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Stubborn Things

Stubborn Things

Written by: AEI Podcasts
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About this listen

John Adams famously said: “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." In this era of knee-jerk partisanship and ideological posturing, Adams's warning is as important as ever. Tune in every other week as AEI's Jay Cost and Sean Trende draw on their wide-ranging base of knowledge and stubborn commitment to the evidence to understand what is happening in the world of American politics.Copyright 2026 AEI Podcasts Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • Bayou Ballots
    May 4 2026

    This week, Stubborn Things is laser-focused on the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais. Our hosts discuss the history of the Voting Rights Act, as well as the Gingles test which the majority updated last week. Sean and Jay evaluate how far-reaching the Court’s decision will prove to be, and they correct some of the narratives that have emerged in the wake of the decision. What do they think of Justice Alito’s argumentation? What about Justice Kagan’s dissent? Take a listen to find out!

    Remember to rate and follow Stubborn Things and stay up to date by following us on X @aei_STpodcast.

    Comments? Suggestions? Email us at StubbornThings@aei.org.

    Show notes:

    Louisiana v. Callais

    Amy Coney Barrett’s Precedent and Jurisprudential Disagreement

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    58 mins
  • The Evolution of the Democratic Party with Ruy Teixeira
    Apr 20 2026

    Jay and Sean are joined this week by Ruy Teixeira, Nonresident Senior Fellow at AEI and longtime analyst of Democratic politics. Our hosts interview Ruy about the evolving relationship between the Democratic Party and organized labor, whether Democrats can learn from their past mistakes to form a durable electoral coalition, and more. Along the way, Jay, Sean, and Ruy discuss the “Abundance" movement, immigration, class, and if there are any heterodox Democrats who can make waves in future elections. Take a listen!

    Remember to rate and follow Stubborn Things and stay up to date by following us on X @aei_STpodcast.

    Comments? Suggestions? Email us at StubbornThings@aei.org.

    Show notes:

    America's Forgotten Majority

    The Emerging Democratic Majority

    Where Have All the Democrats Gone?

    Ruy's last article in The Liberal Patriot

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Special Edition: Presidential Tiers
    Apr 7 2026

    This week, our hosts take a break from talking about the drama of 21st century American politics and turn back the clock. In this very special edition of Stubborn Things, Jay and Sean start the Very Official Stubborn Things Presidential Tiers List. They start, of course, with Washington and make it all the way through Buchanan. See where Jay and Sean agree and where their lists diverge. Take a listen and let us know what you think about our tiers!

    Remember to rate and follow Stubborn Things and stay up to date by following us on X @aei_STpodcast.

    Comments? Suggestions? Email us at StubbornThings@aei.org.

    Show notes:

    Jay’s biography of James Madison

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    1 hr and 3 mins
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