Brendan Nyhan

New NYT: Another season of ‘Dynasty’ for voters

My new Upshot column for the New York Times focuses on the social science of political dynasties like the Bushes and Clintons. Here's how it begins:

Maybe it’s time for Americans to admit that we like the familiar faces and names of politicians from famous families.

How else can we make sense of the continuing presence of dynasties in our politics?

Read the whole thing for more.

New NYT: The downside of registering outrage

My first post is up at The Upshot, the new politics and policy site at the New York Times where I'm now a contributor. Here's how it begins:

Should the United States be devoting so much effort to criticizing the anti-Semitic fliers that appeared last week in Ukraine? ...There are compelling reasons to take anti-Semitism seriously when it appears, and for American officials to speak up forcefully against the oppression of minority groups. But there's a risk that the American response in this case could make the problem worse.

Read the whole thing for more.