Suggest a topic at iq2usinfo@iq2us.org
or visit our Contact Page
Login or register and
join the conversation.
Sort comments by
Newest
Upvotes
IQ2
3

Jeremy Anderson
7 January 2019 - 16:24 PM
Ok, so a big part of the legitimacy of an elected position is that they have obtained more than 50 percent of "the vote". With gerrymandering, the social investment of…
Read more
IQ2
3

Brook Nelson McDonald
26 October 2017 - 07:07 AM
I need to adjust my claim on the 50% dem voters... that was a very old figure. Still, generally there has be 10% less representation in Congress for the minority…
Read more
IQ2
3

Brook Nelson McDonald
25 October 2017 - 06:39 AM
So, do you think that gerrymandering to maintain power would "Depolarize" the opposition if they group out of power are feeling repressed and unheard? …
Read more
IQ2
3

Jeremy Anderson
7 August 2017 - 22:31 PM
Predebate. Anecdotally, I have to say that gerrymandering has given many people just the excuse they were looking for to not vote. Despite any initiatives or proposals or local elections,…
Read more
IQ2
3

Donovan Manley
10 February 2017 - 16:52 PM
I believe those for the motion proved that gerrymandering is occurring and that it is bad, but the motion was that it is destroying the center. The opposing argument showed…
Read more
IQ2
3

Max Kanwal
22 January 2017 - 06:04 AM
The issue was nuanced and the data was in support of Against. Gerrymandering is stupid, no doubt, for the reason that it hurts having accurate representation in our democracy. But…
Read more
IQ2
3

Nicholas Fleming
11 December 2016 - 22:33 PM
Gerrymandering is a not destroying the political center, on its own ,there are many other factors that are doing this as well. This is not to say that gerrymandering is…
Read more
IQ2
3

Alexander Hornof
10 December 2016 - 04:49 AM
Nolan McCarty's theoretical argument that there is a trade off between incumbent security and maximizing partisan success is flawed. It would only be true if the relationship between the partisan distribution…
Read more
IQ2
3

Justin Kuli
9 December 2016 - 13:41 PM
Gerrymandering has been used for a very long time. It helps to make campaigning more competitive. This is good because it makes those running for office get their ideas out…
Read more
IQ2
3

Keegan Wolohan
9 December 2016 - 12:46 PM
Gerrymandering is an important part of the voting process. This is because it creates a more diverse and interesting voting process due to the constantly changing voting districts. In our…
Read more
IQ2
3

collin schultz
9 December 2016 - 00:57 AM
Gerrymandering creates a more competitive landscape for those running for office. It also simplifies the process of campaigning by isolating like-minded voters with each other making it easier for the…
Read more
IQ2
3

Jack Grant
9 December 2016 - 00:39 AM
Not term limits, but there is no restriction on how many times they can be re-elected.
Read more
IQ2
3

Jack Grant
9 December 2016 - 00:38 AM
The act of gerrymandering is something that never should have started in the first place. Because of the ability of politicians to shape a state's congressional district map, this allows…
Read more
IQ2
3

collin schultz
8 December 2016 - 13:37 PM
\
IQ2
3

collin schultz
8 December 2016 - 13:37 PM
Gerrymandering
IQ2
3

Tom Sapak
8 December 2016 - 13:32 PM
Gerrymandering is creating safe districts. This has allowed career politicians stay in office for a longer time period. These safe districts have also destroyed the political center, as the…
Read more
IQ2
3

Sue Zbell
8 December 2016 - 01:55 AM
I strongly support the motion. Gerrymandering is inherently divisive -- literally geographically dividing the electorate into people who generally tend to think one way or another, people who are then…
Read more
IQ2
3

Michael Harbach
5 December 2016 - 22:19 PM
I'm strongly for the motion. The lines are clearly being drawn for partisan reasons. This inherently polarizes the country. I'm an independent voter, yet I voted for Clinton in this…
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
2 December 2016 - 19:23 PM
Debating a narrowly focused aspect of one of the thousands of examples of how our political system dysfunctions is boring, and pointless.How about a debate on better systems of representation.How…
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
2 December 2016 - 19:12 PM
Who comes up with the debate topics? If they are topics suggested by the subscribers, then someone still has to choose from them.This topic seems beyond absurd.The comment above suggests…
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
2 December 2016 - 18:59 PM
"Politicians do not lead, they follow their constituents."In theory.
Read more
IQ2
3

T D
2 December 2016 - 09:13 AM
Yeah, I don't disagree with what you've said. My point, is that, if you word a question this way, it essentially isn't possible for the FOR side to every make…
Read more
IQ2
3

Garret Burnett
2 December 2016 - 07:10 AM
This is a difficult one to understand. I cannot begin to fathom a solution for the problem of gerrymandering itself. I see a lot of commenters essentially upset that the…
Read more
IQ2
3

Garret Burnett
2 December 2016 - 05:22 AM
Forgive me but I don't understand how the wording made the motion less likely to pass. Had you asked me if Gerrymandering were simply good strategy I would have supported…
Read more
IQ2
3

Garret Burnett
2 December 2016 - 05:18 AM
John Donvan is absolutely a liberal. It's not his choice how effective the debaters are or what the audience decides. I'm of the right and I was for the motion.…
Read more
IQ2
3

Gregory M. Thomas
2 December 2016 - 00:05 AM
Whilst the Against side made some compelling arguments, the gist of their position was to deny all facts of the other side. That being said, the Against side may be…
Read more
IQ2
3

Scott 31
30 November 2016 - 14:59 PM
In fairness to IQ2: you actually want topics which are debateable - that is, about which some uncertainty exists. There is no "debate" about whether the gerrymander is fair or…
Read more
IQ2
3

Peter Schnitzeler
29 November 2016 - 12:31 PM
not convincing enough arguments, interpretation of complex data in human sciences creates polarization in itself.
Read more
IQ2
3

Scott 31
28 November 2016 - 17:43 PM
Politicians do not lead, they follow their constituents. Creating more polarized districts than would otherwise exist drives politicians to engage in increasingly polarized rhetoric. That voters are also self-sorting by…
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
27 November 2016 - 00:37 AM
It seems pretty clear that IQ squared's producers are right leaning people who are doing a pretty poor job of trying to appear non-partisan, or neutral.Just the way this "debate"…
Read more
IQ2
3

T D
23 November 2016 - 18:26 PM
Once again, IQ2 has worded the debate question in a completely unforgivable and irresponsible way. It should have been about whether or not Gerrymandering leads to a congress that does…
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
16 November 2016 - 17:41 PM
As often as not the topics devised by IQsquared are contrived to narrow the debate into something in which the Right can argue without exposing their fundamental penchant for accepting…
Read more
IQ2
3

David Chen
16 November 2016 - 13:31 PM
Interesting debate and comments. CGP Grey's videos has become the new School House Rocks! As far as the debate itself goes, I think the "for" side failed to define whether…
Read more
IQ2
3

David Chen
16 November 2016 - 13:22 PM
It wasn't exactly clear whether they wanted to argue that gerrymandering is entirely responsible or simply contributes to an existing trend. But I don't think anyone can make an argument…
Read more
IQ2
3

David Chen
16 November 2016 - 12:54 PM
Lol, I got that too.
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
15 November 2016 - 16:47 PM
I wish you would have a Debate about the utter dysfunction of our entire political system.The Constitution was a valiant effort, and a groundbreaking document, but it was created by…
Read more
IQ2
3

N. J. Oliver Campbell
15 November 2016 - 15:28 PM
Perhaps in the future you could allow people to vote on specific wording, and this would enable a better debate on the subject, unless the intention was to promote a…
Read more
IQ2
3

N. J. Oliver Campbell
15 November 2016 - 15:27 PM
They managed to define the motion do narrowly that it was won, even though it is obvious that Gerrymandering should be abolished. Maine has the right idea by implementing ranked…
Read more
IQ2
3

bruce k
15 November 2016 - 07:48 AM
As someone below said 'one problem is the idea of districting' and trying to put people's political interests together by group. •••••If I had to find something that affects all…
Read more
IQ2
3

bruce k
15 November 2016 - 07:37 AM
-- Who I live near should not be the standard upon which my representation is decided. --I'll buy that, but that is what we do with countries and states? How else…
Read more
IQ2
3

bruce k
15 November 2016 - 07:28 AM
Maybe I could agree with the argument if by "gerrymandering" it is meant a symbol of the ways in which the system is trying to manipulate the masses and the…
Read more
IQ2
3

Phil Hahn
15 November 2016 - 01:39 AM
Good point about the Media highlighting identity politics. Right after the election they went looking for someone to blame. "It was the White Males. It was the Evangelicals. Those Latinos…
Read more
IQ2
3

Phil Hahn
15 November 2016 - 00:40 AM
The AGAINST's argument: "Other stuff happens, therefore gerrymandering is irrelevant to the decline and fall of the American center". The moderate position has no chance in a gerrymandered political climate,…
Read more
IQ2
3

Clay Richardson
15 November 2016 - 00:38 AM
The clarity of the argument for the motion was very well done. They drew their points directly to the question and minimized the amount of additional analysis or interpretation I…
Read more
IQ2
3

Martin Downs
15 November 2016 - 00:25 AM
It's sort of like a chicken/egg situation. Does gerrymandering drive polarization, or did polarization drive and incentivize gerrymandering?
Read more
IQ2
3

Robert Cassinelli
15 November 2016 - 00:08 AM
Please excuse the few omissions and other small errors. Not used to posting something without editing it severely. If you are curious about my meaning - just ask me!
Read more
IQ2
3

Robert Cassinelli
15 November 2016 - 00:03 AM
Snark here and then to the main issue: The Ivies, e.g., Princeton, et al., generally grade on a B curve (learnt from a former student of mine who went to…
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
14 November 2016 - 23:49 PM
Amazing, instead of debating the cancer of gerrymandering, you're debating it's effects.
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
14 November 2016 - 23:47 PM
Jankowski [paraphrasing] "Yes, it is cheating and counter-productive, but it is legal."
Read more
IQ2
3

Phil Hahn
14 November 2016 - 23:46 PM
How can the centrist position get a voice in a gerrymandered statehouse?
Read more
IQ2
3

Clark Orwick
14 November 2016 - 23:40 PM
Gerrymandering HAS ALREADY destroyed the political center.
Read more
IQ2
3

Clea_Chang
14 November 2016 - 23:38 PM
Hi Leah! The stream is live on this page -- no need to refresh or go anywhere else. When the video goes live it will automatically start streaming right here.…
Read more
IQ2
3

Leah Pomerantz
14 November 2016 - 23:11 PM
Thanks. looks like they started late. it was right here
Read more
IQ2
3

Ben Nelson
14 November 2016 - 23:06 PM
Here is the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEazVfXrL14
Read more
IQ2
3

Leah Pomerantz
14 November 2016 - 23:02 PM
Is is there a link to watch live?
IQ2
3

Gloria Cole
14 November 2016 - 23:00 PM
I live in Hale County Alabama. A local man ran for the State Senate but his constituency was gerrymandered right out from under him. His name wasn't even on my…
Read more
IQ2
3

Peter Bartels
14 November 2016 - 14:49 PM
It's self-sorting and inequality which intensifies the red and blue. Read Coming Apart if you haven't. "Gerrymandering" has always been with us, ability (or inability) to move (geographically) close to…
Read more
IQ2
3

Michael Cody
12 November 2016 - 21:29 PM
The root of the problem is not gerrymandering but the concept of districts themselves. Who I live near should not be the standard upon which my representation is decided. In…
Read more
IQ2
3

Martin Koepke
12 November 2016 - 16:21 PM
I'd like someone to explain how the removal of gerrymandering effects the colors (Red and Blue) on the political map which is mostly red by area and blue by population density. Maybe…
Read more
IQ2
3

Charles Ormsby
12 November 2016 - 15:48 PM
I just can't refrain from noting that Gerrymandering is now an issue given that Republicans now control some ~35 out of 50 statehouses. I have lived in Massachusetts for almost…
Read more
IQ2
3

Daniel Coble
2 November 2016 - 12:16 PM
I'm sorry for my undeveloped reply before; I was rushing to a meeting (just as I am now, unfortunately). However, I agree with your response above and appreciate the extra…
Read more
IQ2
3

Phil Hahn
1 November 2016 - 14:05 PM
On Item 1, that districts should be blind to Political Party: The trend in the discussion seems to be emphasizing "balanced" districts, that is, with both parties represented evenly. The…
Read more
IQ2
3

Phil Hahn
1 November 2016 - 13:58 PM
There is a difference between allowing the legislature to make redistricting laws, and giving them the keys to the district maps. The legislature (any state can try this) can say…
Read more
IQ2
3

Daniel Coble
31 October 2016 - 14:54 PM
I absolutely agree, but don't think item 1 is possible.
Read more
IQ2
3

Daniel Coble
28 October 2016 - 23:12 PM
Those are excellent videos. There are a lot of other resources on the subject, but those are great for illustrating the issue with a sense of balance and possible solutions…
Read more
IQ2
3

Daniel Coble
28 October 2016 - 23:11 PM
I have to be honest, I am very biased on this issue and all campaign reform issues -- I strongly support the "For" side here. I have been following this…
Read more
IQ2
3

N. J. Oliver Campbell
26 October 2016 - 01:13 AM
The legislature should not have the ability to determine redistricting laws. This would only be a band-aid. To really fix this along with the other major problems with our election system we…
Read more
IQ2
3

N. J. Oliver Campbell
26 October 2016 - 00:15 AM
The spaces I left for readability were removed when I posted.
Read more
IQ2
3

N. J. Oliver Campbell
26 October 2016 - 00:14 AM
I know that any vote other than undecided will actually make whichever side I actually agree with less likely to win.You all should watch CGP Grey's videos about gerrymandering and…
Read more
IQ2
3

Brian Cannon
13 October 2016 - 17:18 PM
hmmmm...doesn't seem to like me posting a link on this page. So just Google "We Must Address Gerrymandering" and Time.com and you'll get it. Published today.
Read more
IQ2
3

Brian Cannon
13 October 2016 - 17:17 PM
Great points made on this in a piece in Time:
IQ2
3

Brian Cannon
12 October 2016 - 19:47 PM
Agreed, Phil! We need reasonable districts. There are a number of ways to do it - almost any would be an improvement over the political gerrymandering most states (like us…
Read more
IQ2
3

Phil Hahn
26 September 2016 - 23:21 PM
Voting districts at every level should be determined by objective means that meet the following criteria: (1) They are completely blind to the political parties of the voters in the district, (2)…
Read more