In Reply to: All the polls on the government shutdown so far posted by mh on October 06, 2025 at 11:36:00
Electoral-vote.com just dropped another banger: Newsom Understands the Incentive Structure.
The article argues that Governor Gavin Newsom is one of the few Democrats who truly gets how to counter Trump’s tactics—not with moral outrage, but by flipping the incentive structure. Trump is currently trying to strong-arm colleges and universities. He offering a “deal” that looks like a carrot but is really a stick: surrender diversity, academic freedom, and political expression, and maybe—just maybe—get some vague federal perks. Refuse, and risk losing federal funding.
Newsom sees the trap. He knows that Trump’s threats create a lopsided choice: comply and avoid immediate damage (with the promise of future rewards), or resist and get punished now. So Newsom flips the script—he makes obedience costly. His message to California universities is blunt: sign Trump’s compact and lose billions in state funding, including Cal Grants. No mercy.
That kind of pressure changes the game. Targets who might’ve caved now have something to lose by surrendering. They’re more likely to stand firm, fight back, and take it to court—especially when they have a strong legal case.
The bigger idea. People cave to bullies when there’s no cost to giving in. Newsom’s changing that dynamic. The article urges other blue-state governors to follow suit: cut off state resources to institutions and officials who comply with Trump’s demands. Make resistance the safer bet.
It even floats bold ideas—arresting rogue ICE agents under state laws, disbarring lawyers who bend to political pressure, and run on prosecuting federal officials who’ve broken their oaths by following illegal orders and enacting illegal policies.
If Democrats start enforcing consequences, the incentive structure shifts. Suddenly, standing up to Trump isn’t just brave—it’s smart.
Newsom’s not just resisting—he’s rewiring the game. Others should take note.