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Friday, August 7, 2009
Ten Telltale Signs of Republican Disease A recent Daily Kos poll indicated 58 percent of Republicans either believe President Obama isn't a US citizen or aren't sure. Out here on the left coast, we don't know many Republicans, so it's hard for us to understand how they can be that stupid.
Friday, August 7, 2009Ten Telltale Signs of Republican Disease A recent Daily Kos poll indicated 58 percent of Republicans either believe President Obama isn't a US citizen or aren't sure. Out here on the left coast, we don't know many Republicans, so it's hard for us to understand how they can be that stupid.
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Friday, April 23, 2010
Big Liars and The Voters Who Love Them It's not surprising that Republicans oppose the Obama Administration. And it's not surprising that they lie - this is, after all, the Party that created the fictional Iraqi atomic bomb threat so they would have a winning issue in the 2002 mid-term elections. What is surprising is that they've been so successful. Why are Republican supporters so enthusiastic when they've been force-fed a diet of BS?
Friday, April 23, 2010Big Liars and The Voters Who Love Them It's not surprising that Republicans oppose the Obama Administration. And it's not surprising that they lie - this is, after all, the Party that created the fictional Iraqi atomic bomb threat so they would have a winning issue in the 2002 mid-term elections. What is surprising is that they've been so successful. Why are Republican supporters so enthusiastic when they've been force-fed a diet of BS?
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Friday, November 2, 2012
Obama vs. Romney: The Bottom Line While national presidential polls show a dead heat between President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney, roughly five percent of likely voters remain undecided. Their perception of which candidate can best address America's problems will decide the election.
Friday, November 2, 2012Obama vs. Romney: The Bottom Line While national presidential polls show a dead heat between President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney, roughly five percent of likely voters remain undecided. Their perception of which candidate can best address America's problems will decide the election.
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Friday, August 14, 2009
The GOP Chooses Fascism After Barack Obama's convincing win over John McCain, it was clear the Republican Party was at a crossroads. The Grand Old Party had to decide what ideology was going to guide it in the post-Bush era: a philosophy rooted in conservative ideas or a credo based upon fear and anger. Unfortunately for America, Republicans turned to the dark side and chose the road to fascism.
Friday, August 14, 2009The GOP Chooses Fascism After Barack Obama's convincing win over John McCain, it was clear the Republican Party was at a crossroads. The Grand Old Party had to decide what ideology was going to guide it in the post-Bush era: a philosophy rooted in conservative ideas or a credo based upon fear and anger. Unfortunately for America, Republicans turned to the dark side and chose the road to fascism.
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Monday, April 11, 2011
2011 Budget Battle: Obama Wins While Democrats Lose Although both sides claimed victory after agreeing on a 2011 Federal budget minutes before the April 8 th deadline, it was a smashing win for Republicans and a huge loss for Democrats. But even while his party went down in flames, President Barack Obama managed to dance away from defeat.
Monday, April 11, 20112011 Budget Battle: Obama Wins While Democrats Lose Although both sides claimed victory after agreeing on a 2011 Federal budget minutes before the April 8 th deadline, it was a smashing win for Republicans and a huge loss for Democrats. But even while his party went down in flames, President Barack Obama managed to dance away from defeat.
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Sunday, September 9, 2012
Obama vs. Romney: The Popularity Contest Given that the economy is languishing, many Americans place at least some of the blame on the current occupants of the White House, and Republicans are spending millions of dollars dinging Obama, it's surprising that the President is doing as well as he is. That's because voters like Barack Obama more than Mitt Romney.
Sunday, September 9, 2012Obama vs. Romney: The Popularity Contest Given that the economy is languishing, many Americans place at least some of the blame on the current occupants of the White House, and Republicans are spending millions of dollars dinging Obama, it's surprising that the President is doing as well as he is. That's because voters like Barack Obama more than Mitt Romney.
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Thursday, September 13, 2018
Suspicions Confirmed, Woodward on Trump It's no solace, but the recent revelations about Donald Trump, and his Republican enablers, confirm our worst suspicions: Trump is a clear and present danger.
Thursday, September 13, 2018Suspicions Confirmed, Woodward on Trump It's no solace, but the recent revelations about Donald Trump, and his Republican enablers, confirm our worst suspicions: Trump is a clear and present danger.
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Saturday, December 26, 2009
2000-2009: America's Lost Decade When historians update the history of the United States, ponder when we lost our way and punted the mantle of global supremacy to China, they'll conclude this past decade was the turning point. From 2000 to 2009, voters made a series of terrible political choices. As a result, for many Americans the US ceased being a land of opportunity and the light of freedom dimmed.
Saturday, December 26, 20092000-2009: America's Lost Decade When historians update the history of the United States, ponder when we lost our way and punted the mantle of global supremacy to China, they'll conclude this past decade was the turning point. From 2000 to 2009, voters made a series of terrible political choices. As a result, for many Americans the US ceased being a land of opportunity and the light of freedom dimmed.
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Friday, August 24, 2012
Karl Rove's Monstrous Second Act: The Romneyan In the 2000 Presidential campaign, Karl Rove created The Dubya . Now the evil genius of Republican politics is back with his second monster, The Romneyan . Will Rove's creation win again?
Friday, August 24, 2012Karl Rove's Monstrous Second Act: The Romneyan In the 2000 Presidential campaign, Karl Rove created The Dubya . Now the evil genius of Republican politics is back with his second monster, The Romneyan . Will Rove's creation win again?
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Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving Politics: Top Ten Reasons to be Thankful Despite the dreadful recession, a broken political system, and other woes, Americans have many reasons to be thankful. Here is my top ten list:
Thursday, November 24, 2011Thanksgiving Politics: Top Ten Reasons to be Thankful Despite the dreadful recession, a broken political system, and other woes, Americans have many reasons to be thankful. Here is my top ten list:
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Saturday, October 13, 2012
Obama vs. Romney: Jobs Obama and Romney plans differ because of the underlying tax and environmental policies. Obama finances his initiative by repealing those portions of the Bush-era tax cuts that apply to millionaires, a step that would raise an estimated $40 Billion to $50 Billion a year. Romney proposes an across-the-board 20 percent tax cut that would cost the US treasury $5 Billion and hopes this will create 7 million jobs.
Saturday, October 13, 2012Obama vs. Romney: Jobs Obama and Romney plans differ because of the underlying tax and environmental policies. Obama finances his initiative by repealing those portions of the Bush-era tax cuts that apply to millionaires, a step that would raise an estimated $40 Billion to $50 Billion a year. Romney proposes an across-the-board 20 percent tax cut that would cost the US treasury $5 Billion and hopes this will create 7 million jobs.
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Friday, April 27, 2012
Two Meltdowns: Fukushima and the US Economy More than a year after a tsunami swamped the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plants, the radiation peril continues -- reactor 4 is teetering on the edge of collapse, which would force the evacuation of one-third of Japan's population. The meltdown at Fukushima parallels the meltdown of the US economy.
Friday, April 27, 2012Two Meltdowns: Fukushima and the US Economy More than a year after a tsunami swamped the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plants, the radiation peril continues -- reactor 4 is teetering on the edge of collapse, which would force the evacuation of one-third of Japan's population. The meltdown at Fukushima parallels the meltdown of the US economy.
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Friday, April 2, 2010
The Next Civil War The Civil War ranks as the most costly of US wars, with 625,000 deaths and a comparable number of injuries. Now the Republican Party is stoking the fires of insurrection and for thousands of right-wing zealots a new civil war seems a political necessity. As increasing numbers of Democratic politicians are threatened, how long will it be before domestic terrorists use their weapons?
Friday, April 2, 2010The Next Civil War The Civil War ranks as the most costly of US wars, with 625,000 deaths and a comparable number of injuries. Now the Republican Party is stoking the fires of insurrection and for thousands of right-wing zealots a new civil war seems a political necessity. As increasing numbers of Democratic politicians are threatened, how long will it be before domestic terrorists use their weapons?
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Friday, November 27, 2009
Why Can't Democrats Get a Backbone? Healthcare reform was one of the major issues discussed during the 2008 Democratic primaries and the presidential contest. In February,President Obama appeared before Congress and provided his outline for reform. Nonetheless progress has been painfully slow and the Senate has just begun to debate the issue. Why can't Dems get their act together, pass the needed reform, and move on to other urgent concerns?
Friday, November 27, 2009Why Can't Democrats Get a Backbone? Healthcare reform was one of the major issues discussed during the 2008 Democratic primaries and the presidential contest. In February,President Obama appeared before Congress and provided his outline for reform. Nonetheless progress has been painfully slow and the Senate has just begun to debate the issue. Why can't Dems get their act together, pass the needed reform, and move on to other urgent concerns?
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Friday, December 16, 2011
2011: The Year Corporations Attacked Democracy For eighty years, Americans have feared robots, worrying they might one day rule the world. In 2011 we realized our real enemies are not robots, but multinational corporations, who have declared war on democracy.
Friday, December 16, 20112011: The Year Corporations Attacked Democracy For eighty years, Americans have feared robots, worrying they might one day rule the world. In 2011 we realized our real enemies are not robots, but multinational corporations, who have declared war on democracy.
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Friday, September 7, 2012
Obama vs Romney: The Popularity Contest At the start of the Democratic Convention, polls showed Barack Obama tied with Mitt Romney. That's surprising because many Americans do not look favorably on the Obama Administration; they hold the President responsible for high unemployment and trust Romney to fix the problem. Nonetheless, voters expect Obama to win, because he's more popular
Friday, September 7, 2012Obama vs Romney: The Popularity Contest At the start of the Democratic Convention, polls showed Barack Obama tied with Mitt Romney. That's surprising because many Americans do not look favorably on the Obama Administration; they hold the President responsible for high unemployment and trust Romney to fix the problem. Nonetheless, voters expect Obama to win, because he's more popular
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Friday, October 12, 2012
Obama vs, Romney: Jobs Jobs and the economy remain Americans' number one concern. While Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have promised to create millions of jobs if they are elected President, there are stark differences between their plans.
Friday, October 12, 2012Obama vs, Romney: Jobs Jobs and the economy remain Americans' number one concern. While Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have promised to create millions of jobs if they are elected President, there are stark differences between their plans.
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Saturday, January 2, 2010
CEO Obama "Doonesbury has turned against Obama," my wife wails. It's not only Garry Trudeau; recently, many progressive commentators have criticized the President, describing his first year in office as a failure. Were our expectations for Obama too high? Or are we using the wrong evaluation criteria?
Saturday, January 2, 2010CEO Obama "Doonesbury has turned against Obama," my wife wails. It's not only Garry Trudeau; recently, many progressive commentators have criticized the President, describing his first year in office as a failure. Were our expectations for Obama too high? Or are we using the wrong evaluation criteria?
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Friday, June 18, 2010
Buy It Now! Meg Whitman's California Campaign While California teeters on the edge of bankruptcy, the Golden State will feature the nation's most expensive gubernatorial race between former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and Attorney General Jerry Brown. Will desperate Californians be beguiled by Whitman's multi-million dollar advertising blitz?
Friday, June 18, 2010Buy It Now! Meg Whitman's California Campaign While California teeters on the edge of bankruptcy, the Golden State will feature the nation's most expensive gubernatorial race between former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and Attorney General Jerry Brown. Will desperate Californians be beguiled by Whitman's multi-million dollar advertising blitz?
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Friday, December 11, 2009
Has Obama Sold Out? 2009's biggest story was not the economy, health care, or the escalation of the war in Afghanistan, but rather the resurrection of America's largest banks. Twelve months ago they were teetering at the edge of the abyss; since, they have roared back to life, bigger and badder than ever. There's widespread suspicion that the President sold out his principles to aid and abet Wall Street.
Friday, December 11, 2009Has Obama Sold Out? 2009's biggest story was not the economy, health care, or the escalation of the war in Afghanistan, but rather the resurrection of America's largest banks. Twelve months ago they were teetering at the edge of the abyss; since, they have roared back to life, bigger and badder than ever. There's widespread suspicion that the President sold out his principles to aid and abet Wall Street.
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Friday, August 30, 2019
Dealing with the Trump Cult Four weeks have passed since the El Paso Walmart shootings and Donald Trump's incredibly insensitive response. During this period the nation has witnessed multiple episodes of Trump's bizarre behavior. His judgment has evaporated. As a consequence, many Americans have concluded that Trump is incapable of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities required of the President of the United States. But the Trump cult supports him.
Friday, August 30, 2019Dealing with the Trump Cult Four weeks have passed since the El Paso Walmart shootings and Donald Trump's incredibly insensitive response. During this period the nation has witnessed multiple episodes of Trump's bizarre behavior. His judgment has evaporated. As a consequence, many Americans have concluded that Trump is incapable of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities required of the President of the United States. But the Trump cult supports him.
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Friday, November 28, 2008
Bush's Recession, Rooted in Self-Interest While there are many technical explanations for the current recession, the underlying cause is the pervasive ideology of self-interest that has guided President Bush's Administration and permeated mainstream American ethics.
Friday, November 28, 2008Bush's Recession, Rooted in Self-Interest While there are many technical explanations for the current recession, the underlying cause is the pervasive ideology of self-interest that has guided President Bush's Administration and permeated mainstream American ethics.
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Saturday, September 18, 2021
What Did We Learn From the California Recall? The September 14, 2021, California recall is over and Governor Gavin Newsom won a resounding victory. What does this portend for California politics? There are four takeaways:
Saturday, September 18, 2021What Did We Learn From the California Recall? The September 14, 2021, California recall is over and Governor Gavin Newsom won a resounding victory. What does this portend for California politics? There are four takeaways:
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Friday, April 3, 2020
How Long Will We Shelter in Place? It's disconcerting to be in a novel situation where we have no control over what's going to happen next. That's where we find ourselves in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. In California, we've been sheltering-in-place for two weeks and Governor Newsom indicates that it will continue "for as long as it takes." Here's my prediction of how this is going to play out.
Friday, April 3, 2020How Long Will We Shelter in Place? It's disconcerting to be in a novel situation where we have no control over what's going to happen next. That's where we find ourselves in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. In California, we've been sheltering-in-place for two weeks and Governor Newsom indicates that it will continue "for as long as it takes." Here's my prediction of how this is going to play out.
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Saturday, March 29, 2014
Accelerating Use of Renewable Energy US energy policy is stuck on reliance on natural gas. Most Americans understand that by the middle of the century most of our energy will have to be supplied by renewables -- wind, water, and solar -- but we seem content to use natural gas for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, this is not a realistic policy.
Saturday, March 29, 2014Accelerating Use of Renewable Energy US energy policy is stuck on reliance on natural gas. Most Americans understand that by the middle of the century most of our energy will have to be supplied by renewables -- wind, water, and solar -- but we seem content to use natural gas for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, this is not a realistic policy.
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Saturday, September 27, 2008
Obama Wins First Debate 2008's initial presidential debate was one of the best contests in recent memory. There were no memorable bon mots or gaffes, and both candidates had convincing moments. Overall, Barack Obama had the stronger performance.
Saturday, September 27, 2008Obama Wins First Debate 2008's initial presidential debate was one of the best contests in recent memory. There were no memorable bon mots or gaffes, and both candidates had convincing moments. Overall, Barack Obama had the stronger performance.
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Friday, February 17, 2012
Class Warfare: Which Side Are You On? Are we in the middle of a Class War? Billionaire Warren Buffett thinks so, " There's class warfare, all right, but it's my class, the rich class, that's making war, and we're winning." Most Americans agree; a recent Pew Poll found "Two-thirds of Americans said they think there are "very strong' or "strong' class conflicts in society ." But there's a notable lack of enthusiasm for making fundamental change.
Friday, February 17, 2012Class Warfare: Which Side Are You On? Are we in the middle of a Class War? Billionaire Warren Buffett thinks so, " There's class warfare, all right, but it's my class, the rich class, that's making war, and we're winning." Most Americans agree; a recent Pew Poll found "Two-thirds of Americans said they think there are "very strong' or "strong' class conflicts in society ." But there's a notable lack of enthusiasm for making fundamental change.
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Friday, October 25, 2013
The Politics of Hate In 2008, I was in line to hear Barack Obama's Denver acceptance speech when I encountered protestors holding signs: "God Hates Obama." I told them I didn't believe in a God of hate and one of the protestors yelled back, "And God hates you!" It was my introduction to the politics of hate that has characterized the Republican Party for the last five years.
Friday, October 25, 2013The Politics of Hate In 2008, I was in line to hear Barack Obama's Denver acceptance speech when I encountered protestors holding signs: "God Hates Obama." I told them I didn't believe in a God of hate and one of the protestors yelled back, "And God hates you!" It was my introduction to the politics of hate that has characterized the Republican Party for the last five years.
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Sunday, December 26, 2010
2010: America Held Hostage What can we do to snap America out of its trance and reverse our nation's disastrous course? Obviously, those of us who have the stomach for it can continue to write about the class war, tell the truth about what's happening to our beloved country. But what's really needed is a coordinated progressive message campaign to counter the evil Republican spinmeisters.
Sunday, December 26, 20102010: America Held Hostage What can we do to snap America out of its trance and reverse our nation's disastrous course? Obviously, those of us who have the stomach for it can continue to write about the class war, tell the truth about what's happening to our beloved country. But what's really needed is a coordinated progressive message campaign to counter the evil Republican spinmeisters.
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Friday, July 8, 2016
Predicting the 2016 Presidential Election Four months before the presidential election, Hillary Clinton is ahead of Donald Trump. Three factors will determine the November 8th outcome.
Friday, July 8, 2016Predicting the 2016 Presidential Election Four months before the presidential election, Hillary Clinton is ahead of Donald Trump. Three factors will determine the November 8th outcome.
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Friday, February 4, 2011
Global Climate Change: Missing in Action Despite the fact that 2010 tied for the warmest year on record, President Obama made no mention of Global Climate Change in his January 25th State-of-the-Union remarks. Last summer an attempt to fashion a bi partisan Climate Change bill floundered in the Senate and since then prospects for Congressional action have dwindled. Global Climate Change hasn't gone away, but the political will to take action has disappeared, Why?
Friday, February 4, 2011Global Climate Change: Missing in Action Despite the fact that 2010 tied for the warmest year on record, President Obama made no mention of Global Climate Change in his January 25th State-of-the-Union remarks. Last summer an attempt to fashion a bi partisan Climate Change bill floundered in the Senate and since then prospects for Congressional action have dwindled. Global Climate Change hasn't gone away, but the political will to take action has disappeared, Why?
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Friday, August 26, 2011
Tiptoeing Towards Theocracy In difficult times, nations sometimes embrace extreme solutions. In 1494 Florence became a Christian Republic and Savonarola commenced his inquisition. In 1932 Adolph Hitler became chancellor of Germany and launched the Third Reich. Now America is in turmoil and Republicans offer a radical vision - Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry. Is the US sliding towards Theocracy?
Friday, August 26, 2011Tiptoeing Towards Theocracy In difficult times, nations sometimes embrace extreme solutions. In 1494 Florence became a Christian Republic and Savonarola commenced his inquisition. In 1932 Adolph Hitler became chancellor of Germany and launched the Third Reich. Now America is in turmoil and Republicans offer a radical vision - Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry. Is the US sliding towards Theocracy?
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Friday, August 10, 2018
Why is California Burning? In case you missed it, California is beset with an unusual number of intense wildfires; the state is covered by smoke. In response, on August 5th, Donald Trump tweeted: "California wildfires are being magnified & made so much worse by the bad environmental laws..." Hmm, so California "environmentalists" are responsible for the fires? Or is someone else to blame?
Friday, August 10, 2018Why is California Burning? In case you missed it, California is beset with an unusual number of intense wildfires; the state is covered by smoke. In response, on August 5th, Donald Trump tweeted: "California wildfires are being magnified & made so much worse by the bad environmental laws..." Hmm, so California "environmentalists" are responsible for the fires? Or is someone else to blame?
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Friday, August 5, 2011
Obama: It Became Necessary to Destroy the Economy to Save It On February 7, 1968, US forces demolished Ben Tre, a provincial capitol in South Vietnam. An Army Major declared, 'It became necessary to destroy the town to save it." On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the draconian law to raise the US debt limit and unravel our social safety net. He should have quipped, "It became necessary to destroy the economy to save it."
Friday, August 5, 2011Obama: It Became Necessary to Destroy the Economy to Save It On February 7, 1968, US forces demolished Ben Tre, a provincial capitol in South Vietnam. An Army Major declared, 'It became necessary to destroy the town to save it." On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the draconian law to raise the US debt limit and unravel our social safety net. He should have quipped, "It became necessary to destroy the economy to save it."
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Saturday, September 29, 2018
A Tipping Point: Kavanaugh and Trump 20 percent of U.S. women have been raped and another 40 percent have experienced some other form of sexual violence. I mention this because as the Kavanaugh confirmation has veered from his conservative beliefs to his veracity and then to his sexual behavior, the contentious hearing entered territory that was traumatic for many women. For this reason, September 27th represents a tipping point in American politics.
Saturday, September 29, 2018A Tipping Point: Kavanaugh and Trump 20 percent of U.S. women have been raped and another 40 percent have experienced some other form of sexual violence. I mention this because as the Kavanaugh confirmation has veered from his conservative beliefs to his veracity and then to his sexual behavior, the contentious hearing entered territory that was traumatic for many women. For this reason, September 27th represents a tipping point in American politics.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Top Ten Reasons Romney Lost On November 6th Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney with 50.3 percent of the popular vote and a surprising 332 electoral votes. Here are the top ten reasons Romney tanked.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012Top Ten Reasons Romney Lost On November 6th Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney with 50.3 percent of the popular vote and a surprising 332 electoral votes. Here are the top ten reasons Romney tanked.
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Friday, October 16, 2009
The Dumbing of America n 1994, when Forrest Gump famously observed, "stupid is as stupid does," no one expected that Forrest would become the poster boy of the Republican Party. Nonetheless, as an integral component of its "just say no" strategy, the GOP is steadily dumbing down the level of American political discourse. Meanwhile, the US is faced with numerous challenges that require our citizens to use their brains.
Friday, October 16, 2009The Dumbing of America n 1994, when Forrest Gump famously observed, "stupid is as stupid does," no one expected that Forrest would become the poster boy of the Republican Party. Nonetheless, as an integral component of its "just say no" strategy, the GOP is steadily dumbing down the level of American political discourse. Meanwhile, the US is faced with numerous challenges that require our citizens to use their brains.
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Friday, November 26, 2010
Real Men Don't Move to the Middle Since the midterm elections, there's been speculation that the Democrats' shellacking, coupled with the rightward shift of the Republican Party, would force President Obama to "move to the middle." That's a terrible idea! There's no longer a halfway point between Democrats and Republicans and any further Obama movement to the right would label him a wimp.
Friday, November 26, 2010Real Men Don't Move to the Middle Since the midterm elections, there's been speculation that the Democrats' shellacking, coupled with the rightward shift of the Republican Party, would force President Obama to "move to the middle." That's a terrible idea! There's no longer a halfway point between Democrats and Republicans and any further Obama movement to the right would label him a wimp.
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Friday, February 6, 2009
Obama's Foreign Policy During his first 100 days in office, the deteriorating economy will occupy most of President Obama's attention. Nonetheless, he will have to attend to a host of international problems. By May 1st, his foreign policy should be apparent.
Friday, February 6, 2009Obama's Foreign Policy During his first 100 days in office, the deteriorating economy will occupy most of President Obama's attention. Nonetheless, he will have to attend to a host of international problems. By May 1st, his foreign policy should be apparent.
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Friday, June 21, 2013
America's Second Civil War On April 12, 1861, Confederates fired on Fort Sumter, launching the first Civil War. America's second Civil War will start in late September when conservatives block raising the debt-limit ceiling and the US goes into default. But our new Civil War actually began in November of 2010 when Tea-Party conservatives seized control of the Republican Party and many states.
Friday, June 21, 2013America's Second Civil War On April 12, 1861, Confederates fired on Fort Sumter, launching the first Civil War. America's second Civil War will start in late September when conservatives block raising the debt-limit ceiling and the US goes into default. But our new Civil War actually began in November of 2010 when Tea-Party conservatives seized control of the Republican Party and many states.
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Friday, December 8, 2017
The Rape of the United States of America 2017 political news contained two preeminent images: Donald Trump and sexual assault. Beginning with revelations about the sexual behavior of movie producer Harvey Weinstein, Trump tidings were pushed aside by reports of celebrity sexual misconduct. The two images are connected. Trump has been accused of sexual assault. And the Republican Party is engaged in systematic rape of American workers.
Friday, December 8, 2017The Rape of the United States of America 2017 political news contained two preeminent images: Donald Trump and sexual assault. Beginning with revelations about the sexual behavior of movie producer Harvey Weinstein, Trump tidings were pushed aside by reports of celebrity sexual misconduct. The two images are connected. Trump has been accused of sexual assault. And the Republican Party is engaged in systematic rape of American workers.
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Monday, January 30, 2006
Iraq - The Failure of the Press The American press is failing to report the true nature of the war in Iraq
Monday, January 30, 2006Iraq - The Failure of the Press The American press is failing to report the true nature of the war in Iraq
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Friday, May 6, 2011
Osama Bin Laden, Rapist Many epithets describe Osama Bin Laden, but rapist fits best. On September 11, 2001, Bin Laden orchestrated what was, in effect, the gang rape of the United States. We were violated and that explains why America's recovery has been so difficult.
Friday, May 6, 2011Osama Bin Laden, Rapist Many epithets describe Osama Bin Laden, but rapist fits best. On September 11, 2001, Bin Laden orchestrated what was, in effect, the gang rape of the United States. We were violated and that explains why America's recovery has been so difficult.
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Friday, June 15, 2018
Donald Trump, Russian Agent 511 days into the Trump presidency it's clear that Donald is the most destructive US President in recent history. He's divided the nation, alienated our historic allies, and made worse the planet's most pressing problems. Although there are several possible explanations for Trump's disastrous behavior, it's likely that he is acting on behalf of Russia.
Friday, June 15, 2018Donald Trump, Russian Agent 511 days into the Trump presidency it's clear that Donald is the most destructive US President in recent history. He's divided the nation, alienated our historic allies, and made worse the planet's most pressing problems. Although there are several possible explanations for Trump's disastrous behavior, it's likely that he is acting on behalf of Russia.
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Friday, December 12, 2014
Who Runs the Democratic Party? It's convenient to blame Democratic leaders for the Party's disastrous 2014 midterm elections. But which leaders? Who runs the Democratic Party?
Friday, December 12, 2014Who Runs the Democratic Party? It's convenient to blame Democratic leaders for the Party's disastrous 2014 midterm elections. But which leaders? Who runs the Democratic Party?
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Friday, March 1, 2013
Sequester: The Rise of Republican Anarchists The March 1 st sequester budget cuts are yet another product of crises manufactured by the ultra-conservative wing of the Republican Party. These Tea Party extremists have one objective: crush the federal government. Motivated by a strange brew of Old Testament Christianity and Ayn Rand's "Objectivism" they're a lethal force within the GOP -- Anarchists.
Friday, March 1, 2013Sequester: The Rise of Republican Anarchists The March 1 st sequester budget cuts are yet another product of crises manufactured by the ultra-conservative wing of the Republican Party. These Tea Party extremists have one objective: crush the federal government. Motivated by a strange brew of Old Testament Christianity and Ayn Rand's "Objectivism" they're a lethal force within the GOP -- Anarchists.
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Friday, January 16, 2009
It's The End of California As We Know It Worrying about California's budget crisis, I've been humming REM's "It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)." As a golden state native, I always imagined the end would arrive with a massive earthquake plunging everything west of the Sierras into the sea. Now I realize that California is dying the death of a thousand cuts.
Friday, January 16, 2009It's The End of California As We Know It Worrying about California's budget crisis, I've been humming REM's "It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)." As a golden state native, I always imagined the end would arrive with a massive earthquake plunging everything west of the Sierras into the sea. Now I realize that California is dying the death of a thousand cuts.
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Friday, February 1, 2019
Imagine that Trump is a Russian Asset At the moment, it appears that Donald Trump's attention is focussed on two subjects: his "wall" and the latest installment of the Mueller probe. Nonetheless, in the background, the Trump Administration continues to engage in acts that jeopardize our security; such as lifting sanctions on Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Imagine that Trump is, in fact, a Russian asset. Does that explain his treacherous behavior?
Friday, February 1, 2019Imagine that Trump is a Russian Asset At the moment, it appears that Donald Trump's attention is focussed on two subjects: his "wall" and the latest installment of the Mueller probe. Nonetheless, in the background, the Trump Administration continues to engage in acts that jeopardize our security; such as lifting sanctions on Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Imagine that Trump is, in fact, a Russian asset. Does that explain his treacherous behavior?
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Friday, July 20, 2018
Why do Republicans Hate America Most Americans were outraged by Donald Trump's performance at his July 16 press conference with Vladimir Putin. Trump's collaboration with Russia is the latest evidence that he's determined to ruin the United States of America. Why don't congressional Republicans stand up to him? Do they hate America, too?
Friday, July 20, 2018Why do Republicans Hate America Most Americans were outraged by Donald Trump's performance at his July 16 press conference with Vladimir Putin. Trump's collaboration with Russia is the latest evidence that he's determined to ruin the United States of America. Why don't congressional Republicans stand up to him? Do they hate America, too?
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Friday, October 29, 2010
Election 2010: Remembering Weimar It's been 77 years since Adolph Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, ending the fourteen-year democracy known as the Weimar Republic. A long time ago but painfully relevant as the November 2, 2010 elections near, because there are ominous parallels between Germany in 1933 and the United States in 2010.
Friday, October 29, 2010Election 2010: Remembering Weimar It's been 77 years since Adolph Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, ending the fourteen-year democracy known as the Weimar Republic. A long time ago but painfully relevant as the November 2, 2010 elections near, because there are ominous parallels between Germany in 1933 and the United States in 2010.
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Friday, September 21, 2012
Campaign 2012: Playing the Israel Card 2012's presidential contest took another weird turn when Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, appeared on America's Sunday talk shows to complain the Obama Administration wasn't doing enough to stop Iran from making an atomic bomb. Netanyahu's orchestrated appearance was another Republican ploy to corner the US Jewish vote.
Friday, September 21, 2012Campaign 2012: Playing the Israel Card 2012's presidential contest took another weird turn when Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, appeared on America's Sunday talk shows to complain the Obama Administration wasn't doing enough to stop Iran from making an atomic bomb. Netanyahu's orchestrated appearance was another Republican ploy to corner the US Jewish vote.
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Friday, November 27, 2015
Who Will Fight ISIS? It's likely the US will form a new coalition to wage war on ISIS -- the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. What remains to be seen is who will do the heavy lifting in this coalition. Which nation will be willing to put boots on the ground?
Friday, November 27, 2015Who Will Fight ISIS? It's likely the US will form a new coalition to wage war on ISIS -- the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. What remains to be seen is who will do the heavy lifting in this coalition. Which nation will be willing to put boots on the ground?
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Friday, January 29, 2010
The Conservative War on Democracy: The Puppet Supreme Court While the January 21st Supreme Court decision in the case of Citizens United vs. FEC can be viewed narrowly as granting corporations the right to spend unlimited funds in political contest, the 5-4 ruling is best understood as another victory by conservatives in their decades-long war on democracy.
Friday, January 29, 2010The Conservative War on Democracy: The Puppet Supreme Court While the January 21st Supreme Court decision in the case of Citizens United vs. FEC can be viewed narrowly as granting corporations the right to spend unlimited funds in political contest, the 5-4 ruling is best understood as another victory by conservatives in their decades-long war on democracy.
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Friday, March 11, 2011
Suffer the Little Children When I was growing up in the fifties, my parents, grandparents, and all the adults I knew lived an ethic of sacrifice. During the Great Depression and World War II they'd learned it was sometimes necessary to sacrifice for our children. This moral precept used to be shared throughout the US, but recently it's been lost. As a consequence, Congress now threatens to abandon America's children.
Friday, March 11, 2011Suffer the Little Children When I was growing up in the fifties, my parents, grandparents, and all the adults I knew lived an ethic of sacrifice. During the Great Depression and World War II they'd learned it was sometimes necessary to sacrifice for our children. This moral precept used to be shared throughout the US, but recently it's been lost. As a consequence, Congress now threatens to abandon America's children.
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Thursday, October 22, 2015
The End of the Republican Party The latest Huffington Post Poll of Polls estimates that three "outsider" Republican presidential candidates (Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Donald Trump) account for more than 50 percent of primary votes. We're witnessing a civil war within the GOP. Is this the end of the Republican Party?
Thursday, October 22, 2015The End of the Republican Party The latest Huffington Post Poll of Polls estimates that three "outsider" Republican presidential candidates (Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Donald Trump) account for more than 50 percent of primary votes. We're witnessing a civil war within the GOP. Is this the end of the Republican Party?
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Friday, July 26, 2019
Mueller: Ten Takeaways On July 24th, Special Counsel Robert Mueller made his long-anticipated appearance before the Democratically-controlled House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees. Here are ten takeaways:
Friday, July 26, 2019Mueller: Ten Takeaways On July 24th, Special Counsel Robert Mueller made his long-anticipated appearance before the Democratically-controlled House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees. Here are ten takeaways:
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Friday, December 2, 2011
Occupy Wall Street: The Enthusiasm Gap The latest polls indicate that approximately 75 percent of Americans agree with the goals of Occupy Wall Street. Nonetheless, only 29 percent consider themselves supporters of OWS. What accounts for this enthusiasm gap?
Friday, December 2, 2011Occupy Wall Street: The Enthusiasm Gap The latest polls indicate that approximately 75 percent of Americans agree with the goals of Occupy Wall Street. Nonetheless, only 29 percent consider themselves supporters of OWS. What accounts for this enthusiasm gap?
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Friday, July 6, 2012
Defending Obamacare: 5 Basics The June 28 th Supreme Court decision that let "Obamacare" stand gives the President, and all Democrats, an opportunity to re make the case that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a good thing. That's a blessing because many American voters do not understand Obamacare.
Friday, July 6, 2012Defending Obamacare: 5 Basics The June 28 th Supreme Court decision that let "Obamacare" stand gives the President, and all Democrats, an opportunity to re make the case that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a good thing. That's a blessing because many American voters do not understand Obamacare.
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Friday, November 22, 2019
Talking to Republicans About Impeachment The holidays are coming. And with them, more opportunities to talk to those recalcitrant Trump supporters in your family. Such as Aunt Bertha who believes God sent Donald on a mission. And Uncle Bert who wants Trump to blow up Washington. Here are ten tips on how to talk to them about the impeachment process. Ten responses to familiar Republican (false) arguments.
Friday, November 22, 2019Talking to Republicans About Impeachment The holidays are coming. And with them, more opportunities to talk to those recalcitrant Trump supporters in your family. Such as Aunt Bertha who believes God sent Donald on a mission. And Uncle Bert who wants Trump to blow up Washington. Here are ten tips on how to talk to them about the impeachment process. Ten responses to familiar Republican (false) arguments.
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Thursday, June 25, 2015
Pope Francis Challenges Republicans As soon as Pope Francis issued his "Encyclical Letter on Climate Change," Republicans belittled it. Catholic presidential candidate Jeb Bush suggested the Pope was out of line: "I think religion ought to be about making us better as people, less about things [that] end up getting into the political realm." It's classic GOP position: they want Americans to go to church but believe US politics has nothing to do with morality.
Thursday, June 25, 2015Pope Francis Challenges Republicans As soon as Pope Francis issued his "Encyclical Letter on Climate Change," Republicans belittled it. Catholic presidential candidate Jeb Bush suggested the Pope was out of line: "I think religion ought to be about making us better as people, less about things [that] end up getting into the political realm." It's classic GOP position: they want Americans to go to church but believe US politics has nothing to do with morality.
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Friday, May 11, 2012
Conservative Brain Syndrome Tragic news about the premature decline and death of retired football players has led many Americans to draw the obvious conclusion: decades spent bashing people with your skull will produce serious brain injury. Considering this, why don't Republicans understand that years spent bashing their heads against reality inevitably produces the same result: diminished capacity and dementia?
Friday, May 11, 2012Conservative Brain Syndrome Tragic news about the premature decline and death of retired football players has led many Americans to draw the obvious conclusion: decades spent bashing people with your skull will produce serious brain injury. Considering this, why don't Republicans understand that years spent bashing their heads against reality inevitably produces the same result: diminished capacity and dementia?
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Friday, November 7, 2014
None Dare Call It Treason: Why Republicans Won In 2014 Republicans bullied Democrats. Republicans proved, once again, they will say and do anything to win. Republicans don't care if they scuttle our democracy along with the fragile economy, to them winning is all that matters. Let's begin the 2016 campaign season by calling Republican politicians by their true name: traitors. Enemies of the United States of America.
Friday, November 7, 2014None Dare Call It Treason: Why Republicans Won In 2014 Republicans bullied Democrats. Republicans proved, once again, they will say and do anything to win. Republicans don't care if they scuttle our democracy along with the fragile economy, to them winning is all that matters. Let's begin the 2016 campaign season by calling Republican politicians by their true name: traitors. Enemies of the United States of America.
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Friday, July 21, 2017
As Trump Decompensates, GOP Disintegrates We're sailing in uncharted presidential waters. Donald Trump has moved beyond incompetency to the designation: "a danger to himself and others." One small solace, before Trump blows up the planet he'll probably first destroy the Republican Party.
Friday, July 21, 2017As Trump Decompensates, GOP Disintegrates We're sailing in uncharted presidential waters. Donald Trump has moved beyond incompetency to the designation: "a danger to himself and others." One small solace, before Trump blows up the planet he'll probably first destroy the Republican Party.
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Thursday, December 24, 2015
Facebook vs. ISIS This past week brought two pieces of contradictory news. In a misguided attempt to fight terrorism, Republican presidential candidates proposed curtailing the Internet and, by implication, Facebook. Meanwhile, Facebook rolled on; a year-end Time magazine poll concluded Facebook was the most popular smartphone App with 126,702,000 US users.
Thursday, December 24, 2015Facebook vs. ISIS This past week brought two pieces of contradictory news. In a misguided attempt to fight terrorism, Republican presidential candidates proposed curtailing the Internet and, by implication, Facebook. Meanwhile, Facebook rolled on; a year-end Time magazine poll concluded Facebook was the most popular smartphone App with 126,702,000 US users.
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Friday, March 13, 2020
Joe Biden: Pro and Con Wow! Over a four day span, stretching from the South Carolina Democratic Primary to the conclusion of "Super Tuesday," Joe Biden vaulted from the position of a marginal Democratic presidential candidate to the frontrunner. The 538 website now predicts that Biden has a 93 percent chance of winning the Democratic nomination. Here's my assessment of Biden's pros and cons.
Friday, March 13, 2020Joe Biden: Pro and Con Wow! Over a four day span, stretching from the South Carolina Democratic Primary to the conclusion of "Super Tuesday," Joe Biden vaulted from the position of a marginal Democratic presidential candidate to the frontrunner. The 538 website now predicts that Biden has a 93 percent chance of winning the Democratic nomination. Here's my assessment of Biden's pros and cons.
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Friday, August 2, 2019
The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming No sooner did Special Counsel Robert Mueller testify that the Russians continue to interfere in U.S. politics, than the Senate Intelligence Committee released a report about Russian interference. Before the public could digest this, the news was swept off the front pages by Donald Trump's racist tweets. Nonetheless, the truth is hiding in plain sight: Russians are interfering in U.S. politics and Trump doesn't care.
Friday, August 2, 2019The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming No sooner did Special Counsel Robert Mueller testify that the Russians continue to interfere in U.S. politics, than the Senate Intelligence Committee released a report about Russian interference. Before the public could digest this, the news was swept off the front pages by Donald Trump's racist tweets. Nonetheless, the truth is hiding in plain sight: Russians are interfering in U.S. politics and Trump doesn't care.
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Friday, December 27, 2019
2019: Ten Reasons to be Thankful 2019 has been a dark year. Americans have spent much of the year under the grim shadow cast by mad emperor Trump. Nonetheless, there is much to be thankful for. Here are ten reasons to be grateful.
Friday, December 27, 20192019: Ten Reasons to be Thankful 2019 has been a dark year. Americans have spent much of the year under the grim shadow cast by mad emperor Trump. Nonetheless, there is much to be thankful for. Here are ten reasons to be grateful.
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Friday, December 22, 2017
Make America Weak Again Humorist P. J. O'Rourke famously said, "Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then they get elected and prove it." After 11 months of total Republican control in Washington, the United States has been weakened across-the-board. Here are ten ways that Donald Trump and company have diminished American society.
Friday, December 22, 2017Make America Weak Again Humorist P. J. O'Rourke famously said, "Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then they get elected and prove it." After 11 months of total Republican control in Washington, the United States has been weakened across-the-board. Here are ten ways that Donald Trump and company have diminished American society.
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Thursday, September 4, 2008
Three Elephants in the Room As the 2008 presidential campaign enters its final two months, there are several big issues being ignored. One is race; the fact some Americans won't vote for Barack Obama because of his skin color. Another is John McCain's health; the reality he's likely to become senile or die if elected President. The third is the truth that McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, represent the worst kind of family values.
Thursday, September 4, 2008Three Elephants in the Room As the 2008 presidential campaign enters its final two months, there are several big issues being ignored. One is race; the fact some Americans won't vote for Barack Obama because of his skin color. Another is John McCain's health; the reality he's likely to become senile or die if elected President. The third is the truth that McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, represent the worst kind of family values.
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Friday, January 10, 2020
2000-2019: What Hath the Internet Wrought? While I usually write about politics, I'm also interested in technology. And, of course, technology is political. So here are a few observations about the social and political impact of the Internet in the first twenty years of the twenty-first century.
Friday, January 10, 20202000-2019: What Hath the Internet Wrought? While I usually write about politics, I'm also interested in technology. And, of course, technology is political. So here are a few observations about the social and political impact of the Internet in the first twenty years of the twenty-first century.
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Friday, February 14, 2020
Evaluating the Democratic Candidates We're heading towards March 3rd, "Super Tuesday," and the race for the Democratic presidential nomination remains competitive. A field of 29 candidates has been winnowed to eight: Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg, Peter Buttigieg, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, and Elizabeth Warren. Here's my evaluation of the Democratic survivors.
Friday, February 14, 2020Evaluating the Democratic Candidates We're heading towards March 3rd, "Super Tuesday," and the race for the Democratic presidential nomination remains competitive. A field of 29 candidates has been winnowed to eight: Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg, Peter Buttigieg, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, and Elizabeth Warren. Here's my evaluation of the Democratic survivors.
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Friday, December 13, 2019
Capitalism has Failed Capitalism has failed and the end times have come for mega corporations. Donald Trump is a harbinger of the death throes of capitalism.
Friday, December 13, 2019Capitalism has Failed Capitalism has failed and the end times have come for mega corporations. Donald Trump is a harbinger of the death throes of capitalism.
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Why Did Capitalism Fail? We live in interesting times. The global economy is splintering. US voters hate all politicians and there's political unrest throughout the world. The root cause of this turmoil is the failure of the dominant economic paradigm – global corporate capitalism.
Friday, August 19, 2011Why Did Capitalism Fail? We live in interesting times. The global economy is splintering. US voters hate all politicians and there's political unrest throughout the world. The root cause of this turmoil is the failure of the dominant economic paradigm – global corporate capitalism.
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Friday, September 27, 2019
Ready or Not, Here Comes Impeachment The recent revelations about Donald Trump's attempt to bribe the President of Ukraine, in order to get political dirt on Joe Biden, once again raises the specter of Trump's impeachment. What's involved?
Friday, September 27, 2019Ready or Not, Here Comes Impeachment The recent revelations about Donald Trump's attempt to bribe the President of Ukraine, in order to get political dirt on Joe Biden, once again raises the specter of Trump's impeachment. What's involved?
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Friday, June 14, 2013
Waiting for the Revolution In the latest recovery, 93 percent of the gains went to the top 1 percent. How long will it take before the 99 percent realize they're getting shafted? When will American workers revolt?
Friday, June 14, 2013Waiting for the Revolution In the latest recovery, 93 percent of the gains went to the top 1 percent. How long will it take before the 99 percent realize they're getting shafted? When will American workers revolt?
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Friday, March 16, 2012
Sarah Palin and the Republican Identity Crisis HBO's splendid movie, "Game Change," tells the story of Sarah Palin's rise and fall as John McCain's running mate in the 2008 presidential contest. It provides insight into the GOP's identity crisis that's produced this year's demolition derby in the Republican primaries.
Friday, March 16, 2012Sarah Palin and the Republican Identity Crisis HBO's splendid movie, "Game Change," tells the story of Sarah Palin's rise and fall as John McCain's running mate in the 2008 presidential contest. It provides insight into the GOP's identity crisis that's produced this year's demolition derby in the Republican primaries.
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Saturday, January 4, 2020
Who's Afraid of Michael Moore? At otherwise jolly holiday parties, my political friends couldn't stop talking about Michael Moore's prediction that Donald Trump would win in 2020. (Remember, Michael predicted Trump would prevail in 2016.) How worried should we be?
Saturday, January 4, 2020Who's Afraid of Michael Moore? At otherwise jolly holiday parties, my political friends couldn't stop talking about Michael Moore's prediction that Donald Trump would win in 2020. (Remember, Michael predicted Trump would prevail in 2016.) How worried should we be?
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Friday, February 3, 2012
Is Obama a Failed President? The outcome of the 2012 Presidential election will depend upon voters' perception of the US economy and the jobs market. Republicans have labeled Obama a "failed president" claiming he could have done more to create jobs.
Friday, February 3, 2012Is Obama a Failed President? The outcome of the 2012 Presidential election will depend upon voters' perception of the US economy and the jobs market. Republicans have labeled Obama a "failed president" claiming he could have done more to create jobs.
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Friday, November 29, 2019
The New Normal This week, Northern California had its first significant rain and our fire season ended. (Unfortunately, as I write this, there is a big fire burning in Southern California near Santa Barbara.) For the last several years, fire season has lasted longer than it once did, and the fires have been more ferocious. Californians are beginning to acknowledge that this is the new normal.
Friday, November 29, 2019The New Normal This week, Northern California had its first significant rain and our fire season ended. (Unfortunately, as I write this, there is a big fire burning in Southern California near Santa Barbara.) For the last several years, fire season has lasted longer than it once did, and the fires have been more ferocious. Californians are beginning to acknowledge that this is the new normal.
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Friday, October 4, 2019
Impeachment Messaging With the September 24th initiation of a formal impeachment inquiry, the political battle lines have formed. Democrats will subpoena witnesses and gather material that will be presented before the House Intelligence committee; eventually the House Judiciary Committee will construct the formal impeachment measure and submit it to the entire House of Representatives. Republican obstruction will take ten forms.
Friday, October 4, 2019Impeachment Messaging With the September 24th initiation of a formal impeachment inquiry, the political battle lines have formed. Democrats will subpoena witnesses and gather material that will be presented before the House Intelligence committee; eventually the House Judiciary Committee will construct the formal impeachment measure and submit it to the entire House of Representatives. Republican obstruction will take ten forms.
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Saturday, September 24, 2011
Setting Limits With Obama Barack Obama has been a disappointment but in 2012 Americans will either vote for him or a Republican Neanderthal. To stay in the White House Obama will need our support. That's an opportunity to set limits, to make specific demands. Here are four suggestions.
Saturday, September 24, 2011Setting Limits With Obama Barack Obama has been a disappointment but in 2012 Americans will either vote for him or a Republican Neanderthal. To stay in the White House Obama will need our support. That's an opportunity to set limits, to make specific demands. Here are four suggestions.
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Friday, May 13, 2011
Barack Obama: The Return of the Cool The May 1 st attack on Osama bin Laden produced an iconic image: President Barack Obama in the White House situation room, surrounded by his national security advisers, monitoring the progress of the Navy Seals' mission in far off Abbottabad, Pakistan. Obama stands out because of the steely intensity in his eyes. He's totally focused. Preternaturally cool.
Friday, May 13, 2011Barack Obama: The Return of the Cool The May 1 st attack on Osama bin Laden produced an iconic image: President Barack Obama in the White House situation room, surrounded by his national security advisers, monitoring the progress of the Navy Seals' mission in far off Abbottabad, Pakistan. Obama stands out because of the steely intensity in his eyes. He's totally focused. Preternaturally cool.
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Saturday, April 4, 2015
Jeb Bush: The Return of "Compassionate" Conservatism Sixteen months before the Republican convention, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is a slight favorite to win the GOP presidential nomination. Bush vs. Hillary Clinton should be an interesting race. Although Jeb Bush is a typical right-wing Republican, he will attempt to soften his image and portray himself as a "compassionate" conservative, as did his brother Dubya in 2000.
Saturday, April 4, 2015Jeb Bush: The Return of "Compassionate" Conservatism Sixteen months before the Republican convention, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is a slight favorite to win the GOP presidential nomination. Bush vs. Hillary Clinton should be an interesting race. Although Jeb Bush is a typical right-wing Republican, he will attempt to soften his image and portray himself as a "compassionate" conservative, as did his brother Dubya in 2000.
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Friday, November 15, 2019
Ranking the Democratic Candidates While the impeachment inquiry continues to command most of the attention of the mainstream media, in the background the Democratic presidential candidates continue their slog towards the February 3rd Iowa caucuses. Here's the BB perspective on how these candidates are doing. And a prediction as to what the race will look like coming out of "Super Tuesday," March 3rd.
Friday, November 15, 2019Ranking the Democratic Candidates While the impeachment inquiry continues to command most of the attention of the mainstream media, in the background the Democratic presidential candidates continue their slog towards the February 3rd Iowa caucuses. Here's the BB perspective on how these candidates are doing. And a prediction as to what the race will look like coming out of "Super Tuesday," March 3rd.
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Friday, September 20, 2019
Consequences of the Saudi Oilfield Attacks On September 14, Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil fields were attacked by drones and cruise missiles, and approximately half of the Saudi oil capacity was "disrupted." The details are in dispute but Yemens' Houthi rebels took credit for the attack that appeared to originate across the Persian Gulf -- either in Kuwait, Iraq, or Iran.
Friday, September 20, 2019Consequences of the Saudi Oilfield Attacks On September 14, Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil fields were attacked by drones and cruise missiles, and approximately half of the Saudi oil capacity was "disrupted." The details are in dispute but Yemens' Houthi rebels took credit for the attack that appeared to originate across the Persian Gulf -- either in Kuwait, Iraq, or Iran.
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Thursday, November 23, 2017
Ten Reasons to be Thankful Even though we're struggling through the darkness of Trump year one, Americans have much to be thankful for. Here are ten political reasons to give thanks.
Thursday, November 23, 2017Ten Reasons to be Thankful Even though we're struggling through the darkness of Trump year one, Americans have much to be thankful for. Here are ten political reasons to give thanks.
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Saturday, February 29, 2020
Bernie Sanders: Pro and Con Bernie appears to be able to build the broad coalition that Democrats have been yearning for. The Nevada Democratic caucus exit polls indicate that Sanders carried most Demographic groups. (Sanders carried 29 percent of White-non Hispanic voters and 51 percent of Hispanic voters.)
Saturday, February 29, 2020Bernie Sanders: Pro and Con Bernie appears to be able to build the broad coalition that Democrats have been yearning for. The Nevada Democratic caucus exit polls indicate that Sanders carried most Demographic groups. (Sanders carried 29 percent of White-non Hispanic voters and 51 percent of Hispanic voters.)
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010
After the Disaster: Four Lessons for Democrats In March, while driving in the California mountains, my car skidded on ice and hit a semi head on. The crash foreshadowed the disaster suffered by Democrats on November 2nd, where the Obama bus was mangled by a Republican freight train. The difference being that the Democratic catastrophe could have been avoided.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010After the Disaster: Four Lessons for Democrats In March, while driving in the California mountains, my car skidded on ice and hit a semi head on. The crash foreshadowed the disaster suffered by Democrats on November 2nd, where the Obama bus was mangled by a Republican freight train. The difference being that the Democratic catastrophe could have been avoided.
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Friday, May 26, 2017
The Four Faces of Trump After four enervating months of Donald Trump's presidency, Americans have seen four different sides of Trump.
Friday, May 26, 2017The Four Faces of Trump After four enervating months of Donald Trump's presidency, Americans have seen four different sides of Trump.
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Friday, October 14, 2011
Who Killed the Economy? Accounting Parasites As the US Economy stagnates and 14 million Americans remain unemployed, Washington politicians play familiar blame games. Republicans believe our problems stem from too much government . Democrats assert the economy failed because of faulty government. But the real culprit lies deep within the bowels of modern corporations: parasitic accountants who have subverted America's entrepreneurial spirit and the common good.
Friday, October 14, 2011Who Killed the Economy? Accounting Parasites As the US Economy stagnates and 14 million Americans remain unemployed, Washington politicians play familiar blame games. Republicans believe our problems stem from too much government . Democrats assert the economy failed because of faulty government. But the real culprit lies deep within the bowels of modern corporations: parasitic accountants who have subverted America's entrepreneurial spirit and the common good.
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Friday, August 11, 2017
6 Months of Trump, 6 Lessons Learned After six months of the Donald Trump presidency, we know what to expect going forward. We've learned six lessons.
Friday, August 11, 20176 Months of Trump, 6 Lessons Learned After six months of the Donald Trump presidency, we know what to expect going forward. We've learned six lessons.
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Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 "Person" of the Year: The US Supreme Court It's difficult to look beyond the tumult of current events and ask, "what happened this year that will be remembered ten, twenty, or fifty years from now?" However, there was one 2010 event that, in terms of its long-term impact, loomed above the others, the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court Decision.
Friday, December 31, 20102010 "Person" of the Year: The US Supreme Court It's difficult to look beyond the tumult of current events and ask, "what happened this year that will be remembered ten, twenty, or fifty years from now?" However, there was one 2010 event that, in terms of its long-term impact, loomed above the others, the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court Decision.
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Friday, December 20, 2019
Donald and Boris Even though we're 5000 miles away from London, the results of the December 12th British election sent a chill through left-coast voters. The ascension of Boris Johnson was painfully reminiscent of the 2016 election of Donald Trump; further evidence that we have entered the buffoon era of geo-politics. There are two political lessons to learn from the British tragedy.
Friday, December 20, 2019Donald and Boris Even though we're 5000 miles away from London, the results of the December 12th British election sent a chill through left-coast voters. The ascension of Boris Johnson was painfully reminiscent of the 2016 election of Donald Trump; further evidence that we have entered the buffoon era of geo-politics. There are two political lessons to learn from the British tragedy.
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Friday, August 21, 2020
2020 Democratic Convention: 10 Takeaways The 2020 Democratic convention is over. Given the difficult circumstances, it might have been a disaster. Instead it was very successful. Here are 10 takeaways:
Friday, August 21, 20202020 Democratic Convention: 10 Takeaways The 2020 Democratic convention is over. Given the difficult circumstances, it might have been a disaster. Instead it was very successful. Here are 10 takeaways:
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Friday, March 27, 2015
Israel: America's Bad Brother Most families contain a problem relative: an addled elder, schizophrenic sister, or troubled brother. That's the status of the state of Israel: a member of the US family but, these days, the bad little brother who is a constant headache.
Friday, March 27, 2015Israel: America's Bad Brother Most families contain a problem relative: an addled elder, schizophrenic sister, or troubled brother. That's the status of the state of Israel: a member of the US family but, these days, the bad little brother who is a constant headache.
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Friday, October 27, 2017
Have We Reached Trump's Tipping Point? Even by Trump regime standards, the past several weeks have been unusually tumultuous. First, Trump botched aid to Puerto Rico; then he muffed condolence calls to widows. Now he's being condemned by two Republican Senators. Have we reached the long-awaited 'tipping point"? Is this the beginning of the end of the Trump era?
Friday, October 27, 2017Have We Reached Trump's Tipping Point? Even by Trump regime standards, the past several weeks have been unusually tumultuous. First, Trump botched aid to Puerto Rico; then he muffed condolence calls to widows. Now he's being condemned by two Republican Senators. Have we reached the long-awaited 'tipping point"? Is this the beginning of the end of the Trump era?
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Friday, August 9, 2019
How Did We Get Here? As we reflect on the horrific El Paso and Dayton shootings, it's clear that we've reached an inflection point in our society. We're teetering on the edge of civil war. Lets take a couple of steps back and consider how we got here.
Friday, August 9, 2019How Did We Get Here? As we reflect on the horrific El Paso and Dayton shootings, it's clear that we've reached an inflection point in our society. We're teetering on the edge of civil war. Lets take a couple of steps back and consider how we got here.
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Friday, November 30, 2012
Global Climate Change: Preparing for World War III In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, 68 percent of Americans acknowledge, "Global warming is at least a somewhat serious problem." Nonetheless, it's unlikely that Washington has the political will to mobilize America to combat global warming. This grim reality is reminiscent of the beginning of World War II, when the US dithered for 21 months until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor forced us to act.
Friday, November 30, 2012Global Climate Change: Preparing for World War III In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, 68 percent of Americans acknowledge, "Global warming is at least a somewhat serious problem." Nonetheless, it's unlikely that Washington has the political will to mobilize America to combat global warming. This grim reality is reminiscent of the beginning of World War II, when the US dithered for 21 months until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor forced us to act.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Trump and Hitler It's impossible to read Volker Ulrich's remarkable biography, "Hitler, Ascent: 1889-1939," without being struck by the parallels between Adolph Hitler and Donald Trump.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016Trump and Hitler It's impossible to read Volker Ulrich's remarkable biography, "Hitler, Ascent: 1889-1939," without being struck by the parallels between Adolph Hitler and Donald Trump.
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Friday, April 3, 2009
Nationalizing Citi On Monday, March 23rd, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner revealed his plan to deal with toxic bank assets: a Public-Private Investment Program. While Geithner's strategy was well received by the stock market, leading economists fear Geithner is avoiding the inevitable – "nationalization" of large banks – and the longer the delay, the bigger the problem. What would it mean to nationalize a bank as large as Citigroup?
Friday, April 3, 2009Nationalizing Citi On Monday, March 23rd, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner revealed his plan to deal with toxic bank assets: a Public-Private Investment Program. While Geithner's strategy was well received by the stock market, leading economists fear Geithner is avoiding the inevitable – "nationalization" of large banks – and the longer the delay, the bigger the problem. What would it mean to nationalize a bank as large as Citigroup?
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Friday, October 7, 2011
It's the Water, Stupid: The Perils of Clearcutting When you fly to the west coast, you usually pass over the Sierra Nevada mountain range. On a clear day you'll notice the surrounding forests are irregular; they've been "checkerboarded." Millions of acres have been logged and "clearcut." While problematic on many levels, clearcutting imperils the drinking water for 45 million Americans.
Friday, October 7, 2011It's the Water, Stupid: The Perils of Clearcutting When you fly to the west coast, you usually pass over the Sierra Nevada mountain range. On a clear day you'll notice the surrounding forests are irregular; they've been "checkerboarded." Millions of acres have been logged and "clearcut." While problematic on many levels, clearcutting imperils the drinking water for 45 million Americans.
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Thursday, May 7, 2015
What Makes Bernie Run? On April 29th, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders announced he'll compete with Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. Although anything can happen between now and the late July 2016 Democratic convention, it appears that Sanders' intent is not to win the nomination but to influence Clinton on critical domestic policy issues -- to move Hillary to the left.
Thursday, May 7, 2015What Makes Bernie Run? On April 29th, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders announced he'll compete with Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. Although anything can happen between now and the late July 2016 Democratic convention, it appears that Sanders' intent is not to win the nomination but to influence Clinton on critical domestic policy issues -- to move Hillary to the left.
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Friday, December 24, 2010
2010: America Held Hostage If you were out of the United States for most of the year, or rely upon the mainstream media for all your "information," you missed the big news of 2010: we're having a class war and greed is winning. To get their way, the rich are holding working Americans hostage.
Friday, December 24, 20102010: America Held Hostage If you were out of the United States for most of the year, or rely upon the mainstream media for all your "information," you missed the big news of 2010: we're having a class war and greed is winning. To get their way, the rich are holding working Americans hostage.
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Sunday, February 28, 2021
The Disinformation Party Professor Michael Mann begins his important book, "The Climate War," with this quote: "Doubt is our product, since it is the best means of competing with the 'body of fact' that exists in the minds of the general public." Although the quotation originated with a sixties tobacco executive, it could be spoken today by the leaders of the Republican Party, as their primary product is disinformation.
Sunday, February 28, 2021The Disinformation Party Professor Michael Mann begins his important book, "The Climate War," with this quote: "Doubt is our product, since it is the best means of competing with the 'body of fact' that exists in the minds of the general public." Although the quotation originated with a sixties tobacco executive, it could be spoken today by the leaders of the Republican Party, as their primary product is disinformation.
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Friday, January 12, 2007
Ten Problems With Bush's Latest Iraq Plan On January 10th, President Bush presented his "new plan" for Iraq. Bush's proposal has ten serious problems.
Friday, January 12, 2007Ten Problems With Bush's Latest Iraq Plan On January 10th, President Bush presented his "new plan" for Iraq. Bush's proposal has ten serious problems.
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Friday, May 17, 2013
Republicans Aren't Christians Whether it's fiscal austerity, Benghazi, or opposition to gun control, the Republican Party is remarkably disciplined. Day after day, press conference after press conference, Republican members of Congress speak from the same hymnal. But it's not a Christian hymnal. While the Republicans claim to be true believers they actually eschew the moral teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Friday, May 17, 2013Republicans Aren't Christians Whether it's fiscal austerity, Benghazi, or opposition to gun control, the Republican Party is remarkably disciplined. Day after day, press conference after press conference, Republican members of Congress speak from the same hymnal. But it's not a Christian hymnal. While the Republicans claim to be true believers they actually eschew the moral teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
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Friday, March 10, 2006
Osama and George Today is Osama bin Laden’s birthday, his 49th. An appropriate time to consider the strange similarities between the world’s most notorious fugitive and the President of the United States.
Friday, March 10, 2006Osama and George Today is Osama bin Laden’s birthday, his 49th. An appropriate time to consider the strange similarities between the world’s most notorious fugitive and the President of the United States.
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Friday, October 25, 2019
Impeachment and the Supreme Court As the House of Representatives' Impeachment Inquiry rolls along, it continuously runs into non-cooperation from the Trump Administration. Dems could chose to ignore this but if they did they would deprive the investigation of potentially vital information. The House Democratic leadership is engaged in a balancing act between keeping the public informed and wrenching vital information out of the Trump Administration.
Friday, October 25, 2019Impeachment and the Supreme Court As the House of Representatives' Impeachment Inquiry rolls along, it continuously runs into non-cooperation from the Trump Administration. Dems could chose to ignore this but if they did they would deprive the investigation of potentially vital information. The House Democratic leadership is engaged in a balancing act between keeping the public informed and wrenching vital information out of the Trump Administration.
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Friday, December 6, 2013
Economic Inequality: 5 Personal Actions The United States is experiencing unprecedented income inequality. It's not only affecting the lives of millions of Americans, but it's the root cause of political polarization that has paralyzed the Federal government. Here are 5 actions you can take to address economic inequality.
Friday, December 6, 2013Economic Inequality: 5 Personal Actions The United States is experiencing unprecedented income inequality. It's not only affecting the lives of millions of Americans, but it's the root cause of political polarization that has paralyzed the Federal government. Here are 5 actions you can take to address economic inequality.
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Friday, June 9, 2017
Angry Trump, Angry Supporters Five months into the Trump presidency, Donald's erratic behavior has spawned an avalanche of "what's wrong with Trump" theories. Rather than speculate on his psyche, it's sufficient to label Trump: an angry man whose actions are fueled by the anger of his supporters.
Friday, June 9, 2017Angry Trump, Angry Supporters Five months into the Trump presidency, Donald's erratic behavior has spawned an avalanche of "what's wrong with Trump" theories. Rather than speculate on his psyche, it's sufficient to label Trump: an angry man whose actions are fueled by the anger of his supporters.
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Friday, November 8, 2019
Impeachment and Ukraine Although the impeachment inquiry is cloaked in legalese -- such as whether Donald Trump committed an impeachable offense -- it's also about the relationship between Trump, and his associates, and Ukraine. There is a counterintelligence aspect: Trump was trying to manipulate the Ukrainian government on multiple fronts.
Friday, November 8, 2019Impeachment and Ukraine Although the impeachment inquiry is cloaked in legalese -- such as whether Donald Trump committed an impeachable offense -- it's also about the relationship between Trump, and his associates, and Ukraine. There is a counterintelligence aspect: Trump was trying to manipulate the Ukrainian government on multiple fronts.
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Friday, May 22, 2020
What's the 2020 Democratic Message? On Friday, May 15, House Democrats passed "the Heroes Act." It's a $3 trillion pandemic-relief bill, providing assistance to state and local governments, hazard pay for frontline health care workers, election protection, and many other benefits. Dems concocted a list so long that political pundits asked: "What's the message that Democrats are trying to send?"
Friday, May 22, 2020What's the 2020 Democratic Message? On Friday, May 15, House Democrats passed "the Heroes Act." It's a $3 trillion pandemic-relief bill, providing assistance to state and local governments, hazard pay for frontline health care workers, election protection, and many other benefits. Dems concocted a list so long that political pundits asked: "What's the message that Democrats are trying to send?"
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Thursday, October 29, 2015
The Republicans' Secret In the past few days, US voters has been reminded of the reasons why we don't trust Republicans: Representative Trey Gowdy's Benghazi committee demonstrated that the GOP abuses congressional power for political purposes. The Republican threat to not raise the debt limit indicates they don't understand how the Federal government works. Donald Trump revealed the darkest secret of all, Republicans don't keep America safe.
Thursday, October 29, 2015The Republicans' Secret In the past few days, US voters has been reminded of the reasons why we don't trust Republicans: Representative Trey Gowdy's Benghazi committee demonstrated that the GOP abuses congressional power for political purposes. The Republican threat to not raise the debt limit indicates they don't understand how the Federal government works. Donald Trump revealed the darkest secret of all, Republicans don't keep America safe.
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Thursday, January 5, 2017
California vs Trump On election day, Californians favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by a near 2 to 1 margin -- 61.7 percent to 31.6 percent. Now, faced with a President many of us detest, California's best stance is to become a model of Democratic principles. But the Golden State faces intriguing challenges.
Thursday, January 5, 2017California vs Trump On election day, Californians favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by a near 2 to 1 margin -- 61.7 percent to 31.6 percent. Now, faced with a President many of us detest, California's best stance is to become a model of Democratic principles. But the Golden State faces intriguing challenges.
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Friday, June 10, 2011
Roll Over, Karl Marx In 1883, Karl Marx died as an obscure philosopher, but since then he's become notorious. A 1999 BBC poll judged Marx "the thinker of the millennium" but for the last 60 years he's been infamous in America, where being called a Marxist is equivalent to being labeled a terrorist or pedophile. Despite the controversy, Marx's analysis was correct on many issues and his insights help explain America's growing economic divide.
Friday, June 10, 2011Roll Over, Karl Marx In 1883, Karl Marx died as an obscure philosopher, but since then he's become notorious. A 1999 BBC poll judged Marx "the thinker of the millennium" but for the last 60 years he's been infamous in America, where being called a Marxist is equivalent to being labeled a terrorist or pedophile. Despite the controversy, Marx's analysis was correct on many issues and his insights help explain America's growing economic divide.
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Friday, February 11, 2011
Republicans Renew War on Women The new Republican House majority had no sooner settled into their offices than they proposed savage restrictions of women's reproductive rights. Americans might question the GOP actions, since the new laws have nothing to do with Republican campaign promises to create jobs. But it's consistent with their archconservative ideology, yet another brutal attack in the three-decades-old Republican war on woman.
Friday, February 11, 2011Republicans Renew War on Women The new Republican House majority had no sooner settled into their offices than they proposed savage restrictions of women's reproductive rights. Americans might question the GOP actions, since the new laws have nothing to do with Republican campaign promises to create jobs. But it's consistent with their archconservative ideology, yet another brutal attack in the three-decades-old Republican war on woman.
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Friday, July 29, 2016
5 Takeaways from the Democratic Convention The 2016 Democratic convention concluded with Hillary Clinton's paean to American exceptionalism. She contrasted "morning in America" with Donald Trump's "the barbarians are at the gates." In addition to the stark contrast in the vision of the two candidates, we learned five things at the conventions.
Friday, July 29, 20165 Takeaways from the Democratic Convention The 2016 Democratic convention concluded with Hillary Clinton's paean to American exceptionalism. She contrasted "morning in America" with Donald Trump's "the barbarians are at the gates." In addition to the stark contrast in the vision of the two candidates, we learned five things at the conventions.
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Friday, December 11, 2020
Trump Crazy, Republicans Crazy Like most of you, i cannot wait until Donald Trump leaves the White House and the daily onslaught of Trump "news" ceases. Unfortunately, while Trump will move on to the netherworld, the political madness will continue. The most difficult 2020 election lesson is that Trump is not the cause of Republican insanity, he is its symptom.
Friday, December 11, 2020Trump Crazy, Republicans Crazy Like most of you, i cannot wait until Donald Trump leaves the White House and the daily onslaught of Trump "news" ceases. Unfortunately, while Trump will move on to the netherworld, the political madness will continue. The most difficult 2020 election lesson is that Trump is not the cause of Republican insanity, he is its symptom.
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Friday, November 9, 2018
Ten Midterm Takeaways The results of the 2018 midterm election are in. Democrats achieved some, but not all, of their objectives. Here are ten takeaways from the November 6th results.
Friday, November 9, 2018Ten Midterm Takeaways The results of the 2018 midterm election are in. Democrats achieved some, but not all, of their objectives. Here are ten takeaways from the November 6th results.
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Friday, July 5, 2019
What Does "Electability" Mean? Since the June 26-27 Democratic Presidential debates, the candidate rankings have shifted and it now appears the Democratic nomination is up for grabs. The winner will be determined by voters perception of which candidate is most electable.
Friday, July 5, 2019What Does "Electability" Mean? Since the June 26-27 Democratic Presidential debates, the candidate rankings have shifted and it now appears the Democratic nomination is up for grabs. The winner will be determined by voters perception of which candidate is most electable.
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Friday, June 12, 2020
Trump's Three Bets On June 6th, Joe Biden officially won the Democratic nomination for President. There's a stark contrast between the style and policies of Biden and the Republican candidate, Donald Trump. At the moment, Trump is the underdog; however, we all remember what happened in 2016. Trump is planning another come-from-behind victory; he's betting that his positions on three national problems will swing the election odds in his favor.
Friday, June 12, 2020Trump's Three Bets On June 6th, Joe Biden officially won the Democratic nomination for President. There's a stark contrast between the style and policies of Biden and the Republican candidate, Donald Trump. At the moment, Trump is the underdog; however, we all remember what happened in 2016. Trump is planning another come-from-behind victory; he's betting that his positions on three national problems will swing the election odds in his favor.
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Friday, June 3, 2011
The US and Israel: A Failed Marriage Since 1948, when the United States recognized the state of Israel, twelve US Presidents have shaken the hands of Israeli leaders and pledged "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part." Sadly, this once happy marriage is in trouble. It's time for the US to reconsider its commitment to Israel.
Friday, June 3, 2011The US and Israel: A Failed Marriage Since 1948, when the United States recognized the state of Israel, twelve US Presidents have shaken the hands of Israeli leaders and pledged "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part." Sadly, this once happy marriage is in trouble. It's time for the US to reconsider its commitment to Israel.
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Friday, March 13, 2015
What Do Republicans Stand For? 20 months before the 2016 presidential election, the Republican Party is floundering. Unlike the Democrats, where Hillary Clinton is the clear presidential favorite, there's no frontrunner for the GOP nomination. More important, it's unclear what Republicans stand for -- other than hatred of President Obama.
Friday, March 13, 2015What Do Republicans Stand For? 20 months before the 2016 presidential election, the Republican Party is floundering. Unlike the Democrats, where Hillary Clinton is the clear presidential favorite, there's no frontrunner for the GOP nomination. More important, it's unclear what Republicans stand for -- other than hatred of President Obama.
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Friday, February 16, 2018
Forecasting the Midterm Elections in the West The 2018 midterm elections will occur on November 6th. Democrats have been predicting a "blue wave," but recently there's been an uptick of support for President Trump and, as a result, Democrats are nervous. Nonetheless, the eleven western states look positive for Dems.
Friday, February 16, 2018Forecasting the Midterm Elections in the West The 2018 midterm elections will occur on November 6th. Democrats have been predicting a "blue wave," but recently there's been an uptick of support for President Trump and, as a result, Democrats are nervous. Nonetheless, the eleven western states look positive for Dems.
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Saturday, February 1, 2020
This is How it Ends, Not with a Bang but a Whimper When I learned that Senate Republicans had blocked witness testimony for the Impeachment Trial, I was reminded of the concluding line from T.S. Eliot's 1925 poem, "The Hollow Men:" "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper." I wasn't surprised that Republicans voted to let Trump off the hook; I was surprised that their coverup was so brazen.
Saturday, February 1, 2020This is How it Ends, Not with a Bang but a Whimper When I learned that Senate Republicans had blocked witness testimony for the Impeachment Trial, I was reminded of the concluding line from T.S. Eliot's 1925 poem, "The Hollow Men:" "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper." I wasn't surprised that Republicans voted to let Trump off the hook; I was surprised that their coverup was so brazen.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
Why Did the Obama Agenda Stall? In 2009, President Obama had an ambitious legislative agenda but Congress passed little of it. Whose fault was this? The conventional wisdom blames the Democratic majority in the Senate. From the July 7th swearing in of Democratic Senator Al Franken, to the February 4th installation of Republican Senator Scott Brown, Democrats had a 60-vote Senate majority. They spent most of the seven months quibbling about healthcare reform
Friday, February 12, 2010Why Did the Obama Agenda Stall? In 2009, President Obama had an ambitious legislative agenda but Congress passed little of it. Whose fault was this? The conventional wisdom blames the Democratic majority in the Senate. From the July 7th swearing in of Democratic Senator Al Franken, to the February 4th installation of Republican Senator Scott Brown, Democrats had a 60-vote Senate majority. They spent most of the seven months quibbling about healthcare reform
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Friday, February 25, 2011
Ronald Reagan: Setting the Record Straight Shakespeare wrote, "The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones." In American politics the process is reversed, as the longer a President is out of office the more his reputation is sanitized. Tricky Dick Nixon is recast as a "statesman." And Ronald Reagan, who did more than any contemporary President to kill the American dream, is elevated to sainthood.
Friday, February 25, 2011Ronald Reagan: Setting the Record Straight Shakespeare wrote, "The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones." In American politics the process is reversed, as the longer a President is out of office the more his reputation is sanitized. Tricky Dick Nixon is recast as a "statesman." And Ronald Reagan, who did more than any contemporary President to kill the American dream, is elevated to sainthood.
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Friday, December 28, 2018
Trump's Slow-Motion Nervous Breakdown To say the least, Donald Trump is a polarizing figure. For this reason, it's easy for the Left to dismiss his behavior as "crazy." Nonetheless, even by Trump standards, the last few weeks have been unusually bizarre. It's time for Americans to consider that Trump may have crossed the line from congenitally obnoxious to clinically insane.
Friday, December 28, 2018Trump's Slow-Motion Nervous Breakdown To say the least, Donald Trump is a polarizing figure. For this reason, it's easy for the Left to dismiss his behavior as "crazy." Nonetheless, even by Trump standards, the last few weeks have been unusually bizarre. It's time for Americans to consider that Trump may have crossed the line from congenitally obnoxious to clinically insane.
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Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bush's "Pottery Barn" Legacy George Bush's inept handling of Iraq and Israel has established his legacy: The "pottery Barn" disorder.
Thursday, July 20, 2006Bush's "Pottery Barn" Legacy George Bush's inept handling of Iraq and Israel has established his legacy: The "pottery Barn" disorder.
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Friday, July 28, 2017
Trump: Bring Back the Fifties In March of 2016, presidential candidate Donald Trump was asked: "Your slogan is 'Make America Great Again,' When was America actually great?" Trump responded that America was last great in the late forties and the fifties. Sorry Donald; I remember that period and it wasn't great.
Friday, July 28, 2017Trump: Bring Back the Fifties In March of 2016, presidential candidate Donald Trump was asked: "Your slogan is 'Make America Great Again,' When was America actually great?" Trump responded that America was last great in the late forties and the fifties. Sorry Donald; I remember that period and it wasn't great.
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Friday, March 30, 2012
The Politics of THE HUNGER GAMES "The Hunger Games" movie had a multimillion-dollar weekend opening and seems destined to be the most successful film of the year. Which is remarkable because it's a political movie set in a not-too-distant America and expresses themes that are familiar and disturbing.
Friday, March 30, 2012The Politics of THE HUNGER GAMES "The Hunger Games" movie had a multimillion-dollar weekend opening and seems destined to be the most successful film of the year. Which is remarkable because it's a political movie set in a not-too-distant America and expresses themes that are familiar and disturbing.
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Friday, November 4, 2011
A New Declaration Of Independence The preamble of the United States Declaration of Independence declares: ""whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter and abolish it, and to institute new Government." Occupy Wall Street is an assertion by 99 percent of Americans that our government denies us "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." The movement must create a new Declaration of Independence.
Friday, November 4, 2011A New Declaration Of Independence The preamble of the United States Declaration of Independence declares: ""whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter and abolish it, and to institute new Government." Occupy Wall Street is an assertion by 99 percent of Americans that our government denies us "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." The movement must create a new Declaration of Independence.
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Friday, June 19, 2020
California's Economic Problems On June 17th, California "celebrated" the three-month anniversary of Governor Gavin Newsom's "shelter-in-place" order. The good news is that we're serious about dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic; the bad news is that the combination of the pandemic and "shelter-in-place" order has had a devastating impact on the California economy.
Friday, June 19, 2020California's Economic Problems On June 17th, California "celebrated" the three-month anniversary of Governor Gavin Newsom's "shelter-in-place" order. The good news is that we're serious about dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic; the bad news is that the combination of the pandemic and "shelter-in-place" order has had a devastating impact on the California economy.
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Friday, October 26, 2018
Voter Suppression in the 2018 Midterms We're less than two weeks away from the November 6th midterm elections and the strategies of each Party are well defined. Democrats are determined to rally their base and to encourage Independents and inconsistent voters to go to the polls. Republicans are determined to get out their base and to suppress the vote of everyone else.
Friday, October 26, 2018Voter Suppression in the 2018 Midterms We're less than two weeks away from the November 6th midterm elections and the strategies of each Party are well defined. Democrats are determined to rally their base and to encourage Independents and inconsistent voters to go to the polls. Republicans are determined to get out their base and to suppress the vote of everyone else.
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Friday, November 19, 2010
Obama Watch: Day 17 - The Missing Mojo The Left Coast is on high alert, waiting for someone to find President Obama's mojo. It had been missing for most of the year, but no one in the Administration thought it was a problem until the November 2nd shellacking. Now Dems are holding their breath, praying for Barack Obama to get his act together.
Friday, November 19, 2010Obama Watch: Day 17 - The Missing Mojo The Left Coast is on high alert, waiting for someone to find President Obama's mojo. It had been missing for most of the year, but no one in the Administration thought it was a problem until the November 2nd shellacking. Now Dems are holding their breath, praying for Barack Obama to get his act together.
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Friday, December 20, 2013
The Trans Pacific Partnership: 5 Problems Since 2010, the United States has been negotiating a secret trade deal, the Trans Pacific Partnership. If approved by Congress, this pact between the U.S. and 11 or 12 of America's Pacific Rim trade-partners would govern 40 percent of US imports and exports. So far, the negotiations are being conducted under tight security; for good reason, as there are big problems with TPP.
Friday, December 20, 2013The Trans Pacific Partnership: 5 Problems Since 2010, the United States has been negotiating a secret trade deal, the Trans Pacific Partnership. If approved by Congress, this pact between the U.S. and 11 or 12 of America's Pacific Rim trade-partners would govern 40 percent of US imports and exports. So far, the negotiations are being conducted under tight security; for good reason, as there are big problems with TPP.
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Friday, October 18, 2019
Ten Impeachment Realities Ready or not, the Impeachment of Donald Trump is coming. Before the end of 2019, the House of Representatives may vote on a variety of impeachment charges and the issue will be passed to the Senate. Here's what we've learned so far.
Friday, October 18, 2019Ten Impeachment Realities Ready or not, the Impeachment of Donald Trump is coming. Before the end of 2019, the House of Representatives may vote on a variety of impeachment charges and the issue will be passed to the Senate. Here's what we've learned so far.
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Friday, August 3, 2012
Global Climate Change: Intervention Required As an adult I've intervened to help family members come to grips with a serious addiction, such as alcoholism. In the face of irrefutable evidence that Global Climate Change is causing irreparable damage to the environment, when are you and I going to do an intervention to wean humanity from its addiction to fossil-fuel?
Friday, August 3, 2012Global Climate Change: Intervention Required As an adult I've intervened to help family members come to grips with a serious addiction, such as alcoholism. In the face of irrefutable evidence that Global Climate Change is causing irreparable damage to the environment, when are you and I going to do an intervention to wean humanity from its addiction to fossil-fuel?
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Friday, January 25, 2019
Top Ten Democratic Presidential Candidates There are 648 days until the 2020 presidential election, but it appears that Donald Trump is headed for defeat by any major candidate Democrats nominate. Nonetheless, the Democratic presidential candidate will have a lot of work to do, repairing the damage that Trump, and his Republican co-conspirators, have done to the United States. Consider the top ten Democratic candidates and discuss who might be the best leader for 2020,
Friday, January 25, 2019Top Ten Democratic Presidential Candidates There are 648 days until the 2020 presidential election, but it appears that Donald Trump is headed for defeat by any major candidate Democrats nominate. Nonetheless, the Democratic presidential candidate will have a lot of work to do, repairing the damage that Trump, and his Republican co-conspirators, have done to the United States. Consider the top ten Democratic candidates and discuss who might be the best leader for 2020,
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Friday, November 16, 2012
Election 2012: Winners and Losers Despite months of uncertainty, on October 6th Barack Obama decisively defeated Mitt Romney. There were ten other notable winners and losers in the 2012 Presidential election.
Friday, November 16, 2012Election 2012: Winners and Losers Despite months of uncertainty, on October 6th Barack Obama decisively defeated Mitt Romney. There were ten other notable winners and losers in the 2012 Presidential election.
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Friday, November 18, 2011
Politics 2012: They've Gone Too Far While the 2012 elections are twelve months away, Republicans have handed President Obama and Democrats a winning theme: "They've gone too far."
Friday, November 18, 2011Politics 2012: They've Gone Too Far While the 2012 elections are twelve months away, Republicans have handed President Obama and Democrats a winning theme: "They've gone too far."
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Friday, July 24, 2020
Malignant Trumpware The United States is beset by two viruses: COVID-19, which is highly contagious and causes respiratory distress; and Donald Trump - a form of malware, which is also contagious and causes acute psychological damage.
Friday, July 24, 2020Malignant Trumpware The United States is beset by two viruses: COVID-19, which is highly contagious and causes respiratory distress; and Donald Trump - a form of malware, which is also contagious and causes acute psychological damage.
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Friday, May 5, 2017
Explaining Trump's Base Support Donald Trump continues to be unpopular with voters, in general. However, his base overwhelmingly supports him. Why?
Friday, May 5, 2017Explaining Trump's Base Support Donald Trump continues to be unpopular with voters, in general. However, his base overwhelmingly supports him. Why?
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Sunday, September 18, 2011
Job Wars: Republicans Strike Back One week after President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress and proposed "The American Jobs Act," House Speaker John Boehner responded for the Republicans. Not with a plan to address the US jobs' crisis, but with conservative talking points that indicate how difficult it will be to pass meaningful legislation.
Sunday, September 18, 2011Job Wars: Republicans Strike Back One week after President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress and proposed "The American Jobs Act," House Speaker John Boehner responded for the Republicans. Not with a plan to address the US jobs' crisis, but with conservative talking points that indicate how difficult it will be to pass meaningful legislation.
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Friday, February 2, 2018
The Great Imposters: Reagan and Trump Donald Trump likes to compare himself to Ronald Reagan. Trump and Reagan do have a lot in common, both in terms of ideology and their approach to the office of the President. They're imposters. Reagan was an actor playing the role of President; so is Trump.
Friday, February 2, 2018The Great Imposters: Reagan and Trump Donald Trump likes to compare himself to Ronald Reagan. Trump and Reagan do have a lot in common, both in terms of ideology and their approach to the office of the President. They're imposters. Reagan was an actor playing the role of President; so is Trump.
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Friday, September 13, 2019
Trump's Search for a Big Win After a disastrous August, Donald Trump staggered into September. To some observers, Trump appeared to exhibit symptoms of a nervous breakdown; for example, spending a week defending his claim that Hurricane Dorian had threatened Alabama. He's cracking under pressure. Trump knows he is in political trouble. He's desperately searching for a big win.
Friday, September 13, 2019Trump's Search for a Big Win After a disastrous August, Donald Trump staggered into September. To some observers, Trump appeared to exhibit symptoms of a nervous breakdown; for example, spending a week defending his claim that Hurricane Dorian had threatened Alabama. He's cracking under pressure. Trump knows he is in political trouble. He's desperately searching for a big win.
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Friday, May 14, 2010
What Caused the BP Oil Leak? Magical Thinking Over the past twenty months the USA has experienced two cataclysmic disasters, the 2008 near meltdown of the financial system and the recent Gulf Coast ecological disaster resulting from a deep-sea oil leak. While both events resulted from failed oversight, they have a deeper genesis: magical thinking.
Friday, May 14, 2010What Caused the BP Oil Leak? Magical Thinking Over the past twenty months the USA has experienced two cataclysmic disasters, the 2008 near meltdown of the financial system and the recent Gulf Coast ecological disaster resulting from a deep-sea oil leak. While both events resulted from failed oversight, they have a deeper genesis: magical thinking.
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Friday, August 13, 2010
The Jobs Crisis: What Hit Us? The US is stuck in an economic quagmire featuring near ten percent unemployment. As politicians argue about the solution - massive tax cuts or increases in Federal spending - what's missing is a succinct analysis of the problem. Why has America lost 8 million jobs?
Friday, August 13, 2010The Jobs Crisis: What Hit Us? The US is stuck in an economic quagmire featuring near ten percent unemployment. As politicians argue about the solution - massive tax cuts or increases in Federal spending - what's missing is a succinct analysis of the problem. Why has America lost 8 million jobs?
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Friday, August 7, 2020
Trump's Trifecta: Update Three months ago, I wrote: "We're in the middle of a slow-motion catastrophe. The consequence of disease, depression, and Donald." Sadly, U.S. conditions have gotten worse. The latest GALLUP POLL indicates, "[only] 13% of U.S. adults are satisfied with the state of the nation."
Friday, August 7, 2020Trump's Trifecta: Update Three months ago, I wrote: "We're in the middle of a slow-motion catastrophe. The consequence of disease, depression, and Donald." Sadly, U.S. conditions have gotten worse. The latest GALLUP POLL indicates, "[only] 13% of U.S. adults are satisfied with the state of the nation."
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Friday, January 2, 2009
Ten Progressive Policies Whose Time Has Come Among the Obama Administration's highest priorities should be these ten progressive notions.
Friday, January 2, 2009Ten Progressive Policies Whose Time Has Come Among the Obama Administration's highest priorities should be these ten progressive notions.
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Thursday, June 4, 2015
Rand Paul: Libertarian Bigot As the 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls continue to pummel each other, many Americans wonder if there is a GOP candidate who expresses common sense on any key issue. At the moment, the sole GOP presidential candidate who meets this criterion is Kentucky Senator Rand Paul when he speaks about national security. Unfortunately, Paul is also a bigot.
Thursday, June 4, 2015Rand Paul: Libertarian Bigot As the 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls continue to pummel each other, many Americans wonder if there is a GOP candidate who expresses common sense on any key issue. At the moment, the sole GOP presidential candidate who meets this criterion is Kentucky Senator Rand Paul when he speaks about national security. Unfortunately, Paul is also a bigot.
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Friday, June 21, 2019
Speaking Truth to Power More and more of my friends tell me they can't bear to watch the news, because they can't stand to hear about the latest Trump outrage. Some unfortunates are afflicted with tinnitus, where they constantly hear a ringing or buzz in the background. The U.S. is subjected with the political version of this -- Trumpitus.. To deal with this backdrop of malevolence, you and I have to agree to standup and proclaim the truth.
Friday, June 21, 2019Speaking Truth to Power More and more of my friends tell me they can't bear to watch the news, because they can't stand to hear about the latest Trump outrage. Some unfortunates are afflicted with tinnitus, where they constantly hear a ringing or buzz in the background. The U.S. is subjected with the political version of this -- Trumpitus.. To deal with this backdrop of malevolence, you and I have to agree to standup and proclaim the truth.
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Friday, June 18, 2021
A Tale of Two Countries In 1859 Charles Dickens wrote: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair." Hmm. Dickens was writing about the French Revolution but his words are relevant today.
Friday, June 18, 2021A Tale of Two Countries In 1859 Charles Dickens wrote: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair." Hmm. Dickens was writing about the French Revolution but his words are relevant today.
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Saturday, September 24, 2022
Ukraine: What Happens Next? It's been seven months since Russia invaded Ukraine (February 24). It's turned into a remake of David vs. Goliath.
Saturday, September 24, 2022Ukraine: What Happens Next? It's been seven months since Russia invaded Ukraine (February 24). It's turned into a remake of David vs. Goliath.
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Friday, June 26, 2020
Five Things You Can Do About Racism It's been 57 years since Martin Luther King, Junior, gave his "I have a dream speech." And, 56 years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Over this period, too little has changed. The United States has a persistent systemic racism problem that must be fixed.
Friday, June 26, 2020Five Things You Can Do About Racism It's been 57 years since Martin Luther King, Junior, gave his "I have a dream speech." And, 56 years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Over this period, too little has changed. The United States has a persistent systemic racism problem that must be fixed.
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Friday, April 17, 2009
Dividing America with Hate Six months after a sweeping defeat in the Presidential election, Republicans have taken on an unlikely political persona, Oscar the Grouch. And judging from their muddled "Tea Parties," the GOP has adopted their new Ideology from a familiar Sesame Street Song: We're mad. Very angry, very, very angry. Real mad. Very angry, very, very angry.
Friday, April 17, 2009Dividing America with Hate Six months after a sweeping defeat in the Presidential election, Republicans have taken on an unlikely political persona, Oscar the Grouch. And judging from their muddled "Tea Parties," the GOP has adopted their new Ideology from a familiar Sesame Street Song: We're mad. Very angry, very, very angry. Real mad. Very angry, very, very angry.
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Thursday, May 14, 2015
Hillary Clinton: First Impressions On May 6th, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton held her first two fundraising events in San Francisco. I attended an afternoon event, featuring a confident, positive Clinton. While Hillary didn't address all of the questions that liberals might have asked, she gave enough specifics to win over most, if not all, Clinton skeptics.
Thursday, May 14, 2015Hillary Clinton: First Impressions On May 6th, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton held her first two fundraising events in San Francisco. I attended an afternoon event, featuring a confident, positive Clinton. While Hillary didn't address all of the questions that liberals might have asked, she gave enough specifics to win over most, if not all, Clinton skeptics.
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Friday, April 16, 2010
Tax, Baby, Tax As we approached Tax Day, April 15, there was increasing conservative rhetoric about the unfairness of US taxes. A typical lament came from conservative ideologue Grover Norquist, "The tax burden is too high. Americans should not (on average) work 3 plus months a year to pay taxes." Knowing that conservatives habitually lie about important political issues, why should we believe what they say about taxes?
Friday, April 16, 2010Tax, Baby, Tax As we approached Tax Day, April 15, there was increasing conservative rhetoric about the unfairness of US taxes. A typical lament came from conservative ideologue Grover Norquist, "The tax burden is too high. Americans should not (on average) work 3 plus months a year to pay taxes." Knowing that conservatives habitually lie about important political issues, why should we believe what they say about taxes?
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Friday, April 13, 2012
Obama vs. Romney: Class Warfare With the departure of Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney is sure to win the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination. His campaign has turned its focus to President Obama. The first week of April, both Obama and Romney spoke to the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Their speeches previewed what we're likely to hear from their two candidates over the next seven months: very different perspectives on economic fairness.
Friday, April 13, 2012Obama vs. Romney: Class Warfare With the departure of Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney is sure to win the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination. His campaign has turned its focus to President Obama. The first week of April, both Obama and Romney spoke to the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Their speeches previewed what we're likely to hear from their two candidates over the next seven months: very different perspectives on economic fairness.
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Friday, May 31, 2019
Trump's Road to Armageddon Just when we think that Donald Trump's behavior cannot become more bizarre, it does. On May 22, congressional leaders went to the White House, ostensibly to discuss a plan to rebuild America's crumbling infrastructure; Trump walked out of the meeting, after saying he would not work with Congressional Democrats until they called off all investigations. Where does this leave us? On the road to armageddon.
Friday, May 31, 2019Trump's Road to Armageddon Just when we think that Donald Trump's behavior cannot become more bizarre, it does. On May 22, congressional leaders went to the White House, ostensibly to discuss a plan to rebuild America's crumbling infrastructure; Trump walked out of the meeting, after saying he would not work with Congressional Democrats until they called off all investigations. Where does this leave us? On the road to armageddon.
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Friday, September 21, 2018
Rape and Redemption: Trump and Kavanaugh Presidential elections reflect voter concerns, as well as candidate personalities. In addition, national election results often reflect changing American norms. While the 2018 mid-term election has been touted as the year of the woman, it also mirrors our collective concern about violence against women -- the rape culture. This heightened awareness has impacted the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
Friday, September 21, 2018Rape and Redemption: Trump and Kavanaugh Presidential elections reflect voter concerns, as well as candidate personalities. In addition, national election results often reflect changing American norms. While the 2018 mid-term election has been touted as the year of the woman, it also mirrors our collective concern about violence against women -- the rape culture. This heightened awareness has impacted the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
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Thursday, April 30, 2015
Vote No On Armageddon A recent Bloomberg poll noted a disturbing political fact: Republicans are willing to support Israel even when its objectives diverge from those of the US. This ominous stance is a consequence of the fundamentalist Christian leanings of the GOP. Many Republicans blindly support Israel because they are praying for Armageddon.
Thursday, April 30, 2015Vote No On Armageddon A recent Bloomberg poll noted a disturbing political fact: Republicans are willing to support Israel even when its objectives diverge from those of the US. This ominous stance is a consequence of the fundamentalist Christian leanings of the GOP. Many Republicans blindly support Israel because they are praying for Armageddon.
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Saturday, March 12, 2022
The New World Order: Oil The February 24th Russian invasion of Ukraine has ushered in a dangerous new world order. In response to Vladimir Putin's intent to obliterate Ukraine, the US has formed a global coalition to isolate Russia. Crippling economic sanctions have been levied on Russia. This has impacted the price of oil.
Saturday, March 12, 2022The New World Order: Oil The February 24th Russian invasion of Ukraine has ushered in a dangerous new world order. In response to Vladimir Putin's intent to obliterate Ukraine, the US has formed a global coalition to isolate Russia. Crippling economic sanctions have been levied on Russia. This has impacted the price of oil.
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Friday, September 9, 2016
Trump's Traps As the 2016 presidential election enters its final phase, Hillary Clinton has a slight lead over Donald Trump. While it's still possible for Trump to win, this is unlikely to happen because of four traps he has set for himself.
Friday, September 9, 2016Trump's Traps As the 2016 presidential election enters its final phase, Hillary Clinton has a slight lead over Donald Trump. While it's still possible for Trump to win, this is unlikely to happen because of four traps he has set for himself.
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Friday, March 23, 2012
Reversing the Sixties: The 2012 Republican Agenda One of the most surprising aspects of contemporary Republican politics has been their across-the-board attack on women's health services and women's rights. Rather than an isolated misogynistic program, these attacks should be viewed as one part of a conservative agenda to role back gains made in the sixties.
Friday, March 23, 2012Reversing the Sixties: The 2012 Republican Agenda One of the most surprising aspects of contemporary Republican politics has been their across-the-board attack on women's health services and women's rights. Rather than an isolated misogynistic program, these attacks should be viewed as one part of a conservative agenda to role back gains made in the sixties.
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Friday, December 27, 2013
Pope Francis: 2013 Politician of the Year With the exception of Senator Elizabeth Warren, American politicians had a terrible year. President Obama's approval ratings plummeted along with those of Congress. Indeed, the most popular "politician" in the United States was a non-American, the new head of the Catholic Church, 77-year-old Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis.
Friday, December 27, 2013Pope Francis: 2013 Politician of the Year With the exception of Senator Elizabeth Warren, American politicians had a terrible year. President Obama's approval ratings plummeted along with those of Congress. Indeed, the most popular "politician" in the United States was a non-American, the new head of the Catholic Church, 77-year-old Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis.
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Friday, April 29, 2022
Ukraine: What We've Learned It's been more than two months since Russia invaded Ukraine (February 24). We've learned enough to be able to predict what will happen next and what the geo-political consequences will be.
Friday, April 29, 2022Ukraine: What We've Learned It's been more than two months since Russia invaded Ukraine (February 24). We've learned enough to be able to predict what will happen next and what the geo-political consequences will be.
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Friday, June 22, 2012
Obama vs. Romney: The Economy Five and half months before the election, polls find President Obama and the Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, in a virtual dead heat. The reason is the stagnant economy. While Obama holds Democrats, and Romney Republicans, Independents have swung to Romney because they dislike his economic ideas less than Obama's.
Friday, June 22, 2012Obama vs. Romney: The Economy Five and half months before the election, polls find President Obama and the Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, in a virtual dead heat. The reason is the stagnant economy. While Obama holds Democrats, and Romney Republicans, Independents have swung to Romney because they dislike his economic ideas less than Obama's.
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Friday, January 19, 2018
The Politics of Sustainability As Democrats embark on a ten-month campaign to take back Congress, it's clear they need a unifying message. Because Republicans are defined by Trump, Dems could unite on the theme, "lock him up." While satisfying, this slogan doesn't capture the depravity of Trump's reign or the fact that Republicans have sold their souls uniting behind him. A better solution for Democrats would be to focus on sustainability.
Friday, January 19, 2018The Politics of Sustainability As Democrats embark on a ten-month campaign to take back Congress, it's clear they need a unifying message. Because Republicans are defined by Trump, Dems could unite on the theme, "lock him up." While satisfying, this slogan doesn't capture the depravity of Trump's reign or the fact that Republicans have sold their souls uniting behind him. A better solution for Democrats would be to focus on sustainability.
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Friday, June 3, 2022
Everything is Broken: 5 Interventions The horrific Uvalde massacre, and the Republican non-response, confirms what many of us have thought: the U.S. political process is broken. Not "strained" or "damaged" but rather "rent asunder." America's political process can't be repaired by applying duct tape. It needs reconstructive surgery.
Friday, June 3, 2022Everything is Broken: 5 Interventions The horrific Uvalde massacre, and the Republican non-response, confirms what many of us have thought: the U.S. political process is broken. Not "strained" or "damaged" but rather "rent asunder." America's political process can't be repaired by applying duct tape. It needs reconstructive surgery.
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Thursday, April 23, 2015
Scott Walker: Mobilizing Resentment t's early in the Republican presidential primary process, but at this point former Florida governor Jeb Bush is a slight favorite. However, the latest CNN/ORC poll indicates that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is closing in on Bush. In a large GOP field that features archconservatives and outright crazies, Walker is the most disturbing because his stock-in-trade is mobilizing the resentment of working-class white voters.
Thursday, April 23, 2015Scott Walker: Mobilizing Resentment t's early in the Republican presidential primary process, but at this point former Florida governor Jeb Bush is a slight favorite. However, the latest CNN/ORC poll indicates that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is closing in on Bush. In a large GOP field that features archconservatives and outright crazies, Walker is the most disturbing because his stock-in-trade is mobilizing the resentment of working-class white voters.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Problem With Capitalism That earthquake you felt wasn't caused by the massive shifting of the earth's crust, but by something equally impressive: David Brooks agreeing with Michael Moore. Joining other pundits, the reactionary New York Times columnist and the trenchant documentary filmmaker believe American capitalism has a problem.
Thursday, October 8, 2009The Problem With Capitalism That earthquake you felt wasn't caused by the massive shifting of the earth's crust, but by something equally impressive: David Brooks agreeing with Michael Moore. Joining other pundits, the reactionary New York Times columnist and the trenchant documentary filmmaker believe American capitalism has a problem.
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Friday, June 28, 2019
Kamala's Big Night The June 26 and 27 Democratic presidential debates served two purposes: to introduce the twenty top-tier candidates and to determine who was best suited to take on Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The results were somewhat unexpected; on both debate nights the winners were women: Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.
Friday, June 28, 2019Kamala's Big Night The June 26 and 27 Democratic presidential debates served two purposes: to introduce the twenty top-tier candidates and to determine who was best suited to take on Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The results were somewhat unexpected; on both debate nights the winners were women: Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.
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Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Depressed America These are hard times in America. There's broad agreement our nation has lost its way and the U.S. is no longer "the shining light on the hill." We don't trust our leaders or believe national politicians care about the common good. Americans are uncertain and depressed.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007Depressed America These are hard times in America. There's broad agreement our nation has lost its way and the U.S. is no longer "the shining light on the hill." We don't trust our leaders or believe national politicians care about the common good. Americans are uncertain and depressed.
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Friday, June 23, 2017
Five Months of Trump: The Tipping Point Five months into the Trump regime, we've reached the tipping point. It may take more than a year to play out, but the presidency of Donald Trump is coming to an end. Meantime, congressional Republicans -- acknowledging the Administration is running out of runway -- have decided to ram through as much toxic legislation as they can while Trump is in the White House.
Friday, June 23, 2017Five Months of Trump: The Tipping Point Five months into the Trump regime, we've reached the tipping point. It may take more than a year to play out, but the presidency of Donald Trump is coming to an end. Meantime, congressional Republicans -- acknowledging the Administration is running out of runway -- have decided to ram through as much toxic legislation as they can while Trump is in the White House.
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Friday, April 10, 2015
Iran: Diplomacy or War? We're on the brink of a historic treaty to constrain Iran's nuclear capabilities, but the details are still hazy and most Americans haven't made up their minds.Before the end of June, when the details of the treaty are worked out, President Obama has to convince Congress and the US public that a rapprochement with Iran is in our long-term interest. If we turn away from this treaty, we're likely headed to war with Iran.
Friday, April 10, 2015Iran: Diplomacy or War? We're on the brink of a historic treaty to constrain Iran's nuclear capabilities, but the details are still hazy and most Americans haven't made up their minds.Before the end of June, when the details of the treaty are worked out, President Obama has to convince Congress and the US public that a rapprochement with Iran is in our long-term interest. If we turn away from this treaty, we're likely headed to war with Iran.
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
Iraq: Five Points to Remember As the Republican presidential demolition derby continues, the 2015 GOP candidates have settled on two central themes: hatred for President Obama and desire to send US troops back to Iraq to fight ISIS. While Republicans suffer from short-term memory loss, there's no reason the rest of us should forget what actually happened in Iraq (and why sending troops back there is a terrible idea).
Thursday, May 28, 2015Iraq: Five Points to Remember As the Republican presidential demolition derby continues, the 2015 GOP candidates have settled on two central themes: hatred for President Obama and desire to send US troops back to Iraq to fight ISIS. While Republicans suffer from short-term memory loss, there's no reason the rest of us should forget what actually happened in Iraq (and why sending troops back there is a terrible idea).
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Friday, September 2, 2016
False Equivalence: Trump=Clinton, Godzilla=Bambi One of the strangest aspects of the 2016 presidential campaign has been the mainstream media's decision to spend equal time criticizing Trump and Clinton. This has created a false equivalence. Imagine a political contest between Godzilla (Trump) and Bambi (Clinton). Because of the equal time rule, the nightly news would report, "Godzilla destroys Los Angeles," and then, "Bambi ravishes garden."
Friday, September 2, 2016False Equivalence: Trump=Clinton, Godzilla=Bambi One of the strangest aspects of the 2016 presidential campaign has been the mainstream media's decision to spend equal time criticizing Trump and Clinton. This has created a false equivalence. Imagine a political contest between Godzilla (Trump) and Bambi (Clinton). Because of the equal time rule, the nightly news would report, "Godzilla destroys Los Angeles," and then, "Bambi ravishes garden."
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Friday, November 18, 2022
2022 Midterms: 10 Takeaways The dust from the 2022 midterm elections has almost settled and it's time to consider what we've learned. 1.There wasn't a "red wave."
Friday, November 18, 20222022 Midterms: 10 Takeaways The dust from the 2022 midterm elections has almost settled and it's time to consider what we've learned. 1.There wasn't a "red wave."
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Friday, April 2, 2021
Whatever Happened to Personal Responsibility? It may be hard to imagine but, a couple of decades ago, Republicans described themselves as "the Party of personal responsibility." The Grand Old Party imagined itself as the Party of rugged individualists, folks who clawed their way to the top with an unstoppable combination of ambition, perseverance, and moral rectitude. Republicans claimed the moral high ground. No more.
Friday, April 2, 2021Whatever Happened to Personal Responsibility? It may be hard to imagine but, a couple of decades ago, Republicans described themselves as "the Party of personal responsibility." The Grand Old Party imagined itself as the Party of rugged individualists, folks who clawed their way to the top with an unstoppable combination of ambition, perseverance, and moral rectitude. Republicans claimed the moral high ground. No more.
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Friday, March 27, 2020
Ready or Not, Here Comes the Recession The U.S. economy is heading into recession. Washington politicians are trying to prevent this but a prolonged period of negative growth appears inevitable. What should we expect?
Friday, March 27, 2020Ready or Not, Here Comes the Recession The U.S. economy is heading into recession. Washington politicians are trying to prevent this but a prolonged period of negative growth appears inevitable. What should we expect?
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Friday, July 3, 2020
Happy Lemming Day Saturday is America's favorite summer holiday, Independence Day. In normal times, we celebrate the fourth of July with backyard barbecues or ballpark outings or beach parties. This year, because of the pandemic, most of us will "celebrate" by sheltering in place. Fortunately, on the third of July, Donald Trump will inaugurate a new national holiday, "Lemming Day."
Friday, July 3, 2020Happy Lemming Day Saturday is America's favorite summer holiday, Independence Day. In normal times, we celebrate the fourth of July with backyard barbecues or ballpark outings or beach parties. This year, because of the pandemic, most of us will "celebrate" by sheltering in place. Fortunately, on the third of July, Donald Trump will inaugurate a new national holiday, "Lemming Day."
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Friday, July 19, 2019
Do Not Take the Bait On Sunday, July 14th, Donald Trump began a barrage of racist tweets that has stirred up yet another political storm. Four Democratic female congresswomen of color were attacked by Trump. They accused him of following an "agenda of white nationalists" and asked that Americans "do not take the bait" of his divisive rhetoric. Are Trump's tweets another manifestation of his poor judgement or part of a sinister plan?
Friday, July 19, 2019Do Not Take the Bait On Sunday, July 14th, Donald Trump began a barrage of racist tweets that has stirred up yet another political storm. Four Democratic female congresswomen of color were attacked by Trump. They accused him of following an "agenda of white nationalists" and asked that Americans "do not take the bait" of his divisive rhetoric. Are Trump's tweets another manifestation of his poor judgement or part of a sinister plan?
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Friday, March 13, 2009
The Second Shoe Drops: Worsening California's Budget Crisis Californians breathed a sigh of relief on February 19th, when the state legislature ended months of political gridlock and agreed upon a $144.5 million budget. It's likely that many Golden State residents turned their attention to pressing financial concerns such as holding onto their job. Nonetheless, Californians' behavior is problematic because another serious problem has emerged: the possibility an immutable spending cap.
Friday, March 13, 2009The Second Shoe Drops: Worsening California's Budget Crisis Californians breathed a sigh of relief on February 19th, when the state legislature ended months of political gridlock and agreed upon a $144.5 million budget. It's likely that many Golden State residents turned their attention to pressing financial concerns such as holding onto their job. Nonetheless, Californians' behavior is problematic because another serious problem has emerged: the possibility an immutable spending cap.
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Friday, August 25, 2017
Game of Trump: The Battle of Charlottesville We're more than half way through season 1 of "Game of Trump" and each week's episode brings new surprises. The aftermath of the battle of Charlottesville caused Emperor Trump to reveal his true character. Meanwhile, the resistance found new energy.
Friday, August 25, 2017Game of Trump: The Battle of Charlottesville We're more than half way through season 1 of "Game of Trump" and each week's episode brings new surprises. The aftermath of the battle of Charlottesville caused Emperor Trump to reveal his true character. Meanwhile, the resistance found new energy.
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Tuesday, December 13, 2022
2022 Midterms: What We Learned The final midterm votes have been counted. Rather than being swept away in a "red wave", Democrats increased their Senate majority (51-49) with the re-election of Raphael Warnock. And the Republicans gained a slight House majority of five votes (222-213) -- with one Democratic seat (VA 4) open because of death. Here are three observations:
Tuesday, December 13, 20222022 Midterms: What We Learned The final midterm votes have been counted. Rather than being swept away in a "red wave", Democrats increased their Senate majority (51-49) with the re-election of Raphael Warnock. And the Republicans gained a slight House majority of five votes (222-213) -- with one Democratic seat (VA 4) open because of death. Here are three observations:
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Friday, October 12, 2018
Global Climate Change Comes Home There are many reasons to dislike Donald Trump. He's an unrepentant sexual predator, who lies without remorse. In addition, Trump is a bigoted bully whose only moral precept is "might makes right." The most important reason to dislike Donald is that he refuses to protect our children and grandchildren. Trump is obsessed with immediate gratification and has chosen to ignore global climate change. Now it's coming home to bit us.
Friday, October 12, 2018Global Climate Change Comes Home There are many reasons to dislike Donald Trump. He's an unrepentant sexual predator, who lies without remorse. In addition, Trump is a bigoted bully whose only moral precept is "might makes right." The most important reason to dislike Donald is that he refuses to protect our children and grandchildren. Trump is obsessed with immediate gratification and has chosen to ignore global climate change. Now it's coming home to bit us.
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Friday, March 22, 2019
Managing Traumatic Trump Disorder Just when it appears that Donald Trump's behavior cannot get any worse, it plunges to a new low. The week of March 11 brought a fresh batch of Trump outrage. For those of us suffering from Traumatic Trump Disorder, it's time to take new action to protect our mental health.
Friday, March 22, 2019Managing Traumatic Trump Disorder Just when it appears that Donald Trump's behavior cannot get any worse, it plunges to a new low. The week of March 11 brought a fresh batch of Trump outrage. For those of us suffering from Traumatic Trump Disorder, it's time to take new action to protect our mental health.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
Financial Terrorism The Wall Street meltdown in the Fall of 2008 had striking parallels to the destruction of the twin towers on September 11, 2001. In both cases there were unheeded warnings, a traumatic event, problematic initial response, and failure to punish the perpetrators. Will financial terrorism flourish, as has jihadi terrorism?
Friday, January 15, 2010Financial Terrorism The Wall Street meltdown in the Fall of 2008 had striking parallels to the destruction of the twin towers on September 11, 2001. In both cases there were unheeded warnings, a traumatic event, problematic initial response, and failure to punish the perpetrators. Will financial terrorism flourish, as has jihadi terrorism?
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Friday, May 16, 2014
Elizabeth Warren: Saving the Democrats Reading Senator Elizabeth Warren's new book, "A Fighting Chance," I thought about the parallels between her career and that of Barack Obama. Both are brilliant lawyers with inspiring personal stories. Both entered national politics running for the senate and gave well-received speeches at the Democratic convention. Obama represents a continuation of Clinton-era "third way" policies. Warren offers a strident new populism.
Friday, May 16, 2014Elizabeth Warren: Saving the Democrats Reading Senator Elizabeth Warren's new book, "A Fighting Chance," I thought about the parallels between her career and that of Barack Obama. Both are brilliant lawyers with inspiring personal stories. Both entered national politics running for the senate and gave well-received speeches at the Democratic convention. Obama represents a continuation of Clinton-era "third way" policies. Warren offers a strident new populism.
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Friday, April 6, 2018
What's Wrong With Trump, This Time? During most of Easter Week, Donald Trump was uncharacteristically silent. Then, starting on Easter Sunday, Trump tweeted that he would end DACA, "stop" NAFTA, and move troops to the Southern Border. What spurred this crazy talk?
Friday, April 6, 2018What's Wrong With Trump, This Time? During most of Easter Week, Donald Trump was uncharacteristically silent. Then, starting on Easter Sunday, Trump tweeted that he would end DACA, "stop" NAFTA, and move troops to the Southern Border. What spurred this crazy talk?
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Saturday, April 16, 2022
Ukraine: Republican Disinformation As the war in Ukraine drags on, it becomes increasingly apparent that one of the major parameters is disinformation. For example, the attitude inside Russia seems to be that Vladimir Putin's military operations are justified because Putin is protecting "the fatherland" from neo-Nazis. Pro-Putin propaganda has been disseminated throughout the world; It has infected Republican legislators.
Saturday, April 16, 2022Ukraine: Republican Disinformation As the war in Ukraine drags on, it becomes increasingly apparent that one of the major parameters is disinformation. For example, the attitude inside Russia seems to be that Vladimir Putin's military operations are justified because Putin is protecting "the fatherland" from neo-Nazis. Pro-Putin propaganda has been disseminated throughout the world; It has infected Republican legislators.
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Friday, August 5, 2016
Who Are Trump Voters? The latest Huffington Post Poll of Polls shows Hillary Clinton leading Donald Trump 47.1 percent to 39.7 percent. Many political observers feel that Trump's voter "ceiling" is 40 percent of the electorate. Who are these voters?
Friday, August 5, 2016Who Are Trump Voters? The latest Huffington Post Poll of Polls shows Hillary Clinton leading Donald Trump 47.1 percent to 39.7 percent. Many political observers feel that Trump's voter "ceiling" is 40 percent of the electorate. Who are these voters?
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Friday, May 15, 2020
The U.S. Reaches the Tipping Point The United States has reached a critical juncture in the 2020 battle against COVID-19, a "tipping point." This is epitomized by a small but hugely symbolic action: Donald Trump's refusal to wear a protective mask.
Friday, May 15, 2020The U.S. Reaches the Tipping Point The United States has reached a critical juncture in the 2020 battle against COVID-19, a "tipping point." This is epitomized by a small but hugely symbolic action: Donald Trump's refusal to wear a protective mask.
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Friday, February 23, 2018
The Four Pillars of the Russia Probe On February 16th, the Justice Department unveiled the first of four pillars of the Mueller investigation into interference in the 2016 election: the indictment of 13 Russians for Internet-based meddling. This should end Trump claims the Mueller investigation is a "hoax." The DOJ announcement suggests that we should expect many more indictments as a product of the remaining three pillars of the probe.
Friday, February 23, 2018The Four Pillars of the Russia Probe On February 16th, the Justice Department unveiled the first of four pillars of the Mueller investigation into interference in the 2016 election: the indictment of 13 Russians for Internet-based meddling. This should end Trump claims the Mueller investigation is a "hoax." The DOJ announcement suggests that we should expect many more indictments as a product of the remaining three pillars of the probe.
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Thursday, August 14, 2008
It's the Water, Stupid! It's said our primeval ancestors had a simple arithmetic system: "One, two, three, many". That describes the focus of many 2008 voters, whose concerns are the economy, energy prices, Iraq, and "those other problems." As we get closer to the presidential election, most Americans aren't worried about global warming. Maybe they will be when they turn the tap and no water comes out.
Thursday, August 14, 2008It's the Water, Stupid! It's said our primeval ancestors had a simple arithmetic system: "One, two, three, many". That describes the focus of many 2008 voters, whose concerns are the economy, energy prices, Iraq, and "those other problems." As we get closer to the presidential election, most Americans aren't worried about global warming. Maybe they will be when they turn the tap and no water comes out.
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Friday, December 8, 2006
Killing Conservatism With conservatives still reeling from their losses in the mid-term election, for the first time in six years liberals have something to cheer about. Rather than gloat about President Bush's ineptness, or the failure of the GOP-controlled 109th Congress, liberals should focus on their opportunity to sink the conservative ideology that has dominated American politics for twenty-five years.
Friday, December 8, 2006Killing Conservatism With conservatives still reeling from their losses in the mid-term election, for the first time in six years liberals have something to cheer about. Rather than gloat about President Bush's ineptness, or the failure of the GOP-controlled 109th Congress, liberals should focus on their opportunity to sink the conservative ideology that has dominated American politics for twenty-five years.
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Friday, May 25, 2018
All the President's Men: Mike Pence The Trump Administration is so dreadful they've made the George W. Bush Administration seem almost acceptable in comparison. Dubya surrounded himself with qualified staff. As awful as Bush Vice President Dick Cheney was, he had notable Washington experience: he'd served as White House Chief of Staff and as Secretary of Defense. In contrast, Pence went from conservative talk-show host to Ineffective congressman to Trump's VP.
Friday, May 25, 2018All the President's Men: Mike Pence The Trump Administration is so dreadful they've made the George W. Bush Administration seem almost acceptable in comparison. Dubya surrounded himself with qualified staff. As awful as Bush Vice President Dick Cheney was, he had notable Washington experience: he'd served as White House Chief of Staff and as Secretary of Defense. In contrast, Pence went from conservative talk-show host to Ineffective congressman to Trump's VP.
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Friday, November 23, 2012
Reappraising Obama In the last one hundred years, only four Democrats have twice been elected President: Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Obama's reelection was doubly remarkable considering the sluggish economy, the $2 billion plus spent to defeat him, and the fact that at the beginning of his campaign many Democrats were unenthusiastic. Obviously voters reappraised the President.
Friday, November 23, 2012Reappraising Obama In the last one hundred years, only four Democrats have twice been elected President: Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Obama's reelection was doubly remarkable considering the sluggish economy, the $2 billion plus spent to defeat him, and the fact that at the beginning of his campaign many Democrats were unenthusiastic. Obviously voters reappraised the President.
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Friday, September 23, 2016
What Happened to Hillary's Lead? After the Democratic convention, many Democrats breathed a sigh of relief because it appeared that Hillary Clinton had an "insurmountable" 8-point lead over Donald Trump. Two months later, that lead is almost gone and Dems are worried. What happened?
Friday, September 23, 2016What Happened to Hillary's Lead? After the Democratic convention, many Democrats breathed a sigh of relief because it appeared that Hillary Clinton had an "insurmountable" 8-point lead over Donald Trump. Two months later, that lead is almost gone and Dems are worried. What happened?
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Friday, April 23, 2021
Biden's First 3 Months So far, Joe Biden's presidency has been a success. Recent polling showed his approval rating at 59 percent. Biden has done an excellent job handling the pandemic. He's managed to pass a significant recovery plan. And his administrative efforts have largely been successful.
Friday, April 23, 2021Biden's First 3 Months So far, Joe Biden's presidency has been a success. Recent polling showed his approval rating at 59 percent. Biden has done an excellent job handling the pandemic. He's managed to pass a significant recovery plan. And his administrative efforts have largely been successful.
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Friday, November 6, 2009
What if McCain Had Won? So far, no "Obama Sucks" bumper stickers have shown up in Berkley, but it's clear that Democratic partisans are significantly less enthusiastic than they were a year ago. Many display classic signs of depression: sadness, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, hopelessness and so forth. Get a grip Dems: how would you feel if John McCain had won the election?
Friday, November 6, 2009What if McCain Had Won? So far, no "Obama Sucks" bumper stickers have shown up in Berkley, but it's clear that Democratic partisans are significantly less enthusiastic than they were a year ago. Many display classic signs of depression: sadness, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, hopelessness and so forth. Get a grip Dems: how would you feel if John McCain had won the election?
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Saturday, June 18, 2022
What to do About Inflation Americans are not lacking for things to worry about: mass shootings, extreme weather, insurrectionists, and, of course, inflation. On June 10th, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the consumer price index had increased 8.6 percent in twelve months, the largest yearly increase since December 1981. Americans are very upset by the rising costs.
Saturday, June 18, 2022What to do About Inflation Americans are not lacking for things to worry about: mass shootings, extreme weather, insurrectionists, and, of course, inflation. On June 10th, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the consumer price index had increased 8.6 percent in twelve months, the largest yearly increase since December 1981. Americans are very upset by the rising costs.
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Proud to be a Liberal Recent polls indicate that only twenty percent of voters describe themselves as "Liberal." I'm one of them, proud to be a Liberal.
Friday, September 17, 2010Proud to be a Liberal Recent polls indicate that only twenty percent of voters describe themselves as "Liberal." I'm one of them, proud to be a Liberal.
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Friday, April 15, 2011
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Debt? Last week, I received an angry email accusing me of ignoring the number one political story, "...the USA is broke and has $14 TRILLION DOLLARS worth of debt!" It wasn't unusual as many Americans are overwrought about the US public debt. Sure, it's a problem but not number one and here's why.
Friday, April 15, 2011Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Debt? Last week, I received an angry email accusing me of ignoring the number one political story, "...the USA is broke and has $14 TRILLION DOLLARS worth of debt!" It wasn't unusual as many Americans are overwrought about the US public debt. Sure, it's a problem but not number one and here's why.
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Friday, November 29, 2013
Polarization: Worse Than You Think Recent polls made it clear that Americans are fed up with acrimony and gridlock in Washington. Voters may blame Republicans more than Democrats but they're not happy with either Party. Some political observers believe that if we only had competitive elections throughout the country then we would have more moderates in Congress and, therefore, less polarization. Think again. Polarization is the new normal.
Friday, November 29, 2013Polarization: Worse Than You Think Recent polls made it clear that Americans are fed up with acrimony and gridlock in Washington. Voters may blame Republicans more than Democrats but they're not happy with either Party. Some political observers believe that if we only had competitive elections throughout the country then we would have more moderates in Congress and, therefore, less polarization. Think again. Polarization is the new normal.
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
Ready For Hillary? To no one's surprise, on April 12th former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced her entry into the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The obvious questions are: Why announce now? What is her platform? And, does Hillary Clinton have a real chance to become America's first female President?
Thursday, April 16, 2015Ready For Hillary? To no one's surprise, on April 12th former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced her entry into the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The obvious questions are: Why announce now? What is her platform? And, does Hillary Clinton have a real chance to become America's first female President?
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Friday, June 16, 2017
When Will Trump Lose His Base? After the Trump White House careened through another terrible week, Washington insiders wonder how long Trump can survive. The answer is: as long as he holds his base. Trump and his voters are locked in a deadly embrace: his base desperately wants to believe he will address their grievances and Trump is willing to lie to keep their support.
Friday, June 16, 2017When Will Trump Lose His Base? After the Trump White House careened through another terrible week, Washington insiders wonder how long Trump can survive. The answer is: as long as he holds his base. Trump and his voters are locked in a deadly embrace: his base desperately wants to believe he will address their grievances and Trump is willing to lie to keep their support.
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Friday, May 24, 2019
Joe Biden's Presidential Strategy On April 25th, former Vice-President Joe Biden launched his 2020 presidential campaign. On May 18th, Biden gave his first campaign address in Philadelphia, making clear what his strategy will be. His campaign is not policy based, it is personality based. Joe has taken the role of the anti-Trump.
Friday, May 24, 2019Joe Biden's Presidential Strategy On April 25th, former Vice-President Joe Biden launched his 2020 presidential campaign. On May 18th, Biden gave his first campaign address in Philadelphia, making clear what his strategy will be. His campaign is not policy based, it is personality based. Joe has taken the role of the anti-Trump.
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Friday, November 5, 2010
Desecrating Nancy Pelosi Imagine that a "company" faces hard times and the management "fires" one of their three top managers. You'd be surprised if the manager that was removed was the top performer of the three, the highest rated in terms of management criteria. You'd be shocked if that manager was the only woman; you'd suspect sex discrimination. But that's exactly what happened on November 2nd, when voters "fired" Nancy Pelosi.
Friday, November 5, 2010Desecrating Nancy Pelosi Imagine that a "company" faces hard times and the management "fires" one of their three top managers. You'd be surprised if the manager that was removed was the top performer of the three, the highest rated in terms of management criteria. You'd be shocked if that manager was the only woman; you'd suspect sex discrimination. But that's exactly what happened on November 2nd, when voters "fired" Nancy Pelosi.
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Thursday, December 1, 2016
Trump's Puppeteers When historians work out the details of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential victory, the most important date will be August 19th when Paul Manafort resigned as Trump campaign director. While Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon replaced Manafort, the real change happened behind the scene when reclusive billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, took control of the Trump campaign.
Thursday, December 1, 2016Trump's Puppeteers When historians work out the details of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential victory, the most important date will be August 19th when Paul Manafort resigned as Trump campaign director. While Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon replaced Manafort, the real change happened behind the scene when reclusive billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, took control of the Trump campaign.
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
Donald Trump, Cult Leader Donald Trump's unexpected presidential win is best understood as a pseudo-religious event. Trump voters saw November 8th as their last chance to "save" America. Out of desperation they joined the cult of Trump.
Thursday, December 8, 2016Donald Trump, Cult Leader Donald Trump's unexpected presidential win is best understood as a pseudo-religious event. Trump voters saw November 8th as their last chance to "save" America. Out of desperation they joined the cult of Trump.
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Friday, January 11, 2019
Trumpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall On January 8th, Donald Trump made his first "oval office" speech to the nation; a plea for his wall. It didn't work, but we learned ten things:
Friday, January 11, 2019Trumpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall On January 8th, Donald Trump made his first "oval office" speech to the nation; a plea for his wall. It didn't work, but we learned ten things:
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Friday, August 27, 2010
Republican Faith-Based Politics: The Dumbing of America Republican panic about the size of the Federal deficit is wildly inconsistent with their plea to continue Bush-era tax cuts for the rich. Nonetheless they keep harping on both themes. It's emblematic of Republican faith-based politics; they believe we're too dumb to notice their schizophrenia.
Friday, August 27, 2010Republican Faith-Based Politics: The Dumbing of America Republican panic about the size of the Federal deficit is wildly inconsistent with their plea to continue Bush-era tax cuts for the rich. Nonetheless they keep harping on both themes. It's emblematic of Republican faith-based politics; they believe we're too dumb to notice their schizophrenia.
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Friday, April 26, 2013
What's Wrong With Social Security? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." For 58 million Americans, the Social Security system works satisfactorily. Therefore, many were surprised when President Obama suggested a fix, using the chained CPI for the cost-of-living adjustment. What's wrong with the Social Security system?
Friday, April 26, 2013What's Wrong With Social Security? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." For 58 million Americans, the Social Security system works satisfactorily. Therefore, many were surprised when President Obama suggested a fix, using the chained CPI for the cost-of-living adjustment. What's wrong with the Social Security system?
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Friday, September 7, 2018
Everything Trump Touches Dies Recently, I read the best-seller, "Everything Trump Touches Dies" by Rick Wilson -- a noted Republican consultant and strategist, and #nevertrump stalwart. It's alternately terrifying and hilarious. At the conclusion Wilson offers suggestions for the "recovery" of the Republican Party. They are worth considering for what they suggest for the Democratic Party.
Friday, September 7, 2018Everything Trump Touches Dies Recently, I read the best-seller, "Everything Trump Touches Dies" by Rick Wilson -- a noted Republican consultant and strategist, and #nevertrump stalwart. It's alternately terrifying and hilarious. At the conclusion Wilson offers suggestions for the "recovery" of the Republican Party. They are worth considering for what they suggest for the Democratic Party.
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Saturday, March 21, 2020
The Pandemic Election: 10 Predictions The first U.S. Coronavirus case was reported on January 20th. Since then, 19,155 Americans have tested positive and 250 have died. There are many consequences of this pandemic but it's sure to affect the 2020 presidential election. Here are ten predictions.
Saturday, March 21, 2020The Pandemic Election: 10 Predictions The first U.S. Coronavirus case was reported on January 20th. Since then, 19,155 Americans have tested positive and 250 have died. There are many consequences of this pandemic but it's sure to affect the 2020 presidential election. Here are ten predictions.
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Why Occupy Wall Street Won't Make a Difference Occupy Wall Street is getting positive reviews and is viewed favorably by most Americans. Does OWS indicate the US political process has hit bottom and Americans are ready for radical change?
Friday, November 11, 2011Why Occupy Wall Street Won't Make a Difference Occupy Wall Street is getting positive reviews and is viewed favorably by most Americans. Does OWS indicate the US political process has hit bottom and Americans are ready for radical change?
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Friday, May 6, 2022
Abortion Politics: SCOTUS Goes Rogue When historians look back on 2022, they're likely to characterize it as "the year of the big reveal." The year Vladimir Putin was revealed as murderous thug. The year Donald Trump was revealed as feckless loser. The year Republicans were revealed as the party of white male supremacy. The year the US Supreme Court went rogue.
Friday, May 6, 2022Abortion Politics: SCOTUS Goes Rogue When historians look back on 2022, they're likely to characterize it as "the year of the big reveal." The year Vladimir Putin was revealed as murderous thug. The year Donald Trump was revealed as feckless loser. The year Republicans were revealed as the party of white male supremacy. The year the US Supreme Court went rogue.
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Friday, July 12, 2019
The Economy and the Election The latest Washington Post/ABC News poll found that Donald Trump's approval rating had risen to 44 percent. The uptick was produced by sentiment regarding Trump's handling of the economy; 51 percent saw this as a positive. What's the real story? And what can we expect as we barrel towards the 2020 presidential election?
Friday, July 12, 2019The Economy and the Election The latest Washington Post/ABC News poll found that Donald Trump's approval rating had risen to 44 percent. The uptick was produced by sentiment regarding Trump's handling of the economy; 51 percent saw this as a positive. What's the real story? And what can we expect as we barrel towards the 2020 presidential election?
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Friday, January 20, 2012
America's Mobility Problem 2012's dominant political issue will be jobs and income inequality. Recent studies suggest that we add social mobility to the list: an American born into poverty is increasingly unlikely to be able to move up and out.
Friday, January 20, 2012America's Mobility Problem 2012's dominant political issue will be jobs and income inequality. Recent studies suggest that we add social mobility to the list: an American born into poverty is increasingly unlikely to be able to move up and out.
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Friday, August 14, 2020
Another Tipping Point On August 8th, Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign reached a critical juncture in the struggle to stabilize the U.S. economy. Faced with an epic financial crisis, Trump had a leadership opportunity, a chance to bring Republicans and Democrats together to develop a realistic recovery plan. Instead Trump opted for a political stunt, signing four faux "executive orders." It was a "tipping point."
Friday, August 14, 2020Another Tipping Point On August 8th, Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign reached a critical juncture in the struggle to stabilize the U.S. economy. Faced with an epic financial crisis, Trump had a leadership opportunity, a chance to bring Republicans and Democrats together to develop a realistic recovery plan. Instead Trump opted for a political stunt, signing four faux "executive orders." It was a "tipping point."
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Friday, September 28, 2012
Why is Romney Losing? Thirty-nine days before the Presidential election, Mitt Romney doesn't appear to be the formidable challenge to President Obama that many expected. Indeed, Romney's ineptness has turned the tide in Obama's favor. What happened?
Friday, September 28, 2012Why is Romney Losing? Thirty-nine days before the Presidential election, Mitt Romney doesn't appear to be the formidable challenge to President Obama that many expected. Indeed, Romney's ineptness has turned the tide in Obama's favor. What happened?
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Friday, February 13, 2009
Marriage or Civil Union? On November 4th, while many California progressives were out of town working for Obama, golden state voters passed Proposition 8, which denied same-sex couples the right to marry. As the California Supreme Court debates the legality of this proposition, the key issue is the role of government in marriage.
Friday, February 13, 2009Marriage or Civil Union? On November 4th, while many California progressives were out of town working for Obama, golden state voters passed Proposition 8, which denied same-sex couples the right to marry. As the California Supreme Court debates the legality of this proposition, the key issue is the role of government in marriage.
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Thursday, June 30, 2016
Defending Hillary After securing the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump promised a "tell all" speech about Hillary Clinton. On June 22nd he delivered a slanderous collage of all the Clinton lies and innuendos the rightwing has circulated over the last 24 years. Those of us who believe Clinton would be a better president should be forewarned: there's more venom coming from Trump. Here's how to defend Hillary.
Thursday, June 30, 2016Defending Hillary After securing the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump promised a "tell all" speech about Hillary Clinton. On June 22nd he delivered a slanderous collage of all the Clinton lies and innuendos the rightwing has circulated over the last 24 years. Those of us who believe Clinton would be a better president should be forewarned: there's more venom coming from Trump. Here's how to defend Hillary.
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Remembering 2015: Republicans Get Conned It's hard to feel sorry for Republicans, given that they control both sides of Congress and two-thirds of state legislatures. It's difficult to feel compassion for members of a Party who, for much of the year, acted like bullies. Nonetheless, in 2015 the GOP's rank-and-file get royally conned; not once but twice.
Thursday, December 31, 2015Remembering 2015: Republicans Get Conned It's hard to feel sorry for Republicans, given that they control both sides of Congress and two-thirds of state legislatures. It's difficult to feel compassion for members of a Party who, for much of the year, acted like bullies. Nonetheless, in 2015 the GOP's rank-and-file get royally conned; not once but twice.
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Friday, October 6, 2017
Martin Luther King Jr asked "Chaos or Community?" Fifty years ago Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his last book, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?" Reading it again, in the hate-filled Trump era, brings the painful recognition that in many regards the civil rights struggle has stagnated for decades.
Friday, October 6, 2017Martin Luther King Jr asked "Chaos or Community?" Fifty years ago Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his last book, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?" Reading it again, in the hate-filled Trump era, brings the painful recognition that in many regards the civil rights struggle has stagnated for decades.
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Friday, November 10, 2017
One Year Later: Ten Lessons Learned On election day in 2016, Donald Trump surprised most of us by defeating Hillary Clinton (although he garnered only 46.1 percent of the popular vote). One year later, what have we learned?
Friday, November 10, 2017One Year Later: Ten Lessons Learned On election day in 2016, Donald Trump surprised most of us by defeating Hillary Clinton (although he garnered only 46.1 percent of the popular vote). One year later, what have we learned?
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Friday, June 1, 2018
All the President's Men: Mike Pompeo The Trump Administration is so dreadful they've made the George W. Bush Administration seem almost acceptable in comparison. Dubya surrounded himself with qualified staff. Trump has surrounded himself with syncophants. One of the most influential is the new Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.
Friday, June 1, 2018All the President's Men: Mike Pompeo The Trump Administration is so dreadful they've made the George W. Bush Administration seem almost acceptable in comparison. Dubya surrounded himself with qualified staff. Trump has surrounded himself with syncophants. One of the most influential is the new Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.
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Friday, July 13, 2018
Remind Me, What do Liberals Believe "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Recently, some Democrats have been pondering, "What are liberal values?" Preparing a response, I remembered a values column I wrote seven years ago,"One, Two, Three, What are Liberals Fighting for?" With a few changes, the column could have been written today.
Friday, July 13, 2018Remind Me, What do Liberals Believe "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Recently, some Democrats have been pondering, "What are liberal values?" Preparing a response, I remembered a values column I wrote seven years ago,"One, Two, Three, What are Liberals Fighting for?" With a few changes, the column could have been written today.
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Friday, May 29, 2020
The Pied Piper of Mar-a-Lago A familiar children's tale is "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." It's the story of grim revenge: a man is hired to do a job, does it, isn't paid, and responds by abducting 130 children. Now Donald Trump is enacting a similar narrative: leading thousands of Americans to their deaths from COVID-19.
Friday, May 29, 2020The Pied Piper of Mar-a-Lago A familiar children's tale is "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." It's the story of grim revenge: a man is hired to do a job, does it, isn't paid, and responds by abducting 130 children. Now Donald Trump is enacting a similar narrative: leading thousands of Americans to their deaths from COVID-19.
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Friday, May 1, 2020
California's Unemployment Problem We're in the second month of what looks to be a prolonged recession. In this article I'll examine how this savage economic downturn has impacted California and what will likely happen. While the situation in California will be somewhat different from that in your state, it is informative to consider the largest state and it should be relatively straightforward to extrapolate to your situation.
Friday, May 1, 2020California's Unemployment Problem We're in the second month of what looks to be a prolonged recession. In this article I'll examine how this savage economic downturn has impacted California and what will likely happen. While the situation in California will be somewhat different from that in your state, it is informative to consider the largest state and it should be relatively straightforward to extrapolate to your situation.
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Monday, September 29, 2008
Final Thoughts on the First Presidential Debate s the dust settles and the spin diminishes, the verdict is clear: while pundits called the first presidential debate a tie, voters thought Barack Obama won.
Monday, September 29, 2008Final Thoughts on the First Presidential Debate s the dust settles and the spin diminishes, the verdict is clear: while pundits called the first presidential debate a tie, voters thought Barack Obama won.
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Friday, November 3, 2017
Trump's Tax Cut Challenge After 9 plus months in office, Donald Trump has accomplished little. He's very unpopular and has failed to fulfill his major campaign promises, Major Republican donors are withdrawing funding. In response, Trump has embarked on a desperate campaign to cut taxes. Even though Republicans control Congress, tax reform faces an uphill battle.
Friday, November 3, 2017Trump's Tax Cut Challenge After 9 plus months in office, Donald Trump has accomplished little. He's very unpopular and has failed to fulfill his major campaign promises, Major Republican donors are withdrawing funding. In response, Trump has embarked on a desperate campaign to cut taxes. Even though Republicans control Congress, tax reform faces an uphill battle.
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Friday, February 7, 2020
What I Learned at the Dog Park I didn't attend the February 3rd Iowa Democratic Caucuses, but I did hold my own version of the caucus at our neighborhood dog park. The results are probably as accurate as those from Iowa: Biden lost, Bernie and Buttigieg tied for first place, and there's an opening for Bloomberg.
Friday, February 7, 2020What I Learned at the Dog Park I didn't attend the February 3rd Iowa Democratic Caucuses, but I did hold my own version of the caucus at our neighborhood dog park. The results are probably as accurate as those from Iowa: Biden lost, Bernie and Buttigieg tied for first place, and there's an opening for Bloomberg.
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Friday, April 10, 2020
Free Fall There's a classic routine featured in the early silent comedy films. Action begins when a worker digs a big hole and walks away, leaving no warning sign. Next, an innocent walker falls into the hole.
Friday, April 10, 2020Free Fall There's a classic routine featured in the early silent comedy films. Action begins when a worker digs a big hole and walks away, leaving no warning sign. Next, an innocent walker falls into the hole.
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Saturday, October 2, 2021
Extreme Measures A recent Washington Post Robert Kagan oped says what a lot of us have been thinking: the United States is heading into a constitutional crisis. Would-be dictator Donald Trump is determined to run for President in 2024 and "Trump and his Republican allies are actively preparing to ensure his victory by whatever means necessary." To deal with this existential threat to our country, it's necessary for us to take extreme measures
Saturday, October 2, 2021Extreme Measures A recent Washington Post Robert Kagan oped says what a lot of us have been thinking: the United States is heading into a constitutional crisis. Would-be dictator Donald Trump is determined to run for President in 2024 and "Trump and his Republican allies are actively preparing to ensure his victory by whatever means necessary." To deal with this existential threat to our country, it's necessary for us to take extreme measures
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Thursday, May 21, 2015
Marco Rubio: Back to the Future The surprising disintegration of Jeb Bush's presidential campaign has opened up the race for the 2016 Republican nomination, benefitting the other candidate from Florida, Senator Marco Rubio. This is a bizarre political development because Rubio is running as the second coming of George W. Bush.
Thursday, May 21, 2015Marco Rubio: Back to the Future The surprising disintegration of Jeb Bush's presidential campaign has opened up the race for the 2016 Republican nomination, benefitting the other candidate from Florida, Senator Marco Rubio. This is a bizarre political development because Rubio is running as the second coming of George W. Bush.
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Friday, April 30, 2021
What's Happening in California? After a rough year, California is on track to declare "victory" over Covid-19 on June 15th. Nonetheless, the fabric of California society has changed.
Friday, April 30, 2021What's Happening in California? After a rough year, California is on track to declare "victory" over Covid-19 on June 15th. Nonetheless, the fabric of California society has changed.
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Friday, January 26, 2018
5 Shutdown Lessons On January 19th the federal government shut down. Two days later, Democratic leaders blinked and called off the shutdown. Even though Dems didn't get what they wanted, there were important lessons learned.
Friday, January 26, 20185 Shutdown Lessons On January 19th the federal government shut down. Two days later, Democratic leaders blinked and called off the shutdown. Even though Dems didn't get what they wanted, there were important lessons learned.
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Friday, September 2, 2011
Labor Day: Dreaming of Joe Hill For many Americans, Labor Day marks the end of summer and has little to do with the Labor movement. I wonder what Joe Hill would make of the demise of unions and the struggles of American workers.
Friday, September 2, 2011Labor Day: Dreaming of Joe Hill For many Americans, Labor Day marks the end of summer and has little to do with the Labor movement. I wonder what Joe Hill would make of the demise of unions and the struggles of American workers.
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Saturday, November 20, 2021
Should We Worry About Inflation? On November 10th it was announced that the consumer price index has increased 6.2 percent in twelve months, the largest yearly increase in thirty years. This announcement coincided with a Washington Post/ABC poll showing that President Biden's approval ratings have fallen again. What should we make of this?
Saturday, November 20, 2021Should We Worry About Inflation? On November 10th it was announced that the consumer price index has increased 6.2 percent in twelve months, the largest yearly increase in thirty years. This announcement coincided with a Washington Post/ABC poll showing that President Biden's approval ratings have fallen again. What should we make of this?
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Friday, September 15, 2017
The Aftermath of Hurricane Donald In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Americans have an initial estimate of the damage. However we have yet to assess the costs of "Hurricane" Donald Trump.
Friday, September 15, 2017The Aftermath of Hurricane Donald In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Americans have an initial estimate of the damage. However we have yet to assess the costs of "Hurricane" Donald Trump.
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Friday, December 10, 2010
Barack Obama: Negotiating With Vipers In his inaugural address, John Kennedy said, "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate." JFK was referring to US deliberations with Russia, but his words apply to the current political reality. President Obama's tax cut "deal" was negotiated out of fear.
Friday, December 10, 2010Barack Obama: Negotiating With Vipers In his inaugural address, John Kennedy said, "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate." JFK was referring to US deliberations with Russia, but his words apply to the current political reality. President Obama's tax cut "deal" was negotiated out of fear.
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Friday, July 22, 2011
What's Happened to Obama? As he heads for the debt-limit showdown with Republicans, President Obama cannot be comforted by the latest Gallup Poll that shows him trailing the generic Republican Presidential candidate by five percentage points. Republicans won't vote for him; Obama has lost support among Independents and has alienated many Democrats. What happened?
Friday, July 22, 2011What's Happened to Obama? As he heads for the debt-limit showdown with Republicans, President Obama cannot be comforted by the latest Gallup Poll that shows him trailing the generic Republican Presidential candidate by five percentage points. Republicans won't vote for him; Obama has lost support among Independents and has alienated many Democrats. What happened?
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Friday, May 20, 2011
America After 9/11: Still Crazy After All These Years The death of Osama bin Laden is an opportunity to reflect upon the deterioration of the United States since the attacks on September 11, 2001. We've entered into an endless state of war and our economy teeters on the brink of collapse. And, as a people, we've developed a distinctive derangement.
Friday, May 20, 2011America After 9/11: Still Crazy After All These Years The death of Osama bin Laden is an opportunity to reflect upon the deterioration of the United States since the attacks on September 11, 2001. We've entered into an endless state of war and our economy teeters on the brink of collapse. And, as a people, we've developed a distinctive derangement.
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Friday, June 29, 2018
Telling the Truth About Immigration Donald Trump plans to make immigration and "border security" the dominant themes in the 2018 midterm election. On June 24th, Trump tweeted: "We need strength and security at the Border!... We cannot allow all of these people to invade our Country. When somebody comes in, we must immediately.., [send] them back." To respond effectively, Democrats need to tell the truth about immigration; they need t0 respond to 10 questions.
Friday, June 29, 2018Telling the Truth About Immigration Donald Trump plans to make immigration and "border security" the dominant themes in the 2018 midterm election. On June 24th, Trump tweeted: "We need strength and security at the Border!... We cannot allow all of these people to invade our Country. When somebody comes in, we must immediately.., [send] them back." To respond effectively, Democrats need to tell the truth about immigration; they need t0 respond to 10 questions.
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Friday, July 19, 2013
Racism in America: The Killing of Trayvon Martin When Barack Obama was elected President, many of us were hopeful that it signaled an end to widespread racism. We were naïve. George Zimmerman's not-guilty verdict indicates how much work remains.
Friday, July 19, 2013Racism in America: The Killing of Trayvon Martin When Barack Obama was elected President, many of us were hopeful that it signaled an end to widespread racism. We were naïve. George Zimmerman's not-guilty verdict indicates how much work remains.
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Friday, January 24, 2020
Defending Donald Trump As Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial began on January 16th, many of us wondered how Trump's legal team would respond to the serious accusations contained in the two articles of impeachment. It didn't take long to realize that these lawyers serve as an extension of Trump; they are responding in the manner we have come to expect from Trump whenever he is confronted with his misdeeds.
Friday, January 24, 2020Defending Donald Trump As Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial began on January 16th, many of us wondered how Trump's legal team would respond to the serious accusations contained in the two articles of impeachment. It didn't take long to realize that these lawyers serve as an extension of Trump; they are responding in the manner we have come to expect from Trump whenever he is confronted with his misdeeds.
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Friday, October 23, 2009
Grading Obama on Domestic Policy It's been nine months since Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Time enough to grade the job he's done and consider what we can expect over the next few months.
Friday, October 23, 2009Grading Obama on Domestic Policy It's been nine months since Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Time enough to grade the job he's done and consider what we can expect over the next few months.
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Thursday, September 17, 2015
Why Has Hillary Faltered? During the "summer of Trump," there's been a flood of negative news about Hillary Clinton. As a result, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination is closer than expected. There are five reasons why Hillary's campaign has faltered.
Thursday, September 17, 2015Why Has Hillary Faltered? During the "summer of Trump," there's been a flood of negative news about Hillary Clinton. As a result, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination is closer than expected. There are five reasons why Hillary's campaign has faltered.
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Friday, April 14, 2017
While the Media Slept Donald Trump has called the mainstream media "the enemy." But since January 20th, the media has been Trump's best friend because they have, in the main, ignored the big stories about his disastrous presidency.
Friday, April 14, 2017While the Media Slept Donald Trump has called the mainstream media "the enemy." But since January 20th, the media has been Trump's best friend because they have, in the main, ignored the big stories about his disastrous presidency.
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Thursday, July 9, 2015
Is the Culture War Over? Recently, New York Times columnist David Brooks lamented that conservative Christians are losing the culture war. Brooks suggested that conservative Christians shift focus and "nurture stable families." But Brooks is wrong; the culture war isn't over. Conservatives are stuck in a war they can't win.
Thursday, July 9, 2015Is the Culture War Over? Recently, New York Times columnist David Brooks lamented that conservative Christians are losing the culture war. Brooks suggested that conservative Christians shift focus and "nurture stable families." But Brooks is wrong; the culture war isn't over. Conservatives are stuck in a war they can't win.
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Friday, March 31, 2017
Inside Devin Nunes One of the bizarre consequences of the Congressional investigation into the connections between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia is the media attention given to a banal Republican congressman, Devin Nunes. As the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Nunes has singlehandedly blocked the House investigation into the Trump-Russia affair.
Friday, March 31, 2017Inside Devin Nunes One of the bizarre consequences of the Congressional investigation into the connections between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia is the media attention given to a banal Republican congressman, Devin Nunes. As the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Nunes has singlehandedly blocked the House investigation into the Trump-Russia affair.
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Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Ten Questions about Ukraine 2022 already seemed a grim year. Now we've added the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ("The hits keep on coming.") Here's my take on the key questions about this invasion.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022Ten Questions about Ukraine 2022 already seemed a grim year. Now we've added the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ("The hits keep on coming.") Here's my take on the key questions about this invasion.
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Friday, October 18, 2013
The New Civil War: Who is to Blame? America's continuing budget and debt-limit crises represent more than misguided political tactics. This is a conflict between two different views of who we are, what's important, and where the US is headed. It's a repeat of the ideological clash that resulted in the America's first Civil War. Who started this fight?
Friday, October 18, 2013The New Civil War: Who is to Blame? America's continuing budget and debt-limit crises represent more than misguided political tactics. This is a conflict between two different views of who we are, what's important, and where the US is headed. It's a repeat of the ideological clash that resulted in the America's first Civil War. Who started this fight?
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Friday, April 24, 2020
Trump's Trifecta We're in the middle of a slow-motion catastrophe. The consequence of disease, depression, and Donald. Here are a few thoughts about what we can do about this dire situation.
Friday, April 24, 2020Trump's Trifecta We're in the middle of a slow-motion catastrophe. The consequence of disease, depression, and Donald. Here are a few thoughts about what we can do about this dire situation.
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Friday, October 11, 2013
Inside John Boehner As the Republican shutdown of the Federal government moves into its second week, it's widely believed House Speaker John Boehner could end the impasse by permitting the continuing budget resolution and debt limit increase to be voted upon. Why won't he?
Friday, October 11, 2013Inside John Boehner As the Republican shutdown of the Federal government moves into its second week, it's widely believed House Speaker John Boehner could end the impasse by permitting the continuing budget resolution and debt limit increase to be voted upon. Why won't he?
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Friday, August 12, 2016
Trump's Missing Money If you're watching the Olympic games, you may have noticed "Hillary for President" ads. She's bought $13.6 million worth, while Donald Trump has bought none. In fact, since garnering the Republican nomination, he's spent $0 on TV. Nonetheless, the Trump campaign spent $63m in July. What happened to it?
Friday, August 12, 2016Trump's Missing Money If you're watching the Olympic games, you may have noticed "Hillary for President" ads. She's bought $13.6 million worth, while Donald Trump has bought none. In fact, since garnering the Republican nomination, he's spent $0 on TV. Nonetheless, the Trump campaign spent $63m in July. What happened to it?
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Friday, July 9, 2021
Global Climate Change he most recent Gallup Poll indicates that American voters have a lot to worry about. So many worries that voters don't seem particularly concerned about climate change. That's a problem because, in the long run, climate change is the most serious problem we face.
Friday, July 9, 2021Global Climate Change he most recent Gallup Poll indicates that American voters have a lot to worry about. So many worries that voters don't seem particularly concerned about climate change. That's a problem because, in the long run, climate change is the most serious problem we face.
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Friday, March 23, 2018
"Russian Roulette" Trump and Putin Until Robert Mueller publishes the results of his investigation into Russian intrusion in the 2016 election, David Corn and Michael Isikoff's new book, "Russian Roulette," will be the preeminent source for information about what happened; what did Russia do and why did they do it. There are four takeaways from this well-researched and disturbing book.
Friday, March 23, 2018"Russian Roulette" Trump and Putin Until Robert Mueller publishes the results of his investigation into Russian intrusion in the 2016 election, David Corn and Michael Isikoff's new book, "Russian Roulette," will be the preeminent source for information about what happened; what did Russia do and why did they do it. There are four takeaways from this well-researched and disturbing book.
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Monday, March 7, 2022
Going Rogue: The New World Order The February 24th invasion of Ukraine has ushered in a new world order. Remarkably, it's like that predicted by George Orwell in his book, 1984: three perpetually warring superstates. Putin's act of war has created a wall between Russia and most of the western world, with Ukraine, Moldava, and Georgia as disputed territory.
Monday, March 7, 2022Going Rogue: The New World Order The February 24th invasion of Ukraine has ushered in a new world order. Remarkably, it's like that predicted by George Orwell in his book, 1984: three perpetually warring superstates. Putin's act of war has created a wall between Russia and most of the western world, with Ukraine, Moldava, and Georgia as disputed territory.
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Friday, April 28, 2017
Berkeley Gets Trolled "What's happening to Berkeley? Are you safe?" our friends ask. National headlines scream: "Riots in Berkeley!" "The Death of Free Speech!" Yes, something is happening in Berkeley. We've been trolled by the hard right. And our "leaders" haven't responded effectively. Now it's time for the true defenders of free speech to step forward.
Friday, April 28, 2017Berkeley Gets Trolled "What's happening to Berkeley? Are you safe?" our friends ask. National headlines scream: "Riots in Berkeley!" "The Death of Free Speech!" Yes, something is happening in Berkeley. We've been trolled by the hard right. And our "leaders" haven't responded effectively. Now it's time for the true defenders of free speech to step forward.
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Friday, November 23, 2018
Looking Forward to 2020 The 2018 midterm-election results are in and it's clear the anticipated "blue wave" happened; Democrats rolled to a convincing victory in the House of Representatives -- gaining at least 39 seats. But it's also clear that Republican voters didn't give up; where he needed to, Donald Trump turned out his base. As a result, Republicans held onto the Senate and won key governor's races. This sets the stage for a tight race in 2020
Friday, November 23, 2018Looking Forward to 2020 The 2018 midterm-election results are in and it's clear the anticipated "blue wave" happened; Democrats rolled to a convincing victory in the House of Representatives -- gaining at least 39 seats. But it's also clear that Republican voters didn't give up; where he needed to, Donald Trump turned out his base. As a result, Republicans held onto the Senate and won key governor's races. This sets the stage for a tight race in 2020
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Friday, March 3, 2017
Trump's Kremlin Konnection In "Hamlet," Shakespeare wrote, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." What fun Shakespeare would have with Donald Trump! Imagine a play where Trump, the character, tries to dismiss his ties with Russia, and Shakespeare responds, "The scoundrel protests too much."
Friday, March 3, 2017Trump's Kremlin Konnection In "Hamlet," Shakespeare wrote, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." What fun Shakespeare would have with Donald Trump! Imagine a play where Trump, the character, tries to dismiss his ties with Russia, and Shakespeare responds, "The scoundrel protests too much."
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Friday, March 9, 2018
The Women's Wave There's continuing talk of a "wave" election in November; an election where Democrats across the nation vote in larger numbers than Republicans and take back control of Congress and many state legislatures. While a blue wave is likely, it won't be the result of superior organization by the Democratic Party. Instead it will be the result of a grassroots mobilization led by women.
Friday, March 9, 2018The Women's Wave There's continuing talk of a "wave" election in November; an election where Democrats across the nation vote in larger numbers than Republicans and take back control of Congress and many state legislatures. While a blue wave is likely, it won't be the result of superior organization by the Democratic Party. Instead it will be the result of a grassroots mobilization led by women.
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Friday, April 17, 2020
Newsom's Plan for California's Recovery On April 14, California Governor Gavin Newsom detailed what will be required before the Golden State can begin to open up, shake off the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Newsom's grim assessment stands in marked contrast to the position of Donald Trump.
Friday, April 17, 2020Newsom's Plan for California's Recovery On April 14, California Governor Gavin Newsom detailed what will be required before the Golden State can begin to open up, shake off the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Newsom's grim assessment stands in marked contrast to the position of Donald Trump.
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Friday, May 13, 2022
Ukraine: Putin Backs Down On May 9th, Vladimir Putin made a much-anticipated speech to the Russian people (Click Here ). Interspersed with familiar tropes, was a softer Putin message.
Friday, May 13, 2022Ukraine: Putin Backs Down On May 9th, Vladimir Putin made a much-anticipated speech to the Russian people (Click Here ). Interspersed with familiar tropes, was a softer Putin message.
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Friday, July 23, 2010
Is America on a Losing Track? Returning from an extended vacation in Europe, it's been impossible to ignore the dark cloud of pessimism hanging over the United States. Americans are depressed about the economy, the BP/Gulf oil spill, and the war in Afghanistan. A majority of voters feel the US is on the wrong track. Is it? And has that perception made President Obama's job impossible?
Friday, July 23, 2010Is America on a Losing Track? Returning from an extended vacation in Europe, it's been impossible to ignore the dark cloud of pessimism hanging over the United States. Americans are depressed about the economy, the BP/Gulf oil spill, and the war in Afghanistan. A majority of voters feel the US is on the wrong track. Is it? And has that perception made President Obama's job impossible?
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Friday, October 30, 2020
America's Hitler Growing up on the Left Coast, I was taught about the rise of the Third Reich, World War II, and the Holocaust tragedy. I asked myself, "If the American version of Hitler appeared in the United States, what would I do?" Now I know.
Friday, October 30, 2020America's Hitler Growing up on the Left Coast, I was taught about the rise of the Third Reich, World War II, and the Holocaust tragedy. I asked myself, "If the American version of Hitler appeared in the United States, what would I do?" Now I know.
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Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Understanding Trump Voters In the days after the November 8th disaster, Berkeley liberals shook their heads and muttered, "We must talk to Trump voters; we've got to understand them." But we faced a common problem, we didn't know anyone that voted for Trump. Fortunately, UC Berkeley Sociology professor Arlie Hochshild, did our work for us. In "Strangers in Their Own Land" Hochschild studies Trump's Tea Party supporters.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017Understanding Trump Voters In the days after the November 8th disaster, Berkeley liberals shook their heads and muttered, "We must talk to Trump voters; we've got to understand them." But we faced a common problem, we didn't know anyone that voted for Trump. Fortunately, UC Berkeley Sociology professor Arlie Hochshild, did our work for us. In "Strangers in Their Own Land" Hochschild studies Trump's Tea Party supporters.
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Thursday, August 6, 2015
Donald Trump: The Chickens Come Home to Roost Many political observers were surprised by the success of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. This is an instance of the proverbial "chickens coming home to roost." Republican politicians have grown fond of telling their constituents, "You can't trust Washington." This paved the way for Trump, the ultimate outsider.
Thursday, August 6, 2015Donald Trump: The Chickens Come Home to Roost Many political observers were surprised by the success of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. This is an instance of the proverbial "chickens coming home to roost." Republican politicians have grown fond of telling their constituents, "You can't trust Washington." This paved the way for Trump, the ultimate outsider.
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Friday, July 23, 2021
Biden's First Six Months So far, Joe Biden's presidency has been a success. Most voters continue to believe that Biden has done an excellent job handling the pandemic and the economy. As we might expect, Democrats are far more likely to approve of Biden than are Republicans.
Friday, July 23, 2021Biden's First Six Months So far, Joe Biden's presidency has been a success. Most voters continue to believe that Biden has done an excellent job handling the pandemic and the economy. As we might expect, Democrats are far more likely to approve of Biden than are Republicans.
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Friday, January 12, 2018
What to Expect in 2018 As we slosh into 2018, it's clear that while there are some negative carryovers from 2017, there's a lot that has changed for the positive over the past 12 months. We're still stuck with predator Trump and the associated madness. On the other hand, there has been a huge wave forming for -- lacking a better term -- a new women's movement. That bodes well for 2018.
Friday, January 12, 2018What to Expect in 2018 As we slosh into 2018, it's clear that while there are some negative carryovers from 2017, there's a lot that has changed for the positive over the past 12 months. We're still stuck with predator Trump and the associated madness. On the other hand, there has been a huge wave forming for -- lacking a better term -- a new women's movement. That bodes well for 2018.
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Friday, May 19, 2017
Preparing for Trump's Coup In the fifties, in Los Angeles schools, students routinely participated in civil defense drills. We were taught "appropriate" actions to take in the event of a Russian nuclear attack, such as "duck and cover." Sixty years later, many Americans are bracing for Donald Trump's attack on the foundations of our democracy. How will we respond when Trump uses some traumatic event as an excuse to claim dictatorial power?
Friday, May 19, 2017Preparing for Trump's Coup In the fifties, in Los Angeles schools, students routinely participated in civil defense drills. We were taught "appropriate" actions to take in the event of a Russian nuclear attack, such as "duck and cover." Sixty years later, many Americans are bracing for Donald Trump's attack on the foundations of our democracy. How will we respond when Trump uses some traumatic event as an excuse to claim dictatorial power?
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Obama's Tipping Point This summer there's a lot at stake in Washington. The Congress and the White House are struggling over an agreement to extend the US debt limit before the August 2 nd deadline. Meanwhile the economy has slowed and we may be sliding back into a recession, so a second stimulus is being debated. We're heading for a Tipping Point that will determine Obama's political future.
Friday, June 17, 2011Obama's Tipping Point This summer there's a lot at stake in Washington. The Congress and the White House are struggling over an agreement to extend the US debt limit before the August 2 nd deadline. Meanwhile the economy has slowed and we may be sliding back into a recession, so a second stimulus is being debated. We're heading for a Tipping Point that will determine Obama's political future.
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Swimming From Alcatraz To celebrate turning 70, I swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco. Splashing one and half miles through icy water gave me time to reflect on six similarities between my trek, life in general, and US politics.
Friday, April 29, 2011Swimming From Alcatraz To celebrate turning 70, I swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco. Splashing one and half miles through icy water gave me time to reflect on six similarities between my trek, life in general, and US politics.
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Friday, November 12, 2010
The Jobs Crisis: What Obama Should Say On November 2nd, Democrats were "shellacked" because they didn't have a coherent message about the jobs crisis. Whereas Republicans said, "Lower taxes and fewer regulations create jobs," Dems equivocated, "Let's not go back to the Bush era." To prevent another Democratic disaster in 2012, President Obama must develop a forceful jobs narrative.
Friday, November 12, 2010The Jobs Crisis: What Obama Should Say On November 2nd, Democrats were "shellacked" because they didn't have a coherent message about the jobs crisis. Whereas Republicans said, "Lower taxes and fewer regulations create jobs," Dems equivocated, "Let's not go back to the Bush era." To prevent another Democratic disaster in 2012, President Obama must develop a forceful jobs narrative.
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Thursday, June 11, 2015
Searching for Intelligent Life in the Republican Party As a Berkeley liberal, I'm convinced that whomever the Democrats nominate as their 2016 presidential candidate will soundly defeat the GOP nominee. Nonetheless, I'd like to see a sensible Republican candidate, one that agrees with me (and most voters) on the important national issues. Unfortunately, we've yet to see signs of intelligence in this set of GOP candidates.
Thursday, June 11, 2015Searching for Intelligent Life in the Republican Party As a Berkeley liberal, I'm convinced that whomever the Democrats nominate as their 2016 presidential candidate will soundly defeat the GOP nominee. Nonetheless, I'd like to see a sensible Republican candidate, one that agrees with me (and most voters) on the important national issues. Unfortunately, we've yet to see signs of intelligence in this set of GOP candidates.
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Friday, July 15, 2011
Lost in Space: The Decline of the American Spirit Fifty years after Alan Shepard became America's first astronaut, the US launched its last space shuttle, marking the end of our space program. And a new low for the American spirit.
Friday, July 15, 2011Lost in Space: The Decline of the American Spirit Fifty years after Alan Shepard became America's first astronaut, the US launched its last space shuttle, marking the end of our space program. And a new low for the American spirit.
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Friday, May 11, 2018
Mueller Inquiry Status On February 16th, the Justice Department unveiled the first of four pillars of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into interference in the 2016 election: the indictment of 13 Russians for Internet-based meddling. Since then the Mueller investigation has been quiet but there's new evidence that they are moving forward with the other three pillars of their inquiry: collusion, obstruction and hacking.
Friday, May 11, 2018Mueller Inquiry Status On February 16th, the Justice Department unveiled the first of four pillars of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into interference in the 2016 election: the indictment of 13 Russians for Internet-based meddling. Since then the Mueller investigation has been quiet but there's new evidence that they are moving forward with the other three pillars of their inquiry: collusion, obstruction and hacking.
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Friday, July 15, 2016
Hillary Can Win Big Hillary Clinton staggered out of the worst week of her 2016 presidential campaign with a 3 percent lead over Donald Trump. Nonetheless, it's likely she will move forward to a resounding victory in November. Here's what Hillary needs to do.
Friday, July 15, 2016Hillary Can Win Big Hillary Clinton staggered out of the worst week of her 2016 presidential campaign with a 3 percent lead over Donald Trump. Nonetheless, it's likely she will move forward to a resounding victory in November. Here's what Hillary needs to do.
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Friday, October 21, 2011
The New American Revolution: Occupy Wall Street While the organic Occupy Wall Street movement is similar to the spontaneous Arab Spring uprisings that began last December in Tunisia and Egypt, OWS is eerily reminiscent of the run up to the American revolutionary war.
Friday, October 21, 2011The New American Revolution: Occupy Wall Street While the organic Occupy Wall Street movement is similar to the spontaneous Arab Spring uprisings that began last December in Tunisia and Egypt, OWS is eerily reminiscent of the run up to the American revolutionary war.
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Friday, March 16, 2018
Forecasting the Midterm Elections in the Midwest The 2018 midterm elections will occur on November 6th. Democrats need to win 23 seats to take back the house and 2 seats to gain control of the Senate. This week we look at 12 midwestern states where there are a handful of opportunities for the Democrats.
Friday, March 16, 2018Forecasting the Midterm Elections in the Midwest The 2018 midterm elections will occur on November 6th. Democrats need to win 23 seats to take back the house and 2 seats to gain control of the Senate. This week we look at 12 midwestern states where there are a handful of opportunities for the Democrats.
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Friday, May 21, 2021
When Will America Get Back to Work? One year ago, as it became clear the United States was in the throes of a devastating pandemic, we lost 21 million jobs. Now we're recovering from Covid-19 but workers aren't rushing back to full employment at the pace economists expected. What's happening?
Friday, May 21, 2021When Will America Get Back to Work? One year ago, as it became clear the United States was in the throes of a devastating pandemic, we lost 21 million jobs. Now we're recovering from Covid-19 but workers aren't rushing back to full employment at the pace economists expected. What's happening?
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Friday, August 23, 2013
Why Don't Republicans Understand the Economy? On September 9 th , when Congress returns from its summer vacation, negotiations will begin on a new Federal budget and a US debt limit increase. As a quid pro quo Republicans will demand restrictions on Obamacare. Once again, this raises the specter of the GOP pushing the government into default. Why don't Republicans understand that's a terrible idea that would crater the economy?
Friday, August 23, 2013Why Don't Republicans Understand the Economy? On September 9 th , when Congress returns from its summer vacation, negotiations will begin on a new Federal budget and a US debt limit increase. As a quid pro quo Republicans will demand restrictions on Obamacare. Once again, this raises the specter of the GOP pushing the government into default. Why don't Republicans understand that's a terrible idea that would crater the economy?
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Thursday, September 18, 2008
Obama's Winning Strategy There are less than 50 days before the presidential election. The selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has energized John McCain's campaign and some national polls show him ahead of Barack Obama. What should the Democratic candidate do to shift political momentum in his favor?
Thursday, September 18, 2008Obama's Winning Strategy There are less than 50 days before the presidential election. The selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has energized John McCain's campaign and some national polls show him ahead of Barack Obama. What should the Democratic candidate do to shift political momentum in his favor?
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Saturday, October 6, 2018
Righteous Anger: Kavanaugh and Trump The confirmation process for Brett Kavanaugh began on September 4th, quickly devolved into a demolition derby, and finally has reached it's ultra-partisan conclusion. Kavanaugh will be confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. Republican actions will live on in infamy. And Democrats are united in righteous anger.
Saturday, October 6, 2018Righteous Anger: Kavanaugh and Trump The confirmation process for Brett Kavanaugh began on September 4th, quickly devolved into a demolition derby, and finally has reached it's ultra-partisan conclusion. Kavanaugh will be confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. Republican actions will live on in infamy. And Democrats are united in righteous anger.
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Friday, February 18, 2011
What Can Americans Learn From Egypt As the world watched, millions of Egyptians engaged in an eighteen-day democratic revolution. For those of us fortunate enough to live in the United States, there are five lessons to be learned from the insurrection in Egypt.
Friday, February 18, 2011What Can Americans Learn From Egypt As the world watched, millions of Egyptians engaged in an eighteen-day democratic revolution. For those of us fortunate enough to live in the United States, there are five lessons to be learned from the insurrection in Egypt.
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Friday, June 30, 2017
Searching for the Soul of the Democratic Party Writing in Politico, Bruce Bartlett complains the Republican Party has lost its way because it has ceased to champion ideas; he says the GOP has become the Party that panders "to the lowest common denominator in American politics." What Bartlett says is true, but the Democratic Party has also lost its way. Not because its ceased to champion ideas but rather because Democrats have forgotten who they are, they've lost their soul
Friday, June 30, 2017Searching for the Soul of the Democratic Party Writing in Politico, Bruce Bartlett complains the Republican Party has lost its way because it has ceased to champion ideas; he says the GOP has become the Party that panders "to the lowest common denominator in American politics." What Bartlett says is true, but the Democratic Party has also lost its way. Not because its ceased to champion ideas but rather because Democrats have forgotten who they are, they've lost their soul
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Friday, October 7, 2016
Is It Possible to Reconcile with Trump Voters? The 2016 campaign has been unusually divisive. If Hillary Clinton wins, is national unity possible?
Friday, October 7, 2016Is It Possible to Reconcile with Trump Voters? The 2016 campaign has been unusually divisive. If Hillary Clinton wins, is national unity possible?
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Friday, September 22, 2017
The Unbearable Whiteness of Being "The First White President," an Atlantic essay by Ta-Nehishi Coats, is a must read for progressives. Coats argues that Donald Trump was elected for one reason: his unapologetic whiteness. "It is often said that Trump has no real ideology, which is not true--his ideology is white supremacy, in all its truculent and sanctimonious power."
Friday, September 22, 2017The Unbearable Whiteness of Being "The First White President," an Atlantic essay by Ta-Nehishi Coats, is a must read for progressives. Coats argues that Donald Trump was elected for one reason: his unapologetic whiteness. "It is often said that Trump has no real ideology, which is not true--his ideology is white supremacy, in all its truculent and sanctimonious power."
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Friday, May 8, 2020
California's Recovery Problem Most of California is still under strict "shelter-in-place" guidelines. It appears as though we've flattened the curve and, as a result, can ease up on the "lockdown" rules that have chafed most citizens. However, before we do this, we have a couple of big hurdles to overcome.On April 29, Governor Newsom amplified his plan for reopening the Golden State.
Friday, May 8, 2020California's Recovery Problem Most of California is still under strict "shelter-in-place" guidelines. It appears as though we've flattened the curve and, as a result, can ease up on the "lockdown" rules that have chafed most citizens. However, before we do this, we have a couple of big hurdles to overcome.On April 29, Governor Newsom amplified his plan for reopening the Golden State.
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Saturday, August 14, 2021
Biden's Big Infrastructure Win On March 31st, President Joe Biden introduced his infrastructure plan, "The American Jobs Plan" (Click Here ). After four months of negotiation, on August 10th the Senate passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan plan. (Click Here)
Saturday, August 14, 2021Biden's Big Infrastructure Win On March 31st, President Joe Biden introduced his infrastructure plan, "The American Jobs Plan" (Click Here ). After four months of negotiation, on August 10th the Senate passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan plan. (Click Here)
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Friday, April 1, 2022
Ukraine: What Have We Learned? It's been five weeks since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The conflict threatens to stretch out for months; a resolution is murky. Nonetheless, we have learned several important lessons:
Friday, April 1, 2022Ukraine: What Have We Learned? It's been five weeks since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The conflict threatens to stretch out for months; a resolution is murky. Nonetheless, we have learned several important lessons:
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Saturday, July 2, 2022
The New Civil War: The 50-year Conservative Plan The June 24th Supreme Court ruling nullifying Roe v Wade should not be viewed as an isolated event but instead as the result of a fifty-year conservative strategy to supplant US democracy with plutocracy. Although culture wars are an important aspect of this strategy, conservative SCOTUS cultural rulings are not the final objective but merely a stepping-stone to the ultimate goal: weakening the Federal System.
Saturday, July 2, 2022The New Civil War: The 50-year Conservative Plan The June 24th Supreme Court ruling nullifying Roe v Wade should not be viewed as an isolated event but instead as the result of a fifty-year conservative strategy to supplant US democracy with plutocracy. Although culture wars are an important aspect of this strategy, conservative SCOTUS cultural rulings are not the final objective but merely a stepping-stone to the ultimate goal: weakening the Federal System.
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Friday, July 27, 2018
Trump Supporters, Hiding in Plain Sight In the wake of Donald Trump's disastrous July 16 meeting with Vladimir Putin, many Democrats thought, "At last Republicans will open their eyes and see Trump as a traitor and charlatan." But as the days passed, it became clear that Trump supporters weren't going to let a little thing -- such as collaboration with Russia -- dilute their adoration for the Donald. What will change this? The answer is hiding in plain sight.
Friday, July 27, 2018Trump Supporters, Hiding in Plain Sight In the wake of Donald Trump's disastrous July 16 meeting with Vladimir Putin, many Democrats thought, "At last Republicans will open their eyes and see Trump as a traitor and charlatan." But as the days passed, it became clear that Trump supporters weren't going to let a little thing -- such as collaboration with Russia -- dilute their adoration for the Donald. What will change this? The answer is hiding in plain sight.
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Saturday, November 6, 2021
Lessons from Virginia The results of the November 2nd elections were not good for Democrats but the sky is not falling. Democrats still have time to salvage the midterms if we pay attention to what went wrong; particularly in Virginia.
Saturday, November 6, 2021Lessons from Virginia The results of the November 2nd elections were not good for Democrats but the sky is not falling. Democrats still have time to salvage the midterms if we pay attention to what went wrong; particularly in Virginia.
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Friday, December 15, 2017
Trump Should Resign The news story of the year has not been Donald Trump; it has been the "#MeToo" movement, where brave women denounced sexual assault and harassment. This movement brought down Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. Now it has prompted new demands for Trump's resignation.
Friday, December 15, 2017Trump Should Resign The news story of the year has not been Donald Trump; it has been the "#MeToo" movement, where brave women denounced sexual assault and harassment. This movement brought down Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. Now it has prompted new demands for Trump's resignation.
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Friday, December 24, 2021
Mean Old World (2021) As I write this end-of-the-year column, I'm reminded of the classic blues lyric: "This is a mean old world to have to live in by yourself." My hope is that this holiday season you will be surrounded by loved ones; that you weren't forced to live through 2021 by yourself.
Friday, December 24, 2021Mean Old World (2021) As I write this end-of-the-year column, I'm reminded of the classic blues lyric: "This is a mean old world to have to live in by yourself." My hope is that this holiday season you will be surrounded by loved ones; that you weren't forced to live through 2021 by yourself.
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Friday, December 16, 2016
From Russia With Love: Donald Trump As Donald Trump's inauguration looms, there's been a lot of speculation about the nature of his relationship with Russia. Trump has frequently spoken of his admiration for the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin; Trump refers to Russia as a "partner" rather than an "adversary." Meanwhile, the CIA believes that Russian hackers helped Trump win the election. What's going on?
Friday, December 16, 2016From Russia With Love: Donald Trump As Donald Trump's inauguration looms, there's been a lot of speculation about the nature of his relationship with Russia. Trump has frequently spoken of his admiration for the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin; Trump refers to Russia as a "partner" rather than an "adversary." Meanwhile, the CIA believes that Russian hackers helped Trump win the election. What's going on?
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Friday, June 4, 2021
Polarization in California The most recent Quinnipiac Poll illustrates how polarized the US has become: 66 percent of respondents do not want Donald Trump to (re)run for President. Nonetheless, 66 percent of Republicans would like him to run. It's a dismaying and, somewhat, disheartening statistic that illustrates how divided the United states has become. To better understand this, it's useful to examine polarization in California.
Friday, June 4, 2021Polarization in California The most recent Quinnipiac Poll illustrates how polarized the US has become: 66 percent of respondents do not want Donald Trump to (re)run for President. Nonetheless, 66 percent of Republicans would like him to run. It's a dismaying and, somewhat, disheartening statistic that illustrates how divided the United states has become. To better understand this, it's useful to examine polarization in California.
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Friday, August 17, 2018
Will the Economy Determine the Midterms? By many indicators, the US economy is strong. As Donald Trump travels around the country campaigning for Republican candidates, he touts the economy as evidence that his policies are working. Will this be enough to determine the outcome of the November 6th midterm elections?
Friday, August 17, 2018Will the Economy Determine the Midterms? By many indicators, the US economy is strong. As Donald Trump travels around the country campaigning for Republican candidates, he touts the economy as evidence that his policies are working. Will this be enough to determine the outcome of the November 6th midterm elections?
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Friday, May 10, 2019
Donald Trump and the Measles Epidemic On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States and many Americans were hopeful. We were in the throes of "the great recession" but we trusted Obama to guide us out of it. We'd elected our first biracial President and many of us hoped that racism would soon be gone. By the way, the U.S. was thought to free of measles -- there were only 131 cases of circulating measles reported in 2008.
Friday, May 10, 2019Donald Trump and the Measles Epidemic On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States and many Americans were hopeful. We were in the throes of "the great recession" but we trusted Obama to guide us out of it. We'd elected our first biracial President and many of us hoped that racism would soon be gone. By the way, the U.S. was thought to free of measles -- there were only 131 cases of circulating measles reported in 2008.
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Friday, May 27, 2011
Republicans Have a Problem. So What? The Republican brain trust is gearing up for the 2012 Presidential election, stuffing their war chests and deploying an arsenal of dirty tricks. But they're having trouble finding a suitable Presidential candidate. Why should we care?
Friday, May 27, 2011Republicans Have a Problem. So What? The Republican brain trust is gearing up for the 2012 Presidential election, stuffing their war chests and deploying an arsenal of dirty tricks. But they're having trouble finding a suitable Presidential candidate. Why should we care?
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Friday, April 22, 2011
The Death of Bipartisanship At the beginning of the 112 th Congress, a Bay Area Congresswoman was invited to a Washington gathering of new Representatives, mostly Republicans. When she mentioned that, in previous eras, the two Parties had often worked together, a Republican barked, "We were sent here to shrink government, not collaborate with you." President Obama seeks bipartisanship, but most Republicans aren't interested in pursuing the common good.
Friday, April 22, 2011The Death of Bipartisanship At the beginning of the 112 th Congress, a Bay Area Congresswoman was invited to a Washington gathering of new Representatives, mostly Republicans. When she mentioned that, in previous eras, the two Parties had often worked together, a Republican barked, "We were sent here to shrink government, not collaborate with you." President Obama seeks bipartisanship, but most Republicans aren't interested in pursuing the common good.
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Wednesday, February 6, 2019
State of the Union 2019: Two Visions If you just arrived in the United States and wanted to understand the difference between the Republican and Democratic vision for America, a good place to start would have been Donald Trump's State of the Union address followed by Stacey Abrams' Democratic rejoinder.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019State of the Union 2019: Two Visions If you just arrived in the United States and wanted to understand the difference between the Republican and Democratic vision for America, a good place to start would have been Donald Trump's State of the Union address followed by Stacey Abrams' Democratic rejoinder.
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Friday, May 28, 2021
California's Water Crisis Global Climate Change affects every part of the United States. In California, there are two major climate-change consequences: ferocious wildfires and drought. When I lived in a city (Berkeley) i felt somewhat immune from these problems. Now that I live in the country (West Sonoma County) the impact is more obvious. This year we're having a water crisis.
Friday, May 28, 2021California's Water Crisis Global Climate Change affects every part of the United States. In California, there are two major climate-change consequences: ferocious wildfires and drought. When I lived in a city (Berkeley) i felt somewhat immune from these problems. Now that I live in the country (West Sonoma County) the impact is more obvious. This year we're having a water crisis.
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Friday, December 5, 2014
What Democrats Stand For: Four Messages for 2016 In the aftermath of the disastrous 2014 midterm election, former Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean observed, "You've got to stand for something if you want to win." Before 2016, Democrats must figure out what they stand for and develop coherent messages. Here are four suggestions.
Friday, December 5, 2014What Democrats Stand For: Four Messages for 2016 In the aftermath of the disastrous 2014 midterm election, former Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean observed, "You've got to stand for something if you want to win." Before 2016, Democrats must figure out what they stand for and develop coherent messages. Here are four suggestions.
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Friday, August 31, 2018
It's the Corruption, Stupid As we head for the November 6th midterm elections, it's worth remembering that Donald Trump was elected President because he promised to "drain the swamp." Instead of doing that, Trump has unleashed a tidal wave of corruption. Over the next two months, Republican corruption is the key topic Democrats must talk about.
Friday, August 31, 2018It's the Corruption, Stupid As we head for the November 6th midterm elections, it's worth remembering that Donald Trump was elected President because he promised to "drain the swamp." Instead of doing that, Trump has unleashed a tidal wave of corruption. Over the next two months, Republican corruption is the key topic Democrats must talk about.
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Friday, September 3, 2021
Afghanistan: 10 Takeaways On August 30th, The United States military left Afghanistan. This departure ended the longest war in our history, the 20-year US presence in Afghanistan. Our military command announced: "Over an 18-day period... U.S. and coalition aircraft combined to evacuate more than 123,000 civilians." There are ten takeaways from this experience.
Friday, September 3, 2021Afghanistan: 10 Takeaways On August 30th, The United States military left Afghanistan. This departure ended the longest war in our history, the 20-year US presence in Afghanistan. Our military command announced: "Over an 18-day period... U.S. and coalition aircraft combined to evacuate more than 123,000 civilians." There are ten takeaways from this experience.
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Friday, September 9, 2022
2022 Midterms: 10 Observations Two-thirds of the way through 2022, the political situation is quite different than it appeared to be on January 1st. Then, Democrats viewed the midterm elections with trepidation; now, they see them as an opportunity. Here are ten reasons why the situation has changed.
Friday, September 9, 20222022 Midterms: 10 Observations Two-thirds of the way through 2022, the political situation is quite different than it appeared to be on January 1st. Then, Democrats viewed the midterm elections with trepidation; now, they see them as an opportunity. Here are ten reasons why the situation has changed.
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Thursday, December 29, 2016
5 Resistance Resolutions As we enter a perilous new year, here are five resistance resolutions.
Thursday, December 29, 20165 Resistance Resolutions As we enter a perilous new year, here are five resistance resolutions.
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Friday, October 13, 2017
Marching with Trump "Through the Valley of the Shadow" American cultural history offers many images of walking through difficult times: "Going down the road feeling bad," "You got to walk that lonesome valley," and Psalm 23, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." At the moment, Donald Trump is marching us "through the valley of the shadow."
Friday, October 13, 2017Marching with Trump "Through the Valley of the Shadow" American cultural history offers many images of walking through difficult times: "Going down the road feeling bad," "You got to walk that lonesome valley," and Psalm 23, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." At the moment, Donald Trump is marching us "through the valley of the shadow."
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Friday, June 11, 2021
Après Trump, Le De'luge DT won't go away! The most recent Quinnipiac Poll reports that 66 percent of respondents do not want Donald Trump to (re)run for President. Nonetheless, 66 percent of Republicans wouldlike him to run again. (Not surprisingly, the same percentage of Republicans do not believe that Biden's 2020 victory was legitimate.) DT refuses to disappear and, as a result, the Republican Party keeps acting crazy. What explains this?
Friday, June 11, 2021Après Trump, Le De'luge DT won't go away! The most recent Quinnipiac Poll reports that 66 percent of respondents do not want Donald Trump to (re)run for President. Nonetheless, 66 percent of Republicans wouldlike him to run again. (Not surprisingly, the same percentage of Republicans do not believe that Biden's 2020 victory was legitimate.) DT refuses to disappear and, as a result, the Republican Party keeps acting crazy. What explains this?
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Friday, June 22, 2018
All the President's Men: Stephen Miller 515 days into Trump's presidency, three things are clear: Donald's signature issue is division; he always plays to his base; and his primary issue is immigration. Trump promised his base a wall along the southern border and he's willing to do anything to accomplish this. His most recent tactic is to generate outrage by separating immigrant families at the border. The architect of this tactic is Stephen Miller.
Friday, June 22, 2018All the President's Men: Stephen Miller 515 days into Trump's presidency, three things are clear: Donald's signature issue is division; he always plays to his base; and his primary issue is immigration. Trump promised his base a wall along the southern border and he's willing to do anything to accomplish this. His most recent tactic is to generate outrage by separating immigrant families at the border. The architect of this tactic is Stephen Miller.
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Friday, June 3, 2016
The Hillary Problem On the cusp of securing the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton has a problem: a lot of Democrats are unhappy with her campaign.
Friday, June 3, 2016The Hillary Problem On the cusp of securing the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton has a problem: a lot of Democrats are unhappy with her campaign.
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Friday, August 21, 2009
At Last Liberals Get Angry The 1976 movie classic Network is best known for the scene where deranged newsman Howard Beale (Peter Finch) persuades his viewers to join his rant, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" 33 years later, faced with the news that the Obama Administration was considering dropping the public option for healthcare, Liberals finally invoked their inner Howard Beale and got angry.
Friday, August 21, 2009At Last Liberals Get Angry The 1976 movie classic Network is best known for the scene where deranged newsman Howard Beale (Peter Finch) persuades his viewers to join his rant, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" 33 years later, faced with the news that the Obama Administration was considering dropping the public option for healthcare, Liberals finally invoked their inner Howard Beale and got angry.
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Friday, August 18, 2017
Make America Safe Again Through six months of Donald Trump the progressive resistance has been united by opposition to his policies. The good news is that we have stopped his legislative program. The bad news is that most Americans don't understand what progressives stand for, other than opposing Trump. Now's the time to bring forward an agenda that emphasizes safety.
Friday, August 18, 2017Make America Safe Again Through six months of Donald Trump the progressive resistance has been united by opposition to his policies. The good news is that we have stopped his legislative program. The bad news is that most Americans don't understand what progressives stand for, other than opposing Trump. Now's the time to bring forward an agenda that emphasizes safety.
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Friday, September 29, 2017
Trump Now Owns White Supremacy Even though despicable, Donald Trump's white-supremacist proclivities have an upside: Trump now owns white supremacy. That's an opportunity for progressives to do more than protest; it opens a window for social justice.
Friday, September 29, 2017Trump Now Owns White Supremacy Even though despicable, Donald Trump's white-supremacist proclivities have an upside: Trump now owns white supremacy. That's an opportunity for progressives to do more than protest; it opens a window for social justice.
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Monday, November 14, 2016
Why Hillary Lost It's essential that progressives learn from Hillary Clinton's devastating defeat. There are two competing theories about happened: Hillary's campaign blew it or she was cheated.
Monday, November 14, 2016Why Hillary Lost It's essential that progressives learn from Hillary Clinton's devastating defeat. There are two competing theories about happened: Hillary's campaign blew it or she was cheated.
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Friday, October 19, 2018
Jamal Khashoggi's Murder The murder of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, spotlights the moral depravity of Donald Trump. Khashoggi was an outspoken journalist -- an exemplary member of a profession Trump deplores. Khasoggi opposed the Saudi rulers -- friends of Trump. Given this background, it's no surprise that Trump is avoiding meaningful response to Khashoggi's assassination.
Friday, October 19, 2018Jamal Khashoggi's Murder The murder of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, spotlights the moral depravity of Donald Trump. Khashoggi was an outspoken journalist -- an exemplary member of a profession Trump deplores. Khasoggi opposed the Saudi rulers -- friends of Trump. Given this background, it's no surprise that Trump is avoiding meaningful response to Khashoggi's assassination.
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Friday, June 24, 2011
2012: Who's Going to Vote? On June 16 th , political pundits observed that liberals are unhappy with President Barack Obama and conservatives are displeased with GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney. If the 2012 presidential contest matches Obama and Romney, and their bases are turned off, how will this affect the outcome?
Friday, June 24, 20112012: Who's Going to Vote? On June 16 th , political pundits observed that liberals are unhappy with President Barack Obama and conservatives are displeased with GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney. If the 2012 presidential contest matches Obama and Romney, and their bases are turned off, how will this affect the outcome?
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Thursday, November 17, 2016
Trump's First Mistake Given his electoral-college victory, Donald Trump has amassed short-term political capital. Early indications are that he will fritter it away.
Thursday, November 17, 2016Trump's First Mistake Given his electoral-college victory, Donald Trump has amassed short-term political capital. Early indications are that he will fritter it away.
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Friday, May 15, 2009
Global Warming: Through a Glass Darkly The Washington DC Sierra Club Symposium on Climate Recovery brought more alarming news about global warming. Humans are threatened with extinction. The question that vexed the symposium participants was how best to convey this horrendous information to the Obama administration; how to get them to take action when they are consumed by other problems.
Friday, May 15, 2009Global Warming: Through a Glass Darkly The Washington DC Sierra Club Symposium on Climate Recovery brought more alarming news about global warming. Humans are threatened with extinction. The question that vexed the symposium participants was how best to convey this horrendous information to the Obama administration; how to get them to take action when they are consumed by other problems.
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Friday, November 25, 2016
Building the Trump Resistance With the election of Donald Trump, the US has lurched towards political and social turmoil, an era where democracy is under attack. Progressives have a moral obligation to resist autocracy and injustice. Here are eight steps for building an effective resistance to Trump.
Friday, November 25, 2016Building the Trump Resistance With the election of Donald Trump, the US has lurched towards political and social turmoil, an era where democracy is under attack. Progressives have a moral obligation to resist autocracy and injustice. Here are eight steps for building an effective resistance to Trump.
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Friday, January 9, 2015
Republicans Aren't Job Creators As the Republican-controlled 114th Congress convenes, the GOP will unveil their program for the next two years. Republicans claim most of their initiatives will create jobs, but this is far from the truth. When the GOP trumpets "new jobs," it's typically a ploy to divert gullible Americans from the true Republican agenda: lining the pockets of the rich.
Friday, January 9, 2015Republicans Aren't Job Creators As the Republican-controlled 114th Congress convenes, the GOP will unveil their program for the next two years. Republicans claim most of their initiatives will create jobs, but this is far from the truth. When the GOP trumpets "new jobs," it's typically a ploy to divert gullible Americans from the true Republican agenda: lining the pockets of the rich.
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Friday, January 6, 2012
2012: Will the Left Support Obama? January 1 st marked the beginning of the transformative year predicted by the Mayan Calendar. Whether or not you believe that on December 21 st a cataclysmic event will occur, you can agree that on November 6 th there will be a monumental Presidential election to determine whether US democracy survives. An election the left can impact if they decide to support Barrack Obama and Democrats in general.
Friday, January 6, 20122012: Will the Left Support Obama? January 1 st marked the beginning of the transformative year predicted by the Mayan Calendar. Whether or not you believe that on December 21 st a cataclysmic event will occur, you can agree that on November 6 th there will be a monumental Presidential election to determine whether US democracy survives. An election the left can impact if they decide to support Barrack Obama and Democrats in general.
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Pirates Threaten Washington As US warships approached, on February 22 nd four American hostages were killed by Somali pirates. It was an ominous harbinger of the crisis in Washington, where Republican pirates are holding hostage the legislative process and threatening to kill the American dream unless their ransom demands are met.
Friday, March 4, 2011Pirates Threaten Washington As US warships approached, on February 22 nd four American hostages were killed by Somali pirates. It was an ominous harbinger of the crisis in Washington, where Republican pirates are holding hostage the legislative process and threatening to kill the American dream unless their ransom demands are met.
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Saturday, October 16, 2021
The View from the Barricades: The Labor Market If you're confused by the state of the US economy, you're not alone. Market watchers know that stocks are sending confusing signals. Some "experts" say we are in a recovery, other predict big problems. In August, consumer sentiment (Click Here ) hit a decade low. The unemployment rate is falling but tens of thousands of workers are leaving the labor market. What's happening?
Saturday, October 16, 2021The View from the Barricades: The Labor Market If you're confused by the state of the US economy, you're not alone. Market watchers know that stocks are sending confusing signals. Some "experts" say we are in a recovery, other predict big problems. In August, consumer sentiment (Click Here ) hit a decade low. The unemployment rate is falling but tens of thousands of workers are leaving the labor market. What's happening?
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Friday, April 1, 2011
When Bad Things Happen to Good Americans In 1981, in response to the death of his son, Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote the classic "When Bad Things Happen to Good People". In recent days there's been such bad news about jobs and unemployment that Rabbi Kushner should consider writing a sequel: "When Bad Things Happen to Good Americans."
Friday, April 1, 2011When Bad Things Happen to Good Americans In 1981, in response to the death of his son, Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote the classic "When Bad Things Happen to Good People". In recent days there's been such bad news about jobs and unemployment that Rabbi Kushner should consider writing a sequel: "When Bad Things Happen to Good Americans."
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Friday, May 10, 2013
Who's to Blame for Long-Term Unemployment? May 3 rd brought news that the unemployment rate has dipped to 7.5 percent and there's been an alarming rise in the suicide rate for middle-aged Americans. According to the Center for Disease Control, "The [suicide] increase does coincide with a decrease in financial standing for a lot of families"" 4.35 million Americans have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks. Whose fault is this?
Friday, May 10, 2013Who's to Blame for Long-Term Unemployment? May 3 rd brought news that the unemployment rate has dipped to 7.5 percent and there's been an alarming rise in the suicide rate for middle-aged Americans. According to the Center for Disease Control, "The [suicide] increase does coincide with a decrease in financial standing for a lot of families"" 4.35 million Americans have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks. Whose fault is this?
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Friday, February 22, 2013
The Keystone Pipeline: Which Side Are You On? On Sunday, February 17th, 40,000 Americans gathered in Washington, DC, to protest against approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Thousands more demonstrated in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and other US cities. Nonetheless, a recent Harris Poll found 69 percent of respondents supported it. However, Environmentalists believe pipeline approval would be a tipping point in the fight against global climate change
Friday, February 22, 2013The Keystone Pipeline: Which Side Are You On? On Sunday, February 17th, 40,000 Americans gathered in Washington, DC, to protest against approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Thousands more demonstrated in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and other US cities. Nonetheless, a recent Harris Poll found 69 percent of respondents supported it. However, Environmentalists believe pipeline approval would be a tipping point in the fight against global climate change
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Friday, March 10, 2017
Indivisible: Social Action Startup Some of the most exciting days of my life occurred in the late 80's when I was involved in a technology startup, Cisco Systems. 29 years later I'm involved in another exciting startup, Indivisible.
Friday, March 10, 2017Indivisible: Social Action Startup Some of the most exciting days of my life occurred in the late 80's when I was involved in a technology startup, Cisco Systems. 29 years later I'm involved in another exciting startup, Indivisible.
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Friday, April 21, 2017
Reaching Out to Trump Voters On April 17th, my Berkeley Indivisible group hosted a two-hour discussion on "Reaching out to Trump voters," featuring UC professors Arlie Hochschild and George Lakoff. Participants learned how to approach a group that some consider a lost cause.
Friday, April 21, 2017Reaching Out to Trump Voters On April 17th, my Berkeley Indivisible group hosted a two-hour discussion on "Reaching out to Trump voters," featuring UC professors Arlie Hochschild and George Lakoff. Participants learned how to approach a group that some consider a lost cause.
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Friday, August 12, 2011
One, Two, Three, What Are Liberals Fighting For? These are hard times. The weather's bad and the economy awful. Obama has lost his mojo and 14 million Americans are unemployed. Many Liberals are discouraged and fearful about the 2012 election. But there's plenty of time to reenergize, so long as Liberals remember who we are and what we are fighting for.
Friday, August 12, 2011One, Two, Three, What Are Liberals Fighting For? These are hard times. The weather's bad and the economy awful. Obama has lost his mojo and 14 million Americans are unemployed. Many Liberals are discouraged and fearful about the 2012 election. But there's plenty of time to reenergize, so long as Liberals remember who we are and what we are fighting for.
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Friday, November 21, 2014
Five Lessons From the Midterm Elections Democrats got shellacked on November 4th. Republicans gained at least 8 Senate seats, 12 House seats, and 3 governorships. Democratic partisans spread the blame around: President Obama, Party leaders, lethargic blue voters, and a hostile media. Nonetheless, there are five elementary lessons to be learned from the debacle.
Friday, November 21, 2014Five Lessons From the Midterm Elections Democrats got shellacked on November 4th. Republicans gained at least 8 Senate seats, 12 House seats, and 3 governorships. Democratic partisans spread the blame around: President Obama, Party leaders, lethargic blue voters, and a hostile media. Nonetheless, there are five elementary lessons to be learned from the debacle.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Lessons Liberals Learned It's been over two months since the devastating presidential election; time enough for liberals to ask each other, "What lessons did we learn?" Four come to mind.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017Lessons Liberals Learned It's been over two months since the devastating presidential election; time enough for liberals to ask each other, "What lessons did we learn?" Four come to mind.
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Friday, January 20, 2017
It's Midnight in America 33 years ago, Ronald Reagan was elected President in large part because of his TV ad, "It's morning in America." "It's morning again in America, and under the leadership of President Reagan, our country is prouder and stronger and better." For many Americans, the inauguration of Donald Trump foretells a period of darkness, "It's midnight in America."
Friday, January 20, 2017It's Midnight in America 33 years ago, Ronald Reagan was elected President in large part because of his TV ad, "It's morning in America." "It's morning again in America, and under the leadership of President Reagan, our country is prouder and stronger and better." For many Americans, the inauguration of Donald Trump foretells a period of darkness, "It's midnight in America."
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Friday, August 24, 2018
Elizabeth's Big Idea As the United States approaches the critical November 6th midterm elections, Democratic candidates convey three themes: costs, wages, and corruption. While aspects of the corruption theme are readily apparent -- almost every week some Republican big wig is indicted for corruption, what has been lacking is a "big picture" proposal to address inequity. Now, Senator Elizabeth Warren has proposed a sweeping reform of capitalism.
Friday, August 24, 2018Elizabeth's Big Idea As the United States approaches the critical November 6th midterm elections, Democratic candidates convey three themes: costs, wages, and corruption. While aspects of the corruption theme are readily apparent -- almost every week some Republican big wig is indicted for corruption, what has been lacking is a "big picture" proposal to address inequity. Now, Senator Elizabeth Warren has proposed a sweeping reform of capitalism.
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Friday, February 5, 2021
Evaluating Biden On the one hand we know we can't relax -- the forces of crazy are still trying to disrupt U.S. democracy -- but on the other hand it's exhilarating to have a President who is not a constant irritation, who (every day) isn't a danger to push the nuclear button and blow us all up. Joe Biden has done well so far, but he has a very difficult job. 6 months from now, what should we reasonably expect him to have accomplished?
Friday, February 5, 2021Evaluating Biden On the one hand we know we can't relax -- the forces of crazy are still trying to disrupt U.S. democracy -- but on the other hand it's exhilarating to have a President who is not a constant irritation, who (every day) isn't a danger to push the nuclear button and blow us all up. Joe Biden has done well so far, but he has a very difficult job. 6 months from now, what should we reasonably expect him to have accomplished?
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Friday, September 30, 2011
There is no Political Middle Ground The defining characterisitic of the 112 th Congress has been extreme Republican partisanship, an unprecedented willingness to hold the Federal government hostage until conservative demands are satisfied. The GOP tactic has disrupted the US and demolished the myth of a middle ground in American politics.
Friday, September 30, 2011There is no Political Middle Ground The defining characterisitic of the 112 th Congress has been extreme Republican partisanship, an unprecedented willingness to hold the Federal government hostage until conservative demands are satisfied. The GOP tactic has disrupted the US and demolished the myth of a middle ground in American politics.
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Saturday, January 8, 2022
Coming to Grips with the Insurrection As we begin 2022, we're not lacking for challenges. There's the pandemic, climate change, economic turbulence, and political instability. A year after January 6, 2021, I had hoped that some of these challenges would disappear. That Republicans would accept that Joe Biden was lawfully elected President and those responsible for the January 6th insurrection were traitorous criminals. Sadly all of these challenges continue.
Saturday, January 8, 2022Coming to Grips with the Insurrection As we begin 2022, we're not lacking for challenges. There's the pandemic, climate change, economic turbulence, and political instability. A year after January 6, 2021, I had hoped that some of these challenges would disappear. That Republicans would accept that Joe Biden was lawfully elected President and those responsible for the January 6th insurrection were traitorous criminals. Sadly all of these challenges continue.
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Friday, January 7, 2011
Barack Obama and the Three Envelopes The frantic final days of the 111 th Congress were an emotional rollercoaster that mirrored Barack Obama's first two years as President. As he prepares to run for reelection in 2012, he faces grave national problems, a recalcitrant 112 th Congress, and disgruntled Democrats. Obama should reread the classic management tale of the "three envelopes".
Friday, January 7, 2011Barack Obama and the Three Envelopes The frantic final days of the 111 th Congress were an emotional rollercoaster that mirrored Barack Obama's first two years as President. As he prepares to run for reelection in 2012, he faces grave national problems, a recalcitrant 112 th Congress, and disgruntled Democrats. Obama should reread the classic management tale of the "three envelopes".
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Friday, June 7, 2013
The Heartless Economy In January of 1968, Dr. Norman Shumway performed the first successful US adult heart transplant at Stanford Hospital in California. At the time, some complained the millions of dollars spent on the operation should have instead been used to feed the thousands of starving children in nearby communities. Nonetheless, the transplants continued and millions of children went hungry. A metaphor for the nature of the US economy.
Friday, June 7, 2013The Heartless Economy In January of 1968, Dr. Norman Shumway performed the first successful US adult heart transplant at Stanford Hospital in California. At the time, some complained the millions of dollars spent on the operation should have instead been used to feed the thousands of starving children in nearby communities. Nonetheless, the transplants continued and millions of children went hungry. A metaphor for the nature of the US economy.
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Friday, January 30, 2015
Republicans Try To Bully US Into Attacking Iran So far, the Republican-controlled 114th Congress has attacked women's reproductive rights and savaged undocumented immigrants. Now they want to bully the Administration into attacking Iran.
Friday, January 30, 2015Republicans Try To Bully US Into Attacking Iran So far, the Republican-controlled 114th Congress has attacked women's reproductive rights and savaged undocumented immigrants. Now they want to bully the Administration into attacking Iran.
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Friday, May 7, 2021
It's the Jobs, Stupid! Judging from the amount of political email I've been receiving, Democrats are running scared, afraid they will lose the 2022 midterm elections. Dems fear that they'll squander a historic opportunity to put America on the right course. Fortunately, it appears that Joe Biden knows what he is doing and he's determined to make job creation the centerpiece of his presidency.
Friday, May 7, 2021It's the Jobs, Stupid! Judging from the amount of political email I've been receiving, Democrats are running scared, afraid they will lose the 2022 midterm elections. Dems fear that they'll squander a historic opportunity to put America on the right course. Fortunately, it appears that Joe Biden knows what he is doing and he's determined to make job creation the centerpiece of his presidency.
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Friday, June 13, 2014
Clinton vs. Warren: Problem or Opportunity? Many who saw the remarkable conversation between Senator Elizabeth Warren and economist Thomas Piketty on economic inequality, got the impression that Warren was preparing to run for President. Warren's candidacy alarms some Democrats because it raises the specter of a battle for the Democratic nomination that might divide the Party. But there's a substantial upside.
Friday, June 13, 2014Clinton vs. Warren: Problem or Opportunity? Many who saw the remarkable conversation between Senator Elizabeth Warren and economist Thomas Piketty on economic inequality, got the impression that Warren was preparing to run for President. Warren's candidacy alarms some Democrats because it raises the specter of a battle for the Democratic nomination that might divide the Party. But there's a substantial upside.
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Friday, July 6, 2018
Democrats Need to Stay Cool The midterm elections happen in four months. in the interim, we'll have to endure a daily barrage of Trump. Some days, American politics are very depressing; we have to resist the impulse to stay in bed and hide under the covers. To prevail in November, Democrats must stay cool and do the political organizing we know how to do.
Friday, July 6, 2018Democrats Need to Stay Cool The midterm elections happen in four months. in the interim, we'll have to endure a daily barrage of Trump. Some days, American politics are very depressing; we have to resist the impulse to stay in bed and hide under the covers. To prevail in November, Democrats must stay cool and do the political organizing we know how to do.
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Thursday, September 3, 2015
10 Reasons Trump Wins GOP Nomination New York real-estate mogul and media personality, Donald Trump, is the odds-on favorite to win the Republican presidential nomination. Here are the top ten reasons why Trump will prevail.
Thursday, September 3, 201510 Reasons Trump Wins GOP Nomination New York real-estate mogul and media personality, Donald Trump, is the odds-on favorite to win the Republican presidential nomination. Here are the top ten reasons why Trump will prevail.
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Friday, July 10, 2020
Searching for Optimism We're halfway through the worst year most of us can imagine and it's difficult to feel optimistic about the future. In the United States there has been a resurgence of coronavirus cases. The economy teeters on the brink of a depression. And President Trump has abandoned his post. Nonetheless, there's a ray of hope: once you acknowledge the social order is broken, you can set about rebuilding it.
Friday, July 10, 2020Searching for Optimism We're halfway through the worst year most of us can imagine and it's difficult to feel optimistic about the future. In the United States there has been a resurgence of coronavirus cases. The economy teeters on the brink of a depression. And President Trump has abandoned his post. Nonetheless, there's a ray of hope: once you acknowledge the social order is broken, you can set about rebuilding it.
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Friday, February 17, 2017
One Month of Trump 28 days into the Trump regime it's worse than expected. Here's what we've learned.
Friday, February 17, 2017One Month of Trump 28 days into the Trump regime it's worse than expected. Here's what we've learned.
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Friday, February 24, 2017
Coping with Trump Stress Disorder A month into the Trump Administration, many Americans are stressed out. A recent study by the American Psychological Association revealed, "More Americans reporting symptoms of stress and citing personal safety and terrorism as sources of stress." 57 percent of respondents said "the current political climate is a very or somewhat significant source of stress."
Friday, February 24, 2017Coping with Trump Stress Disorder A month into the Trump Administration, many Americans are stressed out. A recent study by the American Psychological Association revealed, "More Americans reporting symptoms of stress and citing personal safety and terrorism as sources of stress." 57 percent of respondents said "the current political climate is a very or somewhat significant source of stress."
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Friday, December 14, 2018
Searching for Trump's Tipping Point Twelve months ago, Donald Trump's presidential approval rating averaged 38 percent. Now, the 538 website suggests that Trump's approval rating has improved to 42 percent. Thus, after two chaotic years, a significant segment of the electorate continues to approve of Trump's White House performance. What accounts for this?
Friday, December 14, 2018Searching for Trump's Tipping Point Twelve months ago, Donald Trump's presidential approval rating averaged 38 percent. Now, the 538 website suggests that Trump's approval rating has improved to 42 percent. Thus, after two chaotic years, a significant segment of the electorate continues to approve of Trump's White House performance. What accounts for this?
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Monday, October 17, 2016
The Election's Tipping Point Months from now, as we look back at the 2016 presidential election, we'll argue about several possible tipping points that moved voters towards Hillary Clinton. Was it when she survived FBI Director Comey's speech about her emails? Was it when she decisively defeated Donald Trump in the first presidential debate? Was it one of Trump's tweet-storm fugues? It was Michelle Obama's speech on October 13th.
Monday, October 17, 2016The Election's Tipping Point Months from now, as we look back at the 2016 presidential election, we'll argue about several possible tipping points that moved voters towards Hillary Clinton. Was it when she survived FBI Director Comey's speech about her emails? Was it when she decisively defeated Donald Trump in the first presidential debate? Was it one of Trump's tweet-storm fugues? It was Michelle Obama's speech on October 13th.
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Thursday, March 1, 2018
Forecasting the Midterm Elections in the South The 2018 midterm elections will occur on November 6th. Democrats need to win 24 seats to take back the house and 2 seats to gain control of the Senate. This week we look at the 11 southern states where there are a handful of opportunities for the Democrats.
Thursday, March 1, 2018Forecasting the Midterm Elections in the South The 2018 midterm elections will occur on November 6th. Democrats need to win 24 seats to take back the house and 2 seats to gain control of the Senate. This week we look at the 11 southern states where there are a handful of opportunities for the Democrats.
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Friday, July 2, 2021
Biden's Infrastructure Strategy On March 31st, President Joe Biden introduced his infrastructure plan, "The American Jobs Plan." This is an omnibus $2 trillion plan to repair the major holes in America's infrastructure, and to create jobs. After three months of negotiation, it appears that Congress will pass at least a $1 trillion bipartisan plan.
Friday, July 2, 2021Biden's Infrastructure Strategy On March 31st, President Joe Biden introduced his infrastructure plan, "The American Jobs Plan." This is an omnibus $2 trillion plan to repair the major holes in America's infrastructure, and to create jobs. After three months of negotiation, it appears that Congress will pass at least a $1 trillion bipartisan plan.
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Friday, July 1, 2011
It's the Values, Stupid! President Obama's April 13 th speech about the economy emphasized cornerstone American values. Voters must understand these values to fully comprehend what's at stake as Democrats battle Republicans over the Federal debt limit and budget for the 14 months prior to the 2012 election.
Friday, July 1, 2011It's the Values, Stupid! President Obama's April 13 th speech about the economy emphasized cornerstone American values. Voters must understand these values to fully comprehend what's at stake as Democrats battle Republicans over the Federal debt limit and budget for the 14 months prior to the 2012 election.
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Wednesday, January 23, 2008
What Do Liberals Believe? As we sail into the murky political waters of 2008, it's useful for liberals (progressives) to remember our core beliefs. Two elemental American narratives illuminate these values: the triumphant individual and the benevolent community.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008What Do Liberals Believe? As we sail into the murky political waters of 2008, it's useful for liberals (progressives) to remember our core beliefs. Two elemental American narratives illuminate these values: the triumphant individual and the benevolent community.
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Friday, August 28, 2020
2020 Republican Convention: 10 Takeaways One week after the Democratic convention came the Republican gathering. If the underlying theme of the Dems convention was "Unity: we are in this together," the underlying theme of the GOP conclave was "Only Trump can save us." An early speaker described Trumps as the "bodyguard of Western civilization" It was in all regards the Trump show. There were 10 takeaways.
Friday, August 28, 20202020 Republican Convention: 10 Takeaways One week after the Democratic convention came the Republican gathering. If the underlying theme of the Dems convention was "Unity: we are in this together," the underlying theme of the GOP conclave was "Only Trump can save us." An early speaker described Trumps as the "bodyguard of Western civilization" It was in all regards the Trump show. There were 10 takeaways.
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Friday, September 5, 2008
Schizoid John Before he became the Republican presidential nominee, John McCain suffered through five and a half years as a POW and eight years of the Bush Administration. Sadly, these horrific experiences eroded his mental faculties and when the Arizona Senator finally took the stage at the St. Paul Republican Convention he flubbed his big chance. McCain's speech was like biting into a chocolate candy and inside finding a turd.
Friday, September 5, 2008Schizoid John Before he became the Republican presidential nominee, John McCain suffered through five and a half years as a POW and eight years of the Bush Administration. Sadly, these horrific experiences eroded his mental faculties and when the Arizona Senator finally took the stage at the St. Paul Republican Convention he flubbed his big chance. McCain's speech was like biting into a chocolate candy and inside finding a turd.
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Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Who Killed Tom Fox? Why and What's the Reason For? Tom Fox was a 54-year-old Virginia Quaker whose body was found in Iraq on Friday, March 10th. Tom died from gunshot wounds to his head and chest. His hands had been tied and there were cuts on his body and bruises on his head.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006Who Killed Tom Fox? Why and What's the Reason For? Tom Fox was a 54-year-old Virginia Quaker whose body was found in Iraq on Friday, March 10th. Tom died from gunshot wounds to his head and chest. His hands had been tied and there were cuts on his body and bruises on his head.
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Friday, March 7, 2014
The War on Democracy: The Deep State Over the course of the past decade, the doyens of the left, Peter Dale Scott and Noam Chomsky, began to use the term "deep state" to refer to the relatively small number of Washington and Wall Street player who actually control America. Now former GOP congressional senior staff member, Mike Lofgren, has elaborated the concept.
Friday, March 7, 2014The War on Democracy: The Deep State Over the course of the past decade, the doyens of the left, Peter Dale Scott and Noam Chomsky, began to use the term "deep state" to refer to the relatively small number of Washington and Wall Street player who actually control America. Now former GOP congressional senior staff member, Mike Lofgren, has elaborated the concept.
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Thursday, October 13, 2016
Trump's October Surprise Many observers believe that between now and election day there will be dueling political revelations: details of Donald Trump's behavior with women -- Trump has the profile of a sexual predator -- and emails from Podesta and other Clinton campaign insiders. Nonetheless, the ultimate "October Surprise" is likely to be the details of Trump's relationship with Russia.
Thursday, October 13, 2016Trump's October Surprise Many observers believe that between now and election day there will be dueling political revelations: details of Donald Trump's behavior with women -- Trump has the profile of a sexual predator -- and emails from Podesta and other Clinton campaign insiders. Nonetheless, the ultimate "October Surprise" is likely to be the details of Trump's relationship with Russia.
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Thursday, August 7, 2008
Framing the Election Three months before the 2008 Presidential election, we know the parameters of the contest. McCain's fear campaign will be relentlessly negative. Both sides will spend obscene amounts of money. Roughly half the states will be in play. And, the frames will be simple: age, continuity, and scope of vision.
Thursday, August 7, 2008Framing the Election Three months before the 2008 Presidential election, we know the parameters of the contest. McCain's fear campaign will be relentlessly negative. Both sides will spend obscene amounts of money. Roughly half the states will be in play. And, the frames will be simple: age, continuity, and scope of vision.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2016
The Birth of the Stupid Party Republicans are handing their presidential nomination to a know-nothing billionaire bully, Donald Trump -- the worst nominee in modern times. How did Republicans get to be so stupid?
Wednesday, May 25, 2016The Birth of the Stupid Party Republicans are handing their presidential nomination to a know-nothing billionaire bully, Donald Trump -- the worst nominee in modern times. How did Republicans get to be so stupid?
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Friday, April 27, 2018
Christianity Goes Astray When I was a teenager, my grandfather Harry used to dine with us most nights. After dinner he would deliver a homily, usually, "Beware the Russians!" Grandpa Harry warned us about the Russians because they would say and do anything to win. If he was alive now, Harry would still fear the Russians, but he would also warn of Christians, because some are willing to say and do anything to win. Witness their support for Donald Trump
Friday, April 27, 2018Christianity Goes Astray When I was a teenager, my grandfather Harry used to dine with us most nights. After dinner he would deliver a homily, usually, "Beware the Russians!" Grandpa Harry warned us about the Russians because they would say and do anything to win. If he was alive now, Harry would still fear the Russians, but he would also warn of Christians, because some are willing to say and do anything to win. Witness their support for Donald Trump
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Thursday, January 12, 2017
Meet Trump's Politburo For your convenience, here's a guide to the working relationships that will guide the Trump presidency:
Thursday, January 12, 2017Meet Trump's Politburo For your convenience, here's a guide to the working relationships that will guide the Trump presidency:
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Friday, September 4, 2009
Afghanistan: What are We Fighting For? The delivery of a status report from the commander of Allied forces in Afghanistan, Lt. General Stanley McChrystal, is certain to rekindle a debate about the objectives, resource requirements, and duration of US involvement. After eight years in Afghanistan it's unclear what we are fighting for.
Friday, September 4, 2009Afghanistan: What are We Fighting For? The delivery of a status report from the commander of Allied forces in Afghanistan, Lt. General Stanley McChrystal, is certain to rekindle a debate about the objectives, resource requirements, and duration of US involvement. After eight years in Afghanistan it's unclear what we are fighting for.
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Friday, July 22, 2016
Meet Donald Trump If you just beamed onto planet earth, you probably were shocked to learn that New Yorker Donald Trump, a celebrity entrepreneur, is the Republican presidential nominee. Here's what you need to know about him.
Friday, July 22, 2016Meet Donald Trump If you just beamed onto planet earth, you probably were shocked to learn that New Yorker Donald Trump, a celebrity entrepreneur, is the Republican presidential nominee. Here's what you need to know about him.
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Friday, November 15, 2013
Global Climate Change: A Blow to the Head As evidence mounts that global climate change is dramatically impacting our lives, resistance hardens. What will cause Americans to address this grave danger? Perhaps the answer lies in the campaign to reduce traumatic head injuries in American football.
Friday, November 15, 2013Global Climate Change: A Blow to the Head As evidence mounts that global climate change is dramatically impacting our lives, resistance hardens. What will cause Americans to address this grave danger? Perhaps the answer lies in the campaign to reduce traumatic head injuries in American football.
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Friday, December 26, 2008
2008: The Worst and Best In a tumultuous year, ten political events stood out.
Friday, December 26, 20082008: The Worst and Best In a tumultuous year, ten political events stood out.
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Friday, February 9, 2018
Pelosi's Marathon I like Nancy Pelosi. She's a smart, hard-working, progressive leader. But she's getting old, so there have been calls for her to step aside. That's why her February 7th, 8 hour 10 minute filibuster is worthy of mention. When it counts, Pelosi still has what it takes.
Friday, February 9, 2018Pelosi's Marathon I like Nancy Pelosi. She's a smart, hard-working, progressive leader. But she's getting old, so there have been calls for her to step aside. That's why her February 7th, 8 hour 10 minute filibuster is worthy of mention. When it counts, Pelosi still has what it takes.
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Saturday, November 7, 2020
2020 Presidential Election: What Happened? The evening of November 3rd had a rocky start; it initially appeared that 2020 was to be a reprise of 2016 -- that Donald Trump would, once again, defy the odds and steal the presidency. Then the tide turned, Biden won Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. By Friday we learned that Biden had probably won Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. On Saturday, the Biden-Harris ticket prevailed. But not by the margins Dems hoped.
Saturday, November 7, 20202020 Presidential Election: What Happened? The evening of November 3rd had a rocky start; it initially appeared that 2020 was to be a reprise of 2016 -- that Donald Trump would, once again, defy the odds and steal the presidency. Then the tide turned, Biden won Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. By Friday we learned that Biden had probably won Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. On Saturday, the Biden-Harris ticket prevailed. But not by the margins Dems hoped.
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Friday, December 30, 2011
2011 Politics: The Best and Worst "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," Charles Dickens wrote describing the period before the 1789 French Revolution. For America's rich, the 1 percent, 2011 was the best of times; for everyone else, the 99 percent, it was the worst of times.
Friday, December 30, 20112011 Politics: The Best and Worst "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," Charles Dickens wrote describing the period before the 1789 French Revolution. For America's rich, the 1 percent, 2011 was the best of times; for everyone else, the 99 percent, it was the worst of times.
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Friday, February 7, 2014
Questioning Authority: Edward Snowden f you weren't alive on the evening of March 8, 1971, you probably don't understand what a big deal it was when 8 anti-war activists burglarized the Media, Pennsylvania, FBI office. As detailed in Betty Medsger's book, The Burglary: The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover's Secret FBI, the fallout from the break-in changed the way Americans view the FBI. Moreover, the Media burglars set the stage for Edward Snowden's NSA revelations
Friday, February 7, 2014Questioning Authority: Edward Snowden f you weren't alive on the evening of March 8, 1971, you probably don't understand what a big deal it was when 8 anti-war activists burglarized the Media, Pennsylvania, FBI office. As detailed in Betty Medsger's book, The Burglary: The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover's Secret FBI, the fallout from the break-in changed the way Americans view the FBI. Moreover, the Media burglars set the stage for Edward Snowden's NSA revelations
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Friday, December 23, 2011
A Christmas Carol for 2011 It's been 168 years since Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol to illustrate the horrific living conditions of the English poor and promote the true nature of Christmas. If Dickens were still alive, he'd be compelled to update his tale.
Friday, December 23, 2011A Christmas Carol for 2011 It's been 168 years since Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol to illustrate the horrific living conditions of the English poor and promote the true nature of Christmas. If Dickens were still alive, he'd be compelled to update his tale.
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Friday, March 18, 2022
Ukraine: The Tipping Point It's been three weeks since Russia invaded Ukraine and the Western world is wondering: "How can we bring this horrible war to an end and spare the lives of millions of innocent Ukrainians?" We're searching for a tipping point; searching for a way out.
Friday, March 18, 2022Ukraine: The Tipping Point It's been three weeks since Russia invaded Ukraine and the Western world is wondering: "How can we bring this horrible war to an end and spare the lives of millions of innocent Ukrainians?" We're searching for a tipping point; searching for a way out.
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Friday, August 31, 2012
Mitt Romney: The Great White Hope To secure the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination, Mitt Romney had to take increasingly conservative positions. Many observers expected that once he became the nominee, Romney would move towards the political middle ground. But he hasn't. His campaign has taken even more extreme stances because Romney believes it is the only way he can attract the votes of working-class whites.
Friday, August 31, 2012Mitt Romney: The Great White Hope To secure the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination, Mitt Romney had to take increasingly conservative positions. Many observers expected that once he became the nominee, Romney would move towards the political middle ground. But he hasn't. His campaign has taken even more extreme stances because Romney believes it is the only way he can attract the votes of working-class whites.
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Friday, October 26, 2012
Four Keys to an Obama Victory Ten days before the presidential election, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are locked in a tight contest. The Obama campaign needs to do four things to pull victory out of the fire.
Friday, October 26, 2012Four Keys to an Obama Victory Ten days before the presidential election, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are locked in a tight contest. The Obama campaign needs to do four things to pull victory out of the fire.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
Trump's Big Deal Even though Donald Trump often appears to be out of control, he's executing a disciplined political strategy to tighten his grip on the Republican base. Nonetheless, to hold onto power, Trump's going to have to move beyond his base. To accomplish this, he's working on his biggest deal.
Friday, September 1, 2017Trump's Big Deal Even though Donald Trump often appears to be out of control, he's executing a disciplined political strategy to tighten his grip on the Republican base. Nonetheless, to hold onto power, Trump's going to have to move beyond his base. To accomplish this, he's working on his biggest deal.
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Friday, April 8, 2011
Libya: In America's National Interest? On March 28, President Obama defended his decision to deploy US air power In Libya. After Libyan despot Moammar Gaddafi attacked his own people, Obama decided that protection of Libyan civilians was in America's "national interest." But it's not obvious that it is.
Friday, April 8, 2011Libya: In America's National Interest? On March 28, President Obama defended his decision to deploy US air power In Libya. After Libyan despot Moammar Gaddafi attacked his own people, Obama decided that protection of Libyan civilians was in America's "national interest." But it's not obvious that it is.
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Thursday, October 20, 2016
Debate 3: Smackdown at the HRC Corral The third presidential debate had the elements of a classic Hollywood western. A robber-baron, Donald Trump, tries to takeover the town; the inhabitants turn, incongruously, to the local "schoolmarm", Hillary Clinton. They meet in an epic "battle" and the good woman forces the bad guy into mistake after mistake. At the end, Hillary walked into the audience, smiling, while Trump remained on stage, petrified.
Thursday, October 20, 2016Debate 3: Smackdown at the HRC Corral The third presidential debate had the elements of a classic Hollywood western. A robber-baron, Donald Trump, tries to takeover the town; the inhabitants turn, incongruously, to the local "schoolmarm", Hillary Clinton. They meet in an epic "battle" and the good woman forces the bad guy into mistake after mistake. At the end, Hillary walked into the audience, smiling, while Trump remained on stage, petrified.
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Friday, October 15, 2010
An Enemy of the People: Texas Money vs. Clean Air Ibsen's AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE tells of Thomas Stockman who warns Norwegians that their town's tourist attraction, public baths, is a contaminated health hazard. Manipulated by wealthy polluters, the townspeople turn against Stockman and brand him "enemy of the people." Now a similar drama is being played out in California where wealthy polluters are trying to convince voters to repeal the state's clean air act (AB 32)
Friday, October 15, 2010An Enemy of the People: Texas Money vs. Clean Air Ibsen's AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE tells of Thomas Stockman who warns Norwegians that their town's tourist attraction, public baths, is a contaminated health hazard. Manipulated by wealthy polluters, the townspeople turn against Stockman and brand him "enemy of the people." Now a similar drama is being played out in California where wealthy polluters are trying to convince voters to repeal the state's clean air act (AB 32)
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Monday, November 21, 2016
Was Hillary Cheated? At this writing, Hillary Clinton has won the 2016 presidential popular vote by 1.7 million votes (1.3 percent). Unfortunately, she lost the electoral college (232 to 290) because Donald Trump carried the 13 swing states by an aggregate 850,000 votes (1.9 percent). Many Democrats think Hillary was cheated; they believe there were nefarious political tricks that cost her the election. There's not a clear-cut case.
Monday, November 21, 2016Was Hillary Cheated? At this writing, Hillary Clinton has won the 2016 presidential popular vote by 1.7 million votes (1.3 percent). Unfortunately, she lost the electoral college (232 to 290) because Donald Trump carried the 13 swing states by an aggregate 850,000 votes (1.9 percent). Many Democrats think Hillary was cheated; they believe there were nefarious political tricks that cost her the election. There's not a clear-cut case.
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Friday, February 27, 2015
Good Obama, Bad Obama During the last two years of a President's second term pundits begin discussing his "legacy." How will historians judge Barack Obama? Conservatives believe he will be loathed. Liberals tend to be more generous, however many of us believe Obama will be remembered as a mixed bag, a mixture of good and bad policies.
Friday, February 27, 2015Good Obama, Bad Obama During the last two years of a President's second term pundits begin discussing his "legacy." How will historians judge Barack Obama? Conservatives believe he will be loathed. Liberals tend to be more generous, however many of us believe Obama will be remembered as a mixed bag, a mixture of good and bad policies.
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Friday, August 20, 2021
The Tragedy of Afghanistan National telethons used to be an annual event. (The longest running was the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon; which closed in 2012.) If telethons reappear, I'm going to host the Bob Burnett Telethon to cure short attention span. I'll highlight the protracted failure of Americans to pay attention to the tragedy of Afghanistan.
Friday, August 20, 2021The Tragedy of Afghanistan National telethons used to be an annual event. (The longest running was the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon; which closed in 2012.) If telethons reappear, I'm going to host the Bob Burnett Telethon to cure short attention span. I'll highlight the protracted failure of Americans to pay attention to the tragedy of Afghanistan.
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Friday, October 8, 2010
The Jobs Crisis: Hard Times and Tough Choices Here in California, I've been calling voters, asking them to vote no on Proposition 23 -" the Texas Oil attempt to roll back our enlightened environmental law (AB32). I've been impressed both by voters' determination to defeat Proposition 23 and their reports of hard times. Many voters say they are hurting financially.
Friday, October 8, 2010The Jobs Crisis: Hard Times and Tough Choices Here in California, I've been calling voters, asking them to vote no on Proposition 23 -" the Texas Oil attempt to roll back our enlightened environmental law (AB32). I've been impressed both by voters' determination to defeat Proposition 23 and their reports of hard times. Many voters say they are hurting financially.
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Friday, May 14, 2021
What Happens Next? Six months have passed since the fateful November 3rd presidential election. Here are the BB predictions for the next six months.
Friday, May 14, 2021What Happens Next? Six months have passed since the fateful November 3rd presidential election. Here are the BB predictions for the next six months.
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Friday, December 13, 2013
Boycott the Winter Olympics Beginning February 7th , the Winter Olympic Games will be held in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia. Over the course of 16 days, 98 events will be held. In most circumstances our focus would be on high-level competition and international camaraderie. But we cannot ignore the deplorable Russian human-rights environment. That's why Americans should boycott the 22nd Winter Olympics.
Friday, December 13, 2013Boycott the Winter Olympics Beginning February 7th , the Winter Olympic Games will be held in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia. Over the course of 16 days, 98 events will be held. In most circumstances our focus would be on high-level competition and international camaraderie. But we cannot ignore the deplorable Russian human-rights environment. That's why Americans should boycott the 22nd Winter Olympics.
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Friday, July 7, 2017
The Resistance Bookshelf If you're part of the Trump resistance, here are four books you should add to your summer reading list.
Friday, July 7, 2017The Resistance Bookshelf If you're part of the Trump resistance, here are four books you should add to your summer reading list.
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Thursday, July 2, 2015
The Republican "Religious Liberty" Tactic Reeling from the Obergefell v Hodges Supreme Court decision making same-sex marriages legal in all 50 states, Republicans pushed back, claiming same-sex couples can be denied service whenever the provider believes this is consistent with their religious beliefs. Another form of LGBT discrimination.
Thursday, July 2, 2015The Republican "Religious Liberty" Tactic Reeling from the Obergefell v Hodges Supreme Court decision making same-sex marriages legal in all 50 states, Republicans pushed back, claiming same-sex couples can be denied service whenever the provider believes this is consistent with their religious beliefs. Another form of LGBT discrimination.
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Friday, August 14, 2015
What do Republican Candidates Stand For? The August 6th debate among ten Republican presidential contenders was a ratings winner for Fox News. Out here on the left coast, we learned two things: Donald Trump isn't going away and the Republicans lack a plan for America.
Friday, August 14, 2015What do Republican Candidates Stand For? The August 6th debate among ten Republican presidential contenders was a ratings winner for Fox News. Out here on the left coast, we learned two things: Donald Trump isn't going away and the Republicans lack a plan for America.
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Friday, February 19, 2016
Hillary's 5 Problems Since April, when Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy, I've expected her to be the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee. Only recently, given the strong showing of Bernie Sanders, have I doubted she might prevail. Meanwhile, the fierce competition for the Democratic nomination has revealed five problems with Hillary's campaign.
Friday, February 19, 2016Hillary's 5 Problems Since April, when Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy, I've expected her to be the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee. Only recently, given the strong showing of Bernie Sanders, have I doubted she might prevail. Meanwhile, the fierce competition for the Democratic nomination has revealed five problems with Hillary's campaign.
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Friday, November 30, 2018
10 Action Items for Democrats The 2020 presidential campaign began on November 7th, the day after the midterm elections; many Democrats are prepared to work every day for the next two years in order to oust Donald Trump from the White House. For this prolonged effort to be effective, national Democratic leaders should heed these words of friendly advice.
Friday, November 30, 201810 Action Items for Democrats The 2020 presidential campaign began on November 7th, the day after the midterm elections; many Democrats are prepared to work every day for the next two years in order to oust Donald Trump from the White House. For this prolonged effort to be effective, national Democratic leaders should heed these words of friendly advice.
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Friday, July 17, 2015
Five Keys to the Iran Agreement On July 14th, the United States, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Russia reached an agreement with Iran to "significantly limit Tehran's nuclear ability for more than a decade in return for lifting international oil and financial sanctions." Beyond the mechanics, there are five keys to this agreement.
Friday, July 17, 2015Five Keys to the Iran Agreement On July 14th, the United States, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Russia reached an agreement with Iran to "significantly limit Tehran's nuclear ability for more than a decade in return for lifting international oil and financial sanctions." Beyond the mechanics, there are five keys to this agreement.
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Friday, August 9, 2013
Negotiating With the American Taliban In June the US agreed to meet with the Islamic Taliban to discuss the future of Afghanistan. Unfortunately, comparable negotiations between the Obama Administration and the American version of the Taliban, the Tea-Party wing of the Republican Party, have reached an impasse, which threatens to shut down the US government.
Friday, August 9, 2013Negotiating With the American Taliban In June the US agreed to meet with the Islamic Taliban to discuss the future of Afghanistan. Unfortunately, comparable negotiations between the Obama Administration and the American version of the Taliban, the Tea-Party wing of the Republican Party, have reached an impasse, which threatens to shut down the US government.
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Friday, February 22, 2019
Costing the Green New Deal It's a remarkable testimony to these times that while Donald Trump has declared a "national emergency" because of politically inspired "border security" concerns, he has chosen to ignore the true national emergency caused by global climate change. The bad news is that Trump is playing to his base. The good news is that because of the "Green New Deal," climate change is going to be a major issue in the 2020 election.
Friday, February 22, 2019Costing the Green New Deal It's a remarkable testimony to these times that while Donald Trump has declared a "national emergency" because of politically inspired "border security" concerns, he has chosen to ignore the true national emergency caused by global climate change. The bad news is that Trump is playing to his base. The good news is that because of the "Green New Deal," climate change is going to be a major issue in the 2020 election.
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Friday, February 3, 2017
Trump's Immigration Policy Leads to War In the wake of Donald Trump's abrasive January 27th immigration order, some critics have described a White House in chaos and characterized Trump's policy czar, Steve Bannon, as "in his over his head." Wrong. Trump and Bannon know exactly what they are doing. Trump's immigration orders portend a devastating campaign against immigrants, one that will lead to war in the Middle East.
Friday, February 3, 2017Trump's Immigration Policy Leads to War In the wake of Donald Trump's abrasive January 27th immigration order, some critics have described a White House in chaos and characterized Trump's policy czar, Steve Bannon, as "in his over his head." Wrong. Trump and Bannon know exactly what they are doing. Trump's immigration orders portend a devastating campaign against immigrants, one that will lead to war in the Middle East.
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
Obama Revives, Wins Second Debate Thirteen days after the initial presidential debate, the candidates faced off again. The same Mitt Romney showed up but his opponent was a transformed Barack Obama. At the October 3rd debate the President was listless and defensive; on the 16th he was energized and positive. As a consequence, Obama won decisively.
Thursday, October 18, 2012Obama Revives, Wins Second Debate Thirteen days after the initial presidential debate, the candidates faced off again. The same Mitt Romney showed up but his opponent was a transformed Barack Obama. At the October 3rd debate the President was listless and defensive; on the 16th he was energized and positive. As a consequence, Obama won decisively.
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Friday, December 28, 2012
John Boehner's Failure As Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner is second in line to be President. And since the defeat of Mitt Romney, the Speaker has been the titular head of the Republican Party. While Boehner has political status and power, his inept handling of the fiscal cliff negotiation shows he's not a leader. He's a failure.
Friday, December 28, 2012John Boehner's Failure As Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner is second in line to be President. And since the defeat of Mitt Romney, the Speaker has been the titular head of the Republican Party. While Boehner has political status and power, his inept handling of the fiscal cliff negotiation shows he's not a leader. He's a failure.
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Monday, October 10, 2016
The 2nd Debate: Hillary Stares Down a Bully It was the presidential debate I expected but hoped wouldn't happen. In the October 9th St. Louis debate, Donald Trump was vicious. He threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Hillary Clinton, hurling insult after insult, lie after lie. But Clinton held her ground, managed to look and act presidential, and emerged victorious.
Monday, October 10, 2016The 2nd Debate: Hillary Stares Down a Bully It was the presidential debate I expected but hoped wouldn't happen. In the October 9th St. Louis debate, Donald Trump was vicious. He threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Hillary Clinton, hurling insult after insult, lie after lie. But Clinton held her ground, managed to look and act presidential, and emerged victorious.
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Friday, October 2, 2009
Boarding China's Economic Elevator There's a growing consensus that the great recession is over, but the pace of US recovery will be slow. Meanwhile, China's economy is speeding up. A comparison of economic policies in the two countries indicates the White House must be more aggressive.
Friday, October 2, 2009Boarding China's Economic Elevator There's a growing consensus that the great recession is over, but the pace of US recovery will be slow. Meanwhile, China's economy is speeding up. A comparison of economic policies in the two countries indicates the White House must be more aggressive.
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Friday, March 30, 2018
Facebook, Trump, and Russia As the Mueller probe continues, there's new evidence about the interaction between the Trump campaign, a sinister British political consulting firm -- Cambridge Analytica, and Facebook. They collaborated to steal the 2016 election. By the way, there's a Russia connection.
Friday, March 30, 2018Facebook, Trump, and Russia As the Mueller probe continues, there's new evidence about the interaction between the Trump campaign, a sinister British political consulting firm -- Cambridge Analytica, and Facebook. They collaborated to steal the 2016 election. By the way, there's a Russia connection.
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Friday, March 12, 2021
Biden's First 50 Days The passage of the American Rescue Plan --the coronavirus relief bill -- comes less than two months after Joe Biden's inauguration. How does this period compare to the similar period in Barack Obama's first term?
Friday, March 12, 2021Biden's First 50 Days The passage of the American Rescue Plan --the coronavirus relief bill -- comes less than two months after Joe Biden's inauguration. How does this period compare to the similar period in Barack Obama's first term?
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Friday, July 24, 2009
Obama's Defining Moment After six months in office, the Obama Administration has arrived at a defining moment: the battle over healthcare reform. The outcome will shape future White House initiatives, the 2010 mid-term elections, and the future of the Republican Party.
Friday, July 24, 2009Obama's Defining Moment After six months in office, the Obama Administration has arrived at a defining moment: the battle over healthcare reform. The outcome will shape future White House initiatives, the 2010 mid-term elections, and the future of the Republican Party.
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Friday, December 18, 2009
2009's Worst Person of the Year: The US Senate At the end of a decade marked by a general failure of US leadership, 2009 saw the collapse of the Senate. Confronted with an array of difficult problems, a reactionary Senatorial minority put their personal political interests above those of the nation and blocked action by the progressive majority.
Friday, December 18, 20092009's Worst Person of the Year: The US Senate At the end of a decade marked by a general failure of US leadership, 2009 saw the collapse of the Senate. Confronted with an array of difficult problems, a reactionary Senatorial minority put their personal political interests above those of the nation and blocked action by the progressive majority.
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Friday, April 20, 2018
Where's the Strategy? Many Trump supporters voted for Donald because they believed he was a successful businessman -- rather than a reality TV star. These Trump adherents thought he would bring business acumen to the White House. Trump backers believed Donald had a strategic vision to "make America great again." Turns out they were mistaken.
Friday, April 20, 2018Where's the Strategy? Many Trump supporters voted for Donald because they believed he was a successful businessman -- rather than a reality TV star. These Trump adherents thought he would bring business acumen to the White House. Trump backers believed Donald had a strategic vision to "make America great again." Turns out they were mistaken.
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Friday, March 25, 2011
Deconstructing America's Nuclear Cult The August 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki both ended World War II and precipitated the United States' 65-year-long addiction to nuclear power. In the light of the catastrophe at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi facility, it's time to reconsider America's lethal habit and our cult of atomic energy.
Friday, March 25, 2011Deconstructing America's Nuclear Cult The August 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki both ended World War II and precipitated the United States' 65-year-long addiction to nuclear power. In the light of the catastrophe at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi facility, it's time to reconsider America's lethal habit and our cult of atomic energy.
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Friday, May 3, 2019
What About Impeachment? Here on the Left Coast, most voters I talk to are disgusted with Donald Trump and want him impeached. Nonetheless, our leader, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urges Dems to be cautious and to hold hearings rather than rush into an impeachment process. That's sound advice because a majority of Americans don't want Trump impeached.
Friday, May 3, 2019What About Impeachment? Here on the Left Coast, most voters I talk to are disgusted with Donald Trump and want him impeached. Nonetheless, our leader, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urges Dems to be cautious and to hold hearings rather than rush into an impeachment process. That's sound advice because a majority of Americans don't want Trump impeached.
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Wednesday, June 22, 2016
How Donald Lost His Mojo When political historians look back on the 2016 presidential contest, they'll likely consider May 4th to the present as the decisive period. On May 4th, Donald Trump won the Indiana Republican primary; his last competitor, Ted Cruz, dropped out; and the press labeled Trump the presumptive GOP candidate. A week later, Trump got a polls "bump" and was effectively tied with Hillary Clinton. Then Donald lost his mojo.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016How Donald Lost His Mojo When political historians look back on the 2016 presidential contest, they'll likely consider May 4th to the present as the decisive period. On May 4th, Donald Trump won the Indiana Republican primary; his last competitor, Ted Cruz, dropped out; and the press labeled Trump the presumptive GOP candidate. A week later, Trump got a polls "bump" and was effectively tied with Hillary Clinton. Then Donald lost his mojo.
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Friday, December 21, 2018
Winter is Coming As we approach the solstice, San Francisco beaches are being hammered by 40-foot waves. It's an apt metaphor for the troubled times we are living in. Borrowing a phrase from Game of Thrones, "winter is coming;" with a vengeance. Here are some predictions for the next three months.
Friday, December 21, 2018Winter is Coming As we approach the solstice, San Francisco beaches are being hammered by 40-foot waves. It's an apt metaphor for the troubled times we are living in. Borrowing a phrase from Game of Thrones, "winter is coming;" with a vengeance. Here are some predictions for the next three months.
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Friday, June 8, 2018
Politics by Walking Around When I was a technology developer, in Silicon Valley, I adopted the technique of "managing by walking around." Recently I've talked to two outstanding 2018 Democratic political candidates who've adopted this same technique in their campaigns. While it may not be obvious, "politics by walking around" addresses one of 2018's burning political questions: what does the Democratic Party stand for?
Friday, June 8, 2018Politics by Walking Around When I was a technology developer, in Silicon Valley, I adopted the technique of "managing by walking around." Recently I've talked to two outstanding 2018 Democratic political candidates who've adopted this same technique in their campaigns. While it may not be obvious, "politics by walking around" addresses one of 2018's burning political questions: what does the Democratic Party stand for?
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Friday, October 24, 2014
What Do Millennials Want? Attempting to predict the outcome of the November 4th midterm elections, political observers have scratched their heads at the behavior of the youngest US demographic segment, the Millennials. These are the 80 million voters born after 1981. They have the power to determine any political race but it's unclear what they want or even if they will vote.
Friday, October 24, 2014What Do Millennials Want? Attempting to predict the outcome of the November 4th midterm elections, political observers have scratched their heads at the behavior of the youngest US demographic segment, the Millennials. These are the 80 million voters born after 1981. They have the power to determine any political race but it's unclear what they want or even if they will vote.
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Friday, April 9, 2021
The Biden Infrastructure Plan On March 31st, President Joe Biden introduced his infrastructure plan, "The American Jobs Plan" (Click Here ) It's an omnibus $2 trillion plan to repair the major holes in America's infrastructure, and to create jobs.
Friday, April 9, 2021The Biden Infrastructure Plan On March 31st, President Joe Biden introduced his infrastructure plan, "The American Jobs Plan" (Click Here ) It's an omnibus $2 trillion plan to repair the major holes in America's infrastructure, and to create jobs.
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Friday, October 17, 2014
Resurrecting Hope Six years ago, most progressives eagerly awaited the election of Barack Obama. Now many of us are unhappy with him. Indeed, Obama's unpopularity has become the primary theme of the midterm elections. As a consequence, Republicans are more energized than are Democrats. Before November 4th, what can be done to revitalize progressives?
Friday, October 17, 2014Resurrecting Hope Six years ago, most progressives eagerly awaited the election of Barack Obama. Now many of us are unhappy with him. Indeed, Obama's unpopularity has become the primary theme of the midterm elections. As a consequence, Republicans are more energized than are Democrats. Before November 4th, what can be done to revitalize progressives?
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Friday, February 15, 2019
Next Steps The same week brought "the Green New Deal," further indications that Donald Trump will be impeached, and scientific evidence that the pace of catastrophic climate change has increased. Over the next two years, given these troubling times, what steps should we take to maintain our sanity?
Friday, February 15, 2019Next Steps The same week brought "the Green New Deal," further indications that Donald Trump will be impeached, and scientific evidence that the pace of catastrophic climate change has increased. Over the next two years, given these troubling times, what steps should we take to maintain our sanity?
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
Obama-McCain: Lincoln vs. Rambo Four months out from the 2008 presidential election, it's obvious that Barack Obama and John McCain offer a stark contrast on their positions on the key issues, their personalities and, most tellingly, their worldviews.
Thursday, June 26, 2008Obama-McCain: Lincoln vs. Rambo Four months out from the 2008 presidential election, it's obvious that Barack Obama and John McCain offer a stark contrast on their positions on the key issues, their personalities and, most tellingly, their worldviews.
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Friday, March 9, 2012
Four Lies About America's Energy "Crisis" Oil prices are escalating and Americans soon may pay $5 for a gallon of gasoline. This grim fact has not escaped the notice of politicians. America's latest energy crisis has prompted heated rhetoric from Republicans and Democrats. Here are four lies that have been bandied about.
Friday, March 9, 2012Four Lies About America's Energy "Crisis" Oil prices are escalating and Americans soon may pay $5 for a gallon of gasoline. This grim fact has not escaped the notice of politicians. America's latest energy crisis has prompted heated rhetoric from Republicans and Democrats. Here are four lies that have been bandied about.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
Can Democrats Use Rope-a-Dope? Out here on the left coast, folks are pretty discouraged. It seems like every day brings news of either a Congressional Democrat deciding not to run for reelection or President Obama acting like a Republican. It's time for Dems to go on offense, time for them to use Muhammad Ali's "rope-a-dope" tactic.
Friday, February 19, 2010Can Democrats Use Rope-a-Dope? Out here on the left coast, folks are pretty discouraged. It seems like every day brings news of either a Congressional Democrat deciding not to run for reelection or President Obama acting like a Republican. It's time for Dems to go on offense, time for them to use Muhammad Ali's "rope-a-dope" tactic.
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Friday, June 20, 2014
The Return of Sixties Values The level of US political rancor has reached an intensity not seen since the sixties with its battles over civil rights and the Vietnam War. On the one hand we have Republicans advocating a new Iraq war and more tax breaks for the rich. On the other hand we have Democrats saying no to war and standing up for working families. For populists it's the return of the sixties theme, "peace and justice."
Friday, June 20, 2014The Return of Sixties Values The level of US political rancor has reached an intensity not seen since the sixties with its battles over civil rights and the Vietnam War. On the one hand we have Republicans advocating a new Iraq war and more tax breaks for the rich. On the other hand we have Democrats saying no to war and standing up for working families. For populists it's the return of the sixties theme, "peace and justice."
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Friday, May 18, 2018
All the President's Men: John Bolton The Trump Administration is so dreadful they've made the George W. Bush Administration seem almost acceptable in comparison. Dubya was also a dummy but at least he wasn't a racist bully. And Dubya surrounded himself with folks that had some connection to mainstream American foreign policy: Condoleezza Rice and Stephen Hadley. Trump's first National Security Adviser was crazy Michael Flynn; now it's equally crazy John Bolton.
Friday, May 18, 2018All the President's Men: John Bolton The Trump Administration is so dreadful they've made the George W. Bush Administration seem almost acceptable in comparison. Dubya was also a dummy but at least he wasn't a racist bully. And Dubya surrounded himself with folks that had some connection to mainstream American foreign policy: Condoleezza Rice and Stephen Hadley. Trump's first National Security Adviser was crazy Michael Flynn; now it's equally crazy John Bolton.
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Friday, August 20, 2010
The 2010 Elections: What's at Stake? With the less than three months before the November 2nd elections, the political parameters are clear. Despite the accomplishments of the 111th Congress, Democrats are on the defensive and Republicans smell victory. Regardless of the outcome, it's likely little will change in Washington; Congress will spend the next two years avoiding America's most pressing problems.
Friday, August 20, 2010The 2010 Elections: What's at Stake? With the less than three months before the November 2nd elections, the political parameters are clear. Despite the accomplishments of the 111th Congress, Democrats are on the defensive and Republicans smell victory. Regardless of the outcome, it's likely little will change in Washington; Congress will spend the next two years avoiding America's most pressing problems.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Who is Barack Obama? Monday – Much of the opening night of the Denver Democratic convention was devoted to a reintroduction of Barack Obama. There are still a substantial number of Americans who don't know the Illinois Senator; who are worried about him because they've heard he's a Muslim or wonder what they have in common with a brown-skinned intellectual from Hawaii. This night was for them.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008Who is Barack Obama? Monday – Much of the opening night of the Denver Democratic convention was devoted to a reintroduction of Barack Obama. There are still a substantial number of Americans who don't know the Illinois Senator; who are worried about him because they've heard he's a Muslim or wonder what they have in common with a brown-skinned intellectual from Hawaii. This night was for them.
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Friday, February 19, 2021
What Happens Next A month into the Biden-Harris administration, we've reached an inflection point: the conclusion of Donald Trump's second impeachment trial. While there were not enough Senate votes for conviction, public sentiment turned against Trump. The outcome has consequences for Biden-Harris, Trump, and the 2022 election.
Friday, February 19, 2021What Happens Next A month into the Biden-Harris administration, we've reached an inflection point: the conclusion of Donald Trump's second impeachment trial. While there were not enough Senate votes for conviction, public sentiment turned against Trump. The outcome has consequences for Biden-Harris, Trump, and the 2022 election.
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Friday, January 10, 2014
Why Hasn't Obama Reined in NSA? After the 2008 election, Barack Obama supporters had high expectations for his national-security policy. We thought he'd end US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and open talks with Iran. We expected he would close down Guantanamo and end the National Security Agency's (NSA) domestic surveillance program that collects Americans' phone and e-mail data. Why hasn't Obama reined in the NSA?
Friday, January 10, 2014Why Hasn't Obama Reined in NSA? After the 2008 election, Barack Obama supporters had high expectations for his national-security policy. We thought he'd end US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and open talks with Iran. We expected he would close down Guantanamo and end the National Security Agency's (NSA) domestic surveillance program that collects Americans' phone and e-mail data. Why hasn't Obama reined in the NSA?
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Friday, March 26, 2021
What's Wrong With the GOP? A recent Gallup Poll found that Americans, in general, are happy with the Biden Administration. Except for Republicans. Another poll indicated that most of us want to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Except Republicans. What's wrong with the GOP?
Friday, March 26, 2021What's Wrong With the GOP? A recent Gallup Poll found that Americans, in general, are happy with the Biden Administration. Except for Republicans. Another poll indicated that most of us want to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Except Republicans. What's wrong with the GOP?
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Who Should Pay to Fix the Economy? Imagine you live in the suburbs and the residence next door is sold. The new owners raze the old cottage, build a McMansion and party 24/7. The neighbors complain about the noise but nothing is done until the house is trashed. Then your city council declares the dwelling a hazard and demands that you and your neighbors clean it up. That's what has happened in America, where the rich want average citizens to fix the economy.
Friday, December 3, 2010Who Should Pay to Fix the Economy? Imagine you live in the suburbs and the residence next door is sold. The new owners raze the old cottage, build a McMansion and party 24/7. The neighbors complain about the noise but nothing is done until the house is trashed. Then your city council declares the dwelling a hazard and demands that you and your neighbors clean it up. That's what has happened in America, where the rich want average citizens to fix the economy.
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Friday, June 15, 2012
10 Reasons Obama Can Win A fog of doom and gloom has descended over the Left Coast. I was out of the country for a couple of weeks and returned to find dispirited Lefties huddled in small groups, clutching their Chai Lattes, and muttering, "Mitt Romney is coming! Mitt Romney is coming!" Many of my homies believe it is inevitable that Barack Obama will not be reelected. Fear not Liberalles, Obama can still win.
Friday, June 15, 201210 Reasons Obama Can Win A fog of doom and gloom has descended over the Left Coast. I was out of the country for a couple of weeks and returned to find dispirited Lefties huddled in small groups, clutching their Chai Lattes, and muttering, "Mitt Romney is coming! Mitt Romney is coming!" Many of my homies believe it is inevitable that Barack Obama will not be reelected. Fear not Liberalles, Obama can still win.
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Friday, March 6, 2009
Is Afghanistan Obama's Weakness? So far, President Obama has kept his campaign promises by addressing the economy, Iraq, healthcare, civil liberties, and a host of other issues. Nonetheless, liberals fear Obama is about to make a big mistake in Afghanistan.
Friday, March 6, 2009Is Afghanistan Obama's Weakness? So far, President Obama has kept his campaign promises by addressing the economy, Iraq, healthcare, civil liberties, and a host of other issues. Nonetheless, liberals fear Obama is about to make a big mistake in Afghanistan.
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Friday, April 9, 2010
BTW, Conservatism is Dead Recently there's been a lot of speculation about why the mood on the right has turned so sour. Some observers attribute it to the lack of leadership at the top of the Republican Party. Others say it's a poisonous combination of economic angst and racial hatred. But there's a more obvious explanation: we're witnessing the death throes of conservatism. The right-wing ideology that ran the US for thirty years has failed.
Friday, April 9, 2010BTW, Conservatism is Dead Recently there's been a lot of speculation about why the mood on the right has turned so sour. Some observers attribute it to the lack of leadership at the top of the Republican Party. Others say it's a poisonous combination of economic angst and racial hatred. But there's a more obvious explanation: we're witnessing the death throes of conservatism. The right-wing ideology that ran the US for thirty years has failed.
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Friday, August 26, 2016
Trump's Heart of Darkness On August 17th, Donald Trump once again shook up his campaign. While there were early indications that Trump would "soften" his image, these were refuted by the August 19th release of his first general election campaign ad, "Two Americas: Immigration." This TV ad stems from the same darkness that fueled Trump's acceptance speech: bigotry and hate.
Friday, August 26, 2016Trump's Heart of Darkness On August 17th, Donald Trump once again shook up his campaign. While there were early indications that Trump would "soften" his image, these were refuted by the August 19th release of his first general election campaign ad, "Two Americas: Immigration." This TV ad stems from the same darkness that fueled Trump's acceptance speech: bigotry and hate.
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Saturday, March 25, 2017
Trump's Huge Failure After promising to "repeal and replace Obamacare on day one [of his presidency]", Donald Trump suffered an ignominious rejection on day 64.
Saturday, March 25, 2017Trump's Huge Failure After promising to "repeal and replace Obamacare on day one [of his presidency]", Donald Trump suffered an ignominious rejection on day 64.
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Friday, September 11, 2009
Obama Calls Out Republicans President Barack Obama's September 9th healthcare address to Congress was notable not for his oratory - which was superb - but for his manner. Obama shelved his professorial demeanor and displayed the cool determination that has characterized his best speeches. As he threw down the gauntlet to his Republican detractors, "We will call you out," the GOP responded with a startling display of churlish behavior.
Friday, September 11, 2009Obama Calls Out Republicans President Barack Obama's September 9th healthcare address to Congress was notable not for his oratory - which was superb - but for his manner. Obama shelved his professorial demeanor and displayed the cool determination that has characterized his best speeches. As he threw down the gauntlet to his Republican detractors, "We will call you out," the GOP responded with a startling display of churlish behavior.
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Monday, October 24, 2016
Why Trump Lost the Debates The 2016 election has been defined by Hillary Clinton's performance in the three presidential debates. Snap polls indicated she defeated Donald Trump in each encounter. And since the first debate, Clinton's lead over Trump has expanded both in terms of estimates of the popular vote and share of the electoral college. Clinton's decisive victory was due to her talent and preparation. Trump lost because of obvious defects.
Monday, October 24, 2016Why Trump Lost the Debates The 2016 election has been defined by Hillary Clinton's performance in the three presidential debates. Snap polls indicated she defeated Donald Trump in each encounter. And since the first debate, Clinton's lead over Trump has expanded both in terms of estimates of the popular vote and share of the electoral college. Clinton's decisive victory was due to her talent and preparation. Trump lost because of obvious defects.
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016
What do Trump Voters Want? Election exit polls tell us the typical Trump voter was white (non-Hispanic), male, older, rural, and had no college degree. But that doesn't explain why they voted for Trump. There were four types of Trump voters; each having different expectations.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016What do Trump Voters Want? Election exit polls tell us the typical Trump voter was white (non-Hispanic), male, older, rural, and had no college degree. But that doesn't explain why they voted for Trump. There were four types of Trump voters; each having different expectations.
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Friday, September 27, 2013
Selling Obamacare Three and a half years after President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, "Obamacare," it's primary provisions will go into affect October 1 st . While the new health care law will benefit most Americans, it appears to be unpopular. Why?
Friday, September 27, 2013Selling Obamacare Three and a half years after President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, "Obamacare," it's primary provisions will go into affect October 1 st . While the new health care law will benefit most Americans, it appears to be unpopular. Why?
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Thursday, February 11, 2016
Is Bernie Too Liberal To Win? After Bernie Sanders' convincing win in the New Hampshire primary, many establishment Democrats are renewing the argument that Bernie cannot win in November because he is too liberal. It doesn't hold up.
Thursday, February 11, 2016Is Bernie Too Liberal To Win? After Bernie Sanders' convincing win in the New Hampshire primary, many establishment Democrats are renewing the argument that Bernie cannot win in November because he is too liberal. It doesn't hold up.
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Friday, March 5, 2021
Trump 2.0 Donald Trump's February 28th Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) speech gave us a good idea of what to expect from him for the next two years. The speech introduced Trump version 2.0; not all that different from Trump 1.0. Bad news for the GOP.
Friday, March 5, 2021Trump 2.0 Donald Trump's February 28th Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) speech gave us a good idea of what to expect from him for the next two years. The speech introduced Trump version 2.0; not all that different from Trump 1.0. Bad news for the GOP.
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Friday, June 29, 2012
Sandusky Nation: The Powerful Abuse the Weak After days of graphic testimony, the conviction of former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky on 45 counts of sexual assault came as no surprise. But it had been a surprise when Sandusky was arrested in November after 15 years of egregious behavior that many in the Penn State community had been aware of. Sadly, Americans often turn a blind eye when the powerful abuse the weak.
Friday, June 29, 2012Sandusky Nation: The Powerful Abuse the Weak After days of graphic testimony, the conviction of former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky on 45 counts of sexual assault came as no surprise. But it had been a surprise when Sandusky was arrested in November after 15 years of egregious behavior that many in the Penn State community had been aware of. Sadly, Americans often turn a blind eye when the powerful abuse the weak.
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Friday, December 5, 2008
Obama's First 100 Days: The Economy When Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States, he will face a daunting set of economic problems. Incoming Presidents usually have a honeymoon period of 100 days when positive public sentiment insures passage of key components of their platform. Given a narrow window of Congressional bipartisanship, Obama's economic priorities are clear.
Friday, December 5, 2008Obama's First 100 Days: The Economy When Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States, he will face a daunting set of economic problems. Incoming Presidents usually have a honeymoon period of 100 days when positive public sentiment insures passage of key components of their platform. Given a narrow window of Congressional bipartisanship, Obama's economic priorities are clear.
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Friday, December 19, 2014
In Elizabeth Warren We Trust A recent Pew Research poll found that only 24 percent of Americans trust the government in Washington. This says a lot about US politics, but it doesn't answer the question: Which politicians can we trust?
Friday, December 19, 2014In Elizabeth Warren We Trust A recent Pew Research poll found that only 24 percent of Americans trust the government in Washington. This says a lot about US politics, but it doesn't answer the question: Which politicians can we trust?
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Thursday, August 18, 2016
Top 10 Trump Predictions As Donald Trump stumbles towards the November 8th election, it's clear that each week will bring a new Trump screwup. Here are my top ten predictions.
Thursday, August 18, 2016Top 10 Trump Predictions As Donald Trump stumbles towards the November 8th election, it's clear that each week will bring a new Trump screwup. Here are my top ten predictions.
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Friday, November 14, 2014
The Democrats' Midterm Message Problem ates didn't have a succinct positive message. To understand this problem, it's informative to dissect the campaigns of three incumbent Democratic Senators up for re-election in 2014: Al Franken, Jeanne Shaheen, and Mark Udall.
Friday, November 14, 2014The Democrats' Midterm Message Problem ates didn't have a succinct positive message. To understand this problem, it's informative to dissect the campaigns of three incumbent Democratic Senators up for re-election in 2014: Al Franken, Jeanne Shaheen, and Mark Udall.
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Thursday, September 11, 2008
Fool Me Once, Fool Me Twice A familiar American aphorism is "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." In 2000, Karl Rove convinced Americans that a relatively unknown Texas Governor could be a competent President. In 2008, John McCain's Rove, Steve Schmidt, argues that an even more obscure Alaska Governor will make a credible Vice President and likely 45th President. Are Americans about to be fooled again?
Thursday, September 11, 2008Fool Me Once, Fool Me Twice A familiar American aphorism is "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." In 2000, Karl Rove convinced Americans that a relatively unknown Texas Governor could be a competent President. In 2008, John McCain's Rove, Steve Schmidt, argues that an even more obscure Alaska Governor will make a credible Vice President and likely 45th President. Are Americans about to be fooled again?
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Friday, March 26, 2010
Life After Healthcare: What's Next for Democrats? If there was every any doubt, the rowdy passage of the Healthcare Bill indicated we have begun the mid-term elections campaign. Building upon the momentum from their healthcare victory, Dems need to challenge Republicans with a series of bold initiatives to create jobs.
Friday, March 26, 2010Life After Healthcare: What's Next for Democrats? If there was every any doubt, the rowdy passage of the Healthcare Bill indicated we have begun the mid-term elections campaign. Building upon the momentum from their healthcare victory, Dems need to challenge Republicans with a series of bold initiatives to create jobs.
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Friday, April 11, 2014
The War on Democracy: SCOTUS Weighs In Americans are worried about the economy and economic inequality. Most of us feel the government should do something to reduce inequality. Now the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has weighed in with its April 2 nd decision in McCutcheon v. FEC making it more difficult for the 99 percent to influence government to remedy inequality.
Friday, April 11, 2014The War on Democracy: SCOTUS Weighs In Americans are worried about the economy and economic inequality. Most of us feel the government should do something to reduce inequality. Now the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has weighed in with its April 2 nd decision in McCutcheon v. FEC making it more difficult for the 99 percent to influence government to remedy inequality.
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Friday, March 20, 2009
Obama's Bank Problem Despite many accomplishments during his first two months in office, President Obama hasn't persuaded the American public that he knows how to repair our troubled banks. There are striking parallels between the banking morass and the judicial quandary surrounding prisoners of war. Studying these quite different problems clarifies how we got here and what Obama should do.
Friday, March 20, 2009Obama's Bank Problem Despite many accomplishments during his first two months in office, President Obama hasn't persuaded the American public that he knows how to repair our troubled banks. There are striking parallels between the banking morass and the judicial quandary surrounding prisoners of war. Studying these quite different problems clarifies how we got here and what Obama should do.
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Friday, September 4, 2020
The Biden-Harris Wave In 1936, Frankline Delano Roosevelt won his second presidential election, garnering 60.8 percent of the popular vote. Until now, that was the largest margin of victory in any presidential contest. But Joe Biden has a chance of defeating Donald Trump by a similar percentage.
Friday, September 4, 2020The Biden-Harris Wave In 1936, Frankline Delano Roosevelt won his second presidential election, garnering 60.8 percent of the popular vote. Until now, that was the largest margin of victory in any presidential contest. But Joe Biden has a chance of defeating Donald Trump by a similar percentage.
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Thursday, March 1, 2007
A Liberal Foreign Policy: Ten Maxims The catastrophic occupation of Iraq is evidence of far more than the incompetence of the Bush Administration; it is proof that the conservative worldview is fatally flawed. As the 43rd Presidency staggers to an ignominious finale, liberals must prepare not only to govern America, but also to proclaim a new vision. Liberal foreign policy should be based upon ten elemental concepts.
Thursday, March 1, 2007A Liberal Foreign Policy: Ten Maxims The catastrophic occupation of Iraq is evidence of far more than the incompetence of the Bush Administration; it is proof that the conservative worldview is fatally flawed. As the 43rd Presidency staggers to an ignominious finale, liberals must prepare not only to govern America, but also to proclaim a new vision. Liberal foreign policy should be based upon ten elemental concepts.
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Friday, September 3, 2010
No Depression in Heaven Recent news about the contraction of the economy confirmed what many of us have suspected: the recession has morphed into a depression. Given that so many Americans are dejected and angry, how do Liberals turn this moment into an opportunity?
Friday, September 3, 2010No Depression in Heaven Recent news about the contraction of the economy confirmed what many of us have suspected: the recession has morphed into a depression. Given that so many Americans are dejected and angry, how do Liberals turn this moment into an opportunity?
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Monday, July 25, 2016
5 Lessons from the Republican Convention The 2016 Republican convention concluded with Donald Trump's 75-minute rant that only he could protect America from the barbarians at the gates. Other than further proof of Trump's demagoguery, we learned five things at the convention.
Monday, July 25, 20165 Lessons from the Republican Convention The 2016 Republican convention concluded with Donald Trump's 75-minute rant that only he could protect America from the barbarians at the gates. Other than further proof of Trump's demagoguery, we learned five things at the convention.
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Friday, January 16, 2015
America's Four Wars: An Opportunity "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness"" So begins Dickens "A Tale of Two Cities," set amidst the French Revolution in 1789. So might begin a tale of 2015 where the US economy is booming, yet citizens feel hopeless; where we are continually presented with technical wonders, but elect fools to Congress. It's an opportunity for liberals.
Friday, January 16, 2015America's Four Wars: An Opportunity "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness"" So begins Dickens "A Tale of Two Cities," set amidst the French Revolution in 1789. So might begin a tale of 2015 where the US economy is booming, yet citizens feel hopeless; where we are continually presented with technical wonders, but elect fools to Congress. It's an opportunity for liberals.
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Thursday, May 5, 2016
Welcome to Trump World: Foreign Policy One of the complaints about Donald Trump's presidential candidacy is that he doesn't present detailed plans. On April 27th, he presented his foreign policy "plan" at Washington DC's "Center for the National Interest." It was standard conservative rhetoric. Fleshed out with "Trumpisms." And lies.
Thursday, May 5, 2016Welcome to Trump World: Foreign Policy One of the complaints about Donald Trump's presidential candidacy is that he doesn't present detailed plans. On April 27th, he presented his foreign policy "plan" at Washington DC's "Center for the National Interest." It was standard conservative rhetoric. Fleshed out with "Trumpisms." And lies.
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Friday, February 10, 2012
The GOP Problem: "It's Halftime for America" This year's Super Bowl program contained a commercial, "It's Halftime in America," featuring Clint Eastwood. Initially this seemed to be a public service pep talk for the nation, then a promo for Detroit, and it turned out to be a Chrysler ad. The commercial outraged Republicans. It's an indication of their core problems in the 2012 Presidential contest.
Friday, February 10, 2012The GOP Problem: "It's Halftime for America" This year's Super Bowl program contained a commercial, "It's Halftime in America," featuring Clint Eastwood. Initially this seemed to be a public service pep talk for the nation, then a promo for Detroit, and it turned out to be a Chrysler ad. The commercial outraged Republicans. It's an indication of their core problems in the 2012 Presidential contest.
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Friday, January 27, 2017
Trump's First Week To get an idea of what to expect from Donald Trump for the next four years, we only have to examine his first week in office.
Friday, January 27, 2017Trump's First Week To get an idea of what to expect from Donald Trump for the next four years, we only have to examine his first week in office.
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Friday, February 27, 2009
How Bad Is It? In the midst of the worst recession of the last fifty years, many Americans worry about how bad economic conditions will get before there's a recovery. Paul Krugman observes, "this isn't your father's recession. It's your grandfather's, or maybe even... your great-great-grandfather's." 2009 will be difficult; expect things to get worse before they get better.
Friday, February 27, 2009How Bad Is It? In the midst of the worst recession of the last fifty years, many Americans worry about how bad economic conditions will get before there's a recovery. Paul Krugman observes, "this isn't your father's recession. It's your grandfather's, or maybe even... your great-great-grandfather's." 2009 will be difficult; expect things to get worse before they get better.
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Friday, November 2, 2018
What We Are Fighting For If you are reading this, it's very likely that you are going to vote. The purpose of this column is not to convince you to vote but rather to urge you to convince every eligible voter you know to cast their vote. This is a crucial election. Let's consider what Democrats are fighting for and why it's so important that we turn out every eligible voter we can reach.
Friday, November 2, 2018What We Are Fighting For If you are reading this, it's very likely that you are going to vote. The purpose of this column is not to convince you to vote but rather to urge you to convince every eligible voter you know to cast their vote. This is a crucial election. Let's consider what Democrats are fighting for and why it's so important that we turn out every eligible voter we can reach.
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Lost in the White House Lewis Carroll wrote: "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." Carroll was musing about Wonderland but his words apply to the White House, where the Obama Administration has lost its sense of direction. The challenge for Progressives is to recalibrate the President's moral compass.
Friday, December 17, 2010Lost in the White House Lewis Carroll wrote: "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." Carroll was musing about Wonderland but his words apply to the White House, where the Obama Administration has lost its sense of direction. The challenge for Progressives is to recalibrate the President's moral compass.
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Friday, November 27, 2020
Trumpism? The Politics of Paranoia On November 19th, Rudy Giuliani and other members of the Trump legal team held an extended press conference to discuss their claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. While this event will be remembered as the occasion where Giuliani's hair dye dripped down the sides of his face, it was more notable for the bizarre claims made. The presser epitomized Donald Trump's paranoid style.
Friday, November 27, 2020Trumpism? The Politics of Paranoia On November 19th, Rudy Giuliani and other members of the Trump legal team held an extended press conference to discuss their claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. While this event will be remembered as the occasion where Giuliani's hair dye dripped down the sides of his face, it was more notable for the bizarre claims made. The presser epitomized Donald Trump's paranoid style.
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Friday, September 12, 2014
What Do Republicans Want? Although negative political ads take a toll, in most elections voters respond to positive messages. 2014 may prove to be an exception to this rule, as Republicans have waged a relentlessly negative campaign. Their strategy is to fire up their base, drag in a few independents, and win based upon voter turnout. Suppose this strategy works and Republicans control Congress. What can we expect?
Friday, September 12, 2014What Do Republicans Want? Although negative political ads take a toll, in most elections voters respond to positive messages. 2014 may prove to be an exception to this rule, as Republicans have waged a relentlessly negative campaign. Their strategy is to fire up their base, drag in a few independents, and win based upon voter turnout. Suppose this strategy works and Republicans control Congress. What can we expect?
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Friday, December 9, 2011
Elizabeth Warren: Voice of the 99 Percent Wednesday evening, December 7 th , senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren met with Bay Area progressives. Some of us recalled a comparable meeting four years earlier with presidential candidate Barack Obama. At the time Obama was a rising star; now Warren is the rising star. While the two have similarities, there is one crucial difference.
Friday, December 9, 2011Elizabeth Warren: Voice of the 99 Percent Wednesday evening, December 7 th , senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren met with Bay Area progressives. Some of us recalled a comparable meeting four years earlier with presidential candidate Barack Obama. At the time Obama was a rising star; now Warren is the rising star. While the two have similarities, there is one crucial difference.
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Thursday, August 20, 2015
Bernie vs. Donald: Rebel vs. Insurgent One of the most fascinating aspects of the 2016 presidential campaign is the rise of two outsider candidates: Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders and Republican billionaire Donald Trump. They're eliciting support because Americans are fed up with typical Washington politicians.
Thursday, August 20, 2015Bernie vs. Donald: Rebel vs. Insurgent One of the most fascinating aspects of the 2016 presidential campaign is the rise of two outsider candidates: Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders and Republican billionaire Donald Trump. They're eliciting support because Americans are fed up with typical Washington politicians.
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Friday, January 23, 2009
Heroes of the Resistance He's gone. George Bush has left the White House; it's safe to come out of hiding. But, before progressives take a deep breath and begin attacking Barack Obama for not pursuing our pet issues vigorously enough, let's stop and applaud those of us who, for the last four plus years, have fought the good fight against Bush's fascism: the heroes of the resistance.
Friday, January 23, 2009Heroes of the Resistance He's gone. George Bush has left the White House; it's safe to come out of hiding. But, before progressives take a deep breath and begin attacking Barack Obama for not pursuing our pet issues vigorously enough, let's stop and applaud those of us who, for the last four plus years, have fought the good fight against Bush's fascism: the heroes of the resistance.
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Friday, January 24, 2014
It's Class Warfare, Stupid! Republicans have begun their campaign to regain the Senate in the 2014-midterm elections. So far, they've emphasized negative ads about Obamacare. If this tactic falters, the GOP will fall back on the same lies they used in the 2012 presidential election: "Obama's policies have hurt the economy." Republicans talk as if they are job creators but they're actually job destroyers, engaged in class warfare.
Friday, January 24, 2014It's Class Warfare, Stupid! Republicans have begun their campaign to regain the Senate in the 2014-midterm elections. So far, they've emphasized negative ads about Obamacare. If this tactic falters, the GOP will fall back on the same lies they used in the 2012 presidential election: "Obama's policies have hurt the economy." Republicans talk as if they are job creators but they're actually job destroyers, engaged in class warfare.
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Friday, April 20, 2012
The Disunited States: Can This Marriage be Saved? Now that it's clear Barack Obama will be the 2012 Democratic nominee for President and Mitt Romney the Republican nominee, we'll probably hear from a prominent third-Party candidate. He or she will promise to end the savage partisanship that characterizes US politics -- pledge to bring us together, save the marriage. But America doesn't need a counselor; we need a good divorce attorney.
Friday, April 20, 2012The Disunited States: Can This Marriage be Saved? Now that it's clear Barack Obama will be the 2012 Democratic nominee for President and Mitt Romney the Republican nominee, we'll probably hear from a prominent third-Party candidate. He or she will promise to end the savage partisanship that characterizes US politics -- pledge to bring us together, save the marriage. But America doesn't need a counselor; we need a good divorce attorney.
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Friday, July 4, 2014
Getting Democrats to Vote After an absence of several years, the new Pew Research Center political typology poll was just released. It breaks the American electorate into eight groups. And, it makes clear what the Democratic challenge is in the November midterm election.
Friday, July 4, 2014Getting Democrats to Vote After an absence of several years, the new Pew Research Center political typology poll was just released. It breaks the American electorate into eight groups. And, it makes clear what the Democratic challenge is in the November midterm election.
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Friday, April 13, 2018
Another Look at Trump Supporters After reaching a low of 36 percent, Trump's approval rating has gradually inched up to 40 percent. On the Left Coast his (historic) low remains a source of amazement because we rarely hear anyone speak favorably of Trump. Nonetheless, after 15 months in office, and a series of epic blunders, Trump has held onto his base. What explains this?
Friday, April 13, 2018Another Look at Trump Supporters After reaching a low of 36 percent, Trump's approval rating has gradually inched up to 40 percent. On the Left Coast his (historic) low remains a source of amazement because we rarely hear anyone speak favorably of Trump. Nonetheless, after 15 months in office, and a series of epic blunders, Trump has held onto his base. What explains this?
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Friday, September 20, 2013
Obama's Economy: 6 Truths President Obama's September 16th speech on the economy was overshadowed by breaking news: the tragic shootings at the Washington Navy Yard. Nonetheless, it was an important address that contained six important truths.
Friday, September 20, 2013Obama's Economy: 6 Truths President Obama's September 16th speech on the economy was overshadowed by breaking news: the tragic shootings at the Washington Navy Yard. Nonetheless, it was an important address that contained six important truths.
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Friday, September 11, 2020
Ten Potential Game Changers The political conventions have come and gone and little has changed in the 2020 presidential election. Before the conventions, Joe Biden led Donald Trump by an average of 8.0 percentage points; after the conventions, Biden led Trump by an average of 7.6 points. For Trump to win, external factors will have to intervene. Let's consider ten possible game changers.
Friday, September 11, 2020Ten Potential Game Changers The political conventions have come and gone and little has changed in the 2020 presidential election. Before the conventions, Joe Biden led Donald Trump by an average of 8.0 percentage points; after the conventions, Biden led Trump by an average of 7.6 points. For Trump to win, external factors will have to intervene. Let's consider ten possible game changers.
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Friday, January 2, 2015
Five Presidential Candidates Happy New Year! Welcome to the start of the presidential campaign marathon. For your consideration are five likely candidates, each representing a distinct segment of the US political spectrum.
Friday, January 2, 2015Five Presidential Candidates Happy New Year! Welcome to the start of the presidential campaign marathon. For your consideration are five likely candidates, each representing a distinct segment of the US political spectrum.
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Friday, December 18, 2020
Donald Trump M.I.A. On November 4th, after it became apparent that Donald Trump had lost the 2020 presidential election, I suspected that he would not be a gracious loser. Therefore, I haven't been surprised that Trump has taken the position that the election was "stolen" by Joe Biden. What has shocked me is that Donald has stopped doing his day job. In the midst of four crises, Trump has abandoned any semblance of operating as President.
Friday, December 18, 2020Donald Trump M.I.A. On November 4th, after it became apparent that Donald Trump had lost the 2020 presidential election, I suspected that he would not be a gracious loser. Therefore, I haven't been surprised that Trump has taken the position that the election was "stolen" by Joe Biden. What has shocked me is that Donald has stopped doing his day job. In the midst of four crises, Trump has abandoned any semblance of operating as President.
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Thursday, November 10, 2016
Combatting Trumpenstein Republicans have created a monster and on November 8th he was unleashed on the entire nation. What are progressives going to do about this?
Thursday, November 10, 2016Combatting Trumpenstein Republicans have created a monster and on November 8th he was unleashed on the entire nation. What are progressives going to do about this?
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Friday, January 29, 2021
Republicans in the Biden Era The Biden era begins with Democrats narrowly in control of Congress. Some actions can be taken without Republican support. Nonetheless, big change requires the votes of at least a few Republicans. How likely is this?
Friday, January 29, 2021Republicans in the Biden Era The Biden era begins with Democrats narrowly in control of Congress. Some actions can be taken without Republican support. Nonetheless, big change requires the votes of at least a few Republicans. How likely is this?
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Friday, September 25, 2020
Scranton vs Park Avenue It didn't attract much attention, but over the last few days, Joe Biden has crafted an effective economic message. In a voter town hall in Scranton Pennsylvania, and in subsequent speeches, Biden crystallized his powerful argument.
Friday, September 25, 2020Scranton vs Park Avenue It didn't attract much attention, but over the last few days, Joe Biden has crafted an effective economic message. In a voter town hall in Scranton Pennsylvania, and in subsequent speeches, Biden crystallized his powerful argument.
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Friday, June 14, 2019
Elizabeth's Time to Shine The walls of my high-school gym were covered with pithy aphorisms such as: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." The most memorable was: "Life is a grindstone; whether it wears you down or polishes you up, depends upon what you are made of." Somewhat unexpectedly, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has adapted to the arduous 2020 presidential-campaign grindstone and is beginning to shine.
Friday, June 14, 2019Elizabeth's Time to Shine The walls of my high-school gym were covered with pithy aphorisms such as: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." The most memorable was: "Life is a grindstone; whether it wears you down or polishes you up, depends upon what you are made of." Somewhat unexpectedly, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has adapted to the arduous 2020 presidential-campaign grindstone and is beginning to shine.
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Friday, December 4, 2009
Afghanistan or Bust From a political perspective, President Obama's forceful December 1st speech on the War in Afghanistan ensured the war will not be a major issue in the 2010 mid-term elections and guaranteed it will be a bone of contention in the 2012 presidential elections. The conflict is now Obama's war.
Friday, December 4, 2009Afghanistan or Bust From a political perspective, President Obama's forceful December 1st speech on the War in Afghanistan ensured the war will not be a major issue in the 2010 mid-term elections and guaranteed it will be a bone of contention in the 2012 presidential elections. The conflict is now Obama's war.
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Saturday, March 6, 2010
America's Locust Years This past week I was reminded of a Winston Churchill speech where he lamented, "these are the years that the locust hath eaten." Speaking before the House of Commons, Churchill chronicled Hitler's rise to power, Germany's rearmament, and England's failure to respond. He used the locust metaphor to refer to the multiple opportunities England had to prevent war.
Saturday, March 6, 2010America's Locust Years This past week I was reminded of a Winston Churchill speech where he lamented, "these are the years that the locust hath eaten." Speaking before the House of Commons, Churchill chronicled Hitler's rise to power, Germany's rearmament, and England's failure to respond. He used the locust metaphor to refer to the multiple opportunities England had to prevent war.
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Friday, December 7, 2018
Turning California Totally Blue In case you missed it, on November 6th, a blue wave washed over California. Democrats took all major statewide offices, elected a second Democratic Senator, and seized 46 of 53 congressional districts. Nonetheless, California Democrats won't be satisfied until the Golden State's congressional delegation is totally blue. What will it take to accomplish this?
Friday, December 7, 2018Turning California Totally Blue In case you missed it, on November 6th, a blue wave washed over California. Democrats took all major statewide offices, elected a second Democratic Senator, and seized 46 of 53 congressional districts. Nonetheless, California Democrats won't be satisfied until the Golden State's congressional delegation is totally blue. What will it take to accomplish this?
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Get Tough, Obama A year after Barack Obama won the presidential election, it's apparent the change he promised isn't going to come easy. The November 3rd election results indicate a rising level of discontent with Obama and Democrats, in general. Confronted by massive problems, Washington is moving at a glacial pace. What should be done to quicken the tempo, to make change happen more rapidly?
Friday, November 13, 2009Get Tough, Obama A year after Barack Obama won the presidential election, it's apparent the change he promised isn't going to come easy. The November 3rd election results indicate a rising level of discontent with Obama and Democrats, in general. Confronted by massive problems, Washington is moving at a glacial pace. What should be done to quicken the tempo, to make change happen more rapidly?
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Friday, February 6, 2015
Rebuilding The Liberal Brand If you watched the Super Bowl, you probably noticed a bland McDonald's commercial, "I'm lovin' it." It was part of their campaign to strengthen their brand. Too bad liberals didn't run a commercial because they need to rebuild their brand.
Friday, February 6, 2015Rebuilding The Liberal Brand If you watched the Super Bowl, you probably noticed a bland McDonald's commercial, "I'm lovin' it." It was part of their campaign to strengthen their brand. Too bad liberals didn't run a commercial because they need to rebuild their brand.
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Thursday, July 23, 2015
Hillary Clinton's Economic PLan It's the responsibility of a presidential frontrunner to set the terms of the debate. On July 13th, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton did this in a New York city speech, describing her plans to address economic inequality and related concerns.
Thursday, July 23, 2015Hillary Clinton's Economic PLan It's the responsibility of a presidential frontrunner to set the terms of the debate. On July 13th, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton did this in a New York city speech, describing her plans to address economic inequality and related concerns.
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Friday, July 12, 2013
Whatever Happened to the Women's Movement? Hillary Clinton will likely be the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee and the odds-on favorite to become the 45 th President. Nonetheless, while over the last sixty years there's been a lot of civil-rights progress in the US, women remain second-class citizens. Whatever happened to the women's movement?
Friday, July 12, 2013Whatever Happened to the Women's Movement? Hillary Clinton will likely be the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee and the odds-on favorite to become the 45 th President. Nonetheless, while over the last sixty years there's been a lot of civil-rights progress in the US, women remain second-class citizens. Whatever happened to the women's movement?
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Friday, November 20, 2020
Election 2020: Lessons Learned At this writing, Joe Biden leads Donald Trump by 5.9 million popular votes and 74 electoral college votes. Nonetheless, the election was closer than many Democrats expected. There are several important lessons to be learned.
Friday, November 20, 2020Election 2020: Lessons Learned At this writing, Joe Biden leads Donald Trump by 5.9 million popular votes and 74 electoral college votes. Nonetheless, the election was closer than many Democrats expected. There are several important lessons to be learned.
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Friday, April 22, 2016
Bernie's Last Stand: California's June Primary Improbably, it appears that the June 7th California primary will determine the nomination of both the Democratic frontrunner, Hillary Clinton, and the Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump. After winning the New York Democratic primary, Clinton has approximately 1930 delegates, 453 short of the magic number 2383. Unless Bernie Sanders stages an epic comeback, Clinton will cross the finish line in California.
Friday, April 22, 2016Bernie's Last Stand: California's June Primary Improbably, it appears that the June 7th California primary will determine the nomination of both the Democratic frontrunner, Hillary Clinton, and the Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump. After winning the New York Democratic primary, Clinton has approximately 1930 delegates, 453 short of the magic number 2383. Unless Bernie Sanders stages an epic comeback, Clinton will cross the finish line in California.
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Friday, June 11, 2010
Barack Obama: The Birth and Death of Cool I'm part of an American demographic that values cool, the mystical self-confidence that sends the message "I have it handled." Since he burst upon the national political scene in 2004, Barack Obama has seemed the epitome of cool. But after the BP gulf oil disaster, pundits accused Obama of being "too cool."
Friday, June 11, 2010Barack Obama: The Birth and Death of Cool I'm part of an American demographic that values cool, the mystical self-confidence that sends the message "I have it handled." Since he burst upon the national political scene in 2004, Barack Obama has seemed the epitome of cool. But after the BP gulf oil disaster, pundits accused Obama of being "too cool."
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Friday, August 6, 2010
Obama's Failure to Communicate Three months before the mid-term elections, Americans are angry. As a result, it's likely that Democrats will lose control of either the House or Senate. While the negative political trends can be attributed to the stagnant economy or ruthless Republican negativism, the primary culprit is the White House: Barack Obama has failed to communicate the accomplishments of his Administration.
Friday, August 6, 2010Obama's Failure to Communicate Three months before the mid-term elections, Americans are angry. As a result, it's likely that Democrats will lose control of either the House or Senate. While the negative political trends can be attributed to the stagnant economy or ruthless Republican negativism, the primary culprit is the White House: Barack Obama has failed to communicate the accomplishments of his Administration.
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Friday, May 3, 2013
Dubya's Legacy: 10 Suggestions Just when most Americans had forgotten the traumatic Bush era, along came the George W. Bush library to reopen old wounds. After the April 25 th library dedication, the MSM began to speculate about Dubya's legacy. A few suggestions:
Friday, May 3, 2013Dubya's Legacy: 10 Suggestions Just when most Americans had forgotten the traumatic Bush era, along came the George W. Bush library to reopen old wounds. After the April 25 th library dedication, the MSM began to speculate about Dubya's legacy. A few suggestions:
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Friday, June 6, 2014
Class Warfare: The 2014 Election As we head into the midterm election, it's clear that voters are unhappy, but it's uncertain how their displeasure will affect the outcome. We're seeing class warfare where the interests of the 1 percent are competing with those of the 99 percent.
Friday, June 6, 2014Class Warfare: The 2014 Election As we head into the midterm election, it's clear that voters are unhappy, but it's uncertain how their displeasure will affect the outcome. We're seeing class warfare where the interests of the 1 percent are competing with those of the 99 percent.
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Thursday, March 10, 2016
White Men, Go to the End of the Line! In 2012, Democrat Barack Obama won reelection with 51 percent of the vote compared to Republican Mitt Romney's 47 percent. Obama's victory was the result of a formidable coalition of racial minorities and progressive Whites, particularly single women. In 2016, if Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders is to prevail, they must recreate the same coalition. And, White men will be the smallest faction.
Thursday, March 10, 2016White Men, Go to the End of the Line! In 2012, Democrat Barack Obama won reelection with 51 percent of the vote compared to Republican Mitt Romney's 47 percent. Obama's victory was the result of a formidable coalition of racial minorities and progressive Whites, particularly single women. In 2016, if Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders is to prevail, they must recreate the same coalition. And, White men will be the smallest faction.
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Trash Talk Express Once upon a time, John McCain merited his reputation as a "truth teller." Reporters fought to get on his campaign bus, "the straight talk express," expecting to hear the Arizona Senator spew uncensored opinions. Alas, those days are over. Three months from the presidential election, McCain has decided his only hope of besting Barack Obama is to wage a negative campaign. Get on board the trash talk express.
Thursday, July 31, 2008The Trash Talk Express Once upon a time, John McCain merited his reputation as a "truth teller." Reporters fought to get on his campaign bus, "the straight talk express," expecting to hear the Arizona Senator spew uncensored opinions. Alas, those days are over. Three months from the presidential election, McCain has decided his only hope of besting Barack Obama is to wage a negative campaign. Get on board the trash talk express.
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Friday, March 4, 2016
Who Sired Trump? Ronald Reagan In a recent New York Times column, David Brooks blasted Donald Trump and "the rise of a group of [Americans] who are against politics." Regrettably, Brooks failed to acknowledge that Trump is the direct descendant of Ronald Reagan.
Friday, March 4, 2016Who Sired Trump? Ronald Reagan In a recent New York Times column, David Brooks blasted Donald Trump and "the rise of a group of [Americans] who are against politics." Regrettably, Brooks failed to acknowledge that Trump is the direct descendant of Ronald Reagan.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
Can Dems Retain Control of the Senate? One year ago, as the Democratic Senate majority inched towards the number 60, Party leaders expected to add to their majority at the mid-term election. Since then the political winds have shifted. Now Dems will be lucky to retain control of the Senate.
Friday, February 26, 2010Can Dems Retain Control of the Senate? One year ago, as the Democratic Senate majority inched towards the number 60, Party leaders expected to add to their majority at the mid-term election. Since then the political winds have shifted. Now Dems will be lucky to retain control of the Senate.
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Friday, March 15, 2013
Searching for Republican Soul Despite the pugnacity of its leaders, the Republican Party is in bad shape. In 2012 it lost the Presidency, the Senate, and the popular vote for the House of Representatives. Tt has lost its identity. onetheless, like an aging parent that no longer drives but truculently holds onto the keys to the car so no one else can use it, Republicans are part of the national political process: a perpetual stumbling block. Without soul.
Friday, March 15, 2013Searching for Republican Soul Despite the pugnacity of its leaders, the Republican Party is in bad shape. In 2012 it lost the Presidency, the Senate, and the popular vote for the House of Representatives. Tt has lost its identity. onetheless, like an aging parent that no longer drives but truculently holds onto the keys to the car so no one else can use it, Republicans are part of the national political process: a perpetual stumbling block. Without soul.
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
The GOP Problem: 'It's Halftime in America' Republicans are angry about the "It's Halftime in America" ad because it flies in the face of their negative themes: Obama has failed; America has gone in the toilet; and the only way to dig ourselves out of this hole is to place our faith in corporate America. Republicans will have an uphill battle selling this to voters.
Saturday, February 11, 2012The GOP Problem: 'It's Halftime in America' Republicans are angry about the "It's Halftime in America" ad because it flies in the face of their negative themes: Obama has failed; America has gone in the toilet; and the only way to dig ourselves out of this hole is to place our faith in corporate America. Republicans will have an uphill battle selling this to voters.
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Friday, May 23, 2014
Racism: What's the Problem? The past few weeks have seen the anniversaries of the US Civil Rights Act and the Supreme Court's landmark decision in "Brown v. Board of Education." We've also had a media frenzy over the dreadful remarks of Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team. For a brief period, there was a national discussion of racism. But now it's over. Why can't we acknowledge racism continues to be a major US problem?
Friday, May 23, 2014Racism: What's the Problem? The past few weeks have seen the anniversaries of the US Civil Rights Act and the Supreme Court's landmark decision in "Brown v. Board of Education." We've also had a media frenzy over the dreadful remarks of Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team. For a brief period, there was a national discussion of racism. But now it's over. Why can't we acknowledge racism continues to be a major US problem?
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Friday, April 30, 2010
The Jobs Problem The latest polls indicate that if the mid-term elections were held today, Democrats would lose seats in Congress because of dissatisfaction about the economy, particularly high rates of unemployment. Over the next six months, what should the Obama Administration do to solve the jobs problem?
Friday, April 30, 2010The Jobs Problem The latest polls indicate that if the mid-term elections were held today, Democrats would lose seats in Congress because of dissatisfaction about the economy, particularly high rates of unemployment. Over the next six months, what should the Obama Administration do to solve the jobs problem?
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Friday, April 4, 2014
Building the New Populism It's a treasured American maxim that every problem is an opportunity in disguise. Seven months before the mid-term election Democrats face a serious problem: most Americans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction and many blame the President. Meanwhile, Republican Billionaires are spending millions of dollars on attack ads. Nonetheless, 2014 is an opportunity for populists to remake the Democratic Party.
Friday, April 4, 2014Building the New Populism It's a treasured American maxim that every problem is an opportunity in disguise. Seven months before the mid-term election Democrats face a serious problem: most Americans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction and many blame the President. Meanwhile, Republican Billionaires are spending millions of dollars on attack ads. Nonetheless, 2014 is an opportunity for populists to remake the Democratic Party.
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Friday, January 4, 2019
2018: Ten Reasons to be Thankful New Year's Day was clear and sunny on the Left coast and it was easy to imagine that 2019 would be "all green lights and smooth sailing." Nonetheless, while 2018 ended with a government shutdown, and a flurry of ugly Trump Tweets, the year wasn't all bad. Here are ten reasons to be thankful.
Friday, January 4, 20192018: Ten Reasons to be Thankful New Year's Day was clear and sunny on the Left coast and it was easy to imagine that 2019 would be "all green lights and smooth sailing." Nonetheless, while 2018 ended with a government shutdown, and a flurry of ugly Trump Tweets, the year wasn't all bad. Here are ten reasons to be thankful.
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Monday, September 8, 2014
What's Wrong With US Foreign Policy? Obama bashing has been one of the characteristics of the 2014 midterm election. For the last few months the President was accused of lacking foreign policy leadership. Republicans blamed Obama for deteriorating conditions in Iraq and Syria, implying the President is solely responsible for the bad news. What's wrong with US foreign policy?
Monday, September 8, 2014What's Wrong With US Foreign Policy? Obama bashing has been one of the characteristics of the 2014 midterm election. For the last few months the President was accused of lacking foreign policy leadership. Republicans blamed Obama for deteriorating conditions in Iraq and Syria, implying the President is solely responsible for the bad news. What's wrong with US foreign policy?
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Friday, April 18, 2014
Inside Paul Ryan, Inside the GOP After six months attacking Democrats for the alleged faults of Obamacare, Republicans finally went on the offensive with the budget plan developed by Representative Paul Ryan. The Ryan/Republican budget draws a stark contrast between the two parties.
Friday, April 18, 2014Inside Paul Ryan, Inside the GOP After six months attacking Democrats for the alleged faults of Obamacare, Republicans finally went on the offensive with the budget plan developed by Representative Paul Ryan. The Ryan/Republican budget draws a stark contrast between the two parties.
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Friday, February 26, 2016
Clinton vs. Trump: First Impressions Eight months before the presidential election, it's clear that voters are going to have choose between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. It's only been nine months since "the Donald" announced his candidacy, but in that time he has turned the Republican establishment upside down. The race to the finish line, on November 8, promises to be a nail biter.
Friday, February 26, 2016Clinton vs. Trump: First Impressions Eight months before the presidential election, it's clear that voters are going to have choose between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. It's only been nine months since "the Donald" announced his candidacy, but in that time he has turned the Republican establishment upside down. The race to the finish line, on November 8, promises to be a nail biter.
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Friday, January 22, 2021
In Defense of Civility In the seventies, I was working in Silicon Valley when email became ubiquitous on business' campuses. Although email simplified office communication, I noticed two negative aspects: email discouraged face-to-face interaction and it facilitated uncivility. On January 8th, Twitter -- email's progeny --suspended Donald Trump's account. This was a welcome, although belated, defense of civility.
Friday, January 22, 2021In Defense of Civility In the seventies, I was working in Silicon Valley when email became ubiquitous on business' campuses. Although email simplified office communication, I noticed two negative aspects: email discouraged face-to-face interaction and it facilitated uncivility. On January 8th, Twitter -- email's progeny --suspended Donald Trump's account. This was a welcome, although belated, defense of civility.
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Friday, March 17, 2017
Two Months of Trump: There are No Neutrals Here After two months of Trump, there are clear winners and losers.
Friday, March 17, 2017Two Months of Trump: There are No Neutrals Here After two months of Trump, there are clear winners and losers.
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Politics of Trust Most Americans don't trust their government. A recent Gallup poll found "Americans generally express less trust in the federal government than at any point in the past decade, and trust in many federal government institutions is now lower than it was during the Watergate era." Only 43 percent of poll respondents trust President Bush and 50 percent do not trust Congress.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007The Politics of Trust Most Americans don't trust their government. A recent Gallup poll found "Americans generally express less trust in the federal government than at any point in the past decade, and trust in many federal government institutions is now lower than it was during the Watergate era." Only 43 percent of poll respondents trust President Bush and 50 percent do not trust Congress.
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Friday, February 5, 2016
Hillary vs Bernie: The View From Berkeley It's Super Bowl week on the Left Coast but the number one topic of conversation is not the Broncos or the Panthers, it's Hillary versus Bernie. That's a big change from three months ago, when we talked about the Warriors and the awfulness of Donald Trump. But now we have a real contest for the Democratic nomination.
Friday, February 5, 2016Hillary vs Bernie: The View From Berkeley It's Super Bowl week on the Left Coast but the number one topic of conversation is not the Broncos or the Panthers, it's Hillary versus Bernie. That's a big change from three months ago, when we talked about the Warriors and the awfulness of Donald Trump. But now we have a real contest for the Democratic nomination.
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Friday, November 14, 2008
Obama's First Challenge Even though Barack Obama's inauguration is two months away, Americans already look to him for the leadership required to steer us out of a yawning recession. Obama's first press conference came less than a week after he'd been elected the 44th President and most of the questions concerned the economy. There are five things he should immediately work on.
Friday, November 14, 2008Obama's First Challenge Even though Barack Obama's inauguration is two months away, Americans already look to him for the leadership required to steer us out of a yawning recession. Obama's first press conference came less than a week after he'd been elected the 44th President and most of the questions concerned the economy. There are five things he should immediately work on.
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Friday, June 27, 2014
Campaign 2014: Hate Politics Four months before the midterm election, it's become apparent the Republican strategy is based upon firing up their base with a barrage of anti-Obama messages. This has driven down the President's approval ratings. And it's made Republican partisans angry and likely to vote. It's reminiscent of the hate campaign that caused California Proposition 8 to pass in 2008.
Friday, June 27, 2014Campaign 2014: Hate Politics Four months before the midterm election, it's become apparent the Republican strategy is based upon firing up their base with a barrage of anti-Obama messages. This has driven down the President's approval ratings. And it's made Republican partisans angry and likely to vote. It's reminiscent of the hate campaign that caused California Proposition 8 to pass in 2008.
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Friday, October 3, 2014
What Do Women Want? Many themes have featured in the interminable run-up to the 2014 mid-term election: Obamacare, Obama's use of presidential power, Iraq/Syria, fracking, to mention only a few. But the theme that is perhaps most central to the election -- the role of women in our democracy -- has gotten little press attention. Yet it's women who will decide the outcome on November 4th. What do they want?
Friday, October 3, 2014What Do Women Want? Many themes have featured in the interminable run-up to the 2014 mid-term election: Obamacare, Obama's use of presidential power, Iraq/Syria, fracking, to mention only a few. But the theme that is perhaps most central to the election -- the role of women in our democracy -- has gotten little press attention. Yet it's women who will decide the outcome on November 4th. What do they want?
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Friday, March 21, 2014
America's Gas Problem Most US politicians regard natural gas as the key element in our energy policy. In his January State-of-the-Union address President Obama said, "[Natural gas is] the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change." Many environmentalists disagree; John Farrell describes natural gas as "a gateway drug."
Friday, March 21, 2014America's Gas Problem Most US politicians regard natural gas as the key element in our energy policy. In his January State-of-the-Union address President Obama said, "[Natural gas is] the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change." Many environmentalists disagree; John Farrell describes natural gas as "a gateway drug."
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Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Campaign 2006: Dirty Tricks, Undecided Races The elections in 2000, 2002, and 2004 featured Republican dirty tricks: extensive voter suppression and iniquitous vote count manipulation. While 2006 saw some of the latter, the main GOP tactic was once again voter suppression: either directly by purging valid names from voter rolls or indirectly by harassing and misleading phone calls. GOP dirty tricks were an important factor in seven of the eleven Congressional races whos
Wednesday, November 15, 2006Campaign 2006: Dirty Tricks, Undecided Races The elections in 2000, 2002, and 2004 featured Republican dirty tricks: extensive voter suppression and iniquitous vote count manipulation. While 2006 saw some of the latter, the main GOP tactic was once again voter suppression: either directly by purging valid names from voter rolls or indirectly by harassing and misleading phone calls. GOP dirty tricks were an important factor in seven of the eleven Congressional races whos
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Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The Schizophrenic Republican Agenda When we poke at the GOP ideological agenda we find that it’s schizophrenic. Republicans say one thing and then consistently do something else.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006The Schizophrenic Republican Agenda When we poke at the GOP ideological agenda we find that it’s schizophrenic. Republicans say one thing and then consistently do something else.
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Friday, April 15, 2016
New York Showdown: Clinton vs Sanders If it's been awhile since you watched Hillary Clinton debate Bernie Sanders, you would have been struck by the tone evidenced in the April 14th New York event. After 8 encounters, the two Democratic candidates don't like each other. That animosity produced a contentious two-hour debate.
Friday, April 15, 2016New York Showdown: Clinton vs Sanders If it's been awhile since you watched Hillary Clinton debate Bernie Sanders, you would have been struck by the tone evidenced in the April 14th New York event. After 8 encounters, the two Democratic candidates don't like each other. That animosity produced a contentious two-hour debate.
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Friday, September 18, 2020
What Happens After November 3 There's a lot of concern about what happens after the polls close on November 3rd. Here's the BB view: mainstream media "exit" polls will show that Joe Biden won the popular vote by more than ten percentage points. Before midnight, on the West Coast, enough California results will be published to confirm this -- Biden will gather two-thirds of the Golden State early vote. Then the nation will wait on electoral-college results
Friday, September 18, 2020What Happens After November 3 There's a lot of concern about what happens after the polls close on November 3rd. Here's the BB view: mainstream media "exit" polls will show that Joe Biden won the popular vote by more than ten percentage points. Before midnight, on the West Coast, enough California results will be published to confirm this -- Biden will gather two-thirds of the Golden State early vote. Then the nation will wait on electoral-college results
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Friday, August 29, 2008
Obama Takes Off the Gloves Thursday – The fourth night of the Denver Democratic Convention was the night Democrats had been waiting for. Monday's theme was that Barack and Michelle Obama are uniquely American. Tuesday's was Unity when Hillary Clinton implored Dems to support Obama. The theme Wednesday night was We're the Party that supports the troops.And the theme of Obama's climactic Thursday night address wasEnough!.
Friday, August 29, 2008Obama Takes Off the Gloves Thursday – The fourth night of the Denver Democratic Convention was the night Democrats had been waiting for. Monday's theme was that Barack and Michelle Obama are uniquely American. Tuesday's was Unity when Hillary Clinton implored Dems to support Obama. The theme Wednesday night was We're the Party that supports the troops.And the theme of Obama's climactic Thursday night address wasEnough!.
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Thursday, September 24, 2015
Democrats Must Go On Offense This summer Republicans have garnered a huge amount of media attention. That was true at the September 16th Republican presidential debate where they spewed lie after lie. Now, Democrats must go on offense and counter the deluge of GOP falsehoods and misstatements.
Thursday, September 24, 2015Democrats Must Go On Offense This summer Republicans have garnered a huge amount of media attention. That was true at the September 16th Republican presidential debate where they spewed lie after lie. Now, Democrats must go on offense and counter the deluge of GOP falsehoods and misstatements.
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Creating the Jobs America Needs While financial markets believe the great recession is over, millions of Americans continue to struggle. Unemployment is 10.2 percent and the more inclusive measure, underemployment, is at 17.5 percent. America's jobs crisis is both a short-term and long-term challenge.
Friday, November 20, 2009Creating the Jobs America Needs While financial markets believe the great recession is over, millions of Americans continue to struggle. Unemployment is 10.2 percent and the more inclusive measure, underemployment, is at 17.5 percent. America's jobs crisis is both a short-term and long-term challenge.
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Friday, October 10, 2014
It's Still the Economy, Stupid! A month before the November 4th mid-term elections, the competition for control of the Senate is neck-and-neck. The improving US economy hasn't increased Democratic prospects. What explains this?
Friday, October 10, 2014It's Still the Economy, Stupid! A month before the November 4th mid-term elections, the competition for control of the Senate is neck-and-neck. The improving US economy hasn't increased Democratic prospects. What explains this?
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Friday, October 9, 2020
Harris-Pence: Keeping Score After the dreadful initial 2020 presidential debate, there were some who called for the debates to cease. That would have been a mistake because the second debate, a vice-presidential tussle between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, was productive. It resulted in a win for Senator Harris and further momentum for the Biden-Harris campaign.
Friday, October 9, 2020Harris-Pence: Keeping Score After the dreadful initial 2020 presidential debate, there were some who called for the debates to cease. That would have been a mistake because the second debate, a vice-presidential tussle between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, was productive. It resulted in a win for Senator Harris and further momentum for the Biden-Harris campaign.
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Friday, November 13, 2020
2020 Presidential Election: Cleaning UP Loose Ends We've had more than a week to consider the election results and several things jump out: 1.It was a big win: The Biden-Harris campaign brought out a huge vote
Friday, November 13, 20202020 Presidential Election: Cleaning UP Loose Ends We've had more than a week to consider the election results and several things jump out: 1.It was a big win: The Biden-Harris campaign brought out a huge vote
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Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Iraq - How Do You Spell LOSER? Why can't the American public recognize that the war in Iraq is over? The US lost.
Tuesday, June 6, 2006Iraq - How Do You Spell LOSER? Why can't the American public recognize that the war in Iraq is over? The US lost.
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Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Steroid America Throughout 2007 Americans were warned of a looming steroid scandal in major-league baseball. Nonetheless, many fans were surprised when Barry Bonds and 88 other players were identified as steroid users in the Mitchell Report. Sadly, indications are this is only the tip of the drug iceberg, as steroids are said to be an issue at all levels of American sports.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008Steroid America Throughout 2007 Americans were warned of a looming steroid scandal in major-league baseball. Nonetheless, many fans were surprised when Barry Bonds and 88 other players were identified as steroid users in the Mitchell Report. Sadly, indications are this is only the tip of the drug iceberg, as steroids are said to be an issue at all levels of American sports.
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Friday, November 22, 2013
It's Inequality, Stupid: Defending Affordable Healthcare To say the least, the Affordable Care Act is off to a rocky start. Some Democratic congresspeople have been backing away from the law. We can't let that happen; Progressives can't let "Obamacare" fail. Affordable healthcare is a key component in our fight against inequality.
Friday, November 22, 2013It's Inequality, Stupid: Defending Affordable Healthcare To say the least, the Affordable Care Act is off to a rocky start. Some Democratic congresspeople have been backing away from the law. We can't let that happen; Progressives can't let "Obamacare" fail. Affordable healthcare is a key component in our fight against inequality.
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Friday, October 2, 2020
Biden-Trump: What Happens Next? On the heels of a fractious presidential debate came the news that Donald Trump had tested positive for COVID-19. Where does this leave the presidential contest?
Friday, October 2, 2020Biden-Trump: What Happens Next? On the heels of a fractious presidential debate came the news that Donald Trump had tested positive for COVID-19. Where does this leave the presidential contest?
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Friday, April 12, 2013
The Future is Coming: What's the U.S. Plan? The future is arriving faster than expected. According to a report by the National Intelligence Council, "Global Trends 2030," seventeen years from now the world will be remarkably different. How does America plan to deal with this change?
Friday, April 12, 2013The Future is Coming: What's the U.S. Plan? The future is arriving faster than expected. According to a report by the National Intelligence Council, "Global Trends 2030," seventeen years from now the world will be remarkably different. How does America plan to deal with this change?
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Friday, August 17, 2012
Romney, Ryan, Rand: The Republican Trinity Sensing that if he did not shake up his campaign he would lose to Barack Obama, Mitt Romney anointed Paul Ryan as his running mate. Thereby, Romney assumed all of Ryan's baggage, including the infamous Ryan budget, and the Wisconsin Congressman's support for Ayn Rand's "Objectivism."
Friday, August 17, 2012Romney, Ryan, Rand: The Republican Trinity Sensing that if he did not shake up his campaign he would lose to Barack Obama, Mitt Romney anointed Paul Ryan as his running mate. Thereby, Romney assumed all of Ryan's baggage, including the infamous Ryan budget, and the Wisconsin Congressman's support for Ayn Rand's "Objectivism."
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Friday, February 13, 2015
Obama Grows Coattails 21 months before the 2016 presidential election, Republicans are struggling to find a candidate who will be conservative enough to win their nomination and moderate enough to appeal to sensible voters. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton appears to have nailed down the Democratic nomination. Surprisingly, President Obama's approval ratings have improved to the point where he may be able to boost her campaign.
Friday, February 13, 2015Obama Grows Coattails 21 months before the 2016 presidential election, Republicans are struggling to find a candidate who will be conservative enough to win their nomination and moderate enough to appeal to sensible voters. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton appears to have nailed down the Democratic nomination. Surprisingly, President Obama's approval ratings have improved to the point where he may be able to boost her campaign.
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Friday, July 30, 2010
Afghanistan: America's Failed Project The summer of 2010 found most of the US wilting from a blistering heat wave and the Obama Administration withering from bad news about Afghanistan. Writing in ROLLING STONE Michael Hastings concludes: "There is a reason that President Obama studiously avoids using the word "victory' when he talks about Afghanistan. Winning, it would seem, is not really possible."
Friday, July 30, 2010Afghanistan: America's Failed Project The summer of 2010 found most of the US wilting from a blistering heat wave and the Obama Administration withering from bad news about Afghanistan. Writing in ROLLING STONE Michael Hastings concludes: "There is a reason that President Obama studiously avoids using the word "victory' when he talks about Afghanistan. Winning, it would seem, is not really possible."
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Friday, March 8, 2019
Trump and the Economy 600 days before the 2020 presidential election, it looks like the two major issues will be Donald Trump and the U.S. economy. Of course, this could change if Trump leaves office or there is a cataclysmic climate event. Otherwise, the election will be determined by voters' feelings about Trump and, of course, how they view their economic prospects.
Friday, March 8, 2019Trump and the Economy 600 days before the 2020 presidential election, it looks like the two major issues will be Donald Trump and the U.S. economy. Of course, this could change if Trump leaves office or there is a cataclysmic climate event. Otherwise, the election will be determined by voters' feelings about Trump and, of course, how they view their economic prospects.
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Thursday, August 21, 2008
McCain's Surge, Obama's Challenge Over the last six weeks, John McCain's campaign has gotten its act together. The latest Pew Research Poll indicates the 2008 presidential contest has tightened and Barack Obama's lead is now within the statistical margin of error.
Thursday, August 21, 2008McCain's Surge, Obama's Challenge Over the last six weeks, John McCain's campaign has gotten its act together. The latest Pew Research Poll indicates the 2008 presidential contest has tightened and Barack Obama's lead is now within the statistical margin of error.
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Thursday, October 15, 2015
10 Takeaways From the Democratic Debate On October 13th, the five Democratic presidential candidates debated for more than two hours. There were ten takeaways from the event.
Thursday, October 15, 201510 Takeaways From the Democratic Debate On October 13th, the five Democratic presidential candidates debated for more than two hours. There were ten takeaways from the event.
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Friday, February 24, 2012
The Republicans' Rick Santorum Problem After Rick Santorum's surprising victories in the Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri primaries, many observers wonder if he has a chance to wrench the Republican presidential nomination away from Mitt Romney. Santorum does have a chance, but he's not a winning candidate, someone who can unite the fractured GOP base.
Friday, February 24, 2012The Republicans' Rick Santorum Problem After Rick Santorum's surprising victories in the Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri primaries, many observers wonder if he has a chance to wrench the Republican presidential nomination away from Mitt Romney. Santorum does have a chance, but he's not a winning candidate, someone who can unite the fractured GOP base.
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Thursday, June 18, 2015
California: Blue State, Boom State In January, it was widely reported that California had become the world's seventh largest economy. Among the top ten economies the Golden State (with an estimated 2013 GDP of $2.20 trillion) surpassed Brazil, Italy, and Russia and trailed only the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Many factors contribute to California's preeminence; one being its liberalism.
Thursday, June 18, 2015California: Blue State, Boom State In January, it was widely reported that California had become the world's seventh largest economy. Among the top ten economies the Golden State (with an estimated 2013 GDP of $2.20 trillion) surpassed Brazil, Italy, and Russia and trailed only the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Many factors contribute to California's preeminence; one being its liberalism.
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Saturday, December 23, 2006
All I Want For Christmas is...the Truth This is the time of year when many of us take time out to count our blessings and, perhaps, say a few prayers for peace on earth. Of course, I want peace on earth, too. But what I want first is the truth.
Saturday, December 23, 2006All I Want For Christmas is...the Truth This is the time of year when many of us take time out to count our blessings and, perhaps, say a few prayers for peace on earth. Of course, I want peace on earth, too. But what I want first is the truth.
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Friday, May 21, 2010
Obama Foreign Policy: The Return of Third Way It's fortunate for President Obama that domestic events swamp international concerns because most voters don't care about what happens in countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan. For those of us who do, Obama's foreign policy stances often bewilder both the left and right - they are the international equivalent of the Third Way domestic policies of the Clinton Administration.
Friday, May 21, 2010Obama Foreign Policy: The Return of Third Way It's fortunate for President Obama that domestic events swamp international concerns because most voters don't care about what happens in countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan. For those of us who do, Obama's foreign policy stances often bewilder both the left and right - they are the international equivalent of the Third Way domestic policies of the Clinton Administration.
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Friday, April 26, 2019
Five Takeaways from the Mueller Report After waiting almost two years, the report of the Special Counsel charged with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election -- the "Mueller Report" -- was made made available on April 17th. Although this 448-page report was edited -- "redacted" -- by pro-Trump Attorney General William Barr, enough was uncensored that we can draw general conclusions.
Friday, April 26, 2019Five Takeaways from the Mueller Report After waiting almost two years, the report of the Special Counsel charged with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election -- the "Mueller Report" -- was made made available on April 17th. Although this 448-page report was edited -- "redacted" -- by pro-Trump Attorney General William Barr, enough was uncensored that we can draw general conclusions.
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Friday, October 16, 2020
The State of the Race Less than 19 days from election day, Democrats are running scared; they remember four years ago when most of them believed that Hillary Clinton would defeat Donald Trump. (Clinton lost despite having 2.9 million (2.1%) more votes than Trump.) Relax Dems; this time Trump is going down.
Friday, October 16, 2020The State of the Race Less than 19 days from election day, Democrats are running scared; they remember four years ago when most of them believed that Hillary Clinton would defeat Donald Trump. (Clinton lost despite having 2.9 million (2.1%) more votes than Trump.) Relax Dems; this time Trump is going down.
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Friday, September 19, 2014
America the Hammer In his September 10th speech about middle-eastern terrorists, ISIL, President Obama gave the classic rationale for US involvement: "America is better positioned today to seize the future than any other nation on Earth" Abroad, American leadership is the one constant in an uncertain world." What kind of leadership?
Friday, September 19, 2014America the Hammer In his September 10th speech about middle-eastern terrorists, ISIL, President Obama gave the classic rationale for US involvement: "America is better positioned today to seize the future than any other nation on Earth" Abroad, American leadership is the one constant in an uncertain world." What kind of leadership?
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Friday, October 23, 2020
The Final Debate: C'mon The final 2020 presidential debate didn't change the minds of Democrats and Republicans. This was a debate targeted for the very few undecided voters They saw a memorable conflict between "Mister Rogers" (Biden) and "Crazy Uncle Don" (Trump).
Friday, October 23, 2020The Final Debate: C'mon The final 2020 presidential debate didn't change the minds of Democrats and Republicans. This was a debate targeted for the very few undecided voters They saw a memorable conflict between "Mister Rogers" (Biden) and "Crazy Uncle Don" (Trump).
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Thursday, January 28, 2016
It's Inequality, Stupid! As Bernie Sanders presidential campaign has gained momentum, Sanders has come under attack from Democrats and Republicans. Some mock Bernie's identification as a "Democratic Socialist," while others lament his supposed policy deficiencies. The critics miss the point. Sanders is running to call attention to a national emergency: the influence of money on politics, and economic inequality in general.
Thursday, January 28, 2016It's Inequality, Stupid! As Bernie Sanders presidential campaign has gained momentum, Sanders has come under attack from Democrats and Republicans. Some mock Bernie's identification as a "Democratic Socialist," while others lament his supposed policy deficiencies. The critics miss the point. Sanders is running to call attention to a national emergency: the influence of money on politics, and economic inequality in general.
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Thursday, October 8, 2015
Bipolar America Recently, a friend of mine became a US citizen. Now she wonders what she let herself in for: "I don't understand US politics. Are Republicans crazy? What candidates like Trump are saying makes no sense." I said, "Welcome to bipolar America. Democrats and Republicans have radically different visions of the US."
Thursday, October 8, 2015Bipolar America Recently, a friend of mine became a US citizen. Now she wonders what she let herself in for: "I don't understand US politics. Are Republicans crazy? What candidates like Trump are saying makes no sense." I said, "Welcome to bipolar America. Democrats and Republicans have radically different visions of the US."
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Friday, March 29, 2013
Keystone XL Pipeline: 3 Key Questions On March 1st, the State Department issued a report raising no objection to the construction of the Canadian-US Keystone XL pipeline. There will be a 45-day period for public comments and then President Obama will decide whether or not to approve the 875-mile pipeline. His decision will hinge on three critical considerations.
Friday, March 29, 2013Keystone XL Pipeline: 3 Key Questions On March 1st, the State Department issued a report raising no objection to the construction of the Canadian-US Keystone XL pipeline. There will be a 45-day period for public comments and then President Obama will decide whether or not to approve the 875-mile pipeline. His decision will hinge on three critical considerations.
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Friday, January 8, 2021
A New Era The 2020 election is almost over; it will end when Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20th. The election process took 19 months: beginning with the first Democratic debate and ending with the November 3rd election, January 6th counting of the electoral votes, and the inauguration. We all have good reason to feel drained.
Friday, January 8, 2021A New Era The 2020 election is almost over; it will end when Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20th. The election process took 19 months: beginning with the first Democratic debate and ending with the November 3rd election, January 6th counting of the electoral votes, and the inauguration. We all have good reason to feel drained.
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Friday, September 25, 2009
Healthcare Reform's Abortion Dilemma There's no doubt the Obama Administration's healthcare reform plan represents a historic step forward for women. At long last, the vast majority of females will have access to affordable care that protects their maternity and reproductive health. But this progress may exact a dreadful price, as many women could lose insurance coverage for abortions.
Friday, September 25, 2009Healthcare Reform's Abortion Dilemma There's no doubt the Obama Administration's healthcare reform plan represents a historic step forward for women. At long last, the vast majority of females will have access to affordable care that protects their maternity and reproductive health. But this progress may exact a dreadful price, as many women could lose insurance coverage for abortions.
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Friday, July 29, 2011
Republicans: The People Grandpa Warned Me About When I was a teenager, my grandfather ate dinner with my family and repaid us with a post-dessert homily. His favorite was "the Red menace," where he raised his voice to warn us about the perils of Communism – "Watch out for those people... they will say and do anything to win." Fifty years later Grandpa's words apply to the leaders of the Republican Party
Friday, July 29, 2011Republicans: The People Grandpa Warned Me About When I was a teenager, my grandfather ate dinner with my family and repaid us with a post-dessert homily. His favorite was "the Red menace," where he raised his voice to warn us about the perils of Communism – "Watch out for those people... they will say and do anything to win." Fifty years later Grandpa's words apply to the leaders of the Republican Party
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Friday, October 1, 2010
Polarization Politics: So Far, So Good It's a familiar joke: A man falls off a forty-story building; as he passes the twentieth floor, a friend yells out the window, "How's it going?" and the faller screams, "So far, so good!" Now it's become the Republican campaign theme.
Friday, October 1, 2010Polarization Politics: So Far, So Good It's a familiar joke: A man falls off a forty-story building; as he passes the twentieth floor, a friend yells out the window, "How's it going?" and the faller screams, "So far, so good!" Now it's become the Republican campaign theme.
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
Obama and Lincoln In his remarkable March 18th speech, "A More Perfect Union," Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, directly addressed the racial aspect of his campaign that, up until the preceding week, had largely been in the background.
Thursday, April 3, 2008Obama and Lincoln In his remarkable March 18th speech, "A More Perfect Union," Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, directly addressed the racial aspect of his campaign that, up until the preceding week, had largely been in the background.
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Thursday, March 24, 2016
Donald Trump Channels Howard Beale Forty years ago, the movie "Network" created a sensation, eventually winning four Academy Awards. Etched on the American consciousness is the image of the demented lead character, news-anchor Howard Beale, striding to an open window, leaning out into the rain, and shouting, "we're mad as hell, and we're not going to take this anymore." Now Donald Trump has brought Howard Beale to life.
Thursday, March 24, 2016Donald Trump Channels Howard Beale Forty years ago, the movie "Network" created a sensation, eventually winning four Academy Awards. Etched on the American consciousness is the image of the demented lead character, news-anchor Howard Beale, striding to an open window, leaning out into the rain, and shouting, "we're mad as hell, and we're not going to take this anymore." Now Donald Trump has brought Howard Beale to life.
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Thursday, April 28, 2016
5 Things We've Learned About Republicans The 2016 presidential campaign drags on and on. As we grit our teeth at the prospect of six more months of Donald Trump tweets, it's useful to look back on the past 12 months and consider what we've learned about Republicans.
Thursday, April 28, 20165 Things We've Learned About Republicans The 2016 presidential campaign drags on and on. As we grit our teeth at the prospect of six more months of Donald Trump tweets, it's useful to look back on the past 12 months and consider what we've learned about Republicans.
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Thursday, July 27, 2006
He's Got the Whole World In His Hands As the situation in the Middle East spirals out of control, as it becomes ever more apparent that we have lost the war in Iraq and are losing the war on terror, it's vital that we understand this strange man who's our 43rd President. Why did George make the dreadful decisions that have brought us to the brink of chaos? Why is George Bush playing with the whole world in his hands?
Thursday, July 27, 2006He's Got the Whole World In His Hands As the situation in the Middle East spirals out of control, as it becomes ever more apparent that we have lost the war in Iraq and are losing the war on terror, it's vital that we understand this strange man who's our 43rd President. Why did George make the dreadful decisions that have brought us to the brink of chaos? Why is George Bush playing with the whole world in his hands?
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Friday, April 19, 2013
Why We Should Reduce the Defense Budget According to a report by the National Intelligence Council, "Global Trends 2030," seventeen years from now the world will be remarkably different: "There will not be any hegemonic power" China alone will probably have the largest economy." Why can't the US plan for this and reduce our defense expenditures?
Friday, April 19, 2013Why We Should Reduce the Defense Budget According to a report by the National Intelligence Council, "Global Trends 2030," seventeen years from now the world will be remarkably different: "There will not be any hegemonic power" China alone will probably have the largest economy." Why can't the US plan for this and reduce our defense expenditures?
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Friday, February 5, 2010
Obama's State-of-the-Union: Ten Lessons A week after Democrats suffered a stunning defeat, Barack Obama bounced back with a memorable State-of-the-Union address. After a year in office, Obama has to learn ten lessons.
Friday, February 5, 2010Obama's State-of-the-Union: Ten Lessons A week after Democrats suffered a stunning defeat, Barack Obama bounced back with a memorable State-of-the-Union address. After a year in office, Obama has to learn ten lessons.
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Friday, March 8, 2013
Disarming Republican Anarchists While most Americans were horrified by the December 14 th murders of 26 innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, many observers believe Washington lacks the will to curb gun violence. Multiple excuses have been offered for the difficulty of enacting gun control legislation, but the most obvious problem has not been mentioned: the US contains millions of Republican anarchists.
Friday, March 8, 2013Disarming Republican Anarchists While most Americans were horrified by the December 14 th murders of 26 innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, many observers believe Washington lacks the will to curb gun violence. Multiple excuses have been offered for the difficulty of enacting gun control legislation, but the most obvious problem has not been mentioned: the US contains millions of Republican anarchists.
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Friday, January 9, 2009
Bush's Day of Reckoning When Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States, he'll face daunting challenges: a shattered economy, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and global climate change, to mention only three. Nonetheless, many Americans feel Obama should immediately address the improprieties of the Bush Administration, particularly authorization of the use of torture. There's increasing support for a day of reckoning for George Bush.
Friday, January 9, 2009Bush's Day of Reckoning When Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States, he'll face daunting challenges: a shattered economy, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and global climate change, to mention only three. Nonetheless, many Americans feel Obama should immediately address the improprieties of the Bush Administration, particularly authorization of the use of torture. There's increasing support for a day of reckoning for George Bush.
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Thursday, June 1, 2006
Campaign 2006 - I'm With Stupid As President Bush’s poll numbers continue to plummet, many Democrats assume that their Party will recapture Congress. Dems tend to overlook the fact that when they vote on November 7th, the person voting in a similar booth in Colorado, Michigan, Ohio or Pennsylvania is marking their ballot for reasons that are not in their best interests. Following logic that most of us regard as stupid.
Thursday, June 1, 2006Campaign 2006 - I'm With Stupid As President Bush’s poll numbers continue to plummet, many Democrats assume that their Party will recapture Congress. Dems tend to overlook the fact that when they vote on November 7th, the person voting in a similar booth in Colorado, Michigan, Ohio or Pennsylvania is marking their ballot for reasons that are not in their best interests. Following logic that most of us regard as stupid.
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Friday, September 6, 2013
Syria: One Crisis Too Many Polls indicate that Americans aren't in favor of military intervention in Syria. That's certainly true out here on the left coast. It's not that we don't care about Syria's humanitarian crisis; it's that we've run out of energy. America is in crisis overload.
Friday, September 6, 2013Syria: One Crisis Too Many Polls indicate that Americans aren't in favor of military intervention in Syria. That's certainly true out here on the left coast. It's not that we don't care about Syria's humanitarian crisis; it's that we've run out of energy. America is in crisis overload.
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Friday, January 25, 2013
Obama's Legacy: Drone Wars After Barack Obama's stirring second inaugural address, Democrats anticipate action on vital domestic issues, such as immigration reform and gun control. Nonetheless, the national security budget will continue to dominate discretionary expenditures, as the President pursues the "war" on terror using aerial robots -- drones.
Friday, January 25, 2013Obama's Legacy: Drone Wars After Barack Obama's stirring second inaugural address, Democrats anticipate action on vital domestic issues, such as immigration reform and gun control. Nonetheless, the national security budget will continue to dominate discretionary expenditures, as the President pursues the "war" on terror using aerial robots -- drones.
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Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Trump's Top Ten Tax Tricks Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has refused to release his tax returns, saying "It's none of your business" and "there's nothing to learn." Of course, there is something to learn from the recent tax returns of a supposed billionaire who seeks to gain the trust of American voters. If we had access to Trump's returns we'd learn Donald's top ten tax tricks.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016Trump's Top Ten Tax Tricks Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has refused to release his tax returns, saying "It's none of your business" and "there's nothing to learn." Of course, there is something to learn from the recent tax returns of a supposed billionaire who seeks to gain the trust of American voters. If we had access to Trump's returns we'd learn Donald's top ten tax tricks.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hillary Hits a Homer Tuesday – As she took center stage at the Denver Democratic convention, there was a huge amount of pressure on Hillary Clinton. Many Dems felt Senator Clinton's presentation would determine whether or not Democrats united behind presidential nominee Barack Obama. Clinton proved equal to the task, responding with the best speech of her career.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008Hillary Hits a Homer Tuesday – As she took center stage at the Denver Democratic convention, there was a huge amount of pressure on Hillary Clinton. Many Dems felt Senator Clinton's presentation would determine whether or not Democrats united behind presidential nominee Barack Obama. Clinton proved equal to the task, responding with the best speech of her career.
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Thursday, November 5, 2015
Hillary's Toughest Opponent It appears that Hillary Clinton will be the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and her Republican opponent will be Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, or Ted Cruz. Which of these four would the most challenging in a debate?
Thursday, November 5, 2015Hillary's Toughest Opponent It appears that Hillary Clinton will be the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and her Republican opponent will be Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, or Ted Cruz. Which of these four would the most challenging in a debate?
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Friday, May 24, 2013
Good Grief, Barack Obama! The most famous running joke in the Peanuts comic strip repeats at the beginning of every football season. Charlie Brown asks Lucy to hold the ball for him so he can kick it. At the last moment, just before Charlie gets his foot on the pigskin, Lucy snatches it away. Sound familiar? It's the story of Barack Obama and the Republican Congress.
Friday, May 24, 2013Good Grief, Barack Obama! The most famous running joke in the Peanuts comic strip repeats at the beginning of every football season. Charlie Brown asks Lucy to hold the ball for him so he can kick it. At the last moment, just before Charlie gets his foot on the pigskin, Lucy snatches it away. Sound familiar? It's the story of Barack Obama and the Republican Congress.
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Friday, March 14, 2014
Fukushima: What Have We Learned? It's been three years since the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the bad news continues. In December, it was widely reported that 51 US sailors assigned to the nuclear carrier, Ronald Reagan, have incurred cancer, as a result of that vessel's 2011 deployment to the area of the Fukushima reactor failure. The actual cleanup is painfully slow. What have we learned from the Fukushima disaster?
Friday, March 14, 2014Fukushima: What Have We Learned? It's been three years since the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the bad news continues. In December, it was widely reported that 51 US sailors assigned to the nuclear carrier, Ronald Reagan, have incurred cancer, as a result of that vessel's 2011 deployment to the area of the Fukushima reactor failure. The actual cleanup is painfully slow. What have we learned from the Fukushima disaster?
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Thursday, May 12, 2016
Welcome to Trump World: Immigration Donald Trump's signature issue is immigration. When asked by the New York Times what he would accomplish during his first 100 days as President, Trump responded: "rescind Obama's executive orders on immigration," design the wall with Mexico, and ensure "the immigration ban on Muslims would be in place." Trump's immigration policy has five pillars.
Thursday, May 12, 2016Welcome to Trump World: Immigration Donald Trump's signature issue is immigration. When asked by the New York Times what he would accomplish during his first 100 days as President, Trump responded: "rescind Obama's executive orders on immigration," design the wall with Mexico, and ensure "the immigration ban on Muslims would be in place." Trump's immigration policy has five pillars.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Bernie Can Do It As Bernie Sanders' chances of winning the Democratic presidential nomination have increased, so have the attacks. Hillary Clinton advocates argue he has no chance of delivering the fundamental change he touts. Nonetheless, Bernie can do it.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016Bernie Can Do It As Bernie Sanders' chances of winning the Democratic presidential nomination have increased, so have the attacks. Hillary Clinton advocates argue he has no chance of delivering the fundamental change he touts. Nonetheless, Bernie can do it.
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Employee Choice: Which Side Are You On? In 1941, The Almanac Singers made famous the thirties protest song, "Which Side Are You On." n the face of debilitating recession, more and more workers understand they don't have a chance unless they organize. The Employee Free Choice Act guarantees this right.
Friday, March 27, 2009Employee Choice: Which Side Are You On? In 1941, The Almanac Singers made famous the thirties protest song, "Which Side Are You On." n the face of debilitating recession, more and more workers understand they don't have a chance unless they organize. The Employee Free Choice Act guarantees this right.
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Monday, November 10, 2008
The Obama Moment On election night, Barack Obama's magnificent acceptance speech felt like a defining moment in American history. Adding to the elation many of us experienced for having supported the winning candidate in a twenty-two month Presidential marathon was our sense that America had turned a page and headed off in a new direction. But what exactly is the Obama moment?
Monday, November 10, 2008The Obama Moment On election night, Barack Obama's magnificent acceptance speech felt like a defining moment in American history. Adding to the elation many of us experienced for having supported the winning candidate in a twenty-two month Presidential marathon was our sense that America had turned a page and headed off in a new direction. But what exactly is the Obama moment?
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Wednesday, February 1, 2006
My President is an Alien Bush's SOTU speech demonstrated that he is an alien life form.
Wednesday, February 1, 2006My President is an Alien Bush's SOTU speech demonstrated that he is an alien life form.
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Friday, April 8, 2016
Stop Attacking Hillary Amidst reports of Donald Trump's meltdown, a significant news item went almost unreported: MSNBC noted that the number of FB1 agents working on the Hillary Clinton email kerfuffle is not "147" but "12." The initial exaggeration was further evidence of the massive effort to demean and discredit Clinton. These attacks should stop. Hillary Clinton is honest and trustworthy.
Friday, April 8, 2016Stop Attacking Hillary Amidst reports of Donald Trump's meltdown, a significant news item went almost unreported: MSNBC noted that the number of FB1 agents working on the Hillary Clinton email kerfuffle is not "147" but "12." The initial exaggeration was further evidence of the massive effort to demean and discredit Clinton. These attacks should stop. Hillary Clinton is honest and trustworthy.
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Friday, July 10, 2009
The Republican Death Spiral ut here on the left coast, we're not big fans of the Republican Party. So we've taken a perverse delight in the events of recent weeks – the sordid Sanford/Ensign affairs and the awkward resignation of Sarah Palin. To these jaundiced eyes, it appears the Grand Old Party is locked in a death spiral, gathering speed as it plummets downward.
Friday, July 10, 2009The Republican Death Spiral ut here on the left coast, we're not big fans of the Republican Party. So we've taken a perverse delight in the events of recent weeks – the sordid Sanford/Ensign affairs and the awkward resignation of Sarah Palin. To these jaundiced eyes, it appears the Grand Old Party is locked in a death spiral, gathering speed as it plummets downward.
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Friday, October 3, 2008
Palin Wins, Sorta The second debate of the 2008 general election pitted the vice-presidential candidates: Democratic Senator Joe Biden and Republican Governor Sarah Palin. Palin won the contest because she didn't appear to be out of her league. Nonetheless, Palin's performance is unlikely to change the national polls; she didn't lose, but neither did Joe Biden.
Friday, October 3, 2008Palin Wins, Sorta The second debate of the 2008 general election pitted the vice-presidential candidates: Democratic Senator Joe Biden and Republican Governor Sarah Palin. Palin won the contest because she didn't appear to be out of her league. Nonetheless, Palin's performance is unlikely to change the national polls; she didn't lose, but neither did Joe Biden.
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Friday, August 2, 2013
Abortion Politics There are indications America is becoming more liberal: recent Supreme Court rulings opened the door to same-sex marriage; more and more states are legalizing access to marijuana; and Rush Limbaugh is losing sponsors. Nonetheless, since the 2010 mid-term elections, Republicans have waged an aggressive campaign to limit abortion rights.
Friday, August 2, 2013Abortion Politics There are indications America is becoming more liberal: recent Supreme Court rulings opened the door to same-sex marriage; more and more states are legalizing access to marijuana; and Rush Limbaugh is losing sponsors. Nonetheless, since the 2010 mid-term elections, Republicans have waged an aggressive campaign to limit abortion rights.
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Friday, June 8, 2012
The Facebook Debacle On May 17 th , Facebook had its long anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO). It sold shares at $38 each, giving it a market valuation of $104 billion. For an instant, Facebook was the 23 rd most valuable company in the US. The ensuing debacle serves as a metaphor for the US in general.
Friday, June 8, 2012The Facebook Debacle On May 17 th , Facebook had its long anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO). It sold shares at $38 each, giving it a market valuation of $104 billion. For an instant, Facebook was the 23 rd most valuable company in the US. The ensuing debacle serves as a metaphor for the US in general.
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Friday, July 5, 2013
The Arc of the Moral Universe: Same-Sex Marriage Martin Luther King, Jr., famously observed, "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards Justice." The American civil rights movement has made slow progress since May 17, 1954, when the Supreme Court struck down the "separate but equal doctrine" in Brown vs. Board of Education . Nonetheless, few anticipated the rapidity of acceptance of same-sex marriage.
Friday, July 5, 2013The Arc of the Moral Universe: Same-Sex Marriage Martin Luther King, Jr., famously observed, "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards Justice." The American civil rights movement has made slow progress since May 17, 1954, when the Supreme Court struck down the "separate but equal doctrine" in Brown vs. Board of Education . Nonetheless, few anticipated the rapidity of acceptance of same-sex marriage.
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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Forecasting the 2010 Midterm Elections Less than six months out from the November 2nd US midterm elections, pundits continue to predict that Republicans will reduce Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, perhaps take control of the House. Seven factors will determine the final outcome.
Saturday, May 29, 2010Forecasting the 2010 Midterm Elections Less than six months out from the November 2nd US midterm elections, pundits continue to predict that Republicans will reduce Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, perhaps take control of the House. Seven factors will determine the final outcome.
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Friday, May 1, 2009
Obama's Off Probation On November 4th Barack Obama won 53 percent of the Presidential vote. His 7-point margin reflected lingering doubts he had the right stuff to be President. Over the past six months, Obama has convinced the vast majority of Americans he can do the job. He's passed his probationary period.
Friday, May 1, 2009Obama's Off Probation On November 4th Barack Obama won 53 percent of the Presidential vote. His 7-point margin reflected lingering doubts he had the right stuff to be President. Over the past six months, Obama has convinced the vast majority of Americans he can do the job. He's passed his probationary period.
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Campaign 2008: The Electoral College t's painful to recall, but in 2004 John Kerry could have won the Presidential election if he had carried Ohio. Ultimately, Kerry got 252 electoral-college votes and Bush 286, with Ohio providing the decisive 20 votes. In 2008 it's possible Barack Obama could win the popular vote but lose the electoral vote much as Al Gore (allegedly) did in 2000. That's because many of the same familiar swing states will again be in play.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008Campaign 2008: The Electoral College t's painful to recall, but in 2004 John Kerry could have won the Presidential election if he had carried Ohio. Ultimately, Kerry got 252 electoral-college votes and Bush 286, with Ohio providing the decisive 20 votes. In 2008 it's possible Barack Obama could win the popular vote but lose the electoral vote much as Al Gore (allegedly) did in 2000. That's because many of the same familiar swing states will again be in play.
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Saturday, November 1, 2014
Is Bipartisanship Possible? As the 2014-midterm elections grind down to their conclusion, voters in many communities continue to be subjected to wave after wave of negative ads. The obvious solution is to take big money out of politics, but another tactic would be to promote bipartisanship, to somehow dispel the rancor between Democrats and Republicans. Is bipartisanship possible? Or is the US too polarized?
Saturday, November 1, 2014Is Bipartisanship Possible? As the 2014-midterm elections grind down to their conclusion, voters in many communities continue to be subjected to wave after wave of negative ads. The obvious solution is to take big money out of politics, but another tactic would be to promote bipartisanship, to somehow dispel the rancor between Democrats and Republicans. Is bipartisanship possible? Or is the US too polarized?
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Friday, July 27, 2012
Renewing Democracy: Shifting the Paradigm Thomas Jefferson believed in renewing democracy by regularly shifting the dominant social paradigm. Jefferson argued that constitutions should be rewritten every generation, declaring the "dead should not govern the living." That explains why contemporary Americans are so fractious: we're overdue for a new paradigm.
Friday, July 27, 2012Renewing Democracy: Shifting the Paradigm Thomas Jefferson believed in renewing democracy by regularly shifting the dominant social paradigm. Jefferson argued that constitutions should be rewritten every generation, declaring the "dead should not govern the living." That explains why contemporary Americans are so fractious: we're overdue for a new paradigm.
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Friday, March 2, 2012
Let's Drop the Big One Rather than move forward, Republicans wants America to return to the fifties. They've resurrected Cold War themes: plutocracy, patriarchy, and militarism. Plutocracy: The GOP wants America to be run by the 1 percent. Patriarchy: Republicans regard American women as second-class citizens. Militarism: GOP presidential candidates want a gargantuan military and believe the States should prepare to "drop the big one" on Iran.
Friday, March 2, 2012Let's Drop the Big One Rather than move forward, Republicans wants America to return to the fifties. They've resurrected Cold War themes: plutocracy, patriarchy, and militarism. Plutocracy: The GOP wants America to be run by the 1 percent. Patriarchy: Republicans regard American women as second-class citizens. Militarism: GOP presidential candidates want a gargantuan military and believe the States should prepare to "drop the big one" on Iran.
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Why Should We Care About Iraq? On April 8th, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker told the Senate the President's Iraq surge strategy has "worked" and, therefore, current troop levels should be maintained. The hearings came at a time when public attention has shifted from the occupation to the economy. Given the looming recession, why should Americans care how long our troops stay in Iraq?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008Why Should We Care About Iraq? On April 8th, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker told the Senate the President's Iraq surge strategy has "worked" and, therefore, current troop levels should be maintained. The hearings came at a time when public attention has shifted from the occupation to the economy. Given the looming recession, why should Americans care how long our troops stay in Iraq?
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Friday, June 19, 2009
Obama's Two Step Healthcare Strategy After five months, President Barack Obama's managerial style has become obvious. He's focused on his top priorities and he's collaborative and pragmatic; his operating instructions are "never let the perfect be the enemy of the good." This summer, Obama's leadership will put to the test as he struggles to get Congress to pass comprehensive healthcare legislation.
Friday, June 19, 2009Obama's Two Step Healthcare Strategy After five months, President Barack Obama's managerial style has become obvious. He's focused on his top priorities and he's collaborative and pragmatic; his operating instructions are "never let the perfect be the enemy of the good." This summer, Obama's leadership will put to the test as he struggles to get Congress to pass comprehensive healthcare legislation.
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Friday, October 4, 2013
Why Have Republicans Abandoned Common Sense? On October 1 st the US government shut down because Republicans in the House of Representatives refused to pass a budget without limits on the Affordable Care Act. The GOP made this decision despite overwhelming public opposition. Why have Republicans abandoned common sense?
Friday, October 4, 2013Why Have Republicans Abandoned Common Sense? On October 1 st the US government shut down because Republicans in the House of Representatives refused to pass a budget without limits on the Affordable Care Act. The GOP made this decision despite overwhelming public opposition. Why have Republicans abandoned common sense?
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Friday, November 20, 2015
Dealing with ISIL/ISIS/DAESH Four years ago, US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden; many Americans believed Al Qaida had been broken and the terrorist threat eliminated. The November 13th Paris Massacre demonstrated that terrorism has a new face: ISIL -- the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Where should the US do?
Friday, November 20, 2015Dealing with ISIL/ISIS/DAESH Four years ago, US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden; many Americans believed Al Qaida had been broken and the terrorist threat eliminated. The November 13th Paris Massacre demonstrated that terrorism has a new face: ISIL -- the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Where should the US do?
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Friday, January 23, 2015
The Return of Good Obama After working on the 2008 Obama campaign, and celebrating his election, I've spent much of the past 6 years defending the President. Fortunately, the 2015 State-of-the-Union address found the President in fine form. Hopefully, this speech marks the return of the "good" Obama I expected.
Friday, January 23, 2015The Return of Good Obama After working on the 2008 Obama campaign, and celebrating his election, I've spent much of the past 6 years defending the President. Fortunately, the 2015 State-of-the-Union address found the President in fine form. Hopefully, this speech marks the return of the "good" Obama I expected.
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Friday, September 26, 2014
What Do Democrats Want? During the 2014 midterm elections Republicans have waged a negative "slash and burn" campaign, attacking President Obama and Democrats in general. The GOP strategy is to fire up their base, bamboozle a few independents, turn off Dems or prevent them from voting. In this hostile environment, most Democrats have been defensive and their message has been muted. Democrats must go on offense and tell voters what they stand for.
Friday, September 26, 2014What Do Democrats Want? During the 2014 midterm elections Republicans have waged a negative "slash and burn" campaign, attacking President Obama and Democrats in general. The GOP strategy is to fire up their base, bamboozle a few independents, turn off Dems or prevent them from voting. In this hostile environment, most Democrats have been defensive and their message has been muted. Democrats must go on offense and tell voters what they stand for.
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Friday, May 8, 2009
Arlen Specter's Legacy For many Democrats, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter's change of Party affiliation was a mixed blessing. However, Specter views this political move as an opportunity to cement his legacy: reining in Presidential power and restoring the constitutional checks and balances destroyed by the Bush Administration.
Friday, May 8, 2009Arlen Specter's Legacy For many Democrats, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter's change of Party affiliation was a mixed blessing. However, Specter views this political move as an opportunity to cement his legacy: reining in Presidential power and restoring the constitutional checks and balances destroyed by the Bush Administration.
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Saturday, January 18, 2014
2014 Democratic Agenda: Protecting the 47 Percent Politicians occasionally tell the truth. That happened in September of 2012, when Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney lambasted the "47 percent of the people who will vote for the President no matter what [because they] are dependent upon government [and] believe they are victims." The Republican Party has decided to turn its back on the least fortunate Americans. The 2014 Democratic Agenda must respond to this.
Saturday, January 18, 20142014 Democratic Agenda: Protecting the 47 Percent Politicians occasionally tell the truth. That happened in September of 2012, when Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney lambasted the "47 percent of the people who will vote for the President no matter what [because they] are dependent upon government [and] believe they are victims." The Republican Party has decided to turn its back on the least fortunate Americans. The 2014 Democratic Agenda must respond to this.
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Friday, December 7, 2012
The Fiscal Cliff: Three Opportunities When I was a child, it was common in large cities to see men carrying hand-written signs that proclaimed, "The end of the world is coming." These days most doomsayers have blogs, but quite a few are Washington pundits who prophesy, "The fiscal cliff is coming." It's clear that "taxmageddon" is a disaster if Congress does nothing. Nonetheless, the crisis offers progressives three opportunities.
Friday, December 7, 2012The Fiscal Cliff: Three Opportunities When I was a child, it was common in large cities to see men carrying hand-written signs that proclaimed, "The end of the world is coming." These days most doomsayers have blogs, but quite a few are Washington pundits who prophesy, "The fiscal cliff is coming." It's clear that "taxmageddon" is a disaster if Congress does nothing. Nonetheless, the crisis offers progressives three opportunities.
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Friday, February 1, 2013
Chuck Hagel: Obama's Hatchet Man? Even though he's one of their own, many Republicans oppose President Obama's Secretary of Defense nominee, former Senator Chuck Hagel. GOP leaders fear Hagel will be Obama's hatchet man, leading the effort to shrink the defense budget.
Friday, February 1, 2013Chuck Hagel: Obama's Hatchet Man? Even though he's one of their own, many Republicans oppose President Obama's Secretary of Defense nominee, former Senator Chuck Hagel. GOP leaders fear Hagel will be Obama's hatchet man, leading the effort to shrink the defense budget.
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Playing the Hate Card After Iraq, healthcare, the economy, and trust, Americans rank immigration as the number five problem facing the United States. "Immigration" has become a simulacrum for "race relations" in the U.S. It's no longer politically correct to vilify folks for the color of their skin but, in some quarters, it's okay to bash them for their immigration status.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007Playing the Hate Card After Iraq, healthcare, the economy, and trust, Americans rank immigration as the number five problem facing the United States. "Immigration" has become a simulacrum for "race relations" in the U.S. It's no longer politically correct to vilify folks for the color of their skin but, in some quarters, it's okay to bash them for their immigration status.
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Thursday, June 16, 2016
5 Suggestions for HIllary Five months before the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton has secured the Democratic nomination. Despite many tactical advantages, Clinton is in a tight race with Donald Trump. Here are five suggestions about what Hillary can do to smooth her path to the presidency.
Thursday, June 16, 20165 Suggestions for HIllary Five months before the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton has secured the Democratic nomination. Despite many tactical advantages, Clinton is in a tight race with Donald Trump. Here are five suggestions about what Hillary can do to smooth her path to the presidency.
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Monday, September 1, 2008
Wrapping Up the Democratic Convention As Democrats left Denver, there was an overwhelming consensus that the 2008 Convention was extraordinarily successful. Dems united behind Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Here are a few final thoughts about the week.
Monday, September 1, 2008Wrapping Up the Democratic Convention As Democrats left Denver, there was an overwhelming consensus that the 2008 Convention was extraordinarily successful. Dems united behind Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Here are a few final thoughts about the week.
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Friday, January 13, 2012
The Republicans' Mitt Romney Problem After Rick Santorum's surprising showing in the January 3 rd Iowa caucuses, many observers asked, "Why didn't Mitt Romney win? What explains Santorum's late surge?" The answer lies at the core of contemporary Republican politics: they don't have one candidate that appeals to their fractured base.
Friday, January 13, 2012The Republicans' Mitt Romney Problem After Rick Santorum's surprising showing in the January 3 rd Iowa caucuses, many observers asked, "Why didn't Mitt Romney win? What explains Santorum's late surge?" The answer lies at the core of contemporary Republican politics: they don't have one candidate that appeals to their fractured base.
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Friday, September 13, 2013
The Obama Doctrine Like a star basketball player, who delights in taking the last shot in a close game, Barack Obama typically gives his best speeches when he's under the most pressure. True to form, on September 10th, the President gave one of his most effective TV presentations explaining his position on Syria and elaborating the Obama Doctrine.
Friday, September 13, 2013The Obama Doctrine Like a star basketball player, who delights in taking the last shot in a close game, Barack Obama typically gives his best speeches when he's under the most pressure. True to form, on September 10th, the President gave one of his most effective TV presentations explaining his position on Syria and elaborating the Obama Doctrine.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
Obama's First Year: The Expectations Crisis On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. A year later, voter approval of the Obama Administration has declined and the GOP victory in the Massachusetts Senate race is a chilling indication that Congressional Democrats will lose seats in the mid-term elections. What explains the Dems reversal of fortune?
Friday, January 22, 2010Obama's First Year: The Expectations Crisis On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. A year later, voter approval of the Obama Administration has declined and the GOP victory in the Massachusetts Senate race is a chilling indication that Congressional Democrats will lose seats in the mid-term elections. What explains the Dems reversal of fortune?
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Friday, February 14, 2014
Growing Up Liberal I'm a middle-aged, affluent, prototypical WASP. I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Orange County where my father and grandfather were small businessmen and Republicans. Knowing all this you'd expect me to be a dyed-in-the-wool conservative. But I'm not. I'm unabashedly liberal.
Friday, February 14, 2014Growing Up Liberal I'm a middle-aged, affluent, prototypical WASP. I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Orange County where my father and grandfather were small businessmen and Republicans. Knowing all this you'd expect me to be a dyed-in-the-wool conservative. But I'm not. I'm unabashedly liberal.
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Friday, January 11, 2013
Zombie Politics: 2013 Republicans Originally a "zombie" was a reanimated corpse, but recently the term has expanded to signify a person under a spell without consciousness and self-awareness. A contemporary Republican politician. Writing in The American Prospect, John Sides defined "Zombie Politics" as politics based upon ideas that are dead but live on. That capsulizes the 2013 Republican Party.
Friday, January 11, 2013Zombie Politics: 2013 Republicans Originally a "zombie" was a reanimated corpse, but recently the term has expanded to signify a person under a spell without consciousness and self-awareness. A contemporary Republican politician. Writing in The American Prospect, John Sides defined "Zombie Politics" as politics based upon ideas that are dead but live on. That capsulizes the 2013 Republican Party.
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Friday, February 21, 2014
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2014) In 1970, the late jazz poet Gil Scott-Heron wrote. "The revolution will not be televised," which became an anthem for the black power movement. His thoughts remain relevant. I've broadened the context and updated the prose.
Friday, February 21, 2014The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2014) In 1970, the late jazz poet Gil Scott-Heron wrote. "The revolution will not be televised," which became an anthem for the black power movement. His thoughts remain relevant. I've broadened the context and updated the prose.
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Obama Finds Mojo, Wins Final Debate Barack Obama and Mitt Romney entered the October 22nd presidential debate with different objectives. Obama needed to build upon the momentum from his last debate victory. Romney had to convince voters he is qualified to serve as Commander-in-chief. Obama succeeded because he found his voice.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012Obama Finds Mojo, Wins Final Debate Barack Obama and Mitt Romney entered the October 22nd presidential debate with different objectives. Obama needed to build upon the momentum from his last debate victory. Romney had to convince voters he is qualified to serve as Commander-in-chief. Obama succeeded because he found his voice.
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Friday, January 21, 2011
Show Us the Jobs: Obama's State-of-the-Union Challenge On Tuesday, January 25 th , President Obama will give the annual state-of-the-union address to Congress and the American people. Since the disastrous mid-term elections, Obama's popularity has surged. The President should use this opportunity to tell Americans his strategy for dealing with the US jobs crisis.
Friday, January 21, 2011Show Us the Jobs: Obama's State-of-the-Union Challenge On Tuesday, January 25 th , President Obama will give the annual state-of-the-union address to Congress and the American people. Since the disastrous mid-term elections, Obama's popularity has surged. The President should use this opportunity to tell Americans his strategy for dealing with the US jobs crisis.
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Friday, September 14, 2012
Welcome to Romneyland Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's policies would degrade American life. If Romney had his way, the US would follow the dysfunctional course of Wyoming, a state run by big oil and gas companies and governed by conservative Republicans. A state where pursuit of corporate profits trumps quality of life.
Friday, September 14, 2012Welcome to Romneyland Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's policies would degrade American life. If Romney had his way, the US would follow the dysfunctional course of Wyoming, a state run by big oil and gas companies and governed by conservative Republicans. A state where pursuit of corporate profits trumps quality of life.
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Thursday, January 26, 2012
Obama's Common Sense In January of 1776, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet, "Common Sense," that galvanized colonist support for American independence. 236 years later, Barack Obama presented his own forceful version of common sense in his third State-of-the-Union address.
Thursday, January 26, 2012Obama's Common Sense In January of 1776, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet, "Common Sense," that galvanized colonist support for American independence. 236 years later, Barack Obama presented his own forceful version of common sense in his third State-of-the-Union address.
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Friday, July 20, 2012
Think Different: What Apple Can Teach America In the latest issue of VANITY FAIR, journalist Kurt Eichenwald chronicles the twelve-year decline of Microsoft. Over the same period, Apple prospered, but America floundered. Analyzing Microsoft's failure and Apple's success helps us understand what the US needs to do to get back on track.
Friday, July 20, 2012Think Different: What Apple Can Teach America In the latest issue of VANITY FAIR, journalist Kurt Eichenwald chronicles the twelve-year decline of Microsoft. Over the same period, Apple prospered, but America floundered. Analyzing Microsoft's failure and Apple's success helps us understand what the US needs to do to get back on track.
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Friday, July 17, 2009
Overcoming Pottery Barn Foreign Policy After six months as President, Barack Obama has put his own imprint on US foreign policy. That's fortunate because George Bush broke everything he touched.
Friday, July 17, 2009Overcoming Pottery Barn Foreign Policy After six months as President, Barack Obama has put his own imprint on US foreign policy. That's fortunate because George Bush broke everything he touched.
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Why is McCain Close? Five weeks after Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination, the parameters of the 2008 presidential contest have been established. The battle will be waged in roughly 33 states and cost more than a billion dollars. The central issues will be gas prices, the economy, and Iraq. And, despite John McCain's ineptness as a candidate, the race will be disturbingly close.
Thursday, July 17, 2008Why is McCain Close? Five weeks after Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination, the parameters of the 2008 presidential contest have been established. The battle will be waged in roughly 33 states and cost more than a billion dollars. The central issues will be gas prices, the economy, and Iraq. And, despite John McCain's ineptness as a candidate, the race will be disturbingly close.
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Friday, November 1, 2013
US Energy Policy: A Bridge to Nowhere Recent polls indicate that Americans do not appear to be concerned about global climate change or national energy policy. Understandably, most of us are worried about jobs, the economy, and gridlock in Washington. America's narrow focus is unfortunate, because the decisions we make about energy today will determine the quality of life for our descendants.
Friday, November 1, 2013US Energy Policy: A Bridge to Nowhere Recent polls indicate that Americans do not appear to be concerned about global climate change or national energy policy. Understandably, most of us are worried about jobs, the economy, and gridlock in Washington. America's narrow focus is unfortunate, because the decisions we make about energy today will determine the quality of life for our descendants.
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Friday, July 3, 2009
Where Are the Jobs? 14.7 million people are unemployed in the United States, 9.5 percent of the workforce. While there are a few signs of economic recovery, employment isn't one of them. The Obama Administration must address the jobs' crisis.
Friday, July 3, 2009Where Are the Jobs? 14.7 million people are unemployed in the United States, 9.5 percent of the workforce. While there are a few signs of economic recovery, employment isn't one of them. The Obama Administration must address the jobs' crisis.
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Friday, October 22, 2010
Election 2010: Choosing the Abuser Every day, 10,000 US women are assaulted by their husband or boyfriend. Most often they do not leave and the violence continues; psychologists call it battered women's syndrome. On November 2nd, we're likely to see the political counterpart, where American voters despite a history of egregious Republican abuse decide to give the Grand Old Party one more chance.
Friday, October 22, 2010Election 2010: Choosing the Abuser Every day, 10,000 US women are assaulted by their husband or boyfriend. Most often they do not leave and the violence continues; psychologists call it battered women's syndrome. On November 2nd, we're likely to see the political counterpart, where American voters despite a history of egregious Republican abuse decide to give the Grand Old Party one more chance.
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Friday, May 7, 2010
Budrus: Good News From the West Bank I flinch every time I read a headline that includes the words Israel, Palestine, West Bank, or Gaza. Usually the articles contain horrific news: suicide bombs maiming Israeli civilians, troops dragging Palestinians off their ancestral lands, escalating anger and violence. At long last, the documentary film Budrus brings good news, a tiny ray of hope in what's seemed to be an ocean of despair.
Friday, May 7, 2010Budrus: Good News From the West Bank I flinch every time I read a headline that includes the words Israel, Palestine, West Bank, or Gaza. Usually the articles contain horrific news: suicide bombs maiming Israeli civilians, troops dragging Palestinians off their ancestral lands, escalating anger and violence. At long last, the documentary film Budrus brings good news, a tiny ray of hope in what's seemed to be an ocean of despair.
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Thursday, January 21, 2016
Maybe Bernie Can Win I'm beginning to believe Bernie Sanders can win the Democratic nomination and then the presidency.
Thursday, January 21, 2016Maybe Bernie Can Win I'm beginning to believe Bernie Sanders can win the Democratic nomination and then the presidency.
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Friday, January 14, 2011
Is the Giffords' Shooting a Teachable Moment? While there is little doubt about the facts of the Tucson tragedy, that one man pulled the trigger on the automatic revolver that shot Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, killed six others, and wounded 12 more, the open question is whether it is a teachable moment.
Friday, January 14, 2011Is the Giffords' Shooting a Teachable Moment? While there is little doubt about the facts of the Tucson tragedy, that one man pulled the trigger on the automatic revolver that shot Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, killed six others, and wounded 12 more, the open question is whether it is a teachable moment.
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Friday, January 8, 2010
Prescription for 2010: A New Democratic Narrative Ten months before the 2010 mid-term elections, Democrats are gritting their teeth in anticipation of net losses in both the House and Senate. How can Dems change the tide that's running against them? Move out of wonk mode and start talking to Americans from a foundation of progressive values.
Friday, January 8, 2010Prescription for 2010: A New Democratic Narrative Ten months before the 2010 mid-term elections, Democrats are gritting their teeth in anticipation of net losses in both the House and Senate. How can Dems change the tide that's running against them? Move out of wonk mode and start talking to Americans from a foundation of progressive values.
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Friday, April 14, 2006
This Just In - Sperm Have Rights Republicans are not only the Party of "life," they are the Party that supports the rights of sperm. President Bush indicated this in his State-of-the-Union address, “Human life is a gift from our Creator -- and that gift should never be discarded.”
Friday, April 14, 2006This Just In - Sperm Have Rights Republicans are not only the Party of "life," they are the Party that supports the rights of sperm. President Bush indicated this in his State-of-the-Union address, “Human life is a gift from our Creator -- and that gift should never be discarded.”
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Is the Recession a Teachable Moment? The financial crisis has raised public awareness that corporations deemed "too big to fail" have to be broken into manageable units. And there is widespread anger about colossal CEO salaries. Clearly, big is no longer beautiful. What remains to be seen is how far this understanding will extend. Whether this is a teachable moment where Americans will embrace major social changes.
Friday, April 10, 2009Is the Recession a Teachable Moment? The financial crisis has raised public awareness that corporations deemed "too big to fail" have to be broken into manageable units. And there is widespread anger about colossal CEO salaries. Clearly, big is no longer beautiful. What remains to be seen is how far this understanding will extend. Whether this is a teachable moment where Americans will embrace major social changes.
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Wednesday, March 12, 2008
2008 Senate Races: Which Candidate Has Coattails? No matter who is elected President in November, the battle for control of the Senate will be pivotal. If Democrats do not substantially increase their majority from 51 to at least 56, then most significant legislation will die in the Senate. As Dems consider candidates Clinton and Obama, they would do well to ask: Who will be best for the Party overall? Who ill have the strongest coattails?
Wednesday, March 12, 20082008 Senate Races: Which Candidate Has Coattails? No matter who is elected President in November, the battle for control of the Senate will be pivotal. If Democrats do not substantially increase their majority from 51 to at least 56, then most significant legislation will die in the Senate. As Dems consider candidates Clinton and Obama, they would do well to ask: Who will be best for the Party overall? Who ill have the strongest coattails?
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Friday, December 14, 2012
American Politics: I'm With Crazy As America completes an eventful political year, it's increasingly apparent that many members of the Republican Party have lost their senses. December 4th brought PPP polling that revealed, "49% of GOP voters nationally say they think that ACORN stole the election for President Obama," despite the fact ACORN disbanded in 2010. Why do Republican say and do things that make no sense?
Friday, December 14, 2012American Politics: I'm With Crazy As America completes an eventful political year, it's increasingly apparent that many members of the Republican Party have lost their senses. December 4th brought PPP polling that revealed, "49% of GOP voters nationally say they think that ACORN stole the election for President Obama," despite the fact ACORN disbanded in 2010. Why do Republican say and do things that make no sense?
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Thursday, March 17, 2016
Clinton vs. Trump: Consider 3 Factors The dust has cleared from the March 15th primaries and it's clear Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic presidential nominee. It's less clear if the Republican nominee will be Donald Trump or a forced "marriage" orchestrated by GOP leaders. Nonetheless, three factors will determine who wins on November 8th.
Thursday, March 17, 2016Clinton vs. Trump: Consider 3 Factors The dust has cleared from the March 15th primaries and it's clear Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic presidential nominee. It's less clear if the Republican nominee will be Donald Trump or a forced "marriage" orchestrated by GOP leaders. Nonetheless, three factors will determine who wins on November 8th.
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Friday, July 31, 2009
Fixing California Now that the dust has settled and Californians can see the drastic consequences of the state budget train wreck, it's time to consider ten actions to fix California.
Friday, July 31, 2009Fixing California Now that the dust has settled and Californians can see the drastic consequences of the state budget train wreck, it's time to consider ten actions to fix California.
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Thursday, December 17, 2015
It's the Strategy, Stupid! The Secret of Trump's Success In June, when Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy, many pundits dismissed him as not a serious contender. Six months have proven that wrong. Trump is a wily political operator with, so far, a winning strategy.
Thursday, December 17, 2015It's the Strategy, Stupid! The Secret of Trump's Success In June, when Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy, many pundits dismissed him as not a serious contender. Six months have proven that wrong. Trump is a wily political operator with, so far, a winning strategy.
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Friday, June 5, 2009
Triage Economics America's economic health continues to be marginal. While the Obama Administration suggests the worst is behind us and mentions signs of economic progress, unemployment remains high and businesses continue to close. How can we tell if we are at the bottom of the economic decline? And what should we expect over the next twelve months?
Friday, June 5, 2009Triage Economics America's economic health continues to be marginal. While the Obama Administration suggests the worst is behind us and mentions signs of economic progress, unemployment remains high and businesses continue to close. How can we tell if we are at the bottom of the economic decline? And what should we expect over the next twelve months?
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Thursday, July 30, 2015
Black Lives Do Matter As a privileged white man, I've always been cautious about writing about race, thinking that it was a topic best left to others. Like many liberals I've assumed that whenever race was discussed my best response was to listen to what my black brothers and sisters had to say. Nonetheless, in the face of the growing "Black Lives Matter" movement, I feel compelled to speak.
Thursday, July 30, 2015Black Lives Do Matter As a privileged white man, I've always been cautious about writing about race, thinking that it was a topic best left to others. Like many liberals I've assumed that whenever race was discussed my best response was to listen to what my black brothers and sisters had to say. Nonetheless, in the face of the growing "Black Lives Matter" movement, I feel compelled to speak.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Waterboarding America During his confirmation hearing for Attorney General, Michael Mukasey equivocated on the legality of waterboarding. Nonetheless, it's apparent that waterboarding is illegal torture. It's also clear why the Bush Administration defends the practice: for 6 years they've been waterboarding America.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007Waterboarding America During his confirmation hearing for Attorney General, Michael Mukasey equivocated on the legality of waterboarding. Nonetheless, it's apparent that waterboarding is illegal torture. It's also clear why the Bush Administration defends the practice: for 6 years they've been waterboarding America.
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Friday, September 10, 2010
Calling Obama the Fighter Each day it's becoming more apparent that Democrats are headed for a whipping on November 2nd unless they get their act together. While it's Barack Obama's job to rally voters, a lot of Dems aren't sure he can do it. We feel that somewhere over the course of the last 20 months, Obama lost his mojo. If Dems are going to pull victory out of the fire, Obama is going to have to take off his gloves and fight.
Friday, September 10, 2010Calling Obama the Fighter Each day it's becoming more apparent that Democrats are headed for a whipping on November 2nd unless they get their act together. While it's Barack Obama's job to rally voters, a lot of Dems aren't sure he can do it. We feel that somewhere over the course of the last 20 months, Obama lost his mojo. If Dems are going to pull victory out of the fire, Obama is going to have to take off his gloves and fight.
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Friday, February 28, 2014
The War on Democracy: Art Pope and the Rich Bullies Out here on the Left Coast, we’re not opposed to capitalism. But we believe it needs constraints. You’ll hear two arguments for curbing capitalism. One focuses on poor kids and the other on rich bullies, such as North Carolina’s Art Pope.
Friday, February 28, 2014The War on Democracy: Art Pope and the Rich Bullies Out here on the Left Coast, we’re not opposed to capitalism. But we believe it needs constraints. You’ll hear two arguments for curbing capitalism. One focuses on poor kids and the other on rich bullies, such as North Carolina’s Art Pope.
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Friday, December 21, 2012
Can America Curb Gun Violence? While Americans were horrified by the murders of 26 innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School, many believe we lack the will to curb gun violence. Two years ago a crazed gunman severely wounded Representative Gabrielle Gifford and killed six others; we grieved for a few days and then returned to business as usual. Most Americans hope President Obama's speech at the Vigil for Sandy Hook Shooting Victims portends real change.
Friday, December 21, 2012Can America Curb Gun Violence? While Americans were horrified by the murders of 26 innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School, many believe we lack the will to curb gun violence. Two years ago a crazed gunman severely wounded Representative Gabrielle Gifford and killed six others; we grieved for a few days and then returned to business as usual. Most Americans hope President Obama's speech at the Vigil for Sandy Hook Shooting Victims portends real change.
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Friday, May 22, 2009
The Republican Dilemma After Barack Obama's victory in the November Presidential election, the Republican Party attempted to re-brand itself, but hasn't come up with either compelling ideas or attractive leaders. So far, the GOP has been unwilling to modify its conservative credo. That's good news for Democrats.
Friday, May 22, 2009The Republican Dilemma After Barack Obama's victory in the November Presidential election, the Republican Party attempted to re-brand itself, but hasn't come up with either compelling ideas or attractive leaders. So far, the GOP has been unwilling to modify its conservative credo. That's good news for Democrats.
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Friday, August 16, 2013
Republicans and the Tea Party: Embracing the Snake Aesop told the tale of a kind-hearted farmer who was working his fields when he found a frozen snake. Sensing the viper was about to die, the farmer tore open his jacket and pressed the snake against his warm skin. Unfortunately when the viper revived, he gave his rescuer a fatal bite. "I saved you," moaned the farmer. The viper hissed, "But you knew I was a snake when you embraced me." Republicans embracing the Tea Party
Friday, August 16, 2013Republicans and the Tea Party: Embracing the Snake Aesop told the tale of a kind-hearted farmer who was working his fields when he found a frozen snake. Sensing the viper was about to die, the farmer tore open his jacket and pressed the snake against his warm skin. Unfortunately when the viper revived, he gave his rescuer a fatal bite. "I saved you," moaned the farmer. The viper hissed, "But you knew I was a snake when you embraced me." Republicans embracing the Tea Party
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Good Bill, Bad Hillary Hillary Clinton remains the favorite to be the Democratic presidential nominee at their August 2008 convention in Denver. However, while most Dems view her positively, she's unpopular with Independents and Republicans. This is called "the Hillary problem," but it's really "the Bill problem."
Tuesday, June 12, 2007Good Bill, Bad Hillary Hillary Clinton remains the favorite to be the Democratic presidential nominee at their August 2008 convention in Denver. However, while most Dems view her positively, she's unpopular with Independents and Republicans. This is called "the Hillary problem," but it's really "the Bill problem."
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Monday, August 25, 2008
The Return of Joementum Sunday – As Democrats trooped into Denver, they breathed a collective sigh of relief. After a roller-coaster week, the collective wisdom was that Barack Obama's campaign had gotten back on track. And that the selection of Delaware Senator Joe Biden had greatly strengthened the ticket.
Monday, August 25, 2008The Return of Joementum Sunday – As Democrats trooped into Denver, they breathed a collective sigh of relief. After a roller-coaster week, the collective wisdom was that Barack Obama's campaign had gotten back on track. And that the selection of Delaware Senator Joe Biden had greatly strengthened the ticket.
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Thursday, July 3, 2008
Obama's Oil Opportunity It's the price of oil, stupid! The most recent Gallup Poll shows three issues dominating the 2008 presidential election: "energy, including gas prices," "the economy," and "the situation in Iraq." Oil connects these concerns and also the prospect of global climate change. To win in November, Barack Obama has to focus on America's oil problem.
Thursday, July 3, 2008Obama's Oil Opportunity It's the price of oil, stupid! The most recent Gallup Poll shows three issues dominating the 2008 presidential election: "energy, including gas prices," "the economy," and "the situation in Iraq." Oil connects these concerns and also the prospect of global climate change. To win in November, Barack Obama has to focus on America's oil problem.
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Friday, May 9, 2014
Saving the 2014 Election Six months out from the midterm election, Democratic prospects appear grim. An ABC News / Washington Post poll found President Obama's approval rating at a new low (41 percent). 53 percent of respondents said they preferred to have Republicans in charge of Congress, "to act as a check on Obama's policies." But there's still time for Democrats to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Friday, May 9, 2014Saving the 2014 Election Six months out from the midterm election, Democratic prospects appear grim. An ABC News / Washington Post poll found President Obama's approval rating at a new low (41 percent). 53 percent of respondents said they preferred to have Republicans in charge of Congress, "to act as a check on Obama's policies." But there's still time for Democrats to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
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Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Iraq: Act Without Thinking Berkeley residents have made two superb documentaries about the long-term impact of the war in Iraq. No End in Sight asks Why did the occupation fail? Soldiers of Conscience asks What is this war doing to us?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007Iraq: Act Without Thinking Berkeley residents have made two superb documentaries about the long-term impact of the war in Iraq. No End in Sight asks Why did the occupation fail? Soldiers of Conscience asks What is this war doing to us?
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Friday, May 29, 2009
The GOP vs. Pelosi: Where's the Outrage? As the Grand Old Party declines in popularity, they're resorting to increasingly desperate measures. After months searching for an issue that resonates with voters, Republicans have trained their sights on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Friday, May 29, 2009The GOP vs. Pelosi: Where's the Outrage? As the Grand Old Party declines in popularity, they're resorting to increasingly desperate measures. After months searching for an issue that resonates with voters, Republicans have trained their sights on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
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Friday, February 23, 2007
Support Our Veterans In one of the great ironies of American politics, it's Democrats who demand that the Bush Administration provide our troops with training and equipment before they go into battle and guarantee adequate veterans' services when they return. Given that Republicans have carefully sought to build up support among military families, it comes as a shock that the White House has not kept its commitments to veterans.
Friday, February 23, 2007Support Our Veterans In one of the great ironies of American politics, it's Democrats who demand that the Bush Administration provide our troops with training and equipment before they go into battle and guarantee adequate veterans' services when they return. Given that Republicans have carefully sought to build up support among military families, it comes as a shock that the White House has not kept its commitments to veterans.
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Friday, January 28, 2011
Obama Wins Round One Obama Wins Round One Twenty-two months will pass before Americans cast their votes on November 6th, 2012, but few who saw Barack Obama's State-of-the-Union address doubted that the Presidential campaign had begun. The President's stirring speech contrasted with the tepid Republican responses delivered by Representatives Paul Ryan and Michele Bachmann and established the ideological battle lines for the next election.
Friday, January 28, 2011Obama Wins Round One Obama Wins Round One Twenty-two months will pass before Americans cast their votes on November 6th, 2012, but few who saw Barack Obama's State-of-the-Union address doubted that the Presidential campaign had begun. The President's stirring speech contrasted with the tepid Republican responses delivered by Representatives Paul Ryan and Michele Bachmann and established the ideological battle lines for the next election.
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Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Failed Leadership, Failed Security The new Democratically-controlled Congress will be under enormous pressure to do something about Iraq. Dems should resist the temptation for quick fixes. They must step back and take a broader view: acknowledge America has lost the war in Iraq and is in danger of losing the "war" on terrorism.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006Failed Leadership, Failed Security The new Democratically-controlled Congress will be under enormous pressure to do something about Iraq. Dems should resist the temptation for quick fixes. They must step back and take a broader view: acknowledge America has lost the war in Iraq and is in danger of losing the "war" on terrorism.
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Monday, July 7, 2008
Seeking 60 Seats Democrats have a 51-49 majority in the Senate that depends upon the support of independents Joe Lieberman and Bernie Sanders. However, Lieberman supports John McCain for President, which suggests the Connecticut Senator may vote with Republicans in a new Congress. If Democrats want to increase their majority to 60, so that Obama's agenda would not be held hostage by Republican filibusters, they will have to add 60 seats.
Monday, July 7, 2008Seeking 60 Seats Democrats have a 51-49 majority in the Senate that depends upon the support of independents Joe Lieberman and Bernie Sanders. However, Lieberman supports John McCain for President, which suggests the Connecticut Senator may vote with Republicans in a new Congress. If Democrats want to increase their majority to 60, so that Obama's agenda would not be held hostage by Republican filibusters, they will have to add 60 seats.
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Friday, June 4, 2010
Mad Deficit Disease As Congress rushed to adjourn, Democrats dithered over a jobs bill and ultimately reduced benefits to the unemployed because of the concerns of "deficit hawks." It's another indication of the prevalence of a form of political dementia, mad deficit disease. It's insanity to worry about the US deficit when we're struggling to pull out of a recession.
Friday, June 4, 2010Mad Deficit Disease As Congress rushed to adjourn, Democrats dithered over a jobs bill and ultimately reduced benefits to the unemployed because of the concerns of "deficit hawks." It's another indication of the prevalence of a form of political dementia, mad deficit disease. It's insanity to worry about the US deficit when we're struggling to pull out of a recession.
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Thursday, December 10, 2015
Republicans are from Mars; Democrats are from Venus For those seeking an explanation of US politics, there was no better primer than President Obama's December 6th address to the nation< and the Republican response. The President made six points and Republicans rejected most. The two political parties might as well live on different planets.
Thursday, December 10, 2015Republicans are from Mars; Democrats are from Venus For those seeking an explanation of US politics, there was no better primer than President Obama's December 6th address to the nation< and the Republican response. The President made six points and Republicans rejected most. The two political parties might as well live on different planets.
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Friday, May 26, 2006
Enemy of the People - Al Gore or George Bush? It’s impossible to see this 96-minute film about Al Gore’s single-handed fight to educate America about the dangers of global climate change and not wonder how different things would be if he had won in 2000.
Friday, May 26, 2006Enemy of the People - Al Gore or George Bush? It’s impossible to see this 96-minute film about Al Gore’s single-handed fight to educate America about the dangers of global climate change and not wonder how different things would be if he had won in 2000.
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
Obama's Southern Strategy Barack Obama's 2008 campaign strategy aims for more than winning the presidency. f he holds the twenty states John Kerry won in 2004 and adds Ohio, Obama will have a majority of the electoral vote. But he's not satisfied with that: Obama will contest more than a dozen states Bush won easily four years ago, including many in the south.
Thursday, July 10, 2008Obama's Southern Strategy Barack Obama's 2008 campaign strategy aims for more than winning the presidency. f he holds the twenty states John Kerry won in 2004 and adds Ohio, Obama will have a majority of the electoral vote. But he's not satisfied with that: Obama will contest more than a dozen states Bush won easily four years ago, including many in the south.
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Tuesday, July 11, 2006
How to Lose the War on Terror; Bush's Ten Rules In a recent survey foreign-policy experts, 84 percent said that the US is not winning the war on terror. How is it possible that the United States, which annually spends nearly as much on defense as all the other nations of the world combined, is losing the war on terror? Here's how, you follow George Bush's ten "rules".
Tuesday, July 11, 2006How to Lose the War on Terror; Bush's Ten Rules In a recent survey foreign-policy experts, 84 percent said that the US is not winning the war on terror. How is it possible that the United States, which annually spends nearly as much on defense as all the other nations of the world combined, is losing the war on terror? Here's how, you follow George Bush's ten "rules".
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
McCain's Last Issue During the week of July 20th, Barack Obama visited Afghanistan, Iraq, and several other countries, strengthening his claim to be commander-in-chief material. John McCain spent the same period firing off a barrage of negative ads and comments: "Obama would rather lose a war than an election." The Arizona Senator fears Obama is stealing the issue of national security.
Thursday, July 24, 2008McCain's Last Issue During the week of July 20th, Barack Obama visited Afghanistan, Iraq, and several other countries, strengthening his claim to be commander-in-chief material. John McCain spent the same period firing off a barrage of negative ads and comments: "Obama would rather lose a war than an election." The Arizona Senator fears Obama is stealing the issue of national security.
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Friday, February 8, 2013
Obama's Biggest Challenge: Inequality As President Obama begins his second term, he's not lacking for challenges, such as jobs, immigration and gun control, not to mention Afghanistan and Iran. Meanwhile, recalcitrant Republicans contest very move the President makes. But Obama's biggest challenge, economic inequality, gets little attention from many politicians.
Friday, February 8, 2013Obama's Biggest Challenge: Inequality As President Obama begins his second term, he's not lacking for challenges, such as jobs, immigration and gun control, not to mention Afghanistan and Iran. Meanwhile, recalcitrant Republicans contest very move the President makes. But Obama's biggest challenge, economic inequality, gets little attention from many politicians.
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Friday, July 13, 2012
Mitt Romney: No There There Returning to Oakland after a long absence, Gertrude Stein famously remarked, "there is no there there." During the first week of July, conservatives made a similar discovery about Mitt Romney: he's an empty suit. While Romney blames President Obama for America's economic malaise, the Republican presidential candidate doesn't understand what caused the recession and, therefore, has no recovery plan.
Friday, July 13, 2012Mitt Romney: No There There Returning to Oakland after a long absence, Gertrude Stein famously remarked, "there is no there there." During the first week of July, conservatives made a similar discovery about Mitt Romney: he's an empty suit. While Romney blames President Obama for America's economic malaise, the Republican presidential candidate doesn't understand what caused the recession and, therefore, has no recovery plan.
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Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Remembering Winston Churchill If Churchill were alive today, undoubtedly he would deliver another stirring oration warning of the desperate circumstances we find ourselves in—the prospect of global Jihad.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006Remembering Winston Churchill If Churchill were alive today, undoubtedly he would deliver another stirring oration warning of the desperate circumstances we find ourselves in—the prospect of global Jihad.
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Friday, June 28, 2013
Texas: America's Dream or NIghtmare? On April 17 th there was a horrific explosion at the West Chemical and Fertilizer plant in West, Texas, that killed 15 people, injured more than 200, destroyed or damaged 150 homes, and caused at least $100 million in losses. Five days later, Texas Governor Rick Perry was in Illinois trying to lure business to Texas, praising his state's limited regulations. Is Texas America's future?
Friday, June 28, 2013Texas: America's Dream or NIghtmare? On April 17 th there was a horrific explosion at the West Chemical and Fertilizer plant in West, Texas, that killed 15 people, injured more than 200, destroyed or damaged 150 homes, and caused at least $100 million in losses. Five days later, Texas Governor Rick Perry was in Illinois trying to lure business to Texas, praising his state's limited regulations. Is Texas America's future?
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Friday, March 12, 2010
Dangerous Visions for Desperate Times The good ship USA is sailing through an iceberg-laden sea, severely damaged and taking in water. Beset by an array of daunting problems, including a failed economy and global climate change, Americans have two choices. We can ignore how bad our situation is or we can fight to save our democracy. For those of you who feel like taking action, here are ten dangerous visions.
Friday, March 12, 2010Dangerous Visions for Desperate Times The good ship USA is sailing through an iceberg-laden sea, severely damaged and taking in water. Beset by an array of daunting problems, including a failed economy and global climate change, Americans have two choices. We can ignore how bad our situation is or we can fight to save our democracy. For those of you who feel like taking action, here are ten dangerous visions.
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Monday, May 22, 2006
If You're Black, Get Back Recent events indicate that Jim Crow didn’t die, it mutated. As a result many black citizens still find themselves sitting at the back of the opportunity bus.
Monday, May 22, 2006If You're Black, Get Back Recent events indicate that Jim Crow didn’t die, it mutated. As a result many black citizens still find themselves sitting at the back of the opportunity bus.
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Friday, August 28, 2009
Healthcare: 2009's Political Super Bowl The arrival of football season is a reminder that the debate over healthcare reform is actually a perverse sporting event. Conservative columnist George Will observed, "Football combines the two worst features of American life: violence and committee meetings."Certainly, the healthcare debate involves violence and many, many committee meetings.
Friday, August 28, 2009Healthcare: 2009's Political Super Bowl The arrival of football season is a reminder that the debate over healthcare reform is actually a perverse sporting event. Conservative columnist George Will observed, "Football combines the two worst features of American life: violence and committee meetings."Certainly, the healthcare debate involves violence and many, many committee meetings.
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Wednesday, April 5, 2006
2006 House Elections - First Look According to veteran DC prognosticator, Charlie Cook, there are 36 House seats in play. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to hold onto 11 shaky seats and win 15 of the 25 tenuous GOP seats. Here’s my look at how the Dems are doing in close races.
Wednesday, April 5, 20062006 House Elections - First Look According to veteran DC prognosticator, Charlie Cook, there are 36 House seats in play. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to hold onto 11 shaky seats and win 15 of the 25 tenuous GOP seats. Here’s my look at how the Dems are doing in close races.
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
Just Say No There's new evidence that the Bush Administration's "abstinence only" approach to sex education is not proving effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies or the spread of sexually transmitted disease. However, George W. Bush continues to believe that the maxim, "just say no," solves a variety of social problems ranging from pre-marital sex to terrorism.
Thursday, February 15, 2007Just Say No There's new evidence that the Bush Administration's "abstinence only" approach to sex education is not proving effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies or the spread of sexually transmitted disease. However, George W. Bush continues to believe that the maxim, "just say no," solves a variety of social problems ranging from pre-marital sex to terrorism.
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Friday, April 5, 2013
Keystone XL: Obama the Pragmatist On April 3 rd and 4 th , President Obama spoke at several San Francisco fundraisers. While he didn't specifically mention the Keystone XL pipeline, the tenor of his remarks indicated that he's likely to approve the controversial project. Obama seems to be most influenced by his inherent political pragmatism.
Friday, April 5, 2013Keystone XL: Obama the Pragmatist On April 3 rd and 4 th , President Obama spoke at several San Francisco fundraisers. While he didn't specifically mention the Keystone XL pipeline, the tenor of his remarks indicated that he's likely to approve the controversial project. Obama seems to be most influenced by his inherent political pragmatism.
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Dubya's Ghosts Our long national nightmare isn't over. Three months after Barack Obama's inauguration, the ghosts of the Bush era continue to haunt the United States. We're tormented by Bush's nightmare economic policies and his horrific "war" on terror. And Dubya's version of Freddy Krueger, Dick Cheney, has returned to scare Americans with his tales of torture and imminent terrorist attacks.
Friday, April 24, 2009Dubya's Ghosts Our long national nightmare isn't over. Three months after Barack Obama's inauguration, the ghosts of the Bush era continue to haunt the United States. We're tormented by Bush's nightmare economic policies and his horrific "war" on terror. And Dubya's version of Freddy Krueger, Dick Cheney, has returned to scare Americans with his tales of torture and imminent terrorist attacks.
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Thursday, June 12, 2008
Obama's Victory: Three Key Endorsements After Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination for President, his campaign immediately segued into the general election. Before we're totally submerged by Obama-McCain comparisons, it's informative to consider turning points in Obama's brilliant campaign: three critical endorsements.
Thursday, June 12, 2008Obama's Victory: Three Key Endorsements After Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination for President, his campaign immediately segued into the general election. Before we're totally submerged by Obama-McCain comparisons, it's informative to consider turning points in Obama's brilliant campaign: three critical endorsements.
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Monday, March 22, 2010
Nancy Pelosi: The Resurrection of Healthcare Reform After Republican Scott Brown's surprise Senate victory on January 19th, many Democrats believed that Healthcare Reform was dead. Democrats were discouraged and demoralized; the days that followed brought news of Dems who were not going to run for reelection. Nonetheless, two months later the House passed the Senate Healthcare bill and Dems have new vigor. The person responsible for this turnaround was Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Monday, March 22, 2010Nancy Pelosi: The Resurrection of Healthcare Reform After Republican Scott Brown's surprise Senate victory on January 19th, many Democrats believed that Healthcare Reform was dead. Democrats were discouraged and demoralized; the days that followed brought news of Dems who were not going to run for reelection. Nonetheless, two months later the House passed the Senate Healthcare bill and Dems have new vigor. The person responsible for this turnaround was Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
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Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Campaign 2006 – Top 10 Senate Races Voters will determine 33 Senate seats in 2006. In order to regain control of the Senate, Democrats will have to win at least six of the eight Republican seats that are in play and retain all eight of the contested Democratic sets.
Wednesday, September 6, 2006Campaign 2006 – Top 10 Senate Races Voters will determine 33 Senate seats in 2006. In order to regain control of the Senate, Democrats will have to win at least six of the eight Republican seats that are in play and retain all eight of the contested Democratic sets.
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Friday, February 20, 2009
The Future of Bipartisanship Although President Obama tried to include Republican ideas in his economic stimulus legislation, only three GOP Senators and no Representatives voted for the final bill. Because Obama promised to change the tone in Washington, his failure to gain Republican support led many pundits to suggest that bipartisanship is dead. What can our new President do to revive comity and develop a more conciliatory spirit on Capitol Hill?
Friday, February 20, 2009The Future of Bipartisanship Although President Obama tried to include Republican ideas in his economic stimulus legislation, only three GOP Senators and no Representatives voted for the final bill. Because Obama promised to change the tone in Washington, his failure to gain Republican support led many pundits to suggest that bipartisanship is dead. What can our new President do to revive comity and develop a more conciliatory spirit on Capitol Hill?
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Friday, January 18, 2013
Top Ten Taxes The US has a deficit problem. The Congressional Budget Office predicted that, if the US maintains the current tax code, we will only produce annual revenue of 18 percent of gross domestic product. Thus running annual budget deficits of $800 billion. The bipartisan 2010 Simpson-Bowles Commission recommended that we deal with this imbalance by raising additional revenue of $2.2 trillion over the next ten years. Increase taxes
Friday, January 18, 2013Top Ten Taxes The US has a deficit problem. The Congressional Budget Office predicted that, if the US maintains the current tax code, we will only produce annual revenue of 18 percent of gross domestic product. Thus running annual budget deficits of $800 billion. The bipartisan 2010 Simpson-Bowles Commission recommended that we deal with this imbalance by raising additional revenue of $2.2 trillion over the next ten years. Increase taxes
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Tuesday, July 24, 2007
George Bush: Moral Termite For many of us on the left coast, President Bush's pardon of Scooter Libby was a non-event; we've grown blasé about Bush abuses. Nonetheless, while it's comforting to bask in self-righteousness, that won't fix our common problem: Bush will be President for another 18 months and the immorality of the Bush Administration infects us all. The President is a moral termite.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007George Bush: Moral Termite For many of us on the left coast, President Bush's pardon of Scooter Libby was a non-event; we've grown blasé about Bush abuses. Nonetheless, while it's comforting to bask in self-righteousness, that won't fix our common problem: Bush will be President for another 18 months and the immorality of the Bush Administration infects us all. The President is a moral termite.
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Friday, September 9, 2011
Will Obama Control the Jobs Message? Watching President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress, Americans were reminded of his oratorical prowess. That's never been his problem. In the two years 230 days plus of his Presidency Obama has given many powerful speeches but not followed up – lost control of the message. On September 8 th he laid out a strong jobs plan; now he has to push it through Congress.
Friday, September 9, 2011Will Obama Control the Jobs Message? Watching President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress, Americans were reminded of his oratorical prowess. That's never been his problem. In the two years 230 days plus of his Presidency Obama has given many powerful speeches but not followed up – lost control of the message. On September 8 th he laid out a strong jobs plan; now he has to push it through Congress.
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Saturday, May 24, 2008
John McCain and the Death of Conservatism As the primary season grinds to a close, many Democrats expect a decisive victory in the November general election and look forward to four years of a Democratic President working with a partisan Congress. But, the smashing defeat of John McCain and the Republican Party should also signal that Americans reject the inept conservative ideology that's dominated U.S. politics for twenty-eight years.
Saturday, May 24, 2008John McCain and the Death of Conservatism As the primary season grinds to a close, many Democrats expect a decisive victory in the November general election and look forward to four years of a Democratic President working with a partisan Congress. But, the smashing defeat of John McCain and the Republican Party should also signal that Americans reject the inept conservative ideology that's dominated U.S. politics for twenty-eight years.
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Friday, March 22, 2013
What Makes a Republican? After two months of the 113 th Congress, it's clear there's a cadre of Tea Party Republicans blocking most meaningful Federal legislation -- jobs, taxes, global climate change, immigration, and gun control. These ultra-conservatives are intent on dismantling the federal government. Where did these Republicans come from and why do they believe government is their enemy?
Friday, March 22, 2013What Makes a Republican? After two months of the 113 th Congress, it's clear there's a cadre of Tea Party Republicans blocking most meaningful Federal legislation -- jobs, taxes, global climate change, immigration, and gun control. These ultra-conservatives are intent on dismantling the federal government. Where did these Republicans come from and why do they believe government is their enemy?
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Friday, October 5, 2012
Romney Channels Reagan, Wins Debate To the delight of Republicans and the dismay of Democrats, Mitt Romney won the first presidential debate. His performance was reminiscent of the 1980 presidential debate between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, where Reagan asked Americans, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?"
Friday, October 5, 2012Romney Channels Reagan, Wins Debate To the delight of Republicans and the dismay of Democrats, Mitt Romney won the first presidential debate. His performance was reminiscent of the 1980 presidential debate between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, where Reagan asked Americans, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?"
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Goin' Down Slow A memorable blues song goes, "I have had my fun, if I don't get well no more...my health is failing and I'm goin' down slow." The songwriter, St. Louis Jimmy Oden, probably had in mind the rough life of bluesman, but his lyrics could easily be used to describe the current state of the American economy.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008Goin' Down Slow A memorable blues song goes, "I have had my fun, if I don't get well no more...my health is failing and I'm goin' down slow." The songwriter, St. Louis Jimmy Oden, probably had in mind the rough life of bluesman, but his lyrics could easily be used to describe the current state of the American economy.
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Thursday, July 13, 2006
Winning the War on Terror If George Bush and his Republican lapdogs are not winning the war on terror, what the Democrats would do differently?
Thursday, July 13, 2006Winning the War on Terror If George Bush and his Republican lapdogs are not winning the war on terror, what the Democrats would do differently?
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Friday, February 10, 2006
Bush Eavesdropping - Why do We Care? If the Bush-sponsored NSA-surveillance operation keeps us safe from terrorists, why do we care how it's done?
Friday, February 10, 2006Bush Eavesdropping - Why do We Care? If the Bush-sponsored NSA-surveillance operation keeps us safe from terrorists, why do we care how it's done?
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Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Why Can't Bush Admit We've Failed in Iraq? President Bush delayed announcement of his "new" Iraq strategy until January. He's having trouble coming to grips with the reality that our troops are caught in a full-scale civil war and, therefore, there's nothing the US can do but get out. Why can't Bush admit we've failed?
Wednesday, December 20, 2006Why Can't Bush Admit We've Failed in Iraq? President Bush delayed announcement of his "new" Iraq strategy until January. He's having trouble coming to grips with the reality that our troops are caught in a full-scale civil war and, therefore, there's nothing the US can do but get out. Why can't Bush admit we've failed?
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Friday, May 4, 2012
Campaign 2012: Show Me the Money Six months before the November 6 th presidential election, Barack Obama leads Mitt Romney by three percentage points. The most common explanation for the closeness of a race that should be Obama's to lose is the weak economy. But money is the real culprit; Republicans have spent more money to affect the final outcome.
Friday, May 4, 2012Campaign 2012: Show Me the Money Six months before the November 6 th presidential election, Barack Obama leads Mitt Romney by three percentage points. The most common explanation for the closeness of a race that should be Obama's to lose is the weak economy. But money is the real culprit; Republicans have spent more money to affect the final outcome.
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Monday, March 27, 2006
America's Debt Wish Late on the evening of March 16th, the Senate passed a record $2.8 trillion budget and increased our national debt limit to a tad below $9 trillion. So what if our national debt is trillions of dollars and each citizen’s share is $27,981?
Monday, March 27, 2006America's Debt Wish Late on the evening of March 16th, the Senate passed a record $2.8 trillion budget and increased our national debt limit to a tad below $9 trillion. So what if our national debt is trillions of dollars and each citizen’s share is $27,981?
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Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Why America Fights? Given all the advance publicity and considering the importance of its primary subject, the dominant role of the military-industrial complex in the American economy and worldview, the documenary,Why We Fight, is surprisingly disappointing.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006Why America Fights? Given all the advance publicity and considering the importance of its primary subject, the dominant role of the military-industrial complex in the American economy and worldview, the documenary,Why We Fight, is surprisingly disappointing.
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Thursday, May 15, 2008
Broken America In 1989, Bob Dylan wrote "Everything is Broken." At the time, Dylan was referring to the aftermath of the Loam Prieta earthquake, but his prophetic words now describe the overall condition of the USA. George Bush's legacy is a broken America.
Thursday, May 15, 2008Broken America In 1989, Bob Dylan wrote "Everything is Broken." At the time, Dylan was referring to the aftermath of the Loam Prieta earthquake, but his prophetic words now describe the overall condition of the USA. George Bush's legacy is a broken America.
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Obama 2013: In Your Face There was a lot to like about the President's February 12th State-of-the-Union Address. Obama hit the right topics with passion lacking in many of his previous speeches to Congress. And he displayed an edge not seen in his first term. The President spoke of bipartisanship but his tone was confrontational.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013Obama 2013: In Your Face There was a lot to like about the President's February 12th State-of-the-Union Address. Obama hit the right topics with passion lacking in many of his previous speeches to Congress. And he displayed an edge not seen in his first term. The President spoke of bipartisanship but his tone was confrontational.
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Meltdown Politics According to the latest Gallup poll three quarters of Americans believe the economy is in a recession. How will the recession play out in the 2008 Presidential campaigns?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008Meltdown Politics According to the latest Gallup poll three quarters of Americans believe the economy is in a recession. How will the recession play out in the 2008 Presidential campaigns?
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Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Rock 'n' Roll: Art or Politics? Like most Tom Stoppard plays, Rock 'n' Roll operates on multiple levels. The narrative tracks Czechoslovakian political history over a twenty-two year period: from the Russian occupation in 1968 to the withdrawal of Soviet troops and the election of Vaclav Havel. Stoppard focuses on the key roll played by sixties rock 'n' roll music.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006Rock 'n' Roll: Art or Politics? Like most Tom Stoppard plays, Rock 'n' Roll operates on multiple levels. The narrative tracks Czechoslovakian political history over a twenty-two year period: from the Russian occupation in 1968 to the withdrawal of Soviet troops and the election of Vaclav Havel. Stoppard focuses on the key roll played by sixties rock 'n' roll music.
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Friday, January 26, 2007
Democrats on Steroids Will Rogers famously quipped: "I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat." For the past six years of the Bush Administration, this has been a common lament among Democratic loyalists. But the times they are a changing. The ferocious response of Democratic Senator Jim Webb to the President's lame State-of-the-Union address indicated that Dems have taken steroids, muscled up, and decided to duke it out with the Bus
Friday, January 26, 2007Democrats on Steroids Will Rogers famously quipped: "I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat." For the past six years of the Bush Administration, this has been a common lament among Democratic loyalists. But the times they are a changing. The ferocious response of Democratic Senator Jim Webb to the President's lame State-of-the-Union address indicated that Dems have taken steroids, muscled up, and decided to duke it out with the Bus
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Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Politics of Healthcare After Iraq, Americans see Healthcare as the most important problem facing the United States. It's not difficult to see why with one in six Americans having no insurance. Like Iraq, healthcare is an issue where Democratic and Republican proposals differ dramatically.
Thursday, October 4, 2007The Politics of Healthcare After Iraq, Americans see Healthcare as the most important problem facing the United States. It's not difficult to see why with one in six Americans having no insurance. Like Iraq, healthcare is an issue where Democratic and Republican proposals differ dramatically.
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Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Ready or Not, Here Comes HIlary The most likely 2008 Democratic presidential candidates are Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. Note that I am not suggesting they are the best the Dems have to offer; merely pointing out what the word on the Democratic “street” is: Clinton and Kerry have the money and no one else does.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006Ready or Not, Here Comes HIlary The most likely 2008 Democratic presidential candidates are Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. Note that I am not suggesting they are the best the Dems have to offer; merely pointing out what the word on the Democratic “street” is: Clinton and Kerry have the money and no one else does.
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Thursday, May 25, 2006
Bush Prepares to Cut and Run in Afghanistan In Afghanistan the Administration is pursuing the very same cut and run policies that the accuse others of espousing in Iraq.
Thursday, May 25, 2006Bush Prepares to Cut and Run in Afghanistan In Afghanistan the Administration is pursuing the very same cut and run policies that the accuse others of espousing in Iraq.
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Tuesday, October 9, 2007
It's the Economy, Stupid During Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, a sign in Clinton's campaign headquarters reminded the candidate "the economy, stupid." The same sign would work for the Democrats' 2008 presidential candidate. After Iraq and healthcare, Americans see the economy as the number three problem facing the United States. In fact, they rate economic problems in the aggregate almost as highly as they do Iraq.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007It's the Economy, Stupid During Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, a sign in Clinton's campaign headquarters reminded the candidate "the economy, stupid." The same sign would work for the Democrats' 2008 presidential candidate. After Iraq and healthcare, Americans see the economy as the number three problem facing the United States. In fact, they rate economic problems in the aggregate almost as highly as they do Iraq.
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Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Support Our Troops American politics are at a tipping point. Since the Reagan era, Republicans have claimed to be the national security Party, labeled Democrats "liberal pacifists," and garnered the votes of most of America's military. At long last, public perception is changing. The debate over Iraq gives Democrats a golden opportunity to take back the mantle of national security. The pivotal issue is which Party truly supports our troops.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007Support Our Troops American politics are at a tipping point. Since the Reagan era, Republicans have claimed to be the national security Party, labeled Democrats "liberal pacifists," and garnered the votes of most of America's military. At long last, public perception is changing. The debate over Iraq gives Democrats a golden opportunity to take back the mantle of national security. The pivotal issue is which Party truly supports our troops.
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Divided America 2007 was a year with many negative news stories. The war in Iraq dragged on, as did the less-publicized war in Afghanistan. The US economy began a decline precipitated by a crisis in the housing market. And, there was increasingly bad news about the environment, the rapidity of the changes wrought by global warming. Nonetheless, the most disturbing news was barely mentioned by the media: the polarization of America.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007Divided America 2007 was a year with many negative news stories. The war in Iraq dragged on, as did the less-publicized war in Afghanistan. The US economy began a decline precipitated by a crisis in the housing market. And, there was increasingly bad news about the environment, the rapidity of the changes wrought by global warming. Nonetheless, the most disturbing news was barely mentioned by the media: the polarization of America.
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Friday, October 30, 2009
Reform We Can Believe In Prudent homeowners recovering from pest or water damage remove all compromised material before they rebuild. Similarly, surgeons prepare wounds for sutures by excising diseased tissues and sterilizing the damaged area. Nonetheless, as the US struggles to restart its economy, we're not identifying what caused the financial crisis or cleansing compromised institutions.
Friday, October 30, 2009Reform We Can Believe In Prudent homeowners recovering from pest or water damage remove all compromised material before they rebuild. Similarly, surgeons prepare wounds for sutures by excising diseased tissues and sterilizing the damaged area. Nonetheless, as the US struggles to restart its economy, we're not identifying what caused the financial crisis or cleansing compromised institutions.
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
Obama's Challenges Now that Barack Obama has finally secured the Democratic nomination for President, it's time for a candid assessment of his chances. To defeat John McCain in November Obama must respond to three challenges.
Thursday, June 19, 2008Obama's Challenges Now that Barack Obama has finally secured the Democratic nomination for President, it's time for a candid assessment of his chances. To defeat John McCain in November Obama must respond to three challenges.
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Thursday, January 30, 2014
Obama Comes Out Fighting Many Democrats were nervous about President Obama's 2014 State-of-the-Union Address. For the past three months -- since the end of the government shutdown -- the President made a series of mistakes and the odds of Democratic 2014 mid-term-election victories diminished. But Obama came out fighting and established seven themes that should help the Democratic cause.
Thursday, January 30, 2014Obama Comes Out Fighting Many Democrats were nervous about President Obama's 2014 State-of-the-Union Address. For the past three months -- since the end of the government shutdown -- the President made a series of mistakes and the odds of Democratic 2014 mid-term-election victories diminished. But Obama came out fighting and established seven themes that should help the Democratic cause.
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Monday, April 24, 2006
Iraq - What's Next? Given what we know about George W. Bush, what’ll he do next in Iraq? And what can we do about it?
Monday, April 24, 2006Iraq - What's Next? Given what we know about George W. Bush, what’ll he do next in Iraq? And what can we do about it?
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The 2008 U.S. Election The presidential election will occur on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, less than a year from now. Because the candidates have been campaigning for eleven months, we already know quite a lot about the likely outcome.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007The 2008 U.S. Election The presidential election will occur on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, less than a year from now. Because the candidates have been campaigning for eleven months, we already know quite a lot about the likely outcome.
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Friday, April 6, 2012
Inside the Mitt It's clear that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will survive the GOP version of "The Hunger Games" and become their 2012 presidential nominee. The richest and most radical presidential candidate in modern times, Romney offers a retrograde vision for America and a surprising set of weaknesses.
Friday, April 6, 2012Inside the Mitt It's clear that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will survive the GOP version of "The Hunger Games" and become their 2012 presidential nominee. The richest and most radical presidential candidate in modern times, Romney offers a retrograde vision for America and a surprising set of weaknesses.
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Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Global Warming? Not in My Backyard The April 7th Gallup Poll indicated that while 62 percent of Americans worry about global warming, only 36 percent think it will be a big deal during their lifetimes. What explains this? Why do so many Americans remain sanguine?
Wednesday, April 19, 2006Global Warming? Not in My Backyard The April 7th Gallup Poll indicated that while 62 percent of Americans worry about global warming, only 36 percent think it will be a big deal during their lifetimes. What explains this? Why do so many Americans remain sanguine?
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Friday, February 2, 2007
Grandma Goes to Baghdad This past weekend, Speaker of the House and six-time grandmother, Nancy Pelosi, traveled to Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to get a personal view of George Bush's "war" on terrorism. Judging from her initial comments, the trip hardened Pelosi's opposition to Bush's escalation of the war in Iraq. So, what should we expect the Pelosi-led Dems to do about Iraq?
Friday, February 2, 2007Grandma Goes to Baghdad This past weekend, Speaker of the House and six-time grandmother, Nancy Pelosi, traveled to Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to get a personal view of George Bush's "war" on terrorism. Judging from her initial comments, the trip hardened Pelosi's opposition to Bush's escalation of the war in Iraq. So, what should we expect the Pelosi-led Dems to do about Iraq?
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Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Triage Time in Iraq There's a wide split in US public opinion about what should be done in Iraq. The latest Gallup Poll reveals that twenty percent of respondents say "withdraw immediately," thirteen percent insist "send more troops," and the remainder believe we should leave sometime in the future: thirty-eight percent want withdrawal "within twelve months," and twenty-six twenty-six percent say we should "take as many years as needed." The be
Wednesday, April 18, 2007Triage Time in Iraq There's a wide split in US public opinion about what should be done in Iraq. The latest Gallup Poll reveals that twenty percent of respondents say "withdraw immediately," thirteen percent insist "send more troops," and the remainder believe we should leave sometime in the future: thirty-eight percent want withdrawal "within twelve months," and twenty-six twenty-six percent say we should "take as many years as needed." The be
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Friday, January 30, 2009
Grading Obama During his first 100 days in office, President Obama faces daunting problems, including a deteriorating economy and two wars. On May 1st, how can we tell whether he is doing a good job, given that Bush set the bar so low?
Friday, January 30, 2009Grading Obama During his first 100 days in office, President Obama faces daunting problems, including a deteriorating economy and two wars. On May 1st, how can we tell whether he is doing a good job, given that Bush set the bar so low?
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Monday, February 6, 2006
Bush Eavesdropping - How's it Done Aging techie explains how NSA "data mines" thousands of unsuspecting Americans
Monday, February 6, 2006Bush Eavesdropping - How's it Done Aging techie explains how NSA "data mines" thousands of unsuspecting Americans
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Monday, March 20, 2006
Iraq - Ain't But One Way Out Baby Like the great Elmore James blues song suggests, there’s just one reasonable way out of Iraq.
Monday, March 20, 2006Iraq - Ain't But One Way Out Baby Like the great Elmore James blues song suggests, there’s just one reasonable way out of Iraq.
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Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Dubya At the Bat It's the bottom of the ninth inning and the home team is losing 4 to 0. There are two outs and George Bush is at the plate. The count is two strikes and no balls. The opponents' closer fires a high hard one to the President. "Strike three," the umpire yells. The game is over. But, Bush disputes the call; claims that as President of the United States he gets more strikes; the game isn't over until he says it is.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007Dubya At the Bat It's the bottom of the ninth inning and the home team is losing 4 to 0. There are two outs and George Bush is at the plate. The count is two strikes and no balls. The opponents' closer fires a high hard one to the President. "Strike three," the umpire yells. The game is over. But, Bush disputes the call; claims that as President of the United States he gets more strikes; the game isn't over until he says it is.
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Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Iraq and Vietnam Since the invasion of Iraq, in March of 2003, George W. Bush's rationale for the occupation has continually shifted. On August 22nd, the White House once again changed its criterion for success. As disturbing as this is, what's more disturbing is the new justification: keep Iraq from becoming another Vietnam.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007Iraq and Vietnam Since the invasion of Iraq, in March of 2003, George W. Bush's rationale for the occupation has continually shifted. On August 22nd, the White House once again changed its criterion for success. As disturbing as this is, what's more disturbing is the new justification: keep Iraq from becoming another Vietnam.
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Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Who are the Terrorists? President Bush's Monday press conference made two things clear: He's not about to withdraw troops from Iraq. And, he's locked into a definition of "terrorist" that's so general that it's meaningless and, therefore, dangerous. It's time to reconsider: Who are the terrorists? Why are we fighting them? How can we defeat them?
Wednesday, August 23, 2006Who are the Terrorists? President Bush's Monday press conference made two things clear: He's not about to withdraw troops from Iraq. And, he's locked into a definition of "terrorist" that's so general that it's meaningless and, therefore, dangerous. It's time to reconsider: Who are the terrorists? Why are we fighting them? How can we defeat them?
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Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Accountability in Iraq What's been ignored in the bitter debate about Iraq is the issue of political stability: how long should the United States stay in Iraq if the elected government fails to meet its commitments? Most Americans believe that while US should bolster Iraqi security, the government of Iraq must function on its own. The key to the future of Iraq is the Bush Administration's willingness to hold the Iraqi government accountable.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007Accountability in Iraq What's been ignored in the bitter debate about Iraq is the issue of political stability: how long should the United States stay in Iraq if the elected government fails to meet its commitments? Most Americans believe that while US should bolster Iraqi security, the government of Iraq must function on its own. The key to the future of Iraq is the Bush Administration's willingness to hold the Iraqi government accountable.
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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Crawling From the Wreckage "Who would want to be President?" That's the comment I've heard recently, whenever I've discussed the presidential primaries with my Berkeley friends. Noting the mess George W. Bush has made, they shake their heads, and say, "The next President will have to spend four years working 24 hours per day repairing the wreckage."
Tuesday, January 29, 2008Crawling From the Wreckage "Who would want to be President?" That's the comment I've heard recently, whenever I've discussed the presidential primaries with my Berkeley friends. Noting the mess George W. Bush has made, they shake their heads, and say, "The next President will have to spend four years working 24 hours per day repairing the wreckage."
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Friday, February 24, 2006
Searching for the Democrats - Blue Clues Looking at Democrats from the standpoint of their beliefs suggests that the "liberal" and "moderate" labels no longer work. The real distinction is between Dems who are value-based and those who are tactics-based.
Friday, February 24, 2006Searching for the Democrats - Blue Clues Looking at Democrats from the standpoint of their beliefs suggests that the "liberal" and "moderate" labels no longer work. The real distinction is between Dems who are value-based and those who are tactics-based.
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Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Gender Backlash On January 9th, Hillary Clinton won the New Hampshire Democratic primary, much to the surprise of political pundits who had spent the previous few days gloating over the demise of her presidential bid. Some observers suggested there had been a gender "backlash" as a result of her treatment by the media and the other (male) candidates.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008Gender Backlash On January 9th, Hillary Clinton won the New Hampshire Democratic primary, much to the surprise of political pundits who had spent the previous few days gloating over the demise of her presidential bid. Some observers suggested there had been a gender "backlash" as a result of her treatment by the media and the other (male) candidates.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Reconsidering Impeachment In Berkeley, it's difficult to travel more than a few blocks without seeing an "Impeach Bush" bumper sticker. And whenever I write a column about the 43rd President, I receive emails suggesting that the simplest solution to America's problems is his impeachment. Nonetheless, I'd never taken the possibility of impeachment seriously until this week, when I realized I've had enough: I want Dubya to go down.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007Reconsidering Impeachment In Berkeley, it's difficult to travel more than a few blocks without seeing an "Impeach Bush" bumper sticker. And whenever I write a column about the 43rd President, I receive emails suggesting that the simplest solution to America's problems is his impeachment. Nonetheless, I'd never taken the possibility of impeachment seriously until this week, when I realized I've had enough: I want Dubya to go down.
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Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Faith and Politics How important is it that presidential candidates tell us whether or not they are Christians? For many progressives it's not important at all; most of us feel that religious belief is a personal matter: what matters most is that candidates adhere to high ethical standards and honor the US constitution. But for many Americans, identifying as a Christian is short hand for being on the "right" side.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007Faith and Politics How important is it that presidential candidates tell us whether or not they are Christians? For many progressives it's not important at all; most of us feel that religious belief is a personal matter: what matters most is that candidates adhere to high ethical standards and honor the US constitution. But for many Americans, identifying as a Christian is short hand for being on the "right" side.
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Wednesday, April 25, 2007
On the Killin' Floor In his most famous blues song, Howlin' Wolf sang I should'a quit you, long time ago...and I wouldn't've been here, down on the killin' floor. The mass killings at Virginia Tech demonstrated that all Americans are "down on the killin' floor."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007On the Killin' Floor In his most famous blues song, Howlin' Wolf sang I should'a quit you, long time ago...and I wouldn't've been here, down on the killin' floor. The mass killings at Virginia Tech demonstrated that all Americans are "down on the killin' floor."
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Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Savage America Our French friends ask: What happened to America? We respond defensively: Say the U.S. is a wonderful country. Claim the media emphasizes the negative, where there are many positives. Argue that President Bush does not speak for all Americans. But they know he represents a large segment of American society. And his base believes in him. Supports his vision of savage America.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006Savage America Our French friends ask: What happened to America? We respond defensively: Say the U.S. is a wonderful country. Claim the media emphasizes the negative, where there are many positives. Argue that President Bush does not speak for all Americans. But they know he represents a large segment of American society. And his base believes in him. Supports his vision of savage America.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
After Hillary: Bitterness? n the six weeks between the Mississippi and Pennsylvania primaries, the campaign for the Democratic Presidential nomination deteriorated into trench warfare. When the dust cleared, Hillary Clinton won a single-digit victory in Pennsylvania, one that moved her no closer to securing the nomination. And, the struggle between Clinton and Obama left a trail of bitterness.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008After Hillary: Bitterness? n the six weeks between the Mississippi and Pennsylvania primaries, the campaign for the Democratic Presidential nomination deteriorated into trench warfare. When the dust cleared, Hillary Clinton won a single-digit victory in Pennsylvania, one that moved her no closer to securing the nomination. And, the struggle between Clinton and Obama left a trail of bitterness.
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Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Bush and Israel: It's Politics, Stupid Many political observers wonder at the wisdom of Bush's Israel policy. But the White House has no doubts, because they believe that Israel's actions work to the political benefit of the Republican Party.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006Bush and Israel: It's Politics, Stupid Many political observers wonder at the wisdom of Bush's Israel policy. But the White House has no doubts, because they believe that Israel's actions work to the political benefit of the Republican Party.
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Thursday, January 25, 2007
For Dubya, Down Looks Like Up Been down so long it looks like up to me goes the Blues song. In his 2007 State-of-the-Union address President Bush sang these blues. His January 23rd performance was somber and, ultimately, disoriented.
Thursday, January 25, 2007For Dubya, Down Looks Like Up Been down so long it looks like up to me goes the Blues song. In his 2007 State-of-the-Union address President Bush sang these blues. His January 23rd performance was somber and, ultimately, disoriented.
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Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Bush Losing Support of Military One of the most memorable Iraq war images was President Bush's "Mission Accompished" speech made on May 1, 2003, from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. At the time, it would have been hard to predict that three years later major combat operations would not have ended, the mission would not be accomplished, and Bush would be losing the support of the military.
Wednesday, November 1, 2006Bush Losing Support of Military One of the most memorable Iraq war images was President Bush's "Mission Accompished" speech made on May 1, 2003, from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. At the time, it would have been hard to predict that three years later major combat operations would not have ended, the mission would not be accomplished, and Bush would be losing the support of the military.
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Friday, March 24, 2006
Ten Telltale Signs of GOP Disease As a public service, here are the ten telltale signs of Republican plague.
Friday, March 24, 2006Ten Telltale Signs of GOP Disease As a public service, here are the ten telltale signs of Republican plague.
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Friday, March 17, 2006
Iraq - One. Two, Three, What Are We Fighting For? When we step back and take a dispassionate look at what the war in Iraq has accomplished, we see that it is far more than a disappointment. It is a catastrophic blunder that has weakened the United States and threatens the foundations of our Democracy.
Friday, March 17, 2006Iraq - One. Two, Three, What Are We Fighting For? When we step back and take a dispassionate look at what the war in Iraq has accomplished, we see that it is far more than a disappointment. It is a catastrophic blunder that has weakened the United States and threatens the foundations of our Democracy.
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Monday, April 3, 2006
Iraq - Finally, the Democratic Position On March 29, Democratic leaders finally unveiled their plan for Iraq. If the Dems get some media time, the public wll be able to tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans.
Monday, April 3, 2006Iraq - Finally, the Democratic Position On March 29, Democratic leaders finally unveiled their plan for Iraq. If the Dems get some media time, the public wll be able to tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Cloning Dubya While George Dubya Bush will be in office for fourteen more months, many have already labeled him the worst President in modern American history. Bush's most lasting negative legacy is his autocratic leadership style, which has inspired other politicians to emulate his tactics and ethics. As a result, we see mini-Dubyas running for President and Dubya clones ruling other countries.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007Cloning Dubya While George Dubya Bush will be in office for fourteen more months, many have already labeled him the worst President in modern American history. Bush's most lasting negative legacy is his autocratic leadership style, which has inspired other politicians to emulate his tactics and ethics. As a result, we see mini-Dubyas running for President and Dubya clones ruling other countries.
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Thursday, August 31, 2006
Campaign 2006 – Sweet Sixteen Congressional Races Democrats continue to gain momentum in their bid to wrest control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans. There are now 46 House seats in play. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to win 15 of the 36 tenuous GOP seats. And hold onto 10 shaky Democratic seats.
Thursday, August 31, 2006Campaign 2006 – Sweet Sixteen Congressional Races Democrats continue to gain momentum in their bid to wrest control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans. There are now 46 House seats in play. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to win 15 of the 36 tenuous GOP seats. And hold onto 10 shaky Democratic seats.
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Monday, March 26, 2007
Pelosi's Triumph Friday's vote against the war in Iraq was a double triumph: A landmark vote to put an end to the mad policies of George Bush and an unusually unified stand by a Democratic Party often distinguished by its disunity. The leader who brought Democrats together was Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
Monday, March 26, 2007Pelosi's Triumph Friday's vote against the war in Iraq was a double triumph: A landmark vote to put an end to the mad policies of George Bush and an unusually unified stand by a Democratic Party often distinguished by its disunity. The leader who brought Democrats together was Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
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Friday, February 17, 2006
Searching for the Democrats -- The Leadership Issue Democrats are floundering because they don't have a charismatic leader to unify them.
Friday, February 17, 2006Searching for the Democrats -- The Leadership Issue Democrats are floundering because they don't have a charismatic leader to unify them.
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Wednesday, May 10, 2006
California Congressional Corruption In the spring of 2005, no one forecasted the dramatic political changes that have taken place in California in the past twelve months. Because of the fallout from various scandals, six supposedly safe GOP Congressional seats are in jeopardy.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006California Congressional Corruption In the spring of 2005, no one forecasted the dramatic political changes that have taken place in California in the past twelve months. Because of the fallout from various scandals, six supposedly safe GOP Congressional seats are in jeopardy.
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Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Why Don't Men Write About Abortion? On March 6th, South Dakota enacted America’s most stringent abortion statute. It makes it a felony to perform any abortion except where the pregnant woman’s life is endangered. This law is another step by the Religious Right to limit reproductive rights. Yet, in terms of the media, only women seem to care.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006Why Don't Men Write About Abortion? On March 6th, South Dakota enacted America’s most stringent abortion statute. It makes it a felony to perform any abortion except where the pregnant woman’s life is endangered. This law is another step by the Religious Right to limit reproductive rights. Yet, in terms of the media, only women seem to care.
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Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Iran - Inside Bush's Brain While pundits have explored the policy and political consequences of an attack on Iran, they’ve ignored an equally important consideration: How does President Bush actually make decisions? And, what does this suggest that he’s going to do about Iran?
Tuesday, May 2, 2006Iran - Inside Bush's Brain While pundits have explored the policy and political consequences of an attack on Iran, they’ve ignored an equally important consideration: How does President Bush actually make decisions? And, what does this suggest that he’s going to do about Iran?
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Friday, March 30, 2007
Bush vs. America Thursday's Senate vote on funding for Iraq sets the stage for an epic battle between Congress and President Bush; a struggle with the dramatic elements of a Shakespeare play: a headstrong emperor who claims God gave him absolute power battling a stalwart band of democratic solons.
Friday, March 30, 2007Bush vs. America Thursday's Senate vote on funding for Iraq sets the stage for an epic battle between Congress and President Bush; a struggle with the dramatic elements of a Shakespeare play: a headstrong emperor who claims God gave him absolute power battling a stalwart band of democratic solons.
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Tuesday, August 1, 2006
The Failure of Conservatism... and of A Cogent Liberal Response The dominant conservative ideology has clearly failed. What is needed now is a fresh formulation of what liberalism stands for: how does it propose to solve America's problems?
Tuesday, August 1, 2006The Failure of Conservatism... and of A Cogent Liberal Response The dominant conservative ideology has clearly failed. What is needed now is a fresh formulation of what liberalism stands for: how does it propose to solve America's problems?
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Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Searching for the Democrats - Show Me the Values There is a fierce fight for the heart of the Democratic Party. A battle between tactics-based apparatchiks and values-based loyalists.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006Searching for the Democrats - Show Me the Values There is a fierce fight for the heart of the Democratic Party. A battle between tactics-based apparatchiks and values-based loyalists.
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Friday, March 19, 2010
Confronting the Politics of Rage In mid March, a bankruptcy examiner suggested that executives at Wall Street financial giantLehman Brothers used "materially misleading" accounting gimmicks to delay its collapse. At the same time, the national press speculated about the evolution of the Tea Party movement. The juxtaposition of the two articles raised the question, "What would Tea Party activists have done about Lehman Brothers?"
Friday, March 19, 2010Confronting the Politics of Rage In mid March, a bankruptcy examiner suggested that executives at Wall Street financial giantLehman Brothers used "materially misleading" accounting gimmicks to delay its collapse. At the same time, the national press speculated about the evolution of the Tea Party movement. The juxtaposition of the two articles raised the question, "What would Tea Party activists have done about Lehman Brothers?"
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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Frost/Nixon, Nixon/Bush It's impossible to see Peter Morgan's brilliant new play, Frost/Nixon, and not consider the similarities between Dick Nixon and George W. Bush. Wonder: did Americans suffer through the agony of the Watergate era only to forget the hard lessons we learned?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006Frost/Nixon, Nixon/Bush It's impossible to see Peter Morgan's brilliant new play, Frost/Nixon, and not consider the similarities between Dick Nixon and George W. Bush. Wonder: did Americans suffer through the agony of the Watergate era only to forget the hard lessons we learned?
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Monday, March 13, 2006
Rethinking the Democratic Agenda Rather than a narrowly defined issues-based agenda, why don’t the Dems propose a platform that highlights their historic values?
Monday, March 13, 2006Rethinking the Democratic Agenda Rather than a narrowly defined issues-based agenda, why don’t the Dems propose a platform that highlights their historic values?
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Monday, February 13, 2006
Iran - Deja Vu All Over Again The Bush Administration appears to preparing a massive air attack on Iran conveniently timed to occur just before the mid-term elections.
Monday, February 13, 2006Iran - Deja Vu All Over Again The Bush Administration appears to preparing a massive air attack on Iran conveniently timed to occur just before the mid-term elections.
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Friday, May 12, 2006
Nation Building, Obama Style Thursday, speaking to the Emily's List PAC, Illinois Democratic Senator, Barack Obama, asked whether Democrats are prepared to engage in nation building.
Friday, May 12, 2006Nation Building, Obama Style Thursday, speaking to the Emily's List PAC, Illinois Democratic Senator, Barack Obama, asked whether Democrats are prepared to engage in nation building.
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Thursday, June 8, 2006
Campaign 2006 - Sweet 16 Congressional Races Democrats appear to be gaining momentum in their bid to wrest control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to hold onto 10 shaky seats and win 15 of the 36 tenuous GOP seats.
Thursday, June 8, 2006Campaign 2006 - Sweet 16 Congressional Races Democrats appear to be gaining momentum in their bid to wrest control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to hold onto 10 shaky seats and win 15 of the 36 tenuous GOP seats.
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Thursday, May 1, 2008
The CEO Presidency In 2000, when George W. Bush first ran for President, one of his selling points was the claim he would be America's first "CEO President." Of course, Bush's assertion was far from the truth, but for most voters the notion of an effective executive running the White House has enduring appeal. Looking at Clinton, McCain, and Obama, who would be a CEO President?
Thursday, May 1, 2008The CEO Presidency In 2000, when George W. Bush first ran for President, one of his selling points was the claim he would be America's first "CEO President." Of course, Bush's assertion was far from the truth, but for most voters the notion of an effective executive running the White House has enduring appeal. Looking at Clinton, McCain, and Obama, who would be a CEO President?
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Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Bush Eavesdropping - Is It Legal? Does the Bush domestic surveillance program have a sound legal basis?
Wednesday, February 8, 2006Bush Eavesdropping - Is It Legal? Does the Bush domestic surveillance program have a sound legal basis?
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Friday, February 22, 2008
The Politics of the Oscars It's always dangerous to read too much into trends in popular culture. Nonetheless, there seems to be a strong relationship between the five movies nominated for best picture of 2007 and polls showing 70 percent of Americans believe the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction.
Friday, February 22, 2008The Politics of the Oscars It's always dangerous to read too much into trends in popular culture. Nonetheless, there seems to be a strong relationship between the five movies nominated for best picture of 2007 and polls showing 70 percent of Americans believe the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction.
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Wednesday, March 1, 2006
George Bush - Nowhere Man How scary is it to have the nowhere man as our commander-in-chief? To know that this is a President whose attitude about decision-making is “I don’t want to hear information that contradicts what I already think?”
Wednesday, March 1, 2006George Bush - Nowhere Man How scary is it to have the nowhere man as our commander-in-chief? To know that this is a President whose attitude about decision-making is “I don’t want to hear information that contradicts what I already think?”
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Monday, April 10, 2006
Campaign 2006 - The Issue of "Rot at the Top" Although the big issue in the November elections will be Iraq, the secondary issue will be corruption in government. Many races will hinge on whether or not the public believes that Democrats will end rot at the top.
Monday, April 10, 2006Campaign 2006 - The Issue of "Rot at the Top" Although the big issue in the November elections will be Iraq, the secondary issue will be corruption in government. Many races will hinge on whether or not the public believes that Democrats will end rot at the top.
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Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Hillary's Last Charge The battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War. On July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army's failed assault on the Union forces massed on Cemetery Ridge – Pickett's Charge – marked the end of the struggle. Many observers believe the April 22nd Pennsylvania Primary may prove to be the decisive battle in the struggle for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. Will this be HIllary Clinton's last charge?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008Hillary's Last Charge The battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War. On July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army's failed assault on the Union forces massed on Cemetery Ridge – Pickett's Charge – marked the end of the struggle. Many observers believe the April 22nd Pennsylvania Primary may prove to be the decisive battle in the struggle for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. Will this be HIllary Clinton's last charge?
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Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Iraq Options: Go Big, Go Long, Go Home, Go Figure When the dust settled from the mid-term elections, Americans heard from a wide variety of Washington "experts" with strong opinions on the war in Iraq. The Washington Post reported that a top-secret Pentagon task force is reviewing strategies for Iraq. Insiders have dubbed the main options as: "'Go Big,' 'Go Long,' and 'Go Home.'" To these might be added a fourth option: Go Figure.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006Iraq Options: Go Big, Go Long, Go Home, Go Figure When the dust settled from the mid-term elections, Americans heard from a wide variety of Washington "experts" with strong opinions on the war in Iraq. The Washington Post reported that a top-secret Pentagon task force is reviewing strategies for Iraq. Insiders have dubbed the main options as: "'Go Big,' 'Go Long,' and 'Go Home.'" To these might be added a fourth option: Go Figure.
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Friday, January 19, 2007
The Politics of Sacrifice On January 16th, PBS News Hour host Jim Lehrer interviewed President Bush. This encounter told us a lot about Bush's brand of conservatism, in particular, his feelings about sacrifice.
Friday, January 19, 2007The Politics of Sacrifice On January 16th, PBS News Hour host Jim Lehrer interviewed President Bush. This encounter told us a lot about Bush's brand of conservatism, in particular, his feelings about sacrifice.
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Monday, May 8, 2006
Zen Mind, Bush Mind The unique Bush decision-making process is best understood by contrasting it with that of the Zen masters. For the first time, here are the secrets of the Bush master.
Monday, May 8, 2006Zen Mind, Bush Mind The unique Bush decision-making process is best understood by contrasting it with that of the Zen masters. For the first time, here are the secrets of the Bush master.
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Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Making the Connection Between Iraq and Israel As the Bush Administration searches for a way out of Iraq, they've been forced to use diplomacy. In the past few weeks, President Bush and Secretary of State Rice asked Iraq's neighbors to help end the Iraqi civil war. Our Arab allies told Bush they won't help with Iraq until he agrees to broker a meaningful Israeli-Palestinian peace accord.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006Making the Connection Between Iraq and Israel As the Bush Administration searches for a way out of Iraq, they've been forced to use diplomacy. In the past few weeks, President Bush and Secretary of State Rice asked Iraq's neighbors to help end the Iraqi civil war. Our Arab allies told Bush they won't help with Iraq until he agrees to broker a meaningful Israeli-Palestinian peace accord.
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Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Ten Suggestions For the First 100 Days On January 4th, Democrats begin leading the 110th Congress. They've already announced an agenda for the first 100 hours. Here are ten suggestions for their first 100 days.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006Ten Suggestions For the First 100 Days On January 4th, Democrats begin leading the 110th Congress. They've already announced an agenda for the first 100 hours. Here are ten suggestions for their first 100 days.
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Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A New Liberal Foreign Policy Conservative foreign policy has failed and taken with it their dream of a new American empire. It's accomplished an ignominious "twofer:" It's made the US less safe and mocked the cooperation and collaboration required to deal with the world's problems. It's time to ask: what does liberalism suggest?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006A New Liberal Foreign Policy Conservative foreign policy has failed and taken with it their dream of a new American empire. It's accomplished an ignominious "twofer:" It's made the US less safe and mocked the cooperation and collaboration required to deal with the world's problems. It's time to ask: what does liberalism suggest?
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Friday, August 18, 2006
The End of the War on Terror The failure of the Bush Administration's foreign policy has discredited the notion that America is engaged in a war on terror. It raises the questions: Who are the terrorists? And, what is the best way to fight them?
Friday, August 18, 2006The End of the War on Terror The failure of the Bush Administration's foreign policy has discredited the notion that America is engaged in a war on terror. It raises the questions: Who are the terrorists? And, what is the best way to fight them?
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Friday, May 19, 2006
Islamophobia The Bush Administration fueled a new wave of bigotry: first against gays and lesbians. Then it extended to the poor who were demonized as shiftless, “irresponsible.” More recently it has focused on Muslims.
Friday, May 19, 2006Islamophobia The Bush Administration fueled a new wave of bigotry: first against gays and lesbians. Then it extended to the poor who were demonized as shiftless, “irresponsible.” More recently it has focused on Muslims.
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Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Take Me to Our Leader Given the extremity of the crisis it the Middle East, and the dreadful track record of President Bush, it's important to ask who else can provide this leadership? The answer is Al Gore.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006Take Me to Our Leader Given the extremity of the crisis it the Middle East, and the dreadful track record of President Bush, it's important to ask who else can provide this leadership? The answer is Al Gore.
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Thursday, May 8, 2008
Clinton's Last Stand Tuesday, May 6th, was the decisive night in the struggle for the Democratic nomination. It provided new insight into the character of the two competitors.
Thursday, May 8, 2008Clinton's Last Stand Tuesday, May 6th, was the decisive night in the struggle for the Democratic nomination. It provided new insight into the character of the two competitors.
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Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Death of American Empire Conservatism hasn't strengthened America's position in the world, produced the Pax Americana that conservatives expected. It's done the exact opposite; weakened the United States across the board. As a result, we're witnessing the death of the conservative dream of American empire.
Thursday, August 10, 2006The Death of American Empire Conservatism hasn't strengthened America's position in the world, produced the Pax Americana that conservatives expected. It's done the exact opposite; weakened the United States across the board. As a result, we're witnessing the death of the conservative dream of American empire.
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Monday, December 31, 2007
2007 - Political Winners and Losers 2007 wasn't a happy year, as the major political stories were mostly downers. Here are my ten choices for the big winners and losers.
Monday, December 31, 20072007 - Political Winners and Losers 2007 wasn't a happy year, as the major political stories were mostly downers. Here are my ten choices for the big winners and losers.
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Friday, April 7, 2006
2006 Senate Races - First Look Unless Democrats win control of either the House or the Senate, nothing is going to change in Washington. According to veteran DC prognosticator, Charlie Cook, there are 7 Senate seats in play. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to win at least six.
Friday, April 7, 20062006 Senate Races - First Look Unless Democrats win control of either the House or the Senate, nothing is going to change in Washington. According to veteran DC prognosticator, Charlie Cook, there are 7 Senate seats in play. In order to prevail, the Democrats will have to win at least six.
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Saturday, November 11, 2006
Campaign 2006: Winner and Losers As the dust settles from the tumultuous 2006 mid-term elections, let's consider the big political winners and losers.
Saturday, November 11, 2006Campaign 2006: Winner and Losers As the dust settles from the tumultuous 2006 mid-term elections, let's consider the big political winners and losers.
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Great Debate of 2008 So far there have been many surprises in the contest for the 2008 Presidential nomination. Six months ago, it appeared the probable candidates would be Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton. After Tuesday's primaries they will be John McCain and either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Last year it appeared the leading issue would be the war in Iraq. Now it's likely the great debate will be about the economy.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008The Great Debate of 2008 So far there have been many surprises in the contest for the 2008 Presidential nomination. Six months ago, it appeared the probable candidates would be Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton. After Tuesday's primaries they will be John McCain and either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Last year it appeared the leading issue would be the war in Iraq. Now it's likely the great debate will be about the economy.
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Wednesday, April 12, 2006
George Bush - Failed Christian, Failed CEO Given his teerrible track record, why do Americans believe anything that the President says? Why can’t they see that he’s a failure?
Wednesday, April 12, 2006George Bush - Failed Christian, Failed CEO Given his teerrible track record, why do Americans believe anything that the President says? Why can’t they see that he’s a failure?
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Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Brain Damage Ravages White House As the Middle East deteriorates, the behavior of the Bush Administration brings to mind the signature Pink Floyd lyrics: The lunatic is on the grass...Got to keep the loonies on the path. The question that vexes many of us is: how do we get the White House loonies on the path to lasting peace in the Middle East?
Tuesday, August 8, 2006Brain Damage Ravages White House As the Middle East deteriorates, the behavior of the Bush Administration brings to mind the signature Pink Floyd lyrics: The lunatic is on the grass...Got to keep the loonies on the path. The question that vexes many of us is: how do we get the White House loonies on the path to lasting peace in the Middle East?
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Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Will Democrats Tackle Class Warfare? The latest Gallup Poll indicated that Americans have two fundamental concerns: Iraq and the economy. We know that most Congressional Democrats believe we should bring our troops home from Iraq this year, but what do they think about our economy? Are the leaders of the 110th Congress prepared to tackle class warfare?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007Will Democrats Tackle Class Warfare? The latest Gallup Poll indicated that Americans have two fundamental concerns: Iraq and the economy. We know that most Congressional Democrats believe we should bring our troops home from Iraq this year, but what do they think about our economy? Are the leaders of the 110th Congress prepared to tackle class warfare?
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Tuesday, October 2, 2007
"In the Valley of Elah" Judging from the small audience at the screening of "In the Valley of Elah" I attended, and its limited release – 326 theaters, Paul Haggis's masterpiece isn't going to be around very long. But don't worry, if you don't get to see "In the Valley of Elah" before it closes, you'll probably get another chance early in 2008, after the Academy Award nominations are announced.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007"In the Valley of Elah" Judging from the small audience at the screening of "In the Valley of Elah" I attended, and its limited release – 326 theaters, Paul Haggis's masterpiece isn't going to be around very long. But don't worry, if you don't get to see "In the Valley of Elah" before it closes, you'll probably get another chance early in 2008, after the Academy Award nominations are announced.
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Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Busting the Clinton Ghost Democrats have to put the Clinton era behind them and move on. It’s time to reassert core Democratic values and purge Bill Clinton’s ghost.
Wednesday, March 8, 2006Busting the Clinton Ghost Democrats have to put the Clinton era behind them and move on. It’s time to reassert core Democratic values and purge Bill Clinton’s ghost.
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Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Bush's Politics of Betrayal What do the conviction of Scooter Libby, the revelation that wounded Iraq veterans are receiving poor treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the firing of eight US attorneys have in common? They're further proof the Bush Administration has betrayed America.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007Bush's Politics of Betrayal What do the conviction of Scooter Libby, the revelation that wounded Iraq veterans are receiving poor treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the firing of eight US attorneys have in common? They're further proof the Bush Administration has betrayed America.
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Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Iraq - Three Options, Three Problems Whether you are sanguine about Iraq depends upon whether or not you trust George Bush. However, personalizing America’s dilemma in Iraq bypasses the reality that we actually only have three options. And, each of these has problems.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006Iraq - Three Options, Three Problems Whether you are sanguine about Iraq depends upon whether or not you trust George Bush. However, personalizing America’s dilemma in Iraq bypasses the reality that we actually only have three options. And, each of these has problems.
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Friday, August 25, 2006
Defeating Bush, Defeating Terrorism The latest polls indicate Americans no longer see a connection between Iraq and Bush's "war on terror." The tide of public opinion has shifted: voters see Democrats as capable as Republicans on national security. Two and a half months before the mid-term congressional election, Democrats have an opportunity to convince Americans of a somber truth: continuing Republican hegemony weakens the U.S. and strengthen terrorism.
Friday, August 25, 2006Defeating Bush, Defeating Terrorism The latest polls indicate Americans no longer see a connection between Iraq and Bush's "war on terror." The tide of public opinion has shifted: voters see Democrats as capable as Republicans on national security. Two and a half months before the mid-term congressional election, Democrats have an opportunity to convince Americans of a somber truth: continuing Republican hegemony weakens the U.S. and strengthen terrorism.
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Wednesday, May 31, 2006
If Not Hillary, Then Who? At the moment, Hillary Clinton is the odds-on favorite to be the presidential nominee. She has by far the most money and has cornered the market on big-bucks donors. Nonetheless, she’s not the favorite of the Democratic rank-and-file, who’ve united in opposition, if not an alternative.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006If Not Hillary, Then Who? At the moment, Hillary Clinton is the odds-on favorite to be the presidential nominee. She has by far the most money and has cornered the market on big-bucks donors. Nonetheless, she’s not the favorite of the Democratic rank-and-file, who’ve united in opposition, if not an alternative.
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Friday, May 4, 2007
Dubya Disease It's getting hard to poke fun at President Bush. As his approval ratings have plummeted, the frequency of Bush's malapropisms, hyperboles, and outright lies has increased; as has his propensity for gauche behavior and buffoonery. It's become clear that he's contracted incurable Dubya disease.
Friday, May 4, 2007Dubya Disease It's getting hard to poke fun at President Bush. As his approval ratings have plummeted, the frequency of Bush's malapropisms, hyperboles, and outright lies has increased; as has his propensity for gauche behavior and buffoonery. It's become clear that he's contracted incurable Dubya disease.
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Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hillary's Judgment On June 3rd, at the end of an epic contest, Democrats nominated Barack Obama as their presidential candidate rather than Hillary Clinton. While many factors contributed to the outcome, the grueling campaign highlighted a critical difference between the candidates: Obama demonstrated better judgment than did Clinton.
Thursday, June 5, 2008Hillary's Judgment On June 3rd, at the end of an epic contest, Democrats nominated Barack Obama as their presidential candidate rather than Hillary Clinton. While many factors contributed to the outcome, the grueling campaign highlighted a critical difference between the candidates: Obama demonstrated better judgment than did Clinton.
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Monday, April 17, 2006
The Katrina Blues If you study George W. Bush’s Presidency, you’ll notice a consistent pattern: he makes grandiose promises and then walks away from them. That's what's happening once again in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Monday, April 17, 2006The Katrina Blues If you study George W. Bush’s Presidency, you’ll notice a consistent pattern: he makes grandiose promises and then walks away from them. That's what's happening once again in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
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Friday, March 9, 2007
The Environmental Holocaust Recent Polls indicate most Americans are concerned about global climate change. Yet, twenty to forty percent remain skeptical. Many conservatives disdain environmentalism and urge a cautious response to global warming. They mirror the tragic response to the plight of German Jews, seventy years ago. Then, as now, urging caution in the face of overwhelming factual data set the stage for a holocaust.
Friday, March 9, 2007The Environmental Holocaust Recent Polls indicate most Americans are concerned about global climate change. Yet, twenty to forty percent remain skeptical. Many conservatives disdain environmentalism and urge a cautious response to global warming. They mirror the tragic response to the plight of German Jews, seventy years ago. Then, as now, urging caution in the face of overwhelming factual data set the stage for a holocaust.
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Thursday, August 9, 2007
Giuliani: "It's great to be rich" On July 24th, Rudy Giuliani, the leading Republican presidential candidate, gave a campaign speech in San Francisco. It's illuminating to study the former New York City mayor's remarks because they reveal a lot about him and the prevailing philosophy of the GOP. He asserted that Democrats "do not understand a capitalist economy... they think it's bad to make money. They think it's bad to be rich... I think it's great."
Thursday, August 9, 2007Giuliani: "It's great to be rich" On July 24th, Rudy Giuliani, the leading Republican presidential candidate, gave a campaign speech in San Francisco. It's illuminating to study the former New York City mayor's remarks because they reveal a lot about him and the prevailing philosophy of the GOP. He asserted that Democrats "do not understand a capitalist economy... they think it's bad to make money. They think it's bad to be rich... I think it's great."
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Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Bush's Desperation Agenda The Bush Administration has abandoned their plans and offered America a desperation agenda.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006Bush's Desperation Agenda The Bush Administration has abandoned their plans and offered America a desperation agenda.
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Saturday, January 6, 2007
Speaker Pelosi: "We're Here For the Children" On January 4th at 1:44 PM (EST), Nancy Pelosi was sworn in as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives. Besides the historic significance, what difference will this make in American politics? A lot, I believe.
Saturday, January 6, 2007Speaker Pelosi: "We're Here For the Children" On January 4th at 1:44 PM (EST), Nancy Pelosi was sworn in as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives. Besides the historic significance, what difference will this make in American politics? A lot, I believe.
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Thursday, June 28, 2007
Barack and Hillary In the sixth month of the campaign for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination, the race has narrowed to New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Obama and Clinton are very different people and which one of them carries the day, at the Denver Democratic convention in August of 2008, will hinge on which campaign is best able to utilize the unique strengths of their candidate.
Thursday, June 28, 2007Barack and Hillary In the sixth month of the campaign for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination, the race has narrowed to New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Obama and Clinton are very different people and which one of them carries the day, at the Denver Democratic convention in August of 2008, will hinge on which campaign is best able to utilize the unique strengths of their candidate.
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Iraq's Political Consequences Americans continue to see Iraq asthe most important problem facing the United States. However, attitudes about Iraq are dramatically skewed by Party affiliation. 67 percent of Republicans feel the "U.S. is making progress in defeating the insurgents," while only 16 percent of Democrats and 31 percent of Independents share this sentiment.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007Iraq's Political Consequences Americans continue to see Iraq asthe most important problem facing the United States. However, attitudes about Iraq are dramatically skewed by Party affiliation. 67 percent of Republicans feel the "U.S. is making progress in defeating the insurgents," while only 16 percent of Democrats and 31 percent of Independents share this sentiment.
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Thursday, August 3, 2006
The Liberal Response to the Failure of Conservatism History will record that the Bush Administration was the high-water mark of conservatism, note that during Dubya's reign conservatives had their chance and failed. This represents a golden opportunity for liberals.
Thursday, August 3, 2006The Liberal Response to the Failure of Conservatism History will record that the Bush Administration was the high-water mark of conservatism, note that during Dubya's reign conservatives had their chance and failed. This represents a golden opportunity for liberals.
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Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Is the Surge Working? According to the latest reports from the civil-war zone, the addition of tens of thousands of US has caused the level of violence to diminish. A recent Pew Research Poll found that roughly half of the public (48 percent) believe the military effort is "going well or fairly well." Has the situation in Iraq really turned around or has the surge merely postponed the messy end of the conflict until after Dubya leaves office?
Tuesday, December 4, 2007Is the Surge Working? According to the latest reports from the civil-war zone, the addition of tens of thousands of US has caused the level of violence to diminish. A recent Pew Research Poll found that roughly half of the public (48 percent) believe the military effort is "going well or fairly well." Has the situation in Iraq really turned around or has the surge merely postponed the messy end of the conflict until after Dubya leaves office?
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Friday, November 3, 2006
Campaign 2006: The Swing States A useful perspective on the 2006 mid-term election is gained by asking: how are Democrats doing in the swing states? How are they faring in the relatively few states in play in 2004? The answer is: Democrats are doing surprisingly well.
Friday, November 3, 2006Campaign 2006: The Swing States A useful perspective on the 2006 mid-term election is gained by asking: how are Democrats doing in the swing states? How are they faring in the relatively few states in play in 2004? The answer is: Democrats are doing surprisingly well.
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Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Left Coast Menace Last week, President Bush warned America about the left coast organizations Moveon.Org and Code Pink: "some in Washington should spend more time responding to the warnings of terrorists like Osama bin Laden and the requests of our commanders on the ground, and less time responding to the demands of MoveOn.org bloggers [sic] and Code Pink protesters." I disagree: MoveOn and Code Pink are revitalizing democracy.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007The Left Coast Menace Last week, President Bush warned America about the left coast organizations Moveon.Org and Code Pink: "some in Washington should spend more time responding to the warnings of terrorists like Osama bin Laden and the requests of our commanders on the ground, and less time responding to the demands of MoveOn.org bloggers [sic] and Code Pink protesters." I disagree: MoveOn and Code Pink are revitalizing democracy.
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Friday, March 3, 2006
George Bush - Orphaned by Failure Roughly two-thirds of Americans realize that George Bush is a fraud and a failure. Now we need to take corrective action.
Friday, March 3, 2006George Bush - Orphaned by Failure Roughly two-thirds of Americans realize that George Bush is a fraud and a failure. Now we need to take corrective action.
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Monday, February 20, 2006
Searching for the Democrats -- The National Security Rap Americans believe Democrats are weak on national security and on moral values. For this reason, many voters don’t trust what Dems say about national security, they don’t believe their reports that Emperor Bush wears no clothes. Americans cling to the belief that Bush is acting on principle, because they don’t understand the Democrats’ values.
Monday, February 20, 2006Searching for the Democrats -- The National Security Rap Americans believe Democrats are weak on national security and on moral values. For this reason, many voters don’t trust what Dems say about national security, they don’t believe their reports that Emperor Bush wears no clothes. Americans cling to the belief that Bush is acting on principle, because they don’t understand the Democrats’ values.
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Friday, October 20, 2006
In Dubya We Trust? As November 7th draws near, we'll read a lot about the issues. But, there's only one issue: Do you trust George Bush? After six years of failure, the majority of American voters have finally decided they don't trust Dubya.
Friday, October 20, 2006In Dubya We Trust? As November 7th draws near, we'll read a lot about the issues. But, there's only one issue: Do you trust George Bush? After six years of failure, the majority of American voters have finally decided they don't trust Dubya.
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
2007: Another Year of War During 2007, the major news item continued to be the war in Iraq. Many of us expected a Democratically controlled Congress would produce a shift in Iraq policy, a real plan for withdrawal of US troops. Sadly, this didn't happen; the war not only continued, but President
Wednesday, December 12, 20072007: Another Year of War During 2007, the major news item continued to be the war in Iraq. Many of us expected a Democratically controlled Congress would produce a shift in Iraq policy, a real plan for withdrawal of US troops. Sadly, this didn't happen; the war not only continued, but President
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Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Searching for the Democrats -- The View from 50,000 Feet There are elemental differences between the two Parties: Republicans are cows and Democrats are cats. Of course, cats are notoriously difficult to herd.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006Searching for the Democrats -- The View from 50,000 Feet There are elemental differences between the two Parties: Republicans are cows and Democrats are cats. Of course, cats are notoriously difficult to herd.
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Monday, February 4, 2008
Why Not the Best? On February 5th, "Super Tuesday," millions of Americans will select either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for President. Both carry historic liberal values and are capable of doing an excellent job as president. The question voters will have to decide is not who can do the job "on day one" – they both can – but rather who would be the best fit for these tumultuous times.
Monday, February 4, 2008Why Not the Best? On February 5th, "Super Tuesday," millions of Americans will select either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for President. Both carry historic liberal values and are capable of doing an excellent job as president. The question voters will have to decide is not who can do the job "on day one" – they both can – but rather who would be the best fit for these tumultuous times.
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Friday, November 17, 2006
No Middle Ground The 2006 elections are over and the punditocracy has ruled: "The Center is the New Place to Be" trumpets TIME magazine. "The Middle Muscles In" writes David Brooks in the NEW YORK TIMES. It's a classic example of the mainstream media totally missing the point: there was no middle ground in the mid-term elections. There was a reality check.
Friday, November 17, 2006No Middle Ground The 2006 elections are over and the punditocracy has ruled: "The Center is the New Place to Be" trumpets TIME magazine. "The Middle Muscles In" writes David Brooks in the NEW YORK TIMES. It's a classic example of the mainstream media totally missing the point: there was no middle ground in the mid-term elections. There was a reality check.
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Monday, February 27, 2006
Searching for the Democrats - Telling the Truth Democrats can’t win by becoming Republicans, by placing tactics ahead of heartfelt values. They must return to the morality that representa the historic Party and the vast majority of rank-and-file Democrats. They must tell the truth.
Monday, February 27, 2006Searching for the Democrats - Telling the Truth Democrats can’t win by becoming Republicans, by placing tactics ahead of heartfelt values. They must return to the morality that representa the historic Party and the vast majority of rank-and-file Democrats. They must tell the truth.
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Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Xen and the Art of Empire Maintenance The game the developed world is playing has changed. And the U.S. hasn't adapted. We're still playing checkers while most everyone else is playing chess. The impact becomes clear when you compare the United States and France.
Tuesday, October 3, 2006Xen and the Art of Empire Maintenance The game the developed world is playing has changed. And the U.S. hasn't adapted. We're still playing checkers while most everyone else is playing chess. The impact becomes clear when you compare the United States and France.
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Thursday, June 29, 2006
Derailing Dictator Dubya The critical issue to be decided on November 7th is whether or not Congress will stand up to Dictator Dubya.
Thursday, June 29, 2006Derailing Dictator Dubya The critical issue to be decided on November 7th is whether or not Congress will stand up to Dictator Dubya.
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Saturday, February 9, 2008
Assessing Super Tuesday Tuesday afternoon, driving around Berkeley and Oakland and seeing the number of "Obama for President" signs, it was easy to believe the predictions that he was going to win the California Democratic primary. Nonetheless, sixty minutes after the polls closed, the TV networks declared Senator Clinton the winner. Despite this setback, the Obama campaign continues to gain momentum.
Saturday, February 9, 2008Assessing Super Tuesday Tuesday afternoon, driving around Berkeley and Oakland and seeing the number of "Obama for President" signs, it was easy to believe the predictions that he was going to win the California Democratic primary. Nonetheless, sixty minutes after the polls closed, the TV networks declared Senator Clinton the winner. Despite this setback, the Obama campaign continues to gain momentum.
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Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Campaign 2006 – Top 10 Senate Races In order to regain control of the Senate, Democrats will have to win at least six of the eight Republican seats that are in play and retain all nine of the contested Democratic sets. Here are the ten most interesting Senatorial races.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006Campaign 2006 – Top 10 Senate Races In order to regain control of the Senate, Democrats will have to win at least six of the eight Republican seats that are in play and retain all nine of the contested Democratic sets. Here are the ten most interesting Senatorial races.
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Thursday, November 9, 2006
Democrats' Top Priority: Stop the Looting When Democrats stop celebrating their victory in the mid-term elections and begin to consider their priorities for the 110th Congress, they need look no further than Iraq. Due to a devastating combination of managerial ineptitude and ideological inflexibility, the Bush Administration has lost Iraq and severely damaged the US. They couldn't stop the looting there and refuse to stop the looting here.
Thursday, November 9, 2006Democrats' Top Priority: Stop the Looting When Democrats stop celebrating their victory in the mid-term elections and begin to consider their priorities for the 110th Congress, they need look no further than Iraq. Due to a devastating combination of managerial ineptitude and ideological inflexibility, the Bush Administration has lost Iraq and severely damaged the US. They couldn't stop the looting there and refuse to stop the looting here.
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Thursday, June 22, 2006
Democrats Rediscover The Common Good Heading into the November elections, Dems have seized on the common good as a unifying theme.
Thursday, June 22, 2006Democrats Rediscover The Common Good Heading into the November elections, Dems have seized on the common good as a unifying theme.
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Thursday, March 15, 2007
Nuclear Terrorism It's been five and a half years since 9/11. With each passing day, it's more likely the United States will suffer from an attack featuring nuclear terrorism.
Thursday, March 15, 2007Nuclear Terrorism It's been five and a half years since 9/11. With each passing day, it's more likely the United States will suffer from an attack featuring nuclear terrorism.
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Friday, December 15, 2006
Iraq? The Next Six Months It's clear that President Bush isn't buying into the major recommendations of The Iraq Study Group. Over the next six months, we're likely to see his intransigence go through three stages: Obfuscation, Escalation, and Confrontation.
Friday, December 15, 2006Iraq? The Next Six Months It's clear that President Bush isn't buying into the major recommendations of The Iraq Study Group. Over the next six months, we're likely to see his intransigence go through three stages: Obfuscation, Escalation, and Confrontation.
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Friday, July 7, 2006
Iraq - The Closed Window of Opportunity On July 4th, President Bush reiterated that US troops would stay in Iraq until "the job is done." But what is "the job?" Can it be "done?" Is there still a window of opportunity in Iraq?
Friday, July 7, 2006Iraq - The Closed Window of Opportunity On July 4th, President Bush reiterated that US troops would stay in Iraq until "the job is done." But what is "the job?" Can it be "done?" Is there still a window of opportunity in Iraq?
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Friday, December 1, 2006
The Politics of Triage The Bush Administration has proved incapable of triage: "the determination of priorities for action in an emergency." Unfortunately, this is an inadequacy whose consequences extend far beyond their failure in Iraq.
Friday, December 1, 2006The Politics of Triage The Bush Administration has proved incapable of triage: "the determination of priorities for action in an emergency." Unfortunately, this is an inadequacy whose consequences extend far beyond their failure in Iraq.
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Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Another Look at the Democratic Agenda How cogent is the Democratic agenda: "A New Direction for America" and "Real Security?"
Tuesday, June 27, 2006Another Look at the Democratic Agenda How cogent is the Democratic agenda: "A New Direction for America" and "Real Security?"
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Saturday, October 28, 2006
One, Two, Three, What Are We Voting For? When we go to the polls on November 7th, many of us will be voting against George Bush and a subservient Republican Congress. Yet, it's always healthier to cast a positive vote: to be for something. So, what are we voting for?
Saturday, October 28, 2006One, Two, Three, What Are We Voting For? When we go to the polls on November 7th, many of us will be voting against George Bush and a subservient Republican Congress. Yet, it's always healthier to cast a positive vote: to be for something. So, what are we voting for?
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Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Bush Who Cried Wolf In his speech announcing an escalation in Iraq, President Bush suggested Al Qaeda leads the Iraqi resistance to the occupation and, therefore, if America leaves without achieving "victory," Al Qaeda will establish a caliphate in Iraq. Once again, Bush cried Wolf.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007The Bush Who Cried Wolf In his speech announcing an escalation in Iraq, President Bush suggested Al Qaeda leads the Iraqi resistance to the occupation and, therefore, if America leaves without achieving "victory," Al Qaeda will establish a caliphate in Iraq. Once again, Bush cried Wolf.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Iraq: Where's the Strategy? On September 13th, George W. Bush spoke to the United States about Iraq. The President claimed the surge has achieved modest results and a few troops can return home. He implied that large numbers of Americans would remain in Iraq throughout the remaining 17 months of his presidency. He didn't present an exit strategy, but rather a profession of faith: U.S. troops can "win" in Iraq.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007Iraq: Where's the Strategy? On September 13th, George W. Bush spoke to the United States about Iraq. The President claimed the surge has achieved modest results and a few troops can return home. He implied that large numbers of Americans would remain in Iraq throughout the remaining 17 months of his presidency. He didn't present an exit strategy, but rather a profession of faith: U.S. troops can "win" in Iraq.
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Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Iraq – What Would the Dems Do? On June 15th and 16th there was a fractious debate in the House of Representatives on the subject of Iraq. Anyone watching the debate might have wondered: if the Democrats were in control of the house, what would they actually do about Iraq?
Wednesday, July 5, 2006Iraq – What Would the Dems Do? On June 15th and 16th there was a fractious debate in the House of Representatives on the subject of Iraq. Anyone watching the debate might have wondered: if the Democrats were in control of the house, what would they actually do about Iraq?
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Thursday, January 4, 2007
2007 - Five Challenges The first week of 2007 is a good time to take a look at a few of the challenges the United States faces as it recovers from the Bush Administration. Underneath the concerns of the average American lurk five systemic problems.
Thursday, January 4, 20072007 - Five Challenges The first week of 2007 is a good time to take a look at a few of the challenges the United States faces as it recovers from the Bush Administration. Underneath the concerns of the average American lurk five systemic problems.
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Saturday, May 6, 2006
What Can We Do About Iraq and Iran? Many Americans ask, “What can we do?” to restore sanity and democracy to the USA. The answer is nonviolent direct action.
Saturday, May 6, 2006What Can We Do About Iraq and Iran? Many Americans ask, “What can we do?” to restore sanity and democracy to the USA. The answer is nonviolent direct action.
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Monday, May 15, 2006
2006 - Another Year of the Woman? 2006 Is shaping up as another historic year for women, as Democrats are poised to take back the House of Representatives and make Nancy Pelosi the first-ever female Speaker of the House. At least, that was the prevailing opinion at the annual Emily’s List gathering May 11th and 12th.
Monday, May 15, 20062006 - Another Year of the Woman? 2006 Is shaping up as another historic year for women, as Democrats are poised to take back the House of Representatives and make Nancy Pelosi the first-ever female Speaker of the House. At least, that was the prevailing opinion at the annual Emily’s List gathering May 11th and 12th.
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Monday, September 11, 2006
The Legacy of 9/11 Perhaps we've gotten enough distance from 9/11 that it's possible to consider what its enduring legacy is. What lesson America learned. Over the past five years there've been six changes to the culture and consciousness of the United States. This sad day is an appropriate time to consider these.
Monday, September 11, 2006The Legacy of 9/11 Perhaps we've gotten enough distance from 9/11 that it's possible to consider what its enduring legacy is. What lesson America learned. Over the past five years there've been six changes to the culture and consciousness of the United States. This sad day is an appropriate time to consider these.
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Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Iraq - Seeking a Way Out The Biden-Gelb "three-state solution" gives the American people Iraq an additional option for Iraq, for a total of four.
Wednesday, May 3, 2006Iraq - Seeking a Way Out The Biden-Gelb "three-state solution" gives the American people Iraq an additional option for Iraq, for a total of four.
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