Episode Details

Voting is shifting from choosing the best candidate to simply stopping the other side from winning—thanks to a rising tide of negative partisanship. In 2026 Senate races, Texas Republicans picked Ken Paxton despite his legal troubles, while Maine Democrats chose Graham Platner, a political newbie facing scandals. Both beat more seasoned rivals. Why? Voters now see the opposing party as a threat, not just an alternative. Even when your own party’s candidate stumbles, loyalty spikes—people cling to their side to avoid the “lesser of two evils.” With elections tightening and stakes rising, voters are lowering their standards, all to block the other team from power.

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