Watch a relatively effective piece of government advertising. Think about how much worse it gets than that. Then wonder why political parties can't pay for their own advocacy.
Category: Party matters
Incentive effects
If you increase the demand for political bastardry, you'll get more of it in the future. It's not entirely clear that the federal Labor Party realises this.
The tea party fights back on immigration
A new study on the "tea party" movement gives some hints on why immigration reform is such a hard sell in the US Republican Party.
A memorable Czech scandal
The Czech Republic loses its prime minister to a sensational scandal involving sex, gold and espionage. Early elections are possible.
Populist insurgency not working well in Italy
Italy's centre-left finally gets some good news, but its populist movement is facing the sort of problems that typically plague amateurs in politics.
Immigration reform edges forward in the US
Comprehensive immigration reform passes its first hurdle in the US Senate. The jury is still out on whether the Republican leadership will be willing to let it through the House without weakening it beyond recognition.
Turkey hesitates between east and west
The recent days of protest crystallise the debate over whether Turkey has successfully synthesised its European and Middle Eastern elements. Is it really a democracy, or is it a place where governments have to be overthrown by force?
Let’s talk about party funding
Politicians across the world are sincerely convinced that they are worthy recipients of public money. The public disagrees, but only rarely – as this week in Australia – is it able to get its voice heard.
Mr Cameron and the swivel-eyed loons
The British prime minister faces a two-pronged revolt by the Conservative masses, but it's not yet big enough to split his party.
Republicans still fighting the Civil War
A new NRA president is the cue for another look at the Republican Party's debt to the deep south.
The World is Not Enough 