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

RIP: Robert Byrd

0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Senate Political History Political Figures
  1. Robert Byrd was the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, holding office for over 51 years. He had a significant impact on the Senate and was known for his knowledge of its procedures.
  2. Byrd had a complex legacy, having been a former member of the Klan and participating in the filibuster against the civil rights act, but he later renounced and apologized for his past actions.
  3. The 'Byrd rule' is an important Senate procedure named after him, which can impact legislation process. The term 'Byrd bath' refers to the careful review process to ensure legislation complies with this rule.

It's a jump-to-conclusions mat. You jump...to conclusions!

0 implied HN points • 25 Jun 10
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Technology Investment Marketing
  1. A cool startup idea is to create a website that streams live commentary during NFL commercials. It could be fun and attract viewers who want to hear different perspectives on the game.
  2. You could start small with just one person sharing their thoughts and grow to have multiple commentators. There’s a lot of potential for creativity and expansion.
  3. Even if it's hard to make money at first, popular ideas can get noticed by big companies and might sell for a lot. It's worth trying if you're passionate about it!

Facts that Stun

0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Economic Policy Geopolitics Cognitive Bias Historical Analysis
  1. Smart people can make big mistakes when they ignore reality, as shown in both The Best and the Brightest and The Big Short. It's dangerous to let outdated views cloud decision-making.
  2. People often avoid facts that challenge their beliefs, which can lead to poor outcomes. Instead of facing uncomfortable truths, they find ways to shield themselves from the information.
  3. Personal memories can also be unreliable, just like beliefs about politics or economics. Our past can be shaped by what we choose to remember or ignore, leading to false narratives.

Will our children even understand this ad?

0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 10
🎾 Sports Soccer Commentary Strategy Culture
  1. Soccer commentators are refreshingly honest and openly discuss players' performance, unlike many American sports announcers. It's nice to hear them call the game like fans would, without worrying about offending anyone.
  2. American sports have issues like stopping the game for fouls, which leads to whining. In soccer and rugby, players need to keep moving, so there's less time to complain and more focus on playing.
  3. Kick strategy in soccer puzzles some people. Goalkeepers often kick far down the field, which sometimes leads to losing possession, but it can put the team in a better attacking position if done right.

In which I buy $22.10 worth of groceries for $4.95

0 implied HN points • 15 Jun 10
🍲 Food & Drink Grocery shopping Sales Strategy Savings
  1. Using coupons and store cards can lead to big savings. With some planning, you can buy groceries worth much more for a lot less money.
  2. A strategy called 'buy more to save more' can work really well. By purchasing certain amounts of products during sales, you can save even more.
  3. Thinking of grocery shopping as a game can change your approach. It's all about finding deals and matching coupons with sales to maximize savings.
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On Strasmas…

0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 10
🎾 Sports Baseball Player analysis Sports culture Sports History
  1. Stephen Strasburg is an incredibly talented pitcher who can strike out batters easily, making him stand out in baseball.
  2. His fastball is really fast, but it's his curveball that impresses hitters and often leads to strikeouts.
  3. Strasburg's dominance on the mound makes every game he pitches exciting and must-see for baseball fans.

Getting your way: lessons from pick-up hoops dispute resolution

0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 10
🎾 Sports Basketball Competition
  1. Being loud and confident when making a call helps you win disputes. When you clearly state your position with assurance, others are more likely to agree.
  2. Never show doubt in your argument. If you hint at compromise, you lose. You need to stand firm and not back down.
  3. Choosing which calls to dispute is important. If you argue too much, people will ignore you. Pick your battles wisely to maintain credibility.

Swinging on America's J-Curve

0 implied HN points • 04 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Political theory Democracy Public Sentiment Long-term Planning
  1. America's political problems stem from a J-Curve, where you need to accept short-term pain for long-term gain. It's hard for democracy to handle this because people often don't want to suffer now for a better future.
  2. Politicians often avoid talking about tough issues like tax increases or spending cuts because they fear losing their jobs. Voters typically favor immediate benefits, so politicians give them what they want.
  3. To solve America's fiscal issues, we need to make some tough choices: cut military spending, reduce entitlements, or raise taxes. There aren’t easy, painless solutions, and ignoring the problem won't make it go away.

Perfection calls Perfection...

0 implied HN points • 04 Jun 10
🎾 Sports History Athletes Events Broadcasting
  1. Perfection often inspires more perfection. When people see something done perfectly, it motivates them to aim for that same level of excellence.
  2. Sandy Koufax's perfect game is a great example of this idea. His achievement not only showcased his skills but also set a high standard for other players.
  3. The concept of striving for perfection can apply in various areas of life, encouraging continuous improvement and pushing boundaries.

On southern nationalism...

0 implied HN points • 01 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism History Civil Rights Patriotism Identity
  1. Southern nationalism is mixed with American patriotism, which raises interesting questions about identity. It's strange to see symbols of both together and makes you wonder about the beliefs of the people using them.
  2. The Confederate flag's presence has changed over time, reflecting different attitudes and historical contexts. While many people see it as a racist symbol, others have different interpretations of its meaning.
  3. The relationship between southern nationalism and American patriotism is complex and has evolved, with roots dating back to the Civil War era. This connection can be confusing and contradictory in today's political landscape.

On the idea of "anti-incumbency"

0 implied HN points • 18 May 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political parties Public Opinion Campaign Strategy
  1. There's a lot of talk about anti-incumbency, but it might not be the right term for what's happening. Many races don't even have incumbents, which makes it hard to really call it anti-incumbent sentiment.
  2. Sometimes, it looks like people are more upset with political ideologies rather than just incumbents themselves. Candidates may lose because voters prefer different policies, not just because they're incumbents.
  3. A real anti-incumbent wave would mean voters are unhappy with both parties equally, leading to a big shakeup in Congress. However, it seems like dissatisfaction often targets the party in power instead, which doesn't fit the anti-incumbent idea.

Supreme Court Justice Venn Diagram #3: Antonin Scalia

0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Judicial system Legal analysis Political Commentary Government
  1. The Supreme Court has different justices with unique views. It's important to understand these perspectives to know how they influence decisions.
  2. Antonin Scalia was known for his originalist interpretation of the Constitution. He believed in sticking closely to the text as it was originally written.
  3. Visual tools like Venn diagrams can help us compare and contrast the views of different justices in a simple way. This makes complex ideas easier to understand.

On Career Paths

0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Congress Political History Political Humor
  1. Historically, many Senators had experience in the House, but it seems less common now. This suggests that moving from the House to the Senate used to be a more typical career path for politicians.
  2. Before the 1840s, it was not unusual for Representatives to have previously served in the Senate, showing how political careers were more interconnected back then.
  3. Claude Pepper is a significant example of someone who served in both the Senate and the House, but he was the last of his kind, highlighting a change in political career trends.

The Second Face of Power

0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 19
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Political Science Congress Political strategy
  1. Agenda setting is a key part of politics. It's not just about how people vote, but also about what issues are put up for a vote.
  2. In the House, the Speaker has a lot of power to decide which bills are debated and voted on. This can keep popular legislation from even being considered.
  3. Packaging bills together, known as omnibus legislation, can help pass difficult measures by attaching them to more popular ones. This strategy can create complicated political situations.

Matt's Five Points, November 2: Elecshun Dae 2018

0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Political Commentary Political Science
  1. Don't watch TV until the evening on election day; the morning coverage is not helpful and just filled with noise.
  2. Focus on key Senate races and important House districts to understand the election better. Knowing where to look can make the night more entertaining.
  3. Engage in conversations about voting with colleagues and friends; it can lead to interesting discussions and personal stories that enrich the experience.

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.

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.

FIVE POINTS: A Recess is Not a Vacation

0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polls Elections Congress Political Ideology Political Behavior
  1. Polls might not reflect true public sentiment. Many survey responses depend on how questions are asked and the current political context, which can lead to misleading conclusions.
  2. Members of Congress often work just as hard back in their districts as they do in Washington. They use this time to explain their votes and engage with voters, which can be very demanding.
  3. Congress is struggling with staffing and resources. Many staff members feel overwhelmed, which impacts Congress's ability to effectively do its job and maintain a check on the presidency.

Closing Time

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 12
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Home Travel Family Entertainment
  1. The author is closing on a new house soon. This means they will be busy with the moving process.
  2. Because of the move, there might be less blogging for the rest of the week.
  3. However, it's possible that blogging could increase during this time, depending on the situation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Link'in Park

0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Voting behavior Campaign strategies Political Commentary
  1. GOP primary voters may not prioritize electability as much as expected. It's important to focus on what actually matters to them.
  2. Online piracy is seen by some as a theft issue, but there are discussions about its impact on the economy and how we view copyright.
  3. Recent political decisions, like indefinite detention laws, can lead to disappointment among citizens who care about civil rights and the Constitution.

Put Your Hands Together

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Debates Candidates Political parties
  1. Audience reactions, like applause and cheers, play a big role in how candidates are perceived. These reactions can influence people's opinions about candidates during debates.
  2. The timing of events, like the caucuses, is important as candidates make their final pitches to voters. It's all about making a strong impression right before voting begins.
  3. Understanding voter behavior is key in primaries. Factors like emotional reactions from the audience can sometimes matter more than typical metrics.

All the news that's fit to incinerate

0 implied HN points • 17 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Legislative Process Political Analysis
  1. There's a big misunderstanding about the president's powers. People often think the president can do everything on their own, which isn't true.
  2. Good media should avoid spreading incorrect views about politics. When articles make false claims about presidential control, it can confuse readers.
  3. It's important to understand that lawmaking involves Congress too. Many decisions and actions require cooperation, not just power from the president.

More Congressional Jargon

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Congress Political Communication
  1. Congress has its own special language filled with jargon that staffers use. Terms like 'BTU'd' and 'ping-pong' describe specific political situations.
  2. 'Push-back' refers to when groups disagree with proposed legislation, while 'face time' means the one-on-one time staffers get with their bosses.
  3. There are various informal processes, like 'hotline' and 'suspension,' that help move bills quickly through Congress, often requiring teamwork and negotiation.

Off-Year

0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Political Science Local Politics
  1. Local elections often happen in off-years, away from federal and state elections. This can change how people vote and participate.
  2. Sarah Anzia has researched how these off-year elections affect politics and voters' decisions. Her work provides useful insights.
  3. Understanding these local elections can help us see the bigger picture of how policies and interests play out in communities.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

On Through the Looking Glass

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Public Discourse Ideology
  1. Neo-conservatism and humanitarian intervention seem to have merged into something called neo-humanitarianism, which is confusing.
  2. There's a growing public desensitization to war, as fewer people seem to care about military conflicts like they used to.
  3. The speaker believes in a more peaceful foreign policy approach, similar to Quaker Pacifism, and finds some comfort in the idea that others may also be moving toward realism in foreign policy.

Research Note: 2011 House and Senate Calendars

0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Voting
  1. The House has specific days for expected votes, marked in brown. This helps people understand when important decisions will be made.
  2. Days without expected votes are marked in white, indicating when the House will not be voting.
  3. The Senate calendar includes recess days, marked in red, showing when they will not be in session. It's important to know to track legislative activity.