The Government Shutdown: Why Our System Fails on Purpose
American Angst1 Nov 2025

The Government Shutdown: Why Our System Fails on Purpose

Boo! In this Halloween edition of American Angst, political philosopher Dr. Michael Bailey leads a brisk, illuminating tour of the current government shutdown and what it reveals about our constitutional machinery. Michael lays out why both parties share blame in different ways, but, more importantly, why the structure itself incentivizes brinkmanship over basic governance. He explains how the Senate filibuster concentrates leverage, why “who’s actually in charge?” is maddeningly opaque to vo...

Episoder(30)

The Phrase That Won’t Die: “We’re a Republic, Not a Democracy"

The Phrase That Won’t Die: “We’re a Republic, Not a Democracy"

In this thought-provoking episode of American Angst 101, Michael Bailey and his longtime friend and fellow political scientist Dr. Steven Taylor join forces to examine the phrase “We’re a republic, no...

23 Jul 20251h 2min

Why July 4th? The Truest Meaning of Independence Day

Why July 4th? The Truest Meaning of Independence Day

In this episode of American Angst 101, political historian and resident expert Michael Bailey takes center stage to explore a deceptively simple question: why do we celebrate Independence Day on July ...

4 Jul 202553min

The Mandate Mirage: When Presidents Stretch Thin Margins into Sweeping Claims

The Mandate Mirage: When Presidents Stretch Thin Margins into Sweeping Claims

In this episode of American Angst 101, political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey unpacks one of the most pervasive myths in American politics: the presidential mandate. With insight, clarity, and a touch...

25 Jun 202537min

No Kings, New Terrain? Is Today's Political Climate Unprecedented?

No Kings, New Terrain? Is Today's Political Climate Unprecedented?

Political scientist Michael Bailey brings his deep knowledge, sharp wit, and characteristic humility to this episode of American Angst 101, hosted by sociologist Dale McConkey. Launching from the mass...

18 Jun 202556min

Truth Decay, Part 2: Democracy as Pro Wrestling

Truth Decay, Part 2: Democracy as Pro Wrestling

In this second episode of American Angst 101, political philosopher Dr. Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey continue their dig into the nature of political truth in the age of Trump—and what it mean...

6 Jun 202546min

Truth Decay: Our Inaugural Angst

Truth Decay: Our Inaugural Angst

Political philosopher Michael Bailey has spent years thinking carefully about American democracy—its roots, its ideals, and its increasingly shaky relationship to truth. In American Angst 101, he sits...

31 Mai 20251h 14min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
i-retten
stopp-verden
forklart
popradet
det-store-bildet
nokon-ma-ga
dine-penger-pengeradet
fotballpodden-2
rss-gukild-johaug
aftenbla-bla
hanna-de-heldige
rss-ness
bt-dokumentar-2
frokostshowet-pa-p5
e24-podden
rss-dannet-uten-piano
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk