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

Hello, World. Again.

0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Presidency Political polarization
  1. The presidency often faces issues tied to the individual in power, while Congress suffers more from institutional problems. People blame the president for failures but see Congress as a whole when it doesn't function well.
  2. A push for stronger congressional powers could weaken the institution, as seen in past reforms that have focused on streamlining power. It's important to invest in congressional capacity instead of seeking shortcuts.
  3. With a weak president like Trump, there might be a chance for Congress to take on a more active role. However, the effectiveness of this shift remains uncertain and could change with future administrations.

FIVE POINTS: Your Redneck Past

0 implied HN points • 17 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Trump presidency Media influence Party Dynamics
  1. The President's inability to control the political agenda is a significant issue, as he often reacts poorly to events rather than guiding the narrative. This hampers any legislative progress Republicans want to see.
  2. Social media is making it harder for people to escape political news, even when they try. This shift in how people receive information is changing the way politics is engaged with daily.
  3. Attempts by political leaders to purge their own party rarely succeed and can lead to long-term problems. Personal issues often overshadow strategic considerations, affecting party unity.

At a Track Called Saratoga...

0 implied HN points • 20 Jul 17
🎾 Sports Events Traditions Culture Outdoor activities
  1. Saratoga Race Course is famous for its beauty and short, six-week racing season. People flock there for the charming atmosphere and the excitement of horse racing.
  2. Many visitors enjoy the picnic area where they can relax with friends, bring their own food, and soak in the lively environment. It's a popular spot for both casual fans and serious horse racing enthusiasts.
  3. The atmosphere at Saratoga is family-friendly and filled with tradition. People go for the races but also for the fun, the people-watching, and the local culture.

Elecshun Dae

0 implied HN points • 03 Nov 14
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Campaigning Political culture
  1. Avoid watching TV on election day until the evening. The coverage is usually filled with meaningless chatter and not useful information.
  2. Focus on key Senate races and House bellwethers. Knowing a few important races helps you understand overall election results better.
  3. Engage in conversations about the election. Talking to different people can provide insight and make the day more enjoyable.

Musical Chairs: The Most Fascinating Institutional Process in the House

0 implied HN points • 05 Mar 13
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Political Process Democratic Party
  1. The selection process for committee chairs in Congress is not just based on seniority, but involves strategic nominations and politics. Members must navigate various factors that influence their chances of being selected.
  2. Democrats in the House use a unique bidding system for subcommittee assignments. Members can protect or pitch their current positions, leading to strategic choices that affect their role and influence.
  3. The Appropriations Committee has its own set of rules that differ from other committees, focusing on subcommittee seniority instead of full committee seniority. This creates distinctive strategies and implications for members vying for valuable positions.
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Summer of '64

0 implied HN points • 31 May 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Political History Party Politics Legislation Historical Analysis
  1. In the 1964 Civil Rights Act vote, geography played a big role in how members of Congress voted. Northern Democrats were more supportive, while Southern Democrats and Republicans had very little support.
  2. The intensity of support for civil rights varied among party members. Northern Democrats were the strongest advocates, while the Republicans had mixed support, often not pushing for civil rights despite some members voting for it.
  3. Party labels don’t define who supported civil rights; individual actions mattered more. Some heroes and villains in the civil rights movement existed in both parties, and it’s important to focus on their contributions instead of just party affiliations.

On Warm Buckets of Piss***

0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Science Campaign Strategy Political History
  1. Choosing a vice president usually doesn't change the election outcome much. It often matters more what the other side does than who you pick.
  2. A vice president can affect things significantly if the president dies. This is an important reason to think carefully about who to choose.
  3. Political parties often prioritize short-term gains from a VP selection over long-term party strength. It's better to choose someone who can lead well if needed.

More on Member/Constituent Communication

0 implied HN points • 03 Apr 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Communication
  1. Electronic communication is cheaper and faster than mail, making it easier for Congress members to reach a wider audience. This means they can connect with people outside their districts, not just local constituents.
  2. There has been a big drop in the amount of mail Congress sends, while electronic communications have skyrocketed. This shift reflects how modern representatives are changing their strategies to engage more with the public online.
  3. Politicians are starting to think about voters on a national level rather than just focusing on their districts. This change could lead them to prioritize national issues over local ones, affecting how they represent their constituents.

On Writing your Congressman

0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislative Process Information Management
  1. The way people communicate with Congress has changed a lot because of the internet. Now, emailing is much more common than sending letters, making it easier to share opinions quickly.
  2. Emails come from everywhere, making it hard for Congress members to know if the sender is from their district. This leads to a broader focus on national issues instead of local concerns.
  3. With so many emails to handle, congressional staff have to work harder to respond to constituents, which takes time away from other important tasks like policy work.

Supreme Court Justice Venn Diagaram #2: John Roberts

0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Judiciary Political Figures Legal analysis Government
  1. John Roberts is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He plays a big role in deciding important cases.
  2. Understanding how Roberts makes decisions can help us see how the Supreme Court works. His choices can have a major impact on laws and rights.
  3. Venn diagrams can help simplify complex relationships in the court. They show how justices might agree or disagree on different issues.

Supreme Court Justice Venn Diagram #1: Clarence Thomas

0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Supreme Court Political Analysis Government
  1. The Supreme Court has important roles that can impact laws in the country. It's crucial to understand the influence of each Justice.
  2. Clarence Thomas is one of the Justices, and his opinions are often unique and significant. Learning about his views can help people understand court decisions better.
  3. Using tools like Venn diagrams can help visualize complex relationships between ideas, especially in law and politics. They make it easier to grasp how different concepts connect.

Book Recommendation: Every Twelve Seconds

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 12
📚 Literature Book Reviews Political theory Narrative Nonfiction Ethnography Social Issues
  1. The book 'Every Twelve Seconds' explores the harsh realities of industrial slaughterhouses and aims to provoke thought about hidden violence in society. It shows how people often ignore the process behind their food.
  2. Tim Pachirat provides a detailed and immersive experience of working in a slaughterhouse, capturing both technical aspects and emotional impacts. Readers start to understand how workers cope with the brutal environment.
  3. The book also discusses the role of USDA inspectors, revealing a complex relationship where regulations become part of the production process rather than a safeguard for quality. This creates a cat-and-mouse game affecting the safety of meat production.

Common sense

0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Health care Political Commentary Legal theory
  1. The debate around the ACA focuses on its constitutionality and how it could affect future federal power. People are unsure if Congress can have unlimited power or if there are laws that should remain off-limits.
  2. There are two main views of the Constitution: one says it strictly limits government power, while the other suggests that over time, the government has expanded its powers. Both views seem reasonable to many.
  3. Finding common sense is crucial in legal decisions. If a law feels unreasonable or goes against what people believe is right, it can lead to public distrust in the legal system, no matter what the actual law says.

Wonk n' roll: committee funding in the House

0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Staffing Political Dynamics
  1. House committees get their money from appropriations, similar to how individual Members do, but committees don't have their own separate bank accounts.
  2. Each committee submits a budget request to House Administration, and while the chairman controls the budget, there's an agreement that the minority gets a share of the funding.
  3. The number of committee staff can vary based on political needs and priorities, and while more staff can help balance power with lobbyists and the executive branch, it also depends on how strong you think the committee system should be.

Wonk Time: Increase the MRA in the House?

0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Lobbying Political Reform Government funding
  1. Congress members have a budget called the Member's Representational Allowance (MRA) to pay for staff, travel, and office expenses. This budget is determined by distance from Washington, cost of living, and the number of voters in their district.
  2. Currently, each member has about $1.4 million to $1.5 million for these expenses, which is significantly less than the $20 million suggested for better staffing. Many representatives are hesitant to increase their budgets due to political pressures from voters.
  3. Increasing staff budgets could help Congress function better, but it's hard to achieve because voters generally don't support higher spending for their representatives or their staff. Any change would likely need to be subtle and carefully managed.

California Dreamin'

0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Ideology State Politics Political parties Voting behavior
  1. California Republicans can be very conservative, sometimes even more than those in traditionally conservative states like Alabama. It's a common myth that Republicans in liberal states are less conservative.
  2. Voting patterns can be misleading when judging state political leanings. Just because a state leans liberal overall doesn't mean that all its Republican voters think the same way.
  3. Party dynamics, like support from influential media and party leaders, can play a big role in shaping primary elections. This means voters might have less influence than expected on who gets nominated.

Fight for your right to party

0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Regulation Voting Rights
  1. Political parties should have more freedom to decide their own rules and processes without government control. This could lead to a more competitive and dynamic political landscape.
  2. Equal opportunity for all citizens to participate in parties is crucial. Regulations should ensure that everyone can join and vote but allow parties to set their own membership standards.
  3. It's important to be cautious about completely privatizing political parties due to the risk of corruption and fraud. While deregulation might seem ideal, practical issues could arise that harm the integrity of the election process.

Should I vote today?

0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Political parties Elections Political Systems
  1. Voting in party primaries can feel wrong if you're not part of that party. It's important to think about whether your influence is legitimate in a primary for a party you don't belong to.
  2. The process for candidates to get on the ballot is often really difficult and unfair. When major candidates can't even get on the ballot, it shows that something is seriously wrong with the system.
  3. Participation in voting can feel like a double-edged sword. Even if you disagree with the rules, voting might help bring attention to needed changes in the system.

Fasten your wonk belt: let's talk filling the tree in the Senate

0 implied HN points • 02 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Senate House Political strategy Filibuster
  1. In the Senate, any senator can propose amendments to a bill, which means a lot of ideas can be discussed, even if they are not directly related to the bill. This makes the Senate a place for open debate.
  2. Filling the tree is a process where the majority leader can limit the amendments that can be made to a bill, essentially blocking others from changing the proposed legislation. This can help the majority pass their ideas without unwanted changes.
  3. The House of Representatives has stricter rules that allow the majority to control the amendments more tightly, which some say limits true democratic discussion. In this sense, the Senate has more room for debate compared to the House.

Polarization and the filibuster

0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polarization Filibuster Legislation Government Partisanship
  1. The system of government is designed to prevent majority rule, which can sometimes hinder consensus. There are many features, like the filibuster, that make it harder for one party to dominate policy-making.
  2. People often focus on the filibuster as the main reason for legislative gridlock, but it might not be as crucial as other factors. Even without it, there can still be significant barriers to passing laws.
  3. Removing the filibuster won't necessarily lead to more compromise. Instead, it could change how power operates in Congress without improving representation or leading to better decision-making.

Beating a dead (dark) horse: Everyone on the bolt bus

0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Behavior Party Dynamics Political History
  1. If a political convention is deadlocked, it can lead to chaos because delegates may act emotionally and irrationally. This could cause factions to break away unexpectedly.
  2. A close division within a party is not the same as a deep division. Just because opinions are split doesn't mean there's a serious conflict that would lead to a big breakup.
  3. Voter indecision doesn’t always mean delegate disagreement. A split vote among voters doesn’t automatically lead to delegates deciding to fracture the party, as that would be a more serious choice altogether.

Of Deadlocks and Dark Horses

0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political History Party Dynamics
  1. A brokered convention and a dark horse candidate are different ideas. A brokered convention happens when no candidate can win the nomination easily, while a dark horse is someone who unexpectedly wins despite not being a frontrunner.
  2. Modern politics makes it harder for dark horse candidates to succeed. Unlike in the past, where parties did most campaigning, today candidates need to run their own campaigns and have significant organization and funding to be viable.
  3. The idea of factions splitting off at a convention seems unlikely. History shows that successful splits usually happen over major, divisive issues. In the current climate, factions are more likely to stay united than risk losing the election.

Tonight: A Morman, a statesman, and a libertarian all slam Santorum!

0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Debates Political culture Government
  1. A debate is happening tonight and it will showcase opinions from different political views. It should be interesting to see what everyone has to say about Santorum.
  2. The author plans to enjoy the debate with some drinks, likely making margaritas with tequila. It's a casual and fun way to watch the event.
  3. The author also plans to live-tweet their thoughts during the debate. It will be a way to engage with others and share reactions in real time.

DC statehood and political self-interest: Where are the flag makers?

0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Federalism Lobbying
  1. DC statehood could mean a lot of flags need to be replaced, which has a big impact on flag manufacturers. If DC becomes a state, every flag in the country would have to change.
  2. Most people decide political issues based on self-interest, especially economic factors. This means statehood movements often don’t get support since many don’t see clear benefits for themselves.
  3. Flag manufacturers could actually have a powerful reason to push for statehood. They might want to lobby for states to be added regularly, turning it into a profitable business opportunity.

No Sense in Fighting This Meme...

0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Opinion Civic engagement Political Behavior
  1. Memes are powerful and can spread quickly. It's often better to embrace them than to fight against them.
  2. Trying to resist a popular meme can lead to more negativity. It's usually a waste of energy to push back.
  3. Understanding and engaging with memes can lead to better communication and connection with others. It's important to be aware of their impact.

Why I'm a libertarian, part two: the cost of good intentions

0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism State power Civil Liberties Public Policy Government intervention
  1. The government can sometimes do more harm than good when trying to prevent problems. This means we have to be careful about how much power we give the state.
  2. Just because an idea sounds good doesn't mean it will work as planned. Often, government actions can have unexpected negative effects that people don't see coming.
  3. It's important to remember that some issues are better left alone. Sometimes doing nothing might be the best option to avoid causing more problems.

King's pawn opening

0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political strategy Executive Power Budgeting Political Influence
  1. Being the first to propose an idea helps you influence others. If you share your plan early, people are more likely to agree with you before they even think of alternatives.
  2. Once a group agrees on something, it’s hard for them to change their minds. Even if people might prefer another option, they will often stick with the first idea because it's already been accepted.
  3. People who didn’t propose the idea will focus on making small changes instead of suggesting a new plan. This means that the original proposer still holds significant control over the main idea.

A common fallacy, circulating this week. Plus some polisci.

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Policy Voting behavior
  1. Polls don’t tell the whole story about voter decisions. Just because most people support a policy doesn't mean it will help a candidate win votes.
  2. The strength of people's feelings about an issue matters. Some may care a lot about a policy while others may not think it influences their vote much.
  3. Good public policy should matter to political parties, not just winning elections. Sometimes, making tough decisions for long-term benefits is more important than immediate electoral gains.

Anecdotal Evidence

0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Religious Influence Voter Behavior
  1. A political sermon in a church can really grab people's attention and spark conversation. The unusual nature of such a message can make it memorable for the congregation.
  2. Catholics might start to see themselves as politically united, especially if they feel the government is acting against their beliefs. This could change how they vote, which is important for political parties.
  3. If people feel like their religious values are under attack, it can create a strong negative sentiment towards the government. This could be a problem for politicians, especially during election season.

I love you Tough Tom, but you were wrong on 1st and goal

0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 12
🎾 Sports Football Strategy Coaching Game Theory Statistics
  1. In a key moment of the game, the strategy of when to score is really important. The Giants didn't play it smart by scoring a touchdown instead of just getting in a position to kick a field goal.
  2. If the Giants had chosen to kneel at the one-yard line, they would have had a much better chance of winning. It's all about reducing risk and thinking strategically.
  3. Coaches often stick to traditional tactics instead of trying new strategies, even if those could lead to better outcomes. Changing how they think could really improve their chances of winning in the future.

Easy Money

0 implied HN points • 03 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Investments Market Trends Political Analysis Campaign Strategy
  1. Investing in political contracts can offer good returns. For example, buying contracts on a candidate's success can make a lot of sense if the odds are in your favor.
  2. Market behavior can be skewed by people's desire to back longshot candidates. This can create opportunities for smart investors who see value in the favorites.
  3. Polls and media narratives can shape public perception of a race. It's important to focus on solid data rather than just what is being reported.

Notes on legislative power accumulation: adding and extracting value

0 implied HN points • 02 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislative Process Political strategy Power Dynamics Public Policy
  1. Members of Congress mainly aim to get re-elected, which helps them pursue power and create good policies. If they focus on making good policies without worrying about re-election, they might lose their ability to influence things.
  2. To gain power in a legislature, new members can add value by being reliable voters and developing skills like fundraising or policy expertise. They need to trade their contributions for support from more powerful members.
  3. Extracting value means figuring out what your vote or influence is worth and negotiating for what you can get in return. Being clear about your goals while appearing undecided can help in securing favorable deals.

Why I'm a libertarian and not a liberal, part one: consenting adults

0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Government Role Civil Rights
  1. Libertarians believe that adults should be free to do what they want, as long as it doesn't harm others. Everyone has their own idea of happiness, and that's okay.
  2. The government should not give special benefits for marriage because it takes away individual freedom. Everyone should be able to create their own agreements without state interference.
  3. Getting rid of government involvement in marriage helps everyone, including those in non-traditional relationships. It's about allowing people to define their own relationships without government restrictions.

Man on the Moon

0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policies Legislation Political History Space Exploration
  1. Newt Gingrich proposed building a permanent base on the moon, reflecting ongoing interest in space colonization. This idea goes back to his 1981 legislation about space territories.
  2. The process of granting statehood has historically faced numerous complications, largely due to Congress having too much discretion without clear rules. This caused political challenges and tensions in the past.
  3. Gingrich's plan for moon statehood shares problems with earlier proposals. It lacks constitutional backing, leaving room for Congress to change the rules easily later on.

Why the #SOTU Matters

0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Democracy Public Sentiment Civic engagement
  1. The State of the Union address symbolizes unity in government. It's a rare moment when all branches of government come together, reminding us that we are a united republic, even with differing opinions.
  2. It reflects how the government works, showing that the President doesn't just make laws but asks Congress to act. This moment highlights the importance of collaboration in democracy.
  3. The emotional impact of the State of the Union is significant. It creates feelings of pride and hope, showcasing the power of the democratic process and the celebration of our government.

Like this and like that and like this and uh

0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Historical Analysis Legislation Political Commentary
  1. The rise of Newt Gingrich in politics might not be as strong as people think. It could be better to invest in other candidates like Mitt Romney instead.
  2. Discussions about whether the Civil War could have been avoided with compensated emancipation often miss the long-term strategies of both sides. It wasn’t just a money issue; it was about political power and strategy.
  3. To make the Super Bowl more exciting, it should be held at the home stadium of one of the teams instead of a neutral site. This way, the atmosphere would be more electric and the weather could add to the game's drama.

Cocktails, Candidates, and Confederates

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Debates Political parties Campaigns Culture
  1. The author plans to watch a GOP debate at home with drinks, likely bourbon, involved. It's a casual setting where he intends to enjoy himself.
  2. He humorously describes a fictional drink called a 'Modern Whig' to illustrate his feelings about the debate questions.
  3. The author invites local friends to join him for the debate and drinks, creating a social atmosphere around a political event.

Exit Strategy

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Party Dynamics Endorsements
  1. Rick Perry dropping out of the race shows that political choices are often made strategically. Candidates think carefully about how their actions will affect their future opportunities.
  2. Endorsing another candidate, like Gingrich, can be a move to gain political influence later. This decision isn't just about support; it might come with personal or political benefits.
  3. The timing of dropping out and endorsements matters a lot. Candidates aim to make an impact while they still can, especially before someone like Romney locks in their win.

Capitol South, Station Domination, and Lobbying Effectiveness

0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Protests Advertising Political Influence Policy
  1. Capitol South is a very popular place for protests and lobbying because it's close to important government buildings. Lots of staff and tourists pass through there, making it a prime spot to get attention.
  2. Protesters and lobbyists often believe their efforts at Capitol South are effective. They try to get their messages directly in front of decision-makers rather than relying on media coverage.
  3. Advertising costs at Capitol South are significantly higher compared to other metro stations. This shows that advertisers think they can reach influential people there, highlighting the importance of the location for political messaging.

Libertarian thoughts on MLK Jr. day

0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Libertarianism Government Role Racial Justice Political Philosophy
  1. American greatness is shown through the struggles for civil rights, like the fights against slavery and segregation. These movements highlight the importance of moral justice in democracy.
  2. Libertarian values support equal opportunities in the market. If discrimination exists, it disrupts fairness, making civil rights essential even from an economic perspective.
  3. Civil rights laws help eliminate state-enforced discrimination and support a freer market. Proponents of anti-civil rights ideas aren't true libertarians but may be confusing their stance with conservatism.