America’s politics now run like a reality show — and the villains keep winning.
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Survivor contestants take part in a tribal council, in video posted November 27, 2025.
SurvivorOnCBS/YouTube
Historians will always recommend a few essential texts if you’re looking to understand politics in America. Perhaps they will suggest The Federalist Papers. Or maybe the U.S. Constitution. Or possibly the most astute historians will urge you to savor Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America.
Ignore these nerds. The best way to understand American politics in 2025 is to watch reality television. More specifically, reality show competitions.
About the Author
Christian Schneider is a National Review contributor and writes the Anti-Knowledge newsletter. He is a co-host of the podcast Wasn't That Special: 50 Years of SNL.
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Historians will always recommend a few essential texts if you’re looking to understand politics in America. Perhaps they will suggest The Federalist Papers. Or maybe the U.S. Constitution. Or possibly the most astute historians will urge you to savor Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America.
Ignore these nerds. The best way to understand American politics in 2025 is to watch reality television. More specifically, reality show competitions.
About the Author
Christian Schneider is a National Review contributor and writes the Anti-Knowledge newsletter. He is a co-host of the podcast Wasn't That Special: 50 Years of SNL.
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