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

Solving the gay marriage gordian knot, or why you should be a libertarian

0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The gay marriage issue is very complicated, with disagreements about federal and state rights. This makes it hard for people to have clear political views on the topic.
  2. A possible solution is to completely separate marriage from the government. People should be able to create their own marriage contracts without state involvement.
  3. Removing government benefits for married couples would create equality. Everyone, regardless of their relationship type, could have the same rights without depending on government approval.

Gentlemen, do I have five numbers correct?

0 implied HN points • 12 Jul 10
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Nostalgia Media Analysis
  1. There's a lot of luck involved in getting on The Price is Right and winning, even if you know the prices. You have to be selected to be a contestant and then win several games to succeed.
  2. Bidding exactly right on your showcase can be risky. You might end up going over the price and missing out on the win, so it's smarter to make a careful guess.
  3. The Price is Right pays for its prizes itself, not sponsors. This means that if contestants keep winning, the show's producers might change the games or prizes to protect their budget.

...Your Yankee Bluejeans

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 10
🎶 Music Rock Industry Culture History Individualism
  1. British rock bands are often seen as more cohesive units, while American music is often focused on individual stars.
  2. Cultural differences, such as the American value of individualism, may influence the music scenes in the two countries.
  3. The structure of the music industry has evolved differently in the U.S. and the U.K., reinforcing these trends over time.

Research Note: On Walking Out

0 implied HN points • 17 May 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War Political History Secession Political parties Historical Events
  1. The 1860 Democratic conventions in Charleston and Baltimore saw several southern states walk out over disagreements.
  2. The southern states seceded from the union in two main waves, starting with South Carolina and ending with Tennessee.
  3. Some states, like Missouri and Kentucky, chose not to leave, indicating divisions in support for secession.

Three ideas for improving college basketball

0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 12
🎾 Sports College sports Basketball Sports Management
  1. Make scholarships last four years, so schools feel the impact when players leave early. This could reduce the focus on one-and-done players and help teams build more continuity.
  2. Turn all stationary fouls in the final two minutes into automatic intentional fouls. This would discourage teams from foul play, making endings of games more exciting and fast-paced.
  3. Give conference champions a bye in the first round of the NCAA tournament. This would make the regular season more important and keep the excitement of conference tournaments alive.
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Happy Centennial, Arizona!

0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 12
💾 History U.S. History Civil War Political Development
  1. Arizona's territory was created during the Civil War due to fears of rebellion and competition with the South. This influenced how its borders were drawn.
  2. The process of creating new states is shaped by local interests and politics in Washington. Different groups fight over boundaries based on their goals.
  3. The political decisions made in the 19th century still affect how states function and interact in the U.S. today.

Required Reading

0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Government Policy Political Process
  1. Members of Congress sometimes don't know what's in the bills they vote on. This concern has led to proposals for them to certify that they've read the bills.
  2. Legislation is often complex and requires precise language, which makes it hard to understand without help. That's why bills usually come with committee reports explaining them in simpler terms.
  3. Many bills reference existing laws to make their intentions clear. This can create a complicated web of legal references that makes understanding the new law difficult.

Friday Procedure Blogging: Adjournment vs. Recess

0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political strategy Constitutional Law
  1. A recess is a short break where the Senate can come back to business right where it left off, while an adjournment means the Senate officially ends its business for the day and starts fresh when it meets again.
  2. The difference between these terms can affect how the Senate operates. For example, in a recess, Senators can only speak a limited number of times, while a new legislative day after an adjournment allows for different rules.
  3. Senate leaders choose between recess and adjournment based on strategy, like avoiding lengthy debates or regaining control when things get chaotic.

Small Sample

0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Candidates Political Analysis Voter Behavior
  1. Statistics can be surprising and should be taken seriously. Just because something looks odd doesn't mean it's not true.
  2. Don't underestimate small sample results, like those from Dixville Notch. They can sometimes predict bigger trends.
  3. Expect the unexpected in voting results. Surprising candidates can perform better than anticipated.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #1: Newt Gingrich

0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Political Analysis Campaigns
  1. Newt Gingrich ran as a candidate in the GOP primary, known for his influential role in politics. He is seen as a significant figure within the Republican Party.
  2. Venn diagrams of political candidates can show how they relate to each other and their voter bases. They help visualize differences and similarities among various candidates.
  3. Other GOP candidates like Mitt Romney and Ron Paul were also part of the primary process. Each candidate had their unique approach and message, impacting the election dynamics.

Thanksgiving Briefing Book, Part III: Strategies

0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Policy Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Have a plan for Thanksgiving to make the day go smoothly. Being organized helps everyone enjoy the time together.
  2. Communicate with family and friends about what they can bring or contribute. This makes everyone feel involved and happy.
  3. Be flexible and ready to adapt if things don't go as planned. Sometimes, unexpected moments can make the day more special.

On capitalism and the ethics of the endtimes

0 implied HN points • 19 May 11
📖 Philosophy Ethics Capitalism Libertarianism Societal norms Market Dynamics
  1. Rapture insurance is a product being sold that promises to take care of pets if their owners disappear during the Rapture. Some people think it’s silly, but others see a market for it.
  2. It's debated whether it should be legal to sell rapture insurance, especially considering it can't be verified if it will pay out. However, as long as fraud is avoided, it might not be a problem.
  3. Price gouging on rapture insurance raises questions about market fairness. While prices should reflect risk, it's unsettling if people exploit fear for profit, especially during uncertain times.

On the consequences of landslides

0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Ideology Congress Leadership
  1. The Democratic Party is becoming more liberal due to recent election losses primarily affecting conservative members. This means future policies might lean more to the left.
  2. The Democrats will have to adjust their leadership as they lose a position, which may reflect their new, more liberal direction.
  3. Overall, the shape of the Democratic caucus is changing, so we can expect different discussions and decisions moving forward.

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.

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.

FIVE POINTS: The Most and Least Vulnerable Politicians

0 implied HN points • 29 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Behavior Budgeting
  1. Having a 'safe seat' doesn’t completely protect politicians from challenges, especially from party primaries. They still have to worry about losing to a fellow party member.
  2. Retiring politicians often make bolder decisions since they no longer fear losing their seat. This can allow them to vote differently or criticize their party without worry.
  3. The budget resolution is crucial for moving forward on tax reform. It sets spending limits and priorities, so Congress will have to work carefully to agree on it.

Huck Farvard

0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 11
🎾 Sports College sports Basketball Game analysis Fan culture
  1. The Ivy League basketball system is unique because only the regular-season champion goes to the NCAA tournament, making every game really important.
  2. Rivalries in the Ivy League may seem intense but often come off as more of a celebration rather than true competition between schools.
  3. Harvard basketball hasn't won an Ivy League title or been to the NCAA tournament in decades, so if they win this upcoming game, it could grab a lot of attention.

Madness, ctd.

0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 11
🎾 Sports Basketball Tournaments Broadcasting Commentary Television
  1. The author is frustrated with the way sports broadcasts name locations during tournaments. It seems like the naming has become absurd and unnecessary.
  2. There is a prediction that the following year's tournament won't have the same confusing naming style.
  3. The tone suggests a lighthearted but critical view on how sports media can sometimes overcomplicate simple things.

Fine, I'll Talk About Impeachment

0 implied HN points • 30 Jul 19
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Impeachment Political Science Legislation Polling Elections
  1. Many politicians publicly support impeachment, but that doesn't mean they're ready to turn that support into action. They want to be on record as in favor but aren't willing to risk their political power.
  2. Impeachment could divide the Democratic Party, especially if the votes are close. If most Democrats support impeachment but significant numbers don't, it could weaken their position overall.
  3. Just because a policy idea is popular doesn't mean it will help politicians get elected. They should think about how their stance will affect all their voters, not just those who agree with them.

Let's Do A Technical Corrections Amenment to the Constitution

0 implied HN points • 18 May 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Legislation Government Political Process
  1. Congress often makes small mistakes when they create big laws, and they usually fix these errors with technical corrections bills. This is a normal part of the legislative process.
  2. The Constitution has some outdated parts that could be fixed with a technical corrections amendment. This could clear up confusing language and bring the Constitution more in line with modern values.
  3. The proposed changes in the amendment would allow younger people to run for office, simplify the electoral process, clarify rules of presidential succession, and remove the outdated natural-born citizen requirement for the presidency.

The debacle of the old congressional calendar or: how you know the Constitution wasn't divinely inspired

0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Legislation Political History Congress Governance
  1. The old congressional calendar was poorly designed, causing long gaps between elections and when Congress actually met. This led to issues like the 'lame duck' sessions where outgoing officials had to make big decisions without a fresh mandate.
  2. The Framers of the Constitution made mistakes in setting the calendar dates due to not knowing how long ratification would take. This resulted in the first Congress meeting much later than expected, leading to political instability.
  3. The 20th amendment fixed these problems by aligning the start of congressional terms with the beginning of sessions. This helped ensure smoother transitions in government and avoid delays in handling national issues.

FIVE POINTS: End of Session Blues

0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Government Political parties Public Opinion
  1. The House GOP is facing challenges with the end-of-session spending bills and may need Democratic votes to pass them. They have to deal with different issues like health care and disaster relief all at once.
  2. They often use previously passed bills as vehicles for new funding to simplify the legislative process. This helps avoid certain delays and gives them a bit more control over the outcome.
  3. In 2018, the GOP might find it hard to pass new legislation, and they're likely to focus on big issues they've postponed. There's a chance for conflict over things like infrastructure since Democrats may want more favorable conditions.

FIVE POINTS: Popular does not equal good

0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Policy Elections Legislation Governance
  1. Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's actually good. Many people like things for different reasons that don't reflect their quality.
  2. When Congress gets less input from members, it can lead to poor laws and less effective work. It's important for everyone to have a say in making rules.
  3. With a closely divided House, leaders might struggle to maintain control and this could cause problems for passing laws. Smaller groups can create a lot of challenges.

FIVE POINTS: Make DACA Great Again

0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political strategy Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Trump's new DACA position could be popular but might also upset his Republican supporters. This situation may weaken his ties with the GOP even if the public likes the idea.
  2. Just because a policy is popular doesn't mean it will boost a politician's approval. It's important to know how many people actually change their opinion based on that policy.
  3. The House Freedom Caucus might reflect a historical trend of factions within political parties. They're working outside normal party lines to push their agenda.

Elecshun Dae 2016

0 implied HN points • 07 Nov 16
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Democracy Campaigns
  1. Stay away from TV news all day. It's mostly pointless chatter and won't help you understand the election better.
  2. Know the important states and races to watch. Focus on the ones that will really affect the election outcome.
  3. Discuss politics with colleagues and friends in a positive way. Listening to different views can be really interesting and help you think about democracy.

At the corner of East Capitol and 1st Street NW

0 implied HN points • 26 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Supreme Court Civil Rights Media influence Public Opinion
  1. Protests in front of the Supreme Court can feel underwhelming. Many times, there are not enough demonstrators, and the scene can be pretty calm and quiet.
  2. Protesting at the Court is a bit strange because the Court doesn't really listen to public opinion like Congress does. Most protesters seem to be trying to get media attention rather than influence the justices directly.
  3. The layout of the Supreme Court plaza is great for protests, but people can't use it because of rules. Instead, protests end up on the sidewalk, making them less impactful than they could be.

Legislative realities and Senators as presidential candidates

0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Legislation Political Behavior Candidates
  1. Senators often struggle in presidential runs because past votes can haunt them, especially if those votes are no longer popular.
  2. When running for president, a Senator's previous constituency may not match the national electorate, making it hard to appeal to voters.
  3. Legislators often have to compromise to get things done, which can conflict with voter expectations about steadfast principles.

Not my favorite holiday

0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Historical Figures Democracy Civic engagement
  1. Some holidays, like Columbus Day, may not hold much cultural significance and often aren't celebrated outside of being a day off work.
  2. The author feels uncomfortable with the way we honor political figures, particularly George Washington, believing that democracy is more about the collective efforts of many people rather than individual heroism.
  3. Instead of celebrating specific leaders, the author suggests we should focus on holidays that recognize broader accomplishments, like Constitution Day or a day celebrating civil rights victories.

Dawn of a New Era

0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Protests Government Regulation Political Power
  1. Protests like going dark can grab attention and get people to call their representatives, showing the political power of the Internet. However, it's possible this could lead to more government regulation of the Internet.
  2. Websites taking direct action, like shutting down, can change how people view them and their influence. If they use their power in politics, they could face strong government responses.
  3. It's important to be cautious when exercising power online. The more websites act like political players, the more likely they are to be treated as such, which could lead to unwanted regulation.

Some Quick-hit House Floor Notes

0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Political Debate Procedures Elections
  1. The House adopted a special rule to handle the payroll tax bill, allowing quicker action on legislation before the new session starts. This gives them more flexibility to respond to deals quickly.
  2. There was a debate about the House's procedure for rejecting Senate amendments, with some people feeling frustrated but others pointing out it was a normal way to handle things.
  3. A resolution disapproving of comments made by a Representative was tabled quickly, showing how some discussions can get cut off in the House.

Hardball and HARDBALL

0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Filibuster Political strategy
  1. The Senate operates largely on norms, but these norms are being pushed aside for strict adherence to rules, which can lead to short-term wins but long-term consequences.
  2. As individual Senators aim for their goals, they often avoid playing absolute hardball since it could harm their future ambitions and cooperation with others.
  3. Changing Senate rules can only happen through extreme measures, and while hardball tactics are causing concern, they might also lead to solutions by forcing necessary changes.

Research Note: Member Pay

0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Salaries Elections Congress Economics
  1. Congressional salaries have increased significantly since the 19th century, much faster than inflation.
  2. Today's members of Congress earn similarly in real dollars to what their counterparts did a century ago.
  3. The system for adjusting congressional pay has changed over time, leading to more stable earnings but potentially less buying power due to rejection of automatic raises.

Nerd(s)

0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 11
🎭️ Culture Family life Childhood Holidays Social Dynamics Statistical Analysis
  1. The total efficiency of trick-or-treating was impressive with 43 approaches per hour in a neighborhood with many families.
  2. Anna had a candy haul rated at 445 points, but the variety was lacking in higher-end candies.
  3. The estimated candy consumption plan suggests the kids will run out of candy by early January, but realistically, it might be much sooner.

Required Reading

0 implied HN points • 30 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Opinion Media Critique Political theory
  1. Drew Westen's piece in the New York Times received a lot of criticism for being inaccurate. It's important to check facts when discussing political topics.
  2. Many people, including John Sides and Jon Bernstein, have shared their thoughts against Westen's views. Different perspectives can help us understand the bigger picture.
  3. Matt Glassman aims to add his own analysis of Westen's understanding of politics. Sharing opinions is key to engaging discussions about political ideas.

Executive sidestepping

0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislative Process Policy Making Constitutional Law
  1. The president has to follow legal authority and can't act like a king. His power comes from the Constitution or laws made by Congress, so saying he's sidestepping Congress isn't really correct.
  2. Executive power in domestic policy mostly comes from Congress giving it to the president. This means he can't make decisions that go against what Congress has already decided without specific permission.
  3. Congress can take back powers it has given to the president whenever it wants. If lawmakers don’t like what the president is doing, they can change the laws to restrict his authority.

On Unusual Occupations

0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements Protests Political theory Libertarianism Activism
  1. People are wondering what the Occupy Wall Street movement really stands for, as it seems to lack specific demands. Many participants feel frustrated about job opportunities despite their education, which suggests they come from a more privileged background.
  2. There are similarities between Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party, mainly in their shared distrust of banks and government. However, Occupy Wall Street feels more like a loose group without clear goals, making it less likely to achieve real change.
  3. Liberals tend to romanticize movements like Occupy Wall Street while conservatives often dismiss them. The landscape of protest isn't just for liberals anymore; conservatives have their own movements that use similar tactics.

FIVE POINTS: Rex-N-Effect, Trump Shaker

0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Legislation Political parties Elections Political Scandals
  1. The president is struggling with weak approval ratings and low influence, making it hard for him to push his agenda or get support from his cabinet.
  2. Gun control advocates might face disappointment as Congress may soon ban bump stocks, but this action won't significantly reduce gun violence.
  3. Working in Congress can be tough due to long hours and low pay, but many staffers enjoy the work because they feel they can make a real difference.