But Why is Politics so Messy? | Part 2: The Myth of the Rational Voter (with Keegan Tatum)

In Part 2 of our Messy Politics series, Kristin and Laura are joined by political psychology creator Keegan Tatum to unpack why logic rarely drives political decision-making...and why it’s actually our emotions that vote first.

We explore the myth of the rational voter and ask:

Why people stay loyal to systems that hurt them

How disgust, shame, and fear fuel the right

What motivates the “I don’t do politics” crowd

The psychology of authoritarianism and denial

Why women and neurodivergent people are often seen as a threat

How hierarchy and identity shape our beliefs — and our blindspots

Whether political empathy is even possible (or useful)

This episode is packed with personal stories, critical theory, and darkly funny tangents, from autism and socialisation to collective narcissism and the illusion of free will.

“People don’t believe things because they’re true. They believe them because it feels safer to.”

If you’ve ever wondered why facts don’t change minds — this one’s for you.