Why Playing Fair Is a Losing Game for Democrats

The prisoner’s dilemma is a familiar concept in game theory: Two players can both benefit by cooperating, but fear and self-interest push them toward betrayal.

In its classic form, two suspects are questioned separately. If one talks while the other stays silent, the talker goes free while the silent partner gets the maximum penalty. If both talk, both get a moderate sentence. If both stay silent, both walk away with light sentences.