The Conversation

For many Latter-day Saints, America has a special relationship with God − but Christian nationalism is a step too far

Written by Nicholas Shrum, Doctoral Student in Religious Studies, University of Virginia

Patriotism and faith can weave together in complicated ways − but when does that count as 'Christian nationalism'?RiverNorthPhotography/iStock via Getty Images Plus

On the verge of the 2024 elections, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are ramping up their campaigns in Arizona and Nevada. Beyond being considered swing states, the two have...

Colorado’s Amendment 80 wants to make school choice ‘a right’ when it already is – an expert in educational policy explains the disconnect

Written by Christopher Lubienski, Professor of Education Policy, Indiana University

In November, Colorado voters will decide whether the state’s constitution should be amended to specify a right to school choice.

But school choice is already guaranteed by state statute and federal courts. So why is this initiative being posed at all?

Even the initiative’s backers acknowledge that Colorado already has “one of the...

Having the ‘right’ friends may hold the secret to building wealth, according to new study on socioeconomic ties

Written by Brad Cannon, Assistant Professor of Finance, Binghamton University, State University of New York

A study finds that making friends with wealthy individuals plays an important role in shaping financial behaviors.Nicola Katie/Getty Images

Having wealthy people in your social network significantly boosts the likelihood that you’ll participate in stock markets and savings plans, according to a new working paper I co-authored.

My colleagues...

Harris and Trump differ widely on gun rights, death penalty and other civil liberties questions

Written by Donovan A. Watts, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Auburn University

The Bill of Rights secures key liberties for U.S. citizens against the government's power.U.S. Congress via Wikimedia Commons

As the election nears, voters are considering the two leading presidential candidates’ records on a wide range of issues, including civil liberties – a broad term used to describe the constitutionally protected...

What’s in a pantsuit? Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s fashion choices say a lot about their personalities − and vision for the future

Written by Therèsa M. Winge, Fashion Professor, Michigan State University

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have very different policy positions and political approaches − as well as fashion choices. Jacquelyn Martin/pool/AFP via Getty Images and Win McNamee/Getty Images

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Republican contender Donald Trump could not be more different – and this split between them...

North Carolina is not really a red or blue state − and that makes political predictions much more difficult

Written by Christopher A. Cooper, Professor of Political Science & Public Affairs, Western Carolina University

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson shares the stage with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a 2022 rally in Selma, N.C.Allison Joyce/Getty Images

For all its prominence as a key battleground state, North Carolina hasn’t done much swinging in U.S. presidential elections.

The last time a majority of North Carolinians voted for a Democratic candidate...

This Atlanta neighborhood hired a case manager to address rising homelessness − and it’s improving health and safety for everyone

Written by Ishita Chordia, Ph.D. Candidate in Information Science, University of Washington

Mural by artist Chris Wright on Metropolitan Avenue in East Atlanta.Art Rudick/Atlanta Street Art Map, CC BY-ND

Homelessness has surged across the United States in recent years, rising 19% from 2016 though 2023. The main cause is a severe shortage of affordable housing. Rising homelessness has renewed debates about use of public space and how...

Many wealthy members of Congress are descendants of rich slaveholders − new study demonstrates the enduring legacy of slavery

Written by Neil K R Sehgal, PhD Student in Computer & Information Science, University of Pennsylvania

A statue of Jefferson Davis, second from left, is on display in Statuary Hall on Capitol Hill in Washington. A slaveholder, Davis represented Mississippi in the Senate and House before the American Civil War.AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File

The legacy of slavery in America remains a divisive issue, with sharp political divides.

Some argue that slavery...

Both Harris and Trump have records on space policy − an international affairs expert examines where they differ when it comes to the final frontier

Written by Thomas G. Roberts, Postdoctoral Fellow in International Affiars, Georgia Institute of Technology

Neither candidate has talked much about space policy on the campaign trail, but both have records to consider.Anton Petrus/Moment via Getty Images

The next president of the United States could be the first in that office to accept a phone call from the Moon and hear a woman’s voice on the line. To do so, they’ll first need to make a...

Why the margin of error matters more than ever in reading 2024 election polls – a pollster with 30 years of experience explains

Written by Doug Schwartz, Director of the Quinnipiac Poll, Quinnipiac University

A political opinion poll aims to get a representative sample of the wider public.borzaya/iStock / Getty Images Plus

In just about any discussion of a poll about the very close presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, you’ll hear the phrase “within the poll’s margin of error.”...