Episode 19: Insecure Majorities: Why Congress Doesn’t Work
Sep 30, 2026 · 28 min · 10 segments
In the first of two episodes diagnosing the ailments of the United States Congress, political analyst Casey Burgat explains how the politics of the perpetual campaign have undermined democratic…
In the first of two episodes diagnosing the ailments of the United States Congress, political analyst Casey Burgat explains how the politics of the perpetual campaign have undermined democratic governance in America. Burgat, who directs the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University, examines how intensifying competition between majority and minority parties in Congress incentivizes obstruction, how social media rewards performative politics instead of problem solving, and how party identity has become increasingly tied to nearly every issue. Burgat also discusses the growing danger of dehumanization of adversaries – and what happens when Americans begin to see those on the other side as an existential threat rather than as legitimate partners in a democratic society. **Host:** Matthew Levinger – Host of the *America’s Why* Podcast & Nonresident Scholar at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. **Guest:** Dr. Casey Burgat – Director of the Legislative Affairs Program at the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. **Explore more of Dr. Casey Burgat’s work:** Casey Burgat – Official Website George Washington University **Learn more about *We Hold These Truths*:** Simon & Schuster — We Hold These Truths **Visit our website to learn more about the America’s Why Project and join the conversation:** americaswhyproject.com **Listen on:** Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music The views expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those held by the America’s Why Project team or the George Washington University.
In the first of two episodes diagnosing the ailments of the United States Congress, political analyst Casey Burgat explains how the politics of the perpetual campaign have undermined democratic…
