overlooked, but their achievements deserve recognition just like the famous legends.

How's your 302(b) looking? Strong...to quite strong

0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Budgeting Legislation Congress Government
  1. The congressional budget process is complicated but important. It involves planning for the next fiscal year's budget, and the President has to submit a budget to Congress each February.
  2. 302(b) allocations divide spending among subcommittees and set limits on how much each can spend. This means subcommittees can't really cut overall spending and instead fight for larger shares of the same budget pie.
  3. Changes in the budget process have shifted responsibility for controlling spending from the Appropriations Committee to the Budget Committee. This has affected how subcommittees operate and strategize for their funding requests.

Perks

0 implied HN points • 28 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Reforms
  1. Members of Congress have to pay Social Security and do not receive free health care; their benefits are similar to other federal employees.
  2. Many perks that were once available to Congress members, like free ice delivery or tax help, have been eliminated due to reforms over the years.
  3. Members can still send mail and travel, but now they have budgets for those expenses, which makes them more careful with spending compared to the past.

On techological breakthroughs

0 implied HN points • 06 Sep 11
🕹 Technology Innovation Computing Internet Software Gadgets
  1. Technological breakthroughs can change daily life in surprising ways. A simple idea can lead to major advancements that people didn't expect.
  2. Many people in the past thought certain technologies were impossible, but now they are part of normal life. Our views on what's possible keep changing.
  3. It's important to stay open to new ideas and technologies. Who knows what the next big breakthrough will be?

Recess Redux

0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Institutional change Executive Power
  1. Recess appointments raise complex questions. They involve legal, ethical, and political issues that often don't connect neatly with each other.
  2. The conflict between what is allowed constitutionally and what seems right normatively creates challenges in how appointments should be handled.
  3. Current political actions could lead to changes in how power is shared between the presidency and Congress. This might make future appointments more contentious.

So, I'm starting a newsletter

0 implied HN points • 03 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Presidency Political Science Current Events
  1. A new newsletter will focus on politics, offering insights free from employment-related writing restrictions. It's a move towards a more flexible style of sharing political analysis.
  2. The content will be non-partisan, primarily looking at political science and current events. It may also include a mix of other fun topics.
  3. The newsletter will be short and easy to read, designed to fit into a busy lifestyle. Readers should expect quick insights that can be consumed in just a few minutes.

Summer Break Finally Hits Capitol Hill

0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Political Analysis Media Health care
  1. Congress is going into a break after some tough political battles. Some GOP members may face less backlash for not passing health care reforms because they didn't take away people's coverage.
  2. There's a big list of things Congress needs to deal with when they return, like the budget and tax reforms. They'll need to negotiate with each other to get things done since they rely on both parties for support.
  3. People were misled about the Senate's agreement to block Trump from making recess appointments. It seemed like a big deal, but routine procedures were likely just used to simplify the process, showing how complicated Senate rules can be.

Research Note: On writing your congressman

0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political Communication Civic engagement Public Opinion
  1. The internet has changed how Congress works by making information fast and accessible. Now, people can feel more involved in the decision-making process because news spreads quickly.
  2. Emails to Congress have greatly increased since 2002, while traditional postal mail has decreased. This shows that people prefer emailing their representatives over sending letters.
  3. The volume of emails spikes from 2007 onwards due to issues with spam. There hasn't been much data before 1998, but we know emails have become the main way to contact lawmakers.

FIVE POINTS: December is the New September

0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Party Politics Public Policy
  1. The recent deal on hurricane relief and the debt limit has many political angles, with discussions on its impact on upcoming tax reform and GOP dynamics.
  2. Two moderate Republicans announced their retirement, but it's important not to overreact as this doesn't necessarily signal a major trend for the party as a whole.
  3. Approval for discharge petitions is rare due to risks for members of the majority, meaning lawmakers often find other ways to express their support without directly challenging leadership.

Primaries, All The Way Down

0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Populism Campaigns
  1. Many politicians are more scared of losing their primary elections than the general ones. This means they focus on pleasing their party's base instead of the wider public.
  2. There's a growing trend where conservative candidates challenge established politicians. These challenges often lead to incumbents retiring or changing their views to avoid conflict.
  3. Leaders in Congress face a tough situation. If they make deals to get things done, they risk angering their party's base, which could lead to primary challenges.

On institutional mirages

0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Budgeting Congress Governance Political Process
  1. The current budgeting issues in Congress are more about politics than the process itself. Changing the timeline may not solve the underlying disagreements about money and priorities.
  2. Switching to a two-year budgeting system could lead to more intense political battles. The pressure might shift from an annual basis to a crisis point every two years.
  3. Moving to biennial budgeting might create complications, like more supplemental funding needs. It could end up being less efficient rather than streamlining the process.

Thy Rod and Thy Staff

0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Staffing Political trends Government
  1. There are over 30,000 people working in the legislative branch of the federal government. This number is small compared to the total of about 2.75 million employees in the executive branch.
  2. Members of Congress can hire their staff in various roles, but they have to follow certain rules and budget constraints. Each Representative can hire a maximum of 18 permanent staff members.
  3. In recent years, the number of staff working for congressional leadership has increased significantly, while the number of committee staff has actually decreased.

FIVE POINTS: The Kavanaugh Circus was Democracy in Action

0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Supreme Court Political parties Public Opinion Government Structure
  1. The Kavanaugh confirmation process showed how democracy works, with politicians and the public engaging in debates about policy. It was messy but that's a normal part of politics.
  2. Polling opinions on issues don't always predict how people will vote. It's more about how those views impact the political behavior of voters, which can be complex.
  3. In elections, the dynamics between the House and Senate can differ greatly. Different strategies work for each, and national issues can sometimes hurt certain candidates more than help them.

Election Night Live-Occasional-Blog

0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political parties Polling Media
  1. Some election nights can be very surprising, like a write-in candidate possibly winning. This can really keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
  2. People have noticed that news channels are becoming more partisan over time, and it’s okay if they openly show their biases. It's better than pretending to be neutral.
  3. The results for House and Senate races can differ a lot. Even if one party does well in one area, they might struggle in another, making elections unpredictable.

Cold Fusion

0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties History Voting Systems Political theory
  1. The 1860 Presidential election was unique because there were four candidates from three different parties, leading to a split vote. Lincoln won mainly in the North while the other candidates divided votes in the South.
  2. Fusion voting allows different candidates from the same party to share electors, which could help defeat a stronger opponent. In 1860, candidates could have coordinated better to combine votes against Lincoln but didn't due to chaos and personal conflicts.
  3. Successful fusion in 1860 might have changed the election's outcome and could have created a new way to handle party rivalries today. If electors from different candidates had coordinated, they could have won key states.

Music question. And you might not want to know the answer.

0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 10
🎶 Music Music Industry Songwriting Pop Music Rock music Cultural impact
  1. Desmond Child is a prolific songwriter who has written many popular songs across different artists. It's surprising to learn that one person can be behind so many hits.
  2. Some music fans feel that Desmond Child's influence changed the sound and style of famous rock bands, making them softer and more mainstream. This has led to mixed feelings about the evolution of these artists.
  3. Discovering the connections between songs can make you rethink your musical preferences and the true nature of the music industry. It might change how you see the art of songwriting.