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

A Night in the Linkin' Bedroom

0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 12
🎭️ Culture Media Music Politics Art Food
  1. Falling into lava is dangerous, but surprisingly, you wouldn't sink. This makes for an interesting discussion about lava's physical properties.
  2. Prices for pizza and subway fares in New York are going up together, showing a connection between the cost of food and transportation in the city.
  3. Research claiming red wine is good for you was found to be fake, highlighting the importance of questioning health studies and their claims.

The Great Recess-ion

0 implied HN points • 13 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislative Process Executive Power Constitutional Law Political parties
  1. Right now, we have a unique situation where different parties control the House and Senate. This makes it tricky for the government to function smoothly and affects how appointments are made.
  2. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a new agency, which means there are rules about how people can be appointed that differ from other roles. This complicates filling important positions.
  3. Recess appointments aren't as powerful as many think. They can be strategic tools for presidents, but using them can also limit their long-term influence, especially when it comes to judicial appointments.

You down with OLC?

0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Political strategy
  1. The Office of Legal Counsel released an opinion about recess appointments, arguing that recent ones were made during a valid recess. They believe this argument is important for transparency.
  2. OLC opinions are more like legal arguments rather than binding court rulings, meaning they aren't laws. Different interpretations exist, which could lead to future conflicts or legal challenges.
  3. Political players, including the President and Congress, are engaging in strategic maneuvers over recess appointments. This could damage established norms and affect how politics is conducted in the future.

Sincerely Yours, Politics

0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Political Commentary
  1. Political actions can be done sincerely or strategically. Sincere actions aim for clear outcomes, while strategic ones may achieve different goals using the same methods.
  2. It's important to recognize that politicians may have multiple reasons for running, not just to win. Understanding these reasons helps make sense of their decisions.
  3. Critics often assume candidates only want to win and ignore their other goals. This misunderstanding can lead to unfair judgments about candidates' choices and strategies.

Recess appointments: watch what you cite...

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Political Debate Government Institutions
  1. Recess appointments can be confusing because the Constitution is not clear on them. Different people can have different opinions about whether they're legal or not.
  2. Debate about recess appointments is important for democracy. Hearing various viewpoints helps everyone understand the issues better.
  3. Opinions from the Justice Department about recess appointments shouldn't be seen as the final word. They are mainly arguments that support the executive branch and can be challenged by others.
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At a track called Saratoga...

0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 12
🎭️ Culture Local Events Community Traditions Leisure activities Social Commentary
  1. The Saratoga Race Course is more than just a place to gamble; it's a cultural event for the local community. People enjoy being outdoors with friends and family, soaking in the beauty and excitement of the track.
  2. To make the most of a day at the track, it's best to arrive early and secure a picnic table. Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, as the on-site food isn't as good as what you can bring.
  3. After a day at the track, downtown Saratoga offers a lively nightlife with countless bars and restaurants. It's a great idea to explore the downtown scene before heading home to avoid traffic.

Horse Races, Real and Political: Intrade's Favorite-Longshot Bias

0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Betting Economics Behavioral Science Political Analysis
  1. Betters often prefer longshots to favorites, even when the favorites are better bets. This is known as the favorite-longshot bias.
  2. Studies show that betting on favorites tends to result in less loss compared to betting on longshots. Longshots usually lead to worse returns over time.
  3. This bias affects how people place bets in political markets too, leading to irrational choices like favoring less likely candidates just for the excitement.

In Which A Whig Thinks About Recess Appointments

0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Filibuster Congress Political strategy
  1. There are two key ideas at odds when it comes to government appointments: keeping Congress involved in appointments and ensuring that the government runs smoothly even when Congress is out of session. Both are important for a functioning democracy.
  2. The way Congress operates today is very different from when the Constitution was written. Shorter breaks and more frequent sessions mean that the need for recess appointments isn't as pressing as it once was.
  3. There's still confusion about what exactly counts as a 'recess' for making appointments. Different interpretations can lead to a lot of disagreement and may shift power between the presidency and Congress.

The Difficulty of Institutional Reform

0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Policy Making
  1. It's hard to push for changes in institutions because people's short-term interests often clash with what's good in the long run. If a reform might hurt someone's immediate goals, they’re less likely to support it.
  2. Changing rules like the filibuster or primary system affects many outcomes, making more people worried about losing. When everyone feels they might be hurt, it's tough to get agreement on reforms.
  3. There are rules that make reform hard, like needing a supermajority vote. People also tend to stick to the known, even if it’s not great, because they fear new changes might bring about unexpected bad results.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagaram #8: Ron Paul

0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Voting Campaigns
  1. Ron Paul is a notable figure in the GOP primary race. He is known for his distinct political views.
  2. The Venn diagram for Ron Paul highlights the intersections of his ideas and those of other candidates. It shows how his beliefs compare with others in the party.
  3. This analysis helps people understand where Ron Paul stands among his peers. It provides insight into his unique position in the political landscape.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #7: Rick Santorum

0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Voter Behavior
  1. Rick Santorum is one of the candidates in the GOP primary race. He shares some similar views with other candidates, making him a notable figure in the election.
  2. The candidate diagrams highlight how different GOP candidates compare with one another. This helps people understand their positions better.
  3. Venn diagrams can be a fun and visual way to look at political contests. They show overlaps in beliefs and campaign styles among candidates.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #6: Herman Cain

0 implied HN points • 25 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political Analysis Voting Trends
  1. Herman Cain was a notable GOP primary candidate. He gained attention for his unique perspectives and business background.
  2. Venn diagrams were used to compare candidates in the GOP primary. These visual tools helped illustrate the similarities and differences among the candidates.
  3. The discussion included various other GOP candidates. Each candidate brought their individual qualities to the race, contributing to a diverse field.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #5: Rick Perry

0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Political Analysis Electoral process
  1. Rick Perry is one of the GOP primary candidates and has unique characteristics that set him apart. Understanding these differences can help voters make informed choices.
  2. The Venn diagram shows how Rick Perry compares with other candidates, highlighting both overlaps and distinctions. This visual tool makes it easier to see where he stands.
  3. Analyzing candidates like Rick Perry helps people understand the political landscape better, especially during elections. It's important to look at each candidate's strengths and weaknesses.

North vs. South (side of the Capitol, that is)

0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Partisanship Elections Governance Political culture
  1. Representatives serve shorter terms and pay closer attention to the immediate needs of their constituents. Senators have longer terms, so they can focus on long-term issues without the pressure of frequent elections.
  2. The rules and structures of the House and Senate are different, leading to different power dynamics. The House allows majority rule, while the Senate requires more consensus for decisions, creating potential conflicts.
  3. Voters may have different expectations for their Representatives and Senators. This can affect how each chamber approaches policy decisions and negotiations with each other.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #3: Willard Mitt Romney

0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Campaigns Political Analysis
  1. Mitt Romney is a notable candidate in the GOP primary race. He has a mix of traditional and modern Republican ideals.
  2. Understanding candidates through visuals like Venn diagrams can simplify their positions. This method helps highlight similarities and differences among candidates.
  3. Analyzing political candidates can help voters make informed choices. It’s important to know where candidates stand on various issues.

GOP Primary Candidate Venn Diagram #2: Jon Huntsman Jr.

0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Political strategy Campaigns
  1. Jon Huntsman Jr. is one of the candidates in the GOP primary race. He is noted for his unique positions compared to other candidates.
  2. The Venn diagram shows the overlapping views and differences among GOP primary candidates. It helps to visualize where they stand on various issues.
  3. Other candidates have their own Venn diagrams which highlight their specific traits and policies. This provides a broader understanding of the primary race.

Tie Goes to the...

0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Constitution Political parties Legislation Political theory
  1. An electoral college tie could lead to a situation where the House of Representatives picks the President. This means that any qualified candidate could potentially become President if there’s a tie.
  2. Electors could strategically decide to vote for a third candidate to create a three-way race, leading to unexpected outcomes. This could be a way for some candidates to gain advantages depending on their party's control.
  3. The idea of electors shedding their votes creates a chaotic election scenario, where almost anyone could become President, making the whole process quite uncertain and unpredictable.

Fasten your wonk belts: let's talk rule layover waivers in the House

0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Government Political Process
  1. In the House, new bills can't be voted on the same day they're introduced. Usually, they need to wait one legislative day, but there are special rules to speed things up.
  2. The Rules Committee plays a big role in deciding which bills come to the floor and how they're discussed. They can create special rules that allow for quick consideration and limit debate.
  3. Special rules are common in the House and can waive many usual procedural requirements. This allows the majority party to manage legislation more flexibly.

On Supercommittees and Blooming

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Bipartisanship Government Political Process
  1. The proposal allows certain bipartisan legislation to skip filibusters and amendments for faster voting. This is meant to encourage more collaboration between political parties.
  2. There's a concern that the requirement for bipartisan support may favor Republican ideas over Democratic ones. Democrats would need more votes to pass their proposals than Republicans would.
  3. The likelihood of passing a moderate bipartisan bill under this plan seems low, as it may lead to passing more conservative legislation instead.

Reading Week

0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politicians Policies Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Populist technocrats like Newt Gingrich can have serious challenges in winning nominations and executing reforms due to various political dynamics.
  2. The way we donate to charities matters; cash donations are often more useful than giving canned goods.
  3. Understanding political trends, like how demographics affect election outcomes, is crucial for making sense of candidate performances.

Making Payroll

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Social Security Political Dynamics Legislation Economic Policy
  1. The payroll tax cut should stay focused on helping the American people, without getting mixed up in other political issues. If lawmakers complicate it too much, it might not go through.
  2. It’s surprising to see Democrats supporting payroll tax cuts now. In the past, they would have been concerned that it could hurt Social Security, but opinions seem to be changing.
  3. Bringing the payroll tax back to its old rates is unlikely because many people depend on it as their only federal tax. Raising it again could feel like a big burden for those who have the least.

Filibusters and Cloture

0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Senate Filibuster Political strategy
  1. Filibusters are tricky to measure because not all of them get recorded, and political decisions can change how many cloture votes are taken. This makes it hard to see the true level of obstruction in the Senate.
  2. Using the number of failed cloture votes as proof of filibusters isn't foolproof. Sometimes, votes fail not because of obstruction but due to party preferences.
  3. The number of filibusters isn't the only important thing; the overall size of the legislative agenda matters too. More legislation can mean more chances for filibusters, even if the percentage of filibustered items goes down.

Through the Looking Glass

0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Foreign Policy Cold War Media Political History
  1. The movie 'Countdown to Looking Glass' shows a fake crisis that fits into Cold War themes. Even though it's old, the issues of terrorism and political instability are still relevant today.
  2. Gingrich compares the crisis to historical events but misses mentioning some key moments, like the Cuban missile crisis. This raises questions about the choice of examples used in the movie.
  3. The film ignores Congress's role in crisis situations, focusing only on the President's actions. This leaves out important discussions about legislative authority during national emergencies.

Once upon a time, today was very important

0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Political History Legislation Political parties
  1. Congress used to start meetings on the first Monday in December, which created a yearly gap between elections and new sessions. This meant that elected officials often had to wait a long time before taking office.
  2. In the early days of the U.S., voting for the Speaker of the House was much more chaotic and could take weeks or even months. There were many small parties and factions, making it hard to find a consensus.
  3. A famous Speaker election battle happened in 1859, where the House was deadlocked for two months because different groups couldn't agree on a candidate. This showed how divided the political landscape was back then.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Government Political Process
  1. A bill must be approved by both the House and Senate before it can become law. This process ensures that both chambers agree on the same version of the bill.
  2. The enrollment process is where the final version of the bill is prepared and verified after passing both chambers. This includes checking for any errors before it goes to the President.
  3. Delays in presenting a bill to the President can happen for strategic reasons, like gathering support for an override if a veto is expected or timing a bill's signing for maximum impact.

Reading Week

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Civil Liberties Public Policy Political Behavior
  1. It's important to stand up for the rule of law and individual rights, especially when it comes to government powers like indefinite detention.
  2. Understanding how leaders handle issues of compliance and accountability, like in jury duty or congressional oversight, is key to grasping bigger political problems.
  3. Keeping an eye on how candidates are perceived and discussed in media can help us understand upcoming elections and political behaviors.

Friday Congress Blogging: Unanimous Consent

0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political strategy Negotiation
  1. The Senate uses unanimous consent to limit debate on bills. This way, all Senators agree to give up their right to unlimited discussion to make things run smoothly.
  2. Unanimous consent works when no Senator objects to a proposal. If they do object, everything can slow down or come to a halt.
  3. Senators might agree to limit debate even if they oppose a bill because it gives them leverage for future negotiations or other bills they care about.

Whigging out

0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Executive Power Political strategy Legislative Process
  1. Congress has the power to shape its own support systems, like the Congressional Budget Office, but if they weaken these tools, they risk giving more power to the President.
  2. It’s tough for Congress to challenge the President directly because the President has a unified message and strong public support, making it hard for Congress to counter effectively.
  3. Congress can either centralize power to act more decisively or expand its capacity to gather information, but these approaches often conflict and can create internal tensions within the legislature.

The Other Caucuses

0 implied HN points • 29 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Political parties Elections Legislation Political strategy
  1. Political parties in Congress have their own rules, which are separate from the House of Representatives' official rules. These party rules help organize how members work together and make decisions.
  2. Caucuses, which are groups of party members in Congress, have a key role in choosing committee chairs and leadership. They consider factors like seniority, merit, and proposal from a committee before nominations are made.
  3. Caucus rules can also affect how much power party leadership has, and they can create a better or worse position for leaders depending on how the rules are structured.

Senior Moment

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Legislation Political Behavior State Politics
  1. When a senior representative from a state retires, it can impact that state's influence in Congress. New members usually have to start from scratch without the same seniority or connections.
  2. States with experienced representatives have a better chance of getting powerful positions in the House. This is because seniority helps members get put into important roles more easily.
  3. Having a lot of experienced representatives in a state can be more beneficial than just having a few highly experienced ones. A state with more representatives can gain more powerful roles as they have a larger pool of seniority.

Imagine a boot stamping on a human face --- forever.

0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Liberties Legislation Political parties National Security Political Debate
  1. The Patriot Act, introduced after a crisis, has now become normal, raising questions about civil liberties. It's a concern that both political parties support it, much like emergency laws in non-democratic countries.
  2. Several political leaders propose reducing civil liberties in the name of national security, which can be very dangerous. This includes limiting rights for those accused of terrorism, which undermines basic legal protections.
  3. Ron Paul's perspective highlights that security shouldn't come at the cost of our freedoms. He emphasizes the importance of protecting civil liberties and warns against the broad use of terms like 'terrorism' that could threaten rights for many Americans.

Ready Steady Stoned

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Elections Political theory Bipartisanship
  1. It's often thought that not renominating an unpopular president can help a party, but history shows it usually doesn't lead to success. Popularity tends to be closely tied between the president and the party.
  2. Historical claims need to be contextualized. The idea that there has never been a clear successor is not true; there have been various obvious candidates in history.
  3. Dropping out of a race isn't always a noble choice. Sometimes it's simply about recognizing the inability to win rather than stepping aside for the good of the party.

The Adventures of Link(s)

0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 11
🎾 Sports Baseball Playoffs Economics Campaigns Elections
  1. Baseball playoffs are exciting but often unfair, making them more about luck than skill. The beauty of baseball lies in the long season, not just the post-season rush.
  2. There's a debate about how much campaigns really matter in elections. Many people wish for democracy to be more about great ideas and leaders than just voting based on tough times.
  3. Election outcomes are usually influenced by bigger factors than campaigns, with candidates' fates often decided before they even start campaigning. It's important to understand the underlying trends rather than just the surface drama.

By the Numbers: Constitutional Amending in the House

0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Legislation Government Structure Voting Rights Political strategy
  1. Since 1978, no new amendments to the Constitution have been successfully passed by Congress for states to ratify. Only one amendment, the 27th, was ratified many years later.
  2. For an amendment to pass in Congress, a two-thirds majority vote is needed. This means at least 289 votes in the House, depending on the number of members present.
  3. A total of 59 proposed amendments have been introduced in the House in the current Congress, highlighting ongoing discussions about potential changes to the Constitution.

More on Perry's Plan: A Whig Perspective

0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Executive Power Judiciary Political Reform Government Structure
  1. Rick Perry's plan may weaken Congress and enhance the President's power. This could lead to a more politicized judiciary and shift more influence to the executive branch.
  2. Reducing congressional staff but not staff in the Executive Office of the President could create an imbalance of information and power. This means the President might have an advantage in legislative discussions.
  3. Cutting staff could hurt Congress's ability to properly oversee the executive branch. This is important because effective oversight helps keep power in check and ensures the government serves the people.

I'll take "Things That Surprised Me" for $200

0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Social Issues Political Movements
  1. Many amendments are proposed in Congress each year, covering various topics like budget limits and campaign finance. It's interesting how legislation can touch on so many issues.
  2. Despite the long history of pro-life amendments being introduced, there haven't been any recent proposals in Congress. This shows a shift in focus for some groups.
  3. The lack of recent anti-abortion amendments raises questions about the changing strategies of movements over time. It makes one wonder what other factors are at play in these decisions.

The other rule 22

0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Constitution Political Power Elections Historical context
  1. The presidency is really powerful and different from other political offices. Allowing a president to serve more than two consecutive terms could harm democracy by creating a lack of fresh leadership.
  2. The 22nd amendment can lead to negative outcomes, like limiting a second-term president's ability to effectively govern. They may take riskier actions without the worry of re-election.
  3. There are concerns about allowing former presidents to run again. While it may reduce incumbency advantages, it could create confusion and problems within political parties.

Church Democracy

0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 11
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Democracy Church Community Civic engagement
  1. Democratic structures in churches can empower community members. People feel more involved and engaged when they have a say in decisions, especially in smaller, more self-governing congregations.
  2. The election process observed was not very effective. It seemed to favor candidates with some support but also significant opposition, and many voters did not fully understand the responsibilities of the positions.
  3. Getting young people involved in voting is beneficial for both them and the church. It helps them feel connected and valued, and it could encourage them to stay engaged as they grow older.

All Quiet on the Western Front

0 implied HN points • 11 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Military Social Issues College sports Veterans
  1. The scandal involving Penn State revealed serious issues in college sports, creating a feeling of disillusionment about the integrity of athletics. Many feel that college sports, once seen as wholesome, have become tainted by corruption and greed.
  2. Veteran's Day brings mixed feelings; while some see the value in honoring military service, there is a recognition that war often brings unnecessary suffering. The decline in celebrations might be a positive sign that recent conflicts are less intense or frequent.
  3. There are many insightful blog posts being recommended, covering important topics like presidential election forecasting and the implications of mandatory voting. These are great reads for anyone interested in politics and social issues.

Debate Q&A on 'ObamaCare'

0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Legislation Political Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. The term 'Obamacare' was used 11 times in a debate, mainly by certain candidates and the moderator. It shows how often political terms can come up in discussions.
  2. Using 'Obamacare' can be seen as a biased term since it carries a negative connotation for many. It's better for debate moderators to use neutral language to avoid influencing the conversation.
  3. Language really matters in politics. The way we describe laws and policies can affect how people feel about them, so it's important to choose words carefully.