In the Multiple Stream Approach, the politics stream contains parties, politicians and so on, who are engaged in constant battles (think Yes Minister and The Thick of It), jostling for power and position, with an eye always on the next election (unless you live in Manchester, of course).
Within it you find National Mood (which Kingdon sees as distinct from public opinion), party ideology and the balance of interests.
See also policy stream, problem stream.
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