Maxwell School News and Commentary

Grant Reeher, professor of political science, says Biden could have a hard time getting enthusiastic support from former Sanders supporters due to his lengthy record—three decades of Senate votes and two terms in the White House as President Barack Obama's vice president.

The polarization of American life had been going on for years before Trump was even a political figure, says Grant Reeher, professor of political science. But, "what is different now [the COVID-19 pandemic], and what gives this a sharper edge is the fact that emotions are running so high."

 75% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans said they wore masks in public, finds a study conducted by Shana Gadarian, associate professor of political science, and her colleagues.

"This will help veterans of the COVID-19 crisis recover from their combat and will reflect well on how we treat our battle-tested heroes," writes Michah Rothbart, assistant professor of public administration and international affairs, about the need for a new GI Bill.

"Every candidate has campaigned on a bureaucracy-bashing theme," says Tina Nabatchi, Joseph A. Strasser Endowed Professor in Public Administration. "That message has gotten through to affect people’s confidence in government."

Alfonso Flores-Lagunes, professor of economics, says that graduate school is generally a smart option for students graduating during an economic downturn, provided they balance the added debt with demand for jobs in their desired profession. He added that students should look for programs that help them build connections and network with future employers. 

James Steinberg, University Professor of Social Science, International Affairs and Law and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, urges the United States and China to work together in his op-ed for Nikkei Asian Review “China and U.S. must cooperate to lead world out of coronavirus danger.” 

"As disturbing as these allegations against Vice President Biden are, similar allegations have been made against President Trump... I think [voting for Biden is] a legitimate choice to make that does not negate the possibility that Tara Reade is telling the truth," says Margaret Susan Thompson, associate professor of history and political science.

“People are taking their cues from political leadership and from doctors, and to the extent that those are different, people will turn to their more trusted sources,” says Shana Gadarian, associate professor of political science.