Samuel Bagg
@samuel-bagg.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of South Carolina. Democratic Theory. Book: The Dispersion of Power: A Critical Realist Theory of Democracy. Bylines Dissent, Boston Review, etc
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Samuel Bagg
@samuel-bagg.bsky.social
· Dec 31
It's finally happening. My book has a webpage! And a release date! You can pre-order it! You probably shouldn't, given the price, but if you have a library (or rich uncle), tell them to buy it for you: tinyurl.com/Bagg-OUP-UK in UK (Jan 4) or tinyurl.com/Bagg-OUP-US in US (Mar 4)
Since today is the last day I can say it: my book came out this year! It tries to capture what's wrong with democracy and how we might fix it. (academic.oup.com/book/55806)
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
I’ve said this b4, but here’s a little inside baseball from a former Republican: Back in my GOP days, we Republicans would privately laugh at how Democrats would never go to the mat to win. We always knew Democrats wouldn’t fight to the death politically.
Last night proved Republicans right again.
Last night proved Republicans right again.
November 10, 2025 at 2:09 PM
I’ve said this b4, but here’s a little inside baseball from a former Republican: Back in my GOP days, we Republicans would privately laugh at how Democrats would never go to the mat to win. We always knew Democrats wouldn’t fight to the death politically.
Last night proved Republicans right again.
Last night proved Republicans right again.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
The Nuffield PPRF is an amazing postdoc - a brilliant community, lovely college, and yes, great food. And, usually, also with a family of ducks.
We have just published the call for the Nuffield Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellowships in Politics. These are 3-year fully-funded postdocs that will allow you to focus on your research in a great academic environment. (And with excellent food)
www.nuffield.ox.ac.uk/the-college/...
www.nuffield.ox.ac.uk/the-college/...
Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellowships in Politics - Nuffield College Oxford University
www.nuffield.ox.ac.uk
November 6, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The Nuffield PPRF is an amazing postdoc - a brilliant community, lovely college, and yes, great food. And, usually, also with a family of ducks.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Everybody opposed to authoritarianism and oligarchy should needs to stand in solidarity with the Starbucks workers who are likely going on strike starting November 13
This is a winnable fight — but it'll take all of our support to help workers get past the finish line
This is a winnable fight — but it'll take all of our support to help workers get past the finish line
BREAKING: After months of stonewalling by Starbucks, unionized baristas just voted 92% to authorize a ULP strike unless Starbucks finalizes fair contracts & stops union busting.
If forced, our baristas will strike in dozens of cities on November 13 – the company's busiest sales day of the year.
If forced, our baristas will strike in dozens of cities on November 13 – the company's busiest sales day of the year.
Starbucks unionized workers say they'll strike on Nov. 13 if coffee giant doesn't finalize contract
Union members say they are ready to strike on the chain's Red Cup Day if Starbucks doesn't finalize a contract with their union by then.
www.cbsnews.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Everybody opposed to authoritarianism and oligarchy should needs to stand in solidarity with the Starbucks workers who are likely going on strike starting November 13
This is a winnable fight — but it'll take all of our support to help workers get past the finish line
This is a winnable fight — but it'll take all of our support to help workers get past the finish line
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
The factional grifters will hate this, but the Mamdani-Spanberger-Sherrill axis actually suggests the outlines of a broad, emerging Dem coalition organized around both anti-Trump *and* affordability politics, not a party bitterly divided against itself.
These big wins will embolden Dems to take on Trump's lawbreaking and show there's a price for GOP enabling of him. Folks hate to hear this, but normal patterns are asserting themselves: Liberalism isn't dead, Rs are likely to lose in 2026, and Trump is really unpopular, not a magical exception.
November 5, 2025 at 2:48 AM
The factional grifters will hate this, but the Mamdani-Spanberger-Sherrill axis actually suggests the outlines of a broad, emerging Dem coalition organized around both anti-Trump *and* affordability politics, not a party bitterly divided against itself.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
it's not left vs mainline lib, it's did they get they learn politics in peacetime or in war
November 5, 2025 at 2:57 AM
it's not left vs mainline lib, it's did they get they learn politics in peacetime or in war
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
i want to repeat this: mamdani and spanberger have run similar campaigns tailored to their respective electorates and it is maddening to watch political journalists attempt to create some broad contrast where none exist
the other thing about this is that there is no reason to pit these candidates against each other? each are good fits for their respective electorates and each shows the value of vigorous campaigns focused on the stated material problems of voters.
November 4, 2025 at 1:37 PM
i want to repeat this: mamdani and spanberger have run similar campaigns tailored to their respective electorates and it is maddening to watch political journalists attempt to create some broad contrast where none exist
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Came here to say this, but Jamelle Bouie has this covered. 👇
When the Democratic tent includes candidates like Spanberger and Mamdani, there is no crisis, or fight, for the party. IT’S A COALITION, NOT A POINT ESTIMATE.
When the Democratic tent includes candidates like Spanberger and Mamdani, there is no crisis, or fight, for the party. IT’S A COALITION, NOT A POINT ESTIMATE.
i want to repeat this: mamdani and spanberger have run similar campaigns tailored to their respective electorates and it is maddening to watch political journalists attempt to create some broad contrast where none exist
the other thing about this is that there is no reason to pit these candidates against each other? each are good fits for their respective electorates and each shows the value of vigorous campaigns focused on the stated material problems of voters.
November 5, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Came here to say this, but Jamelle Bouie has this covered. 👇
When the Democratic tent includes candidates like Spanberger and Mamdani, there is no crisis, or fight, for the party. IT’S A COALITION, NOT A POINT ESTIMATE.
When the Democratic tent includes candidates like Spanberger and Mamdani, there is no crisis, or fight, for the party. IT’S A COALITION, NOT A POINT ESTIMATE.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
I’m just a small-town political scientist, & it’s still relatively early, but it appears that The Actual Democrats did not Need To Do any of the Things or Learn any of the Obvious Lessons that Ezra Douthglesias said they Must Do & Learn.
November 5, 2025 at 2:08 AM
I’m just a small-town political scientist, & it’s still relatively early, but it appears that The Actual Democrats did not Need To Do any of the Things or Learn any of the Obvious Lessons that Ezra Douthglesias said they Must Do & Learn.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
If you are a Democratic senator watching these results and the lesson you take is "I should cave and help Republicans reopen the government for nothing more than a promise written on toilet paper" then you shouldn't be in the Senate anymore
These big wins will embolden Dems to take on Trump's lawbreaking and show there's a price for GOP enabling of him. Folks hate to hear this, but normal patterns are asserting themselves: Liberalism isn't dead, Rs are likely to lose in 2026, and Trump is really unpopular, not a magical exception.
November 5, 2025 at 1:37 AM
If you are a Democratic senator watching these results and the lesson you take is "I should cave and help Republicans reopen the government for nothing more than a promise written on toilet paper" then you shouldn't be in the Senate anymore
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Millions of Americans — including many right here in South Carolina — are exercising their democratic right to vote today.
USC's @samuel-bagg.bsky.social explores how democracy empowers people in "Dispersion of Power," runner-up for the @ecpr.bsky.social Political Theory Prize.
📖 bit.ly/3JK1caD
USC's @samuel-bagg.bsky.social explores how democracy empowers people in "Dispersion of Power," runner-up for the @ecpr.bsky.social Political Theory Prize.
📖 bit.ly/3JK1caD
November 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Millions of Americans — including many right here in South Carolina — are exercising their democratic right to vote today.
USC's @samuel-bagg.bsky.social explores how democracy empowers people in "Dispersion of Power," runner-up for the @ecpr.bsky.social Political Theory Prize.
📖 bit.ly/3JK1caD
USC's @samuel-bagg.bsky.social explores how democracy empowers people in "Dispersion of Power," runner-up for the @ecpr.bsky.social Political Theory Prize.
📖 bit.ly/3JK1caD
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
I found this piece sad too, but mostly because it is part of a years-long effort by progressives to understand what "really" animates Trump voters.
We already know! It is racism, misogyny and misinformation. I know that sounds condescending or whatever but it's simply what all evidence suggests.
We already know! It is racism, misogyny and misinformation. I know that sounds condescending or whatever but it's simply what all evidence suggests.
October 30, 2025 at 10:22 AM
I found this piece sad too, but mostly because it is part of a years-long effort by progressives to understand what "really" animates Trump voters.
We already know! It is racism, misogyny and misinformation. I know that sounds condescending or whatever but it's simply what all evidence suggests.
We already know! It is racism, misogyny and misinformation. I know that sounds condescending or whatever but it's simply what all evidence suggests.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
I honestly don't think the NY Times has been this bad in my lifetime, it's deeply shameful.
October 28, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I honestly don't think the NY Times has been this bad in my lifetime, it's deeply shameful.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
This is the asymmetry in our politics and media. If this was the other way around, Biden had pardoned someone then charged with trying to kill Trump, it would be the biggest story in America and every Republican commentator, congressman, news outlet, would be screaming about it in unison.
Pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries at NYC event this week
A pardoned Capitol rioter was arrested last weekend for allegedly threatening to kill the top House Democrat.
www.cbsnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:56 PM
This is the asymmetry in our politics and media. If this was the other way around, Biden had pardoned someone then charged with trying to kill Trump, it would be the biggest story in America and every Republican commentator, congressman, news outlet, would be screaming about it in unison.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Important thread. No, these things haven’t always been the same.
For those tempted to say Young Republicans have always been this way, they really have not. When I worked on campus and did bipartisan college events after, they were very much not like this.
That’s why groups like YCT and eventually TPUSA formed — because Young Republicans weren’t radical enough.
That’s why groups like YCT and eventually TPUSA formed — because Young Republicans weren’t radical enough.
EXCLUSIVE: Thousands of leaked messages show leaders of Young Republican groups joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape in a private Telegram chat.
Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇
Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇
October 15, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Important thread. No, these things haven’t always been the same.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
I have a new piece in @lpeblog.bsky.social
“Anti-monopolism as an Ideology of the Left”
responding to @gabrielwinant.bsky.social’s “provocation.”
lpeproject.org/blog/anti-mo...
“Anti-monopolism as an Ideology of the Left”
responding to @gabrielwinant.bsky.social’s “provocation.”
lpeproject.org/blog/anti-mo...
October 14, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I have a new piece in @lpeblog.bsky.social
“Anti-monopolism as an Ideology of the Left”
responding to @gabrielwinant.bsky.social’s “provocation.”
lpeproject.org/blog/anti-mo...
“Anti-monopolism as an Ideology of the Left”
responding to @gabrielwinant.bsky.social’s “provocation.”
lpeproject.org/blog/anti-mo...
Tonight at 7, I'll be in conversation (over Zoom) with James Boyce, Professor of Economics at UMass Amherst. We'll use my book as an entry point for talking about challenges facing democracy.
Tune in at us06web.zoom.us/j/8853661795...
Thanks to Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library for organizing!
Tune in at us06web.zoom.us/j/8853661795...
Thanks to Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library for organizing!
October 8, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Tonight at 7, I'll be in conversation (over Zoom) with James Boyce, Professor of Economics at UMass Amherst. We'll use my book as an entry point for talking about challenges facing democracy.
Tune in at us06web.zoom.us/j/8853661795...
Thanks to Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library for organizing!
Tune in at us06web.zoom.us/j/8853661795...
Thanks to Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library for organizing!
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
From Cory Doctorow: "AI is the asbestos we are shoveling into the walls of our society and our descendants will be digging it out for generations" damn I wish I had written that line
pluralistic.net/2025/09/27/e...
pluralistic.net/2025/09/27/e...
Pluralistic: The real (economic) AI apocalypse is nigh (27 Sep 2025) – Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow
pluralistic.net
September 29, 2025 at 10:11 PM
From Cory Doctorow: "AI is the asbestos we are shoveling into the walls of our society and our descendants will be digging it out for generations" damn I wish I had written that line
pluralistic.net/2025/09/27/e...
pluralistic.net/2025/09/27/e...
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Again Bouie from the top rope
September 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Again Bouie from the top rope
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
I would like Never Trump Republicans to demand that George W. Bush appear and speak up for democracy in this country. Why do ppl always ask Obama to do things and “where is Kamala”? Where is the 43rd President of the United States while democracy crashes & burns. This is the party he led. 1/
September 20, 2025 at 6:11 PM
I would like Never Trump Republicans to demand that George W. Bush appear and speak up for democracy in this country. Why do ppl always ask Obama to do things and “where is Kamala”? Where is the 43rd President of the United States while democracy crashes & burns. This is the party he led. 1/
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
i don’t think people on bluesky understand the severity of this situation.
i woke up to literally hundreds of texts from friends and family thinking about either moving back home to india or applying to other countries for jobs. this includes me.
i woke up to literally hundreds of texts from friends and family thinking about either moving back home to india or applying to other countries for jobs. this includes me.
Those on an H1B cannot return to the US from tomorrow (Sunday) unless paying $100K. This is an out-of-the blue presidential action. We’ll see software engineers stranded abroad.
One easy to predict outcome: those on US visas will travel less… for work, for conferences etc.
One easy to predict outcome: those on US visas will travel less… for work, for conferences etc.
September 20, 2025 at 12:20 PM
i don’t think people on bluesky understand the severity of this situation.
i woke up to literally hundreds of texts from friends and family thinking about either moving back home to india or applying to other countries for jobs. this includes me.
i woke up to literally hundreds of texts from friends and family thinking about either moving back home to india or applying to other countries for jobs. this includes me.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Luckily, Sinclair has a helpful database of all their stations, so you can see if they're operating in your area and respond accordingly.
sbgi.net/tv-stations/
sbgi.net/tv-stations/
September 18, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Luckily, Sinclair has a helpful database of all their stations, so you can see if they're operating in your area and respond accordingly.
sbgi.net/tv-stations/
sbgi.net/tv-stations/
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
If the road to democratic renewal runs through better parties, and the formal Democratic Party is run by Jay Jacobs and his ilk, then we need a massive effort to unfuck the state parties and the "Bermuda triangle" of the DNC www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/n...
New York Democratic Chairman Won’t Endorse Mamdani for Mayor
www.nytimes.com
September 18, 2025 at 11:58 PM
If the road to democratic renewal runs through better parties, and the formal Democratic Party is run by Jay Jacobs and his ilk, then we need a massive effort to unfuck the state parties and the "Bermuda triangle" of the DNC www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/n...
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Insanely honored to be associated with these brilliant folks. Still not totally sure this is real.
September 17, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Insanely honored to be associated with these brilliant folks. Still not totally sure this is real.
Reposted by Samuel Bagg
Let me guess: it involves selling TikTok's U.S. domestic operations to the right wing Ellison family and Oracle, who'll combine CBS/Paramount/Time Warner/CNN with TikTok to create one of the most effective right wing propaganda machines ever constructed?
Trump admin live updates: Bessent says 'framework' for TikTok deal has been reached
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in Madrid for trade talks with China, said on Monday they have "a framework for a TikTok deal."
abcnews.go.com
September 15, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Let me guess: it involves selling TikTok's U.S. domestic operations to the right wing Ellison family and Oracle, who'll combine CBS/Paramount/Time Warner/CNN with TikTok to create one of the most effective right wing propaganda machines ever constructed?