Democratic Party
The Democratic Primary Field Is Not as Wide Open as It Seems
By looking at which campaigns experienced staffers choose to work for, one can see which candidates the party is seriously signaling as potential nominees.
The Last Democratic Debate Had No Climate Change Questions. This Year That Will Change.
The Democratic Party refused to host a single issue climate debate, but as 20 presidential candidates square off in Miami this week, the topic is expected to be discussed.
There's No Good Way to Determine Electability Other Than Holding Elections
It's important to not nominate a sure loser, but, historically, "electability" arguments have been used to discourage women and minorities from running.
How the Hillary/Bernie Democrat Divide Played Out in State Elections Beyond 2016
Data since the 2016 election shows Democrats are still divided.
No, Democrats Do Not Need to Nominate a White Man in Order to Defeat Trump
It's the conditions of the economy, the popularity of the incumbent party, and the state of foreign relations that really affect a presidential nominee's chances—not their race or gender.
The Democrats' Innovative Primary Format Relies Largely on Chance
The Democrats' new randomized debate plan is a gold mine for campaign researchers.
What Effects Will California's Earlier Primary Have on the 2020 Presidential Election?
California will now be using early voting, which means Democrats in the state will be able to participate in the presidential nomination process around the same time as Iowa caucus-goers.
Only One State Legislature Is Now Under Split Party Control
Here's what that means for policymaking in the U.S.
How Kate Brown, Progressive Governor of a Historically Progressive State, Wound Up in a Tight Mid-Term Race Against a Republican
The embattled Oregon governor talks to Pacific Standard about offshore oil, sexism in politics, and her neck-and-neck race against political newcomer Knute Buehler.
Who Would Win a Battle Between a Liberal Congress and a Conservative Supreme Court?
Research suggests threats from Capitol Hill can make key justices skittish about overturning popular legislation.
The Communications Director of the California Democratic Party Explains the In-N-Out Boycott Controversy
We spoke with John Vigna about the boycott that wasn't, social media headaches, and the post-2016 politicization of everything.
Did Inclusiveness, a Core Value of Democrats, Lead to Their 2016 Loss?
New research argues Republicans' us-vs.-them attitude gave the GOP an advantage by heightening party solidarity.
How the Identity Politics Argument Affects a Party's Choices
Democrats understand the last election determines how the party prepares for the next one.
Explaining an Election, 1984 Edition
As we saw following Ronald Reagan's drubbing of Walter Mondale, the losing party will often try to define their defeat in a way that helps shape future strategy.
The Costs of Dropping Pelosi
There are a few points that Democrats uncomfortable with Nanci Pelosi's leadership might want to consider before urging her to retire.
The Democratic National Committee Might Undo Its Ban on Fossil Fuel Donations
The proposed reversal has raised alarm bells with environmentalists.
On Running Against Trump
Dissecting Bret Stephens' (suspect) strategic advice to Democrats looking to take on Trump in 2020.
Dispatches: Five Essential Reads From the Past Week
A collection of some of our most important and timely stories, from an interview with Harvard University's Theda Skocpol on grassroots organizing to a feature on a person-centered approach to elderly care far above the Arctic Circle.
The Lede, Issue #25: The Best Hope for the Democratic Party, Heart Mountain, the End of Locker-Room Talk as We Know It, and More
An exclusive newsletter that gives premium members greater access to Pacific Standard stories, staff, and contributors in their inbox every Sunday morning
The Least Analytical 2016 Voters: Democrats Who Supported Trump
New research finds liberals and libertarians are particularly prone to reflective thought.
David Faris Offers Democrats a Plan for Fighting Back
The author and political scientist offers a traditionally timid party some bold ideas.
Is the Future of the Democratic Party Bleak? It Depends Who You Ask.
We'll know in a few months whether Democratic leaders have lost control of their party.
The Roots of Trump's Deportation Policy
The bureaucratic machinery pulling families apart was built long before the sitting president assumed office.