Things Jonathan Says on Podcasts

Political scientist and columnist, formerly at Bloomberg Opinion, who writes about US politics, presidential nominations, Congress and the presidency. Co-editor of the last three editions of The Making of the Presidential Candidates. Writes Good Politics/Bad Politics on Substack, posting Tuesdays and Thursdays with a weekend links post. Earlier wrote A Plain Blog About Politics, and has written for the Washington Post and the New York Times.

Where to Find Them

Jonathan Bernstein hosts and writes Good Politics/Bad Politics .

Recently: “What About Stupid, Ignorant Voters?” on Good Politics/Bad Politics (October 2026); “Ah, Expectations” on Good Politics/Bad Politics (October 2026); “Asymmetric Spin?” on Good Politics/Bad Politics (October 2026); “On Party Wins and Losses” on Good Politics/Bad Politics (October 2026); “Impeachment Isn’t Going Away” on Good Politics/Bad Politics (October 2026); “Notes for the Next Congress” on Good Politics/Bad Politics (October 2026).

What They Said

“The main reason that Congress has grown older isn’t because Members are sticking around too long; it’s because they are much older when they are originally elected. … what used to be very rare and is now common are Senators such as Ed Markey, who was born in 1946 and entered the Senate at age 67.” — Jonathan Bernstein on Ed Markey, Good Politics/Bad Politics

Bernstein on why the Senate is getting older.

Good Politics/Bad Politics · 2026-09-17 Permalink → Listen →

Collections They Appear In

US Politics

What Jonathan Bernstein Talks About

save act party actors and nominations 2028 democratic nomination 2026 midterm outlook talking filibuster candidate winnowing and dropouts party actors influence on nominations wisconsin gubernatorial primary democratic primary coordination coalition-style candidacies

Appears Alongside

DS David S. Bernstein