Politicians Think Voters Are Dumb. Are They Right?
from Good on Paper
by The Atlantic
Published: Tue Mar 25 2025
Show Notes
What do politicians really think of their voters? A new study looking at 11 different democracies finds that politicians hold an unflattering view of their constituents, while voters view themselves as thoughtful, policy-oriented decision makers. The political scientist Jack Lucas explains why politicians think voters are dumb and why they might be wrong.
Further reading:
“Politicians’ Theories of Voting Behavior,” by Jack Lucas, et al.
“Arepoliticians democratic realists?,” by Jack Lucas, Lior Sheffer, and Peter John Loewen
Democracy for Realists: Why Elections Do Not Produce Responsive Government, by Christopher H. Achen and Larry M. Bartels
“‘EverythingIs Terrible, but I’m Fine,’” by Derek Thompson
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