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Under eastern Washington runs a fault line that has jolted U.S. politics

So why is it that eastern Washington – heavily reliant on crop subsidies, fire protection, highway construction, higher education, Medicare, unemployment benefits – has shifted to politicians who have fought for government to spend less, tax less, do less?

Cornell Clayton
Clayton

For answers and analysis, The Spokesman-Review turned to Cornell W. Clayton, a political scientist who specializes in the study of polarization. He serves as director of the Thomas S. Foley Institute of Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University.

When Foley and his generation served in Congress, each of the two political parties was divided. To fashion a majority and get anything done, Clayton said, the leaders of Foley’s generation had to work across the aisle.

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The Spokesman-Review

Civility 101: You’re invited

North Idaho College will partner with the Coeur d’Alene Task Force on Human Relations, the school’s own Diversity Council, and the Associated Students of North Idaho College in a one-day conference, “Returning Civility to America’s Democracy: The Promotion of Civil Dialogue,” 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday at the Schuler Performing Arts Center in Boswell Hall.

The conference’s keynote speaker will be Cornell W. Clayton, director of Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University.

Clayton also is a professor of political science, an author and well-known lecturer on the topic of civility.

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CDA Press

Pakootas, McMorris-Rodgers meet again

Challenger contends incumbent is part of the problem rather than the solution.

As Congress limps through its seventh consecutive year of anemic approval ratings, Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers has the difficult task of convincing voters she’s part of the solution, rather than an extension of the problem.

“I’m smarter about what needs to happen,” she said during a debate hosted last week by the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University. “I hear that people are angry with Congress,” McMorris-Rodgers said. “I want to take that and turn it into smart solutions. My goal is to be your voice in Washington and restore trust in representative government.”

Pakootas said McMorris-Rodgers has been a poor advocate for the district, focusing more on party fundraisers than on the needs of rural areas, veterans and families.

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How Do You Teach Politics In The Year Of Donald Trump?

Michael Salamone
Salamone

Michael Salamone at Washington State University echoed the sentiments of several political scientists who spoke with NPR, floating the idea that, as disruptive as Trump’s rise might have been, it’s been beneficial to their field.

“It’s definitely good for the study of political science,” said Salamone. “It’s definitely pushing our ability to make sense of political phenomena to its limit, and I think there is a lot of good that can come out of that. Whether or not it’s a good thing for the political system is an entirely different question.”

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National Public Radio

Worried about the phenomenon of Donald Trump? WSU professor says political incivility has always existed

Think our current presidential political landscape is unprecedented, and worse than it’s ever been?

On Sunday, the Highline Historical Society put on a presentation, “American Rage — Division and Anger in US Politics.” Presented by Washington State University professor of political science Cornell Clayton, the program compared the current period of political incivility with other flashpoints in American history to prove how incivility has served as a catalyst to move the nation forward when other means had failed.

“I think we can all agree that incivility is around us everywhere in politics,” he began. “You know it’s bad when the people who seem most civil are the comedians, such as Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.” » More …