Our Methodology
How we evaluate threats to democracy with constitutional principles, legal standards, and plain common sense
🤝 Why We're Truly Bipartisan
We don't pick sides based on party labels. We evaluate actions, statements, and behaviors against objective standards that transcend political affiliation. Democracy isn't a partisan issue—it's an American issue.
If it seems like we're "singling out" certain individuals or groups, it's not because of their political party. It's because their actions are triggering our warning systems based on:
- Constitutional violations - Actions that undermine the rule of law
- Legal precedents - Behaviors that historically precede democratic backsliding
- Basic decency - Standards any reasonable person would recognize
We would apply these same standards to anyone, regardless of party. If a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or anyone else exhibits authoritarian behavior, we'll call it out. Democracy has no party affiliation.
🦆 The Duck Test
Sometimes the most sophisticated analysis isn't needed. When someone consistently exhibits authoritarian behaviors, uses authoritarian language, and employs authoritarian tactics, we apply common sense.
🚨 Walks Like a Duck
- Attacks democratic institutions
- Undermines election integrity
- Concentrates power
- Dismisses constitutional limits
🗣️ Talks Like a Duck
- Uses authoritarian rhetoric
- Demonizes opposition
- Claims absolute authority
- Spreads disinformation
When the pattern is clear, we call it what it is. That's not partisan—that's honest.
🏛️ Our Three-Pillar Evaluation System
Constitutional Law
- ⚖️Separation of powers
- 🔄Checks and balances
- 🛡️Bill of Rights protections
- 📋Due process requirements
- ⚖️Equal protection principles
Legal Standards
- 📜Federal and state laws
- 🏛️Court precedents
- 🌍International law
- 📊Ethics regulations
- ⭐Professional standards
Common Decency
- 🤝Basic human respect
- ✅Truthfulness and honesty
- 🕊️Peaceful discourse
- 🏛️Respect for institutions
- 🗳️Democratic norms
All three pillars must be considered. An action might be technically legal but violate constitutional principles or basic decency. We evaluate the complete picture.
📊 How We Apply Standards Across Party Lines
Our methodology isn't theoretical—we apply it consistently regardless of political affiliation. Here's how we evaluate concerning behaviors from any source:
🚨 Constitutional Violations
What we look for: Attempts to bypass constitutional processes, ignore court orders, or concentrate power beyond constitutional limits.
Applied to anyone who: Refuses to comply with legal subpoenas, attempts to override election results, or claims powers not granted by the Constitution.
⚖️ Legal Standard Violations
What we look for: Actions that violate federal or state laws, ethics rules, or established legal precedents.
Applied to anyone who: Engages in corruption, obstruction of justice, or abuse of office—regardless of party affiliation.
🧭 Decency Standard Violations
What we look for: Behavior that violates basic norms of democratic discourse and human decency.
Applied to anyone who: Promotes violence, spreads dangerous misinformation, or dehumanizes political opponents.
🎯 The Bottom Line
We don't care about your party affiliation, your ideology, or your political goals. We care about whether your actions threaten the democratic system that protects all Americans. If you're undermining democracy, we'll call it out—period.
🔍 Our Commitment to Transparency
We believe in accountability—including our own. Our methodology is open, our standards are clear, and our reasoning is transparent.
Open Source
Our criteria and reasoning are publicly available for scrutiny.
Consistent
We apply the same standards regardless of who's being evaluated.
Responsive
We update our analysis as new information becomes available.
Challenge us. If you think we've applied our standards inconsistently or unfairly, let us know. Democracy thrives on accountability—including accountability for those who defend it.
Democracy Isn't Partisan
It's the system that protects all of us. Help us keep it strong by staying informed and holding all leaders accountable to constitutional principles.