Archive - Checks and Balances

How everyday Americans can help pull their democracy back from the brink

I normally try to be an optimist about America and our ability to persevere as one nation, but it has admittedly gotten difficult lately.

Apr 11 •

Michael Baharaeen

March 2025

Some new insights on why Harris lost

And how Democrats might move forward.

Mar 18 •

Michael Baharaeen

November 2024

How the Democrats lost their identity

Last Tuesday's realignment was decades in the making.

Nov 13, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

April 2024

What could Trump do in a second term?

The former president won’t need a friendly Congress to pursue much of his agenda

Apr 18, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

March 2024

How Americans think about our evolving debates over language

People generally want to be inclusive, but many are wary of top-down dictates on what constitutes “correct” thinking

Mar 1, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

February 2024

The Democrats’ abortion gambit continues to look risky

More evidence casts doubt on the idea that the party’s laser-like focus on abortion will pay dividends in November

Feb 23, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

Debunking “debunking”

Why facts don’t persuade people

Feb 12, 2024 •

The known unknowns of the 2024 election (part 2)

Breaking down the big questions that will determine whether Biden wins a second term

Feb 8, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

The known unknowns of the 2024 election (part 1)

Breaking down the big questions that will determine whether Biden wins a second term

Feb 5, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

January 2024

On sports, politics, and tribalism

Humans are biologically hardwired to join tribes—a trait that is healthier in some arenas than others

Jan 29, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

Biden’s path to re-election

The president looks vulnerable, but there is plenty he can do to win a second term

Jan 24, 2024 •

Michael Baharaeen

November 2023

Can “Bidenomics” win?

The president’s economic agenda is looking more like a vice than a virtue heading into 2024—but there’s still room for improvement

Nov 27, 2023 •

Michael Baharaeen

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