September 18, 2023

Isa.Terrell@ClaremontMcKenna.edu

Prof. Andrew Sinclair was quoted in an article about the U.S.’s ‘primary problem,’ in which advocates call for new election systems. Advocates say that the current system favors polarized candidates. Prof. Sinclair said that the effect of nonpartisan primaries on voter engagement and satisfaction is somewhat mixed so far. He explained, “…the argument for moderation is that possibly the more moderate Democrat would have an advantage in that election, or perhaps the more competent or the more pragmatic [candidate].” However, Prof.

September 15, 2023

Isa.Terrell@ClaremontMcKenna.edu

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece surrounding the recent layoffs at Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, run by scholar, activist and author Ibram X. Kendi. Conservatives were hailing this as a culture war victory. Prof. Pitney commented, “…conservatives will celebrate anything that looks like a setback for Kendi.” 

September 13, 2023

Isa.Terrell@ClaremontMcKenna.edu

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece about former Los Angeles County Sheriff, Alex Villanueva, who announced his candidacy against two-term L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I think he would start as an underdog. The district has a substantial number of Hispanic voters. He may be hoping that will be a base of support. But in the sheriff race, the district voted for Luna. A lot of the increase in crime in Los Angeles happened on his watch. He doesn’t have a strong rhetorical basis,” said Pitney.

September 13, 2023

Isa.Terrell@ClaremontMcKenna.edu

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in an article on the Republican effort to impeach President Biden. He shared in reference to the Republican’s strategy to move forward with the impeachment, “It will hurt the GOP. Voters in swing districts are not enthusiastic about Biden, but they are leery of impeaching him. McCarthy’s deal with the Republican Right left him with no good choices. His plight reminds me of the Kobayashi Maru—the Star Trek training simulation that Starfleet cadets could not possibly win. In his youth, Captain Kirk beat the system by hacking the software.