The Default of Democracy
University of Houston Professor and Political Analyst Nancy Sims is launching a new podcast to discuss the Default of Democracy and to encourage citizens to become more involved in their representative government. Nancy will be joined by a former student of hers, Christion Trimiar. Christion brings the fresh perspective of youth and political engagement in diverse environments. The two will encourage people from all walks of life to become more involved in their government and communities.
Episodes
The federal government shuts down because of polarization. The public responds by either blaming both sides or shrugging their shoulders in frustration. Facts: Less than 20 percent of the public votes, so you have politicians trying to appeal to that (very small) base. Nancy & Christion discuss the election coming up here in Houston with city council, constitutional amendments, and CD18 and why that matters even when it seems ...
Trump, sensing he is losing his grip on power, hijacks the Special Session on the Hill Country flooding to create 5 more safe red Congressional seats.
This isn’t normal. But they can do this when we don’t vote and we aren’t engaged and involved.
In this episode, Nancy and Christion discuss why it’s important to stay involved and make your voice heard. The Epstein Files aren’t going away because ...
There’s 20 people running for Congress. We have our top 5, and what to look for in the special election. Plus Nancy & Christion discuss Paxton v. Cornyn. Do people really like Trump? Also, a free app you can use to make your voice heard.
We’ve somehow made it through the first 100 days of Trump’s second term and Nancy and Christion worry about inflation. Can Nancy afford to retire in this environment? Christion wonders about his future. The Texas legislature is winding up with school vouchers passed and other bills still on the bubble. Ken Paxton wants to primary John Cornyn, which might open up a state office. The Dems don’t seem to have a conse...
The chaos continues in 2025. How are you feeling? How’s your confidence? Also, we discuss what’s going on in Austin in the legislature and we take a moment to remember Sylvester Turner.
...The year that was. We hoped that people would come out and vote, and well… you kinda know how this movie ends, right? We discuss that and what’s to come in 2025 with the Texas Legislature.
The election was probably decided more by who didn’t go to the polls, as opposed to who did. Was that a feature or a bug? Turnout in Harris County was historically low. We discuss who came to vote and what comes next.
Early voting starts in Texas on October 21. Make a plan to vote, and vote all the way down the ballot. In addition to the race for President, Texas has a Senate race that’s going all the way down to the wire, plus there’s lots of judicial races, bond issues, and other important things to vote on.
So, make a plan to vote today. Use Early Voting, so if things don’t work out the first time you want to head to the polls you have an...
Well, we didn’t plan to take the summer off, but Houston is going to be Houston. Nancy and Christion survived the hurricane, derecho, and the subsequent power outages and we’re back for the fall. So, nothing has really changed, right? (ha ha ha) We only have a new presidential ticket that has shaken up the race and gotten people interested in the election again. Are you excited for the presidential debate(s)? Also, we ...
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