https://www.opednews.com/populum/rss.php?c=a&t=&p=&tid=0 Opednews.com Progressive, Liberal United States and International News, Opinion, Op-Eds and Politics en-us Copyright 2026 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 14:46:16 -0400 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 14:46:16 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss https://www.opednews.com/populum/pthemes/opednews/images/rssbanner.png https://www.opednews.com/populum/rss.php?c=a&t=&p=&tid=0 152 149 https://www.opednews.com/articles/We-re-Going-to-Need-a-Bigg-by-Robert-Borosage-Bailout_Bailout-Profiteers_Coronavirus_Democrats-200404-754.html Fri, 03 Apr 2020 21:10:56 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/We-re-Going-to-Need-a-Bigg-by-Robert-Borosage-Bailout_Bailout-Profiteers_Coronavirus_Democrats-200404-754.html Robert Borosage Senate Democrats strengthened unemployment insurance for laid-off workers, covering more of them for longer and adding $600 a week to current state levels. They also targeted funds for hospitals and medical supplies -- bizarrely absent from the Republican draft -- and increased aid to schools, states, and localities. https://www.opednews.com/articles/What-We-Already-Owe-to-Ber-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders-2020_Bernie-Sanders-Legislative-Agenda_Bernie-Supporters_Democrats-200214-328.html Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:29:42 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/What-We-Already-Owe-to-Ber-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders-2020_Bernie-Sanders-Legislative-Agenda_Bernie-Supporters_Democrats-200214-328.html Robert Borosage Whether Sanders gains the nomination or the presidency or not, the challenge will be whether the agenda that he has championed, the movement that he has helped to fuel, and the coalition that he has begun to forge can continue to build-and begin to force the fundamental reforms we so desperately need. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-2018-Election-A-Blue-by-Robert-Borosage-2018-Midterm-Election_Blue-Wave_Democrats_Medicare-181107-780.html Wed, 07 Nov 2018 14:07:15 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-2018-Election-A-Blue-by-Robert-Borosage-2018-Midterm-Election_Blue-Wave_Democrats_Medicare-181107-780.html Robert Borosage Trump dubbed himself the "magic man" the day after the election. Con man would be more accurate -- and Americans are increasingly not falling for the sting. The 2018 election exposed once more how divided the country is -- but it also showed the tide is running against Trump's hateful brand of politics and the party that he continues to deform. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Measures-of-Heat-in-Tuesda-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Primaries_Republican_Winners-180811-199.html Sat, 11 Aug 2018 18:04:47 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Measures-of-Heat-in-Tuesda-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Primaries_Republican_Winners-180811-199.html Robert Borosage Voters turned out in primary elections across Ohio, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington on Tuesday. Any conclusions drawn from primaries three months out from a midterm vote are written in the wind. That does not stop the press from naming "winners and losers," who's up and who's down. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bad-Policies-Just-to-Resis-by-Robert-Borosage-Economy_Inflation_Progressives_Trump-Ego-180729-250.html Sun, 29 Jul 2018 11:23:37 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bad-Policies-Just-to-Resis-by-Robert-Borosage-Economy_Inflation_Progressives_Trump-Ego-180729-250.html Robert Borosage Trump's Achilles heel is that, for all of his populist posturing, his actual agenda -- mostly drawn from the right-wing shibboleths of the Republican Congress -- offers no answers for working people. The answer to Trump's disruptions isn't an embrace of the failed policies and institutions of the past. It is to be clear about what progressives stand for, while relentlessly exposing Trump's false promises. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Will-the-Foreign-Policy-El-by-Robert-Borosage-Democracy_Election_Populism_Poverty-180719-209.html Wed, 18 Jul 2018 20:09:05 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Will-the-Foreign-Policy-El-by-Robert-Borosage-Democracy_Election_Populism_Poverty-180719-209.html Robert Borosage Right-wing populism, as trumpeted by a poser like Trump, can evolve into a frightening threat to democracy. Left-wing populism may be democracy's salvation. --Trump's election was in many ways a warning to the establishment. The question is whether they heed that message. Thus far, the results are not encouraging. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Primary-Fights-Are-Goo-by-Robert-Borosage-DCCC_Democratic-Party_Donors_Primary-Campaigns-180517-480.html Thu, 17 May 2018 11:12:49 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Primary-Fights-Are-Goo-by-Robert-Borosage-DCCC_Democratic-Party_Donors_Primary-Campaigns-180517-480.html Robert Borosage Over the past decade, Democrats lost control of both houses of Congress, 1,000 seats in statehouses across the nation, and the presidency to the most reviled candidate in history. The party committees haven't cleaned house or changed strategy. The same consultants, the same pollsters, the same operatives still are at the wheel. https://www.opednews.com/articles/How-to-Build-a-Progressive-by-Robert-Borosage-Elections_GrassRoots_Peoples-Action-Party_Politics-180427-313.html Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:21:27 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/How-to-Build-a-Progressive-by-Robert-Borosage-Elections_GrassRoots_Peoples-Action-Party_Politics-180427-313.html Robert Borosage Traditional candidates depend on corporate and deep pocket donors. That makes them reluctant to call out the entrenched interests and big money that have rigged the rules. People's Action movement candidates -- supported by local volunteers and small donations -- will be able to name names and say what is what. The difference will be telling. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Tell-Congress-Curb-the-Pr-by-Robert-Borosage-Assad_Chemical_Congress_President-180425-528.html Tue, 24 Apr 2018 20:32:58 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Tell-Congress-Curb-the-Pr-by-Robert-Borosage-Assad_Chemical_Congress_President-180425-528.html Robert Borosage This president -- like his predecessors -- claims the right to make war unilaterally, unrestrained by international law or the Constitution. The recent U.S. missile attack on Syria to punish the Assad regime for an alleged use of chemical weapons on civilians reveals the scope of presidential contempt for the law. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Real-Deal-on-Trump-s-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Banks_Corporate_Economy_Globalization-180414-678.html Sat, 14 Apr 2018 17:58:26 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Real-Deal-on-Trump-s-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Banks_Corporate_Economy_Globalization-180414-678.html Robert Borosage Best estimates suggest the "China shock" alone -- the result of running the largest deficits with one country in the history of the world -- caused the loss of 2.4 million U.S. jobs between 1999 and 2011. And the effect was much broader. Companies used the threat of moving abroad to bludgeon workers into accepting cuts in wages and benefits. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Opening-a-New-Way-for-Demo-by-Robert-Borosage-Agenda_Congress_Democratic_Energy-180317-803.html Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:07:15 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Opening-a-New-Way-for-Demo-by-Robert-Borosage-Agenda_Congress_Democratic_Energy-180317-803.html Robert Borosage Midterm elections are about passion and energy. Democrats need a sea change, and the resistance to Trump is lifting the tide. Lamb's victory shows is that Democrats don't need purity to come out in large numbers to take back the Congress and confront Trump. It also shows that Democratic candidates who champion a bold kitchen table agenda can win even in the reddest of districts. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Progressive-Challenge-by-Robert-Borosage-metoo_Dreamers_Future_Politics-180310-746.html Fri, 09 Mar 2018 20:46:51 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Progressive-Challenge-by-Robert-Borosage-metoo_Dreamers_Future_Politics-180310-746.html Robert Borosage Resistance to Trump is necessary, but not sufficient. Getting it right is reassuring but not enough. Progressives must organize not simply to fight but to win the battle over America's future. This won't be easy. The establishment in both parties resists change. Big money corrupts our politics. Partisan posturing too often distracts from the debate that we need. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Pushing-for-Real-Change-in-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic-Capitalism_Democratic-Party_Democratic-Sellout_Politics-180305-287.html Mon, 05 Mar 2018 15:34:05 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Pushing-for-Real-Change-in-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic-Capitalism_Democratic-Party_Democratic-Sellout_Politics-180305-287.html Robert Borosage Will the Democratic Party open itself up to the new grassroots energy and activism that is rising in American politics, or will its insiders assume they can continue business as usual yet still reap the benefits of the resistance to Donald Trump? https://www.opednews.com/articles/Janus-Billionaires-Take-o-by-Robert-Borosage-Employees_Inequality_US-Supreme-Court_Union-Membership-180301-749.html Wed, 28 Feb 2018 19:27:00 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Janus-Billionaires-Take-o-by-Robert-Borosage-Employees_Inequality_US-Supreme-Court_Union-Membership-180301-749.html Robert Borosage The Janus case represents the culmination of a relentless, multi-year, multi-faceted campaign of right-wing billionaires to cripple unions, particularly those of public employees. If they prevail, they will succeed in weakening unions, lowering wages and benefits for public employees, while exacerbating the savage inequality that already subverts our democracy. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Real-Reason-Workers-Ca-by-Robert-Borosage-Economy_Federal-Reserve_Jobs_Minimum-Wage-180212-295.html Mon, 12 Feb 2018 16:41:37 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Real-Reason-Workers-Ca-by-Robert-Borosage-Economy_Federal-Reserve_Jobs_Minimum-Wage-180212-295.html Robert Borosage Despite Trump's boasts, the economy isn't taking off. The growth of real wages is near zero. The wage share of the economy is near record lows. Profit margins are near record highs. And as Paul Krugman notes, demand has been sustained not by rising business investment but by consumers drawing down their savings. Consumer debt reached record heights in 2017. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Can-Democrats-Catch-a-Wave-by-Robert-Borosage-2018_Democrats-Progressive_Donors_Jobs-180207-426.html Wed, 07 Feb 2018 15:43:24 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Can-Democrats-Catch-a-Wave-by-Robert-Borosage-2018_Democrats-Progressive_Donors_Jobs-180207-426.html Robert Borosage All Democrats agree a clear statement of what the party stands for is vital for success. The question is whether their candidates will carry the populist agenda and message they need and the times demand, in spite of the same old big-money politics the party pros insist they cannot do without. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Menace-and-Mush-Trump-s-S-by-Robert-Borosage-Immigration_Politics_State-Of-The-Union-Speech_Trump-Cruelty-180202-24.html Fri, 02 Feb 2018 14:09:23 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Menace-and-Mush-Trump-s-S-by-Robert-Borosage-Immigration_Politics_State-Of-The-Union-Speech_Trump-Cruelty-180202-24.html Robert Borosage Donald Trump's State of the Union drenched his audience in insipid invocations of unity. Laboriously reading from a teleprompter, for 90 minutes he celebrated family, faith, law and order, the military, our veterans, the national anthem, "one team, one people, one American family." He then purposefully preyed on our fears, plying the race-bait politics that he and his party have perfected. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Pentagon-s-Plan-for-Ne-by-Robert-Borosage-Pentagon_Security_Strategy_Wars-180131-80.html Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:57:31 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Pentagon-s-Plan-for-Ne-by-Robert-Borosage-Pentagon_Security_Strategy_Wars-180131-80.html Robert Borosage The military will be tasked with missions it cannot fulfill. It will get more money, but not nearly enough. The nuclear arms race will be revived. American lives will be lost in wars that continue endlessly, with the United States unwilling to lose and unable to win. We desperately need a new real security strategy, and a revolt against endless war to give it traction. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Shutdown-Debacle-Trum-by-Robert-Borosage-Daca_Democrats_Dreamers_Politics-180125-846.html Thu, 25 Jan 2018 16:32:37 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Shutdown-Debacle-Trum-by-Robert-Borosage-Daca_Democrats_Dreamers_Politics-180125-846.html Robert Borosage Trump wanted the shutdown so he could unleash his vile politics of hate. Republicans shamelessly joined in. This cannot be ignored or accepted. It is not politics as usual. It is an ugly and vicious posturing that will drive this country apart, and unleash furies that may benefit Trump and his Republican choir in the short term, but will subvert this country in the end. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Orange-Menace-and-the-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_Orange-Thing_Politics_Republican-180110-932.html Wed, 10 Jan 2018 16:42:49 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Orange-Menace-and-the-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_Orange-Thing_Politics_Republican-180110-932.html Robert Borosage As he marks the end of his first year in office, Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed "very stable genius," stands astride the political world like a cartoon dybbuk, an orange menace of terrifying impulsiveness. With his tweet-spasms spewing venom on adversaries, his reckless fomenting of racial division, his unending lies, and his predilection for vulgar schoolyard taunts, Trump fuels rage and resistance. https://www.opednews.com/articles/It-s-Time-To-Change-More-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Incompetence_Politics_Republican_Resistance-171205-254.html Mon, 04 Dec 2017 21:02:38 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/It-s-Time-To-Change-More-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Incompetence_Politics_Republican_Resistance-171205-254.html Robert Borosage The extreme Republican Party is cutting away at the very sinews of our economy, the comity of our politics, and the quality of our most basic public services. Trump may sound different, but he's just the barker outside their big top. The grisly deed is being done on the inside. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Republicans-in-Congress-Th-by-Robert-Borosage-Congress_Corporations_Inequality_Jobs-171117-596.html Fri, 17 Nov 2017 13:53:57 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Republicans-in-Congress-Th-by-Robert-Borosage-Congress_Corporations_Inequality_Jobs-171117-596.html Robert Borosage The trees are ugly, but the forest is even worse. At a time when we desperately need to rebuild America, Republicans have ignored real, pressing unmet public needs to shovel more money to the rich and corporations. If this bill becomes law, it will force immediate cuts across the board, including a $25 billion cut to Medicare. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Democrats-Will-Need-More-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats-Progressive_Economy_Government-Of-The-People_Resistance-171115-502.html Wed, 15 Nov 2017 17:11:42 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Democrats-Will-Need-More-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats-Progressive_Economy_Government-Of-The-People_Resistance-171115-502.html Robert Borosage Resistance alone won't suffice to consolidate a governing majority, much less a mandate for the reforms this country desperately needs. That coalition can only be built if Democrats work to enlist working people across lines of race, reflect their anger at an economy rigged against them, challenge business as usual, and build a mandate for real change. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-GOP-Tax-Bill-Is-an-Att-by-Robert-Borosage-Budget_Education_Government-Crime_Medicaid-171107-749.html Tue, 07 Nov 2017 16:20:19 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-GOP-Tax-Bill-Is-an-Att-by-Robert-Borosage-Budget_Education_Government-Crime_Medicaid-171107-749.html Robert Borosage Once the tax cuts are passed, Republicans will return to hectoring about deficits and debt. Their budget documents already call for brutal cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, education, and the entire range of public services. As crippling as America's public investment is today, passage of the Republican tax plan virtually insures that it will get far worse. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Great-American-Tax-Hei-by-Robert-Borosage-American-Capitalism_American-Facism_Corporations_Nike-171030-821.html Mon, 30 Oct 2017 19:23:28 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Great-American-Tax-Hei-by-Robert-Borosage-American-Capitalism_American-Facism_Corporations_Nike-171030-821.html Robert Borosage Repatriation and territoriality, those muscular terms resonating flag and country, are central to that, a wet kiss to the largest corporations, rewarding them for clever tax-avoidance bookkeeping. And that's what Trump and Republicans are using to sell the tax cuts. We can only imagine what is hidden in the small print that no one has seen yet. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Dems-Need-To-Ignore-Wall-S-by-Robert-Borosage-Democracy_Democratic-Sellout_Party-Loyalty_Wall-Street-171025-116.html Wed, 25 Oct 2017 14:44:56 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Dems-Need-To-Ignore-Wall-S-by-Robert-Borosage-Democracy_Democratic-Sellout_Party-Loyalty_Wall-Street-171025-116.html Robert Borosage Can populist candidates raise enough money to compete in America's billion-dollar presidential races and million-dollar Senate and House races? Even though he started late, Sanders raised about $220 million, mostly in small donations. Elizabeth Warren, the scourge of Wall Street, has been notably successful in funding her campaigns. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Republican-Plan-to-Rob-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporations_Economy_Jobs_Republican-171009-547.html Mon, 09 Oct 2017 13:35:27 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Republican-Plan-to-Rob-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporations_Economy_Jobs_Republican-171009-547.html Robert Borosage By a 41-28 margin, Americans know the rich will end up paying less, rather than more. Yet a plurality, 44 percent, thinks the tax cuts will have a "positive impact on the US economy," while only 24 percent think the tax cuts will have a negative impact. The big lie still works. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Sanders-opens-a-new-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Bernie-Sanders-Foreign-Policy_Debate_Inequality-171004-233.html Wed, 04 Oct 2017 16:29:24 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Sanders-opens-a-new-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Bernie-Sanders-Foreign-Policy_Debate_Inequality-171004-233.html Robert Borosage Sanders's speech opened a new debate. It doesn't close it. It is an invitation for others to join in elaborating alternative vision and policy. The most popular politician in America has now taken on the failed establishment consensus on national security as well as establishment domestic policy. It is vital that activists, policy analysts, and political leaders join in building that challenge. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Hillary-Clinton-Tries-to-E-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders-Presidential-Campaign_Clinton-Campaign_Democratic_Explaining-170922-930.html Fri, 22 Sep 2017 15:31:50 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Hillary-Clinton-Tries-to-E-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders-Presidential-Campaign_Clinton-Campaign_Democratic_Explaining-170922-930.html Robert Borosage Clinton accepts responsibility for her loss, and allows that she might have "missed a lot of chances." Most of the book, however, is about casting blame and settling scores: Putin did it, Comey did it, and so did Bernie, the media, Fox News, sexism, Clinton fatigue, Electoral College, partisan loyalty, voter suppression, and many other factors. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Donald-Trump-Is-Just-the-L-by-Robert-Borosage-Buckley_Goldwater_Racial-Discrimination_Republican-Hate-170914-815.html Thu, 14 Sep 2017 13:23:15 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Donald-Trump-Is-Just-the-L-by-Robert-Borosage-Buckley_Goldwater_Racial-Discrimination_Republican-Hate-170914-815.html Robert Borosage Trump's racism is particularly outlandish and malignant. As president, his actions are destructive. He is stoking hatred and fears that he should be calming. But he isn't "radically different" than the Republican party of the past years. https://www.opednews.com/articles/When-the-Parades-Are-Over-by-Robert-Borosage-Labor-Unions_Politics_Union-Busting_Workers-170906-295.html Wed, 06 Sep 2017 13:39:02 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/When-the-Parades-Are-Over-by-Robert-Borosage-Labor-Unions_Politics_Union-Busting_Workers-170906-295.html Robert Borosage Trump is systematically reversing any Obama rule that aided workers. He signed legislation scrapping the rule that required federal contractors to disclose violations of workplace safety and employment and anti-discrimination laws. His Labor Secretary has announced his intention to strip millions of workers of the overtime pay they would have received under Obama DOL regulations. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Trump-s-Tax-Plan-Is-a-Conf-by-Robert-Borosage-Plutocracy_Scam-Artist_Trump-Tax-Plan-170901-284.html Fri, 01 Sep 2017 17:09:12 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Trump-s-Tax-Plan-Is-a-Conf-by-Robert-Borosage-Plutocracy_Scam-Artist_Trump-Tax-Plan-170901-284.html Robert Borosage In a time of obscene inequality, tax reform should raise rates on the wealthy. It should make the corporations pay their fair share. It should tax activities we want to discourage -- like financial speculation and fossil fuels. It should tax the income of investors at the same rates as the income of workers. It should crack down on tax dodges, close loopholes and tax havens. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bannon-s-Exit-Leaves-Only-by-Robert-Borosage-Deficit_Hate-Racism-Bigotry_Immigration_Race-170824-592.html Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:25:04 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bannon-s-Exit-Leaves-Only-by-Robert-Borosage-Deficit_Hate-Racism-Bigotry_Immigration_Race-170824-592.html Robert Borosage The right-wing Republican Congress will dominate domestic and budget policy. Trump will continue to waste lives and resources in endless wars without victory across the greater Middle East. He will continue to rack up massive trade deficits, undermining wages and security at home. And he'll likely continue to go full Bannon on issues of race and immigration. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Movements-Are-Driving-Demo-by-Robert-Borosage-Debate_Democratic-Party_Election_Issues-170817-685.html Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:55:53 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Movements-Are-Driving-Demo-by-Robert-Borosage-Debate_Democratic-Party_Election_Issues-170817-685.html Robert Borosage Democrats are having a big debate about what the party stands for. Defining issues -- Medicare for All, $15 minimum wage, curbing Wall Street, money and politics, balanced trade etc. -- are central to that debate. All this garment rending and hand wringing is excessive. Democrats need a major debate about values and policy. A bit of common sense is in order. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Big-Fix-Will-the-GOP-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_McConnell_Negotiation_Obamacare-170712-735.html Wed, 12 Jul 2017 11:44:16 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Big-Fix-Will-the-GOP-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_McConnell_Negotiation_Obamacare-170712-735.html Robert Borosage Democrats have remained remarkably unified in opposition to the GOP's obscene bills to "repeal and replace" Obamacare. This will be harder to sustain once bipartisan negotiations open up. Democrats must demand clear, popular amendments that demonstrate they are committed to extend the right to affordable health care, not reduce it. https://www.opednews.com/articles/There-s-Only-One-Way-to-En-by-Robert-Borosage-Afghanistan-War_Military_Pentagon_Taliban-170710-391.html Mon, 10 Jul 2017 17:45:15 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/There-s-Only-One-Way-to-En-by-Robert-Borosage-Afghanistan-War_Military_Pentagon_Taliban-170710-391.html Robert Borosage We've spent $11 billion in equipping the Afghanistan National Army, which is still unable to defend itself. The United States has had as many as 63,500 "boots on the ground" in Afghanistan; about 8,800 remain today. Afghani casualties are estimated at over 225,000, with a staggering 2.6 million Afghani refugees abroad, and another 1 million displaced internally. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Lessons-We-Learned-Fro-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Georgia-Election_Republican-170623-168.html Fri, 23 Jun 2017 10:51:41 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Lessons-We-Learned-Fro-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Georgia-Election_Republican-170623-168.html Robert Borosage Ossoff's win would have spread fears among Republicans worried about Trump's mad-hatter antics, corruption, and incompetence. Instead, Republicans sought to use the victory to forge new unity around their substantive agenda: Trumpcare, tax cuts, deregulation, and budget cuts. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Infighting-Is-Good-for-the-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Organizing_Party-Politics-Democratic_Political-Activism-170617-697.html Sat, 17 Jun 2017 13:03:17 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Infighting-Is-Good-for-the-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Organizing_Party-Politics-Democratic_Political-Activism-170617-697.html Robert Borosage The populist revolt that is roiling politics here and abroad isn't going away. The Sanders-Warren wing of the party has energy and passion. They are armed with a narrative of what went wrong, a bold agenda for change, and a growing grassroots organizing and funding capacity. The debate within the party isn't a diversion or a liability. It is a necessary step to recovery. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Will-the-GOP-Health-Care-D-by-Robert-Borosage-Medicare-For-All_Obamacare-170601-482.html Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:05:21 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Will-the-GOP-Health-Care-D-by-Robert-Borosage-Medicare-For-All_Obamacare-170601-482.html Robert Borosage Will Republican efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare pave the way to Medicare for All? Only if progressives force the debate. https://www.opednews.com/articles/For-Democrats-Resistance-by-Robert-Borosage-Center-For-American-Progress_Fake-Progressives-170519-835.html Fri, 19 May 2017 12:33:43 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/For-Democrats-Resistance-by-Robert-Borosage-Center-For-American-Progress_Fake-Progressives-170519-835.html Robert Borosage Democratic Party luminaries and 2020 presidential mentionables gathered this week for an "ideas conference" organized by the Center for American Progress, the Democratic establishment's premier think tank.----Its stated purpose was to focus not on "what could have been," said CAP Vice President Winnie Stachelberg introducing the day, but on "new, fresh, bold, provocative ideas that can move us forward." https://www.opednews.com/articles/Democrats-Should-Focus-Mor-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Democrats_Jobs_Russia-Bashing-170326-715.html Sun, 26 Mar 2017 16:58:58 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Democrats-Should-Focus-Mor-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Democrats_Jobs_Russia-Bashing-170326-715.html Robert Borosage This is a question of focus. Democrats can and should pursue an independent, forceful investigation of Russian interference in our elections. But they, and the resistance that drives them, should concentrate their energy and resources not on the past election or Trump's constant circus but on the corrupted policies that he seeks to inflict on America. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Republicans-Keep-Showing-U-by-Robert-Borosage-Healthcare-Propaganda_Republican-Hypocrisy_Republican-Party-Budget-Cuts_Taxes-170315-236.html Wed, 15 Mar 2017 14:05:04 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Republicans-Keep-Showing-U-by-Robert-Borosage-Healthcare-Propaganda_Republican-Hypocrisy_Republican-Party-Budget-Cuts_Taxes-170315-236.html Robert Borosage The Congressional Budget Office's crushing report on the impact of the Republican health-care plan offers a moment of clarity. The Republican plan will deprive millions of health insurance, and raise the price for many more to pay for deep tax cuts for the rich. The math gives way to an obvious conclusion: This is the Republican mission. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Foreign-Policy-Elites-Have-by-Robert-Borosage-Dominance_Elitism_Military_Trump-Idiot-in-chief-170311-547.html Sat, 11 Mar 2017 01:06:45 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Foreign-Policy-Elites-Have-by-Robert-Borosage-Dominance_Elitism_Military_Trump-Idiot-in-chief-170311-547.html Robert Borosage A closeted elite provides a recipe for continued wars without end, for squandering resources and lives on interventions, overt and covert, large and small, in all corners of the earth. Mere defense of the United States is subsumed to the policing of an ever-elusive international order through the assertion of military dominance. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Trump-s-Perverse-Populism-by-Robert-Borosage-Money_Populism_Trump-Lies_Trump-Presidency-170124-886.html Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:03:54 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Trump-s-Perverse-Populism-by-Robert-Borosage-Money_Populism_Trump-Lies_Trump-Presidency-170124-886.html Robert Borosage Trump talks about returning government to the people, but his focus isn't on empowering workers. He's not for redistributing the wealth that has been captured by the very few. He isn't talking about strengthening public education and making college tuition free. And he's surely isn't pushing to strengthen the democracy, curb money in politics, end voter suppression or gerrymandered districts. https://www.opednews.com/articles/How-to-Expose-Trump-s-Dast-by-Robert-Borosage-Bait-and-switch_Medicare_Obamacare_Taxes-161209-46.html Fri, 09 Dec 2016 18:40:22 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/How-to-Expose-Trump-s-Dast-by-Robert-Borosage-Bait-and-switch_Medicare_Obamacare_Taxes-161209-46.html Robert Borosage Trump's show will get stale over time, particularly if the rip-offs are exposed, the divisive racial and gender politics are confronted, and working families learn that the crony capitalists on the inside are cleaning up while they are getting stiffed. Trump is a wily and experienced confidence man, but selling his remedy won't be easy once people realize it's the same old failed brew. https://www.opednews.com/articles/House-Democrats-New-Leade-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_House-Of-Represenatives_Leadership-Leaders_Nancy-Pelosi-161128-814.html Tue, 29 Nov 2016 00:41:54 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/House-Democrats-New-Leade-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_House-Of-Represenatives_Leadership-Leaders_Nancy-Pelosi-161128-814.html Robert Borosage Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) announced he would challenge Pelosi. Only one problem: Pelosi is virtually irreplaceable. She's the most skilled in unifying the caucus, and gearing it up to fight. She is experienced and whip smart, vital in the upcoming negotiations over budgets and the Trump agenda. She's the leader that the progressives in the caucus will trust to draw the right red lines. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Taking-on-Trump-Lessons-f-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Democrats_Reaganomics_Taking-Take-Back-America-161121-342.html Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:18:37 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Taking-on-Trump-Lessons-f-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Democrats_Reaganomics_Taking-Take-Back-America-161121-342.html Robert Borosage Democrats have to find a populist spine. Stand up clearly for poor and working people against the corporate lobbies and billionaire class that rig the economy against them. Expose the scams and corruptions. Show how efforts to drive us apart are central to the strategy of ripping us off. Trump has been elected despite losing the popular vote. He will take office. But there can be no business as usual. https://www.opednews.com/articles/How-We-Can-Fight-Trump-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Democrats-Progressive_Politics_Trump-Against-Climate-Change-161116-97.html Wed, 16 Nov 2016 19:21:49 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/How-We-Can-Fight-Trump-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Democrats-Progressive_Politics_Trump-Against-Climate-Change-161116-97.html Robert Borosage Progressives in the House and Senate need to take over the Democratic Party's agenda and message. New populist energy can drive important reforms at the state and local level, and recruit and train a new generation of populist candidates. Democrats don't need to abandon their social liberalism; they need to develop their economic populism. If they do, the Trump era may turn out to be as short as his attention span. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Trump-Won-by-Robert-Borosage-Election_Politics_Trump-Campaign_Voting-161109-991.html Wed, 09 Nov 2016 17:20:15 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Trump-Won-by-Robert-Borosage-Election_Politics_Trump-Campaign_Voting-161109-991.html Robert Borosage This morning, many awakened rightfully terrified about the country they are in. Progressives must reach out to stand with people of color, women, immigrant communities, Muslims. We are headed into four years of fierce battles over reactionary policies and choices on immigration, on Supreme Court justices, on voting rights and more. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Is-Washington-Still-Pu-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporations_Obama_Trans-pacific-Partnership-161105-710.html Sat, 05 Nov 2016 13:42:00 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Is-Washington-Still-Pu-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporations_Obama_Trans-pacific-Partnership-161105-710.html Robert Borosage Obama argues that the TPP is about free trade and leveling the playing field, but the TPP isn't really a trade deal -- tariffs are already low. And it doesn't level the playing field: It cuts special deals for global investors, including their own private legal system that gives global corporations rights that no citizen or small business enjoys. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Geniuses-Who-Brought-Y-by-Robert-Borosage-Gaddafi_Military_Neoconservatives_Syria-161028-750.html Fri, 28 Oct 2016 15:07:37 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Geniuses-Who-Brought-Y-by-Robert-Borosage-Gaddafi_Military_Neoconservatives_Syria-161028-750.html Robert Borosage The "Blob" will publicly criticize Obama's "reluctance" to exercise America's military prowess and call for a more "muscular," "interventionist," assertive policy, from the South China Sea to the Russian border, but particularly in the Middle East. They are pumping for more war. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Inequality-Is-Still-the-De-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporate_Inequality_Trade-161014-610.html Fri, 14 Oct 2016 14:57:57 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Inequality-Is-Still-the-De-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporate_Inequality_Trade-161014-610.html Robert Borosage Inequality remains a defining issue of our time. The advances made under Obama deserve applause, but the real work remains to be done. This presidential season has exposed the growing revolt against business as usual. Now activists must seize the opportunity to build on the energy after November. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Second-Presidential-De-by-Robert-Borosage-Bias_Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton_Moderators-161011-713.html Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:16:31 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Second-Presidential-De-by-Robert-Borosage-Bias_Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton_Moderators-161011-713.html Robert Borosage Trump whined repeatedly about bias, but their bias is less partisan than prurient. Americans tuned in looking for a spitball fight and the moderators were not about to disappoint them.The clash of ideas was a sideshow. This "debate" was an exchange of insults, egged on by the moderators. The only redeeming feature is that it will be hard to get lower than that. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Is-This-Election-So-Cl-by-Robert-Borosage-Election-Voting-Issues_Elections-And-Campaigns_Millennials_Politics-161005-473.html Wed, 05 Oct 2016 15:54:34 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-Is-This-Election-So-Cl-by-Robert-Borosage-Election-Voting-Issues_Elections-And-Campaigns_Millennials_Politics-161005-473.html Robert Borosage Americans are suffering through a second "recovery" where most people are losing ground. The middle class is getting hollowed out. Good jobs are scarce. The banks blew up the economy and got bailed out. The richest few pocket most of the rewards of economic growth. To omit this is to miss the entire context for this election. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Populist-Uprising-Isn-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Democratic_Populist-Movement_Republican-160823-329.html Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:41:39 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Populist-Uprising-Isn-by-Robert-Borosage-Corruption_Democratic_Populist-Movement_Republican-160823-329.html Robert Borosage Americans are catching onto the game. They are working harder and losing ground. They suffered through the Great Recession, and have witnessed the wars without end and without victory. They've seen their kids graduate from college and come back home burdened by debt. Poor people of color are in many cities more segregated and in worse condition than they were in the Jim Crow South. They are casting about for a change. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Economic-Debate-and-th-by-Robert-Borosage-Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton_Inequality_Politics-160813-588.html Sat, 13 Aug 2016 12:05:01 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Economic-Debate-and-th-by-Robert-Borosage-Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton_Inequality_Politics-160813-588.html Robert Borosage Americans deserve a debate worthy of the challenges facing this country. On the economy (as well as on national security) the old consensus has failed. Our politics are dysfunctional. The economy does not work for working people. The middle class is sinking. Inequality has reached obscene extremes, while poverty has deepened. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Democratic-Convention-by-Robert-Borosage-Bill-Clinton_Democratic-Convention_Democrats_Speech-160727-725.html Wed, 27 Jul 2016 15:45:30 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Democratic-Convention-by-Robert-Borosage-Bill-Clinton_Democratic-Convention_Democrats_Speech-160727-725.html Robert Borosage Bill Clinton masterfully painted a human portrait of Hillary. The viewing audience has exceeded that of the Republican convention, with President Obama and the nominee yet to come. The Democratic show has made Trump and Republicans look like amateur hour. Clinton will surely surge out of the convention with a growing lead. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Sanders-The-Struggle-Cont-by-Robert-Borosage-Agenda_Democrats_Politics_Revolution-160726-934.html Tue, 26 Jul 2016 21:23:48 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Sanders-The-Struggle-Cont-by-Robert-Borosage-Agenda_Democrats_Politics_Revolution-160726-934.html Robert Borosage Sanders voters were roused by his vision, his agenda and his integrity. Clinton's task is to make herself the forceful advocate for bold change, one clear and strong enough to overcome doubts about her commitment, concern about her compromises, discomfort with her money politics. Trump's vile excesses will clearly help Sanders mobilize his voters for Clinton, but only she can gain their trust and capture their energy. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Sanders-Endorsement-an-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Political-Revolution_Political-Values-160719-308.html Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:37:32 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Sanders-Endorsement-an-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Political-Revolution_Political-Values-160719-308.html Robert Borosage Sanders has it right. It will take a political revolution to transform our politics, revive our democracy, and make government the instrument of the many and not just the few. That is not a task of one campaign or one presidency. The movement has to build -- in fits and starts, waves and tides -- over time. Thrashing Donald Trump is the next step in that process. https://www.opednews.com/articles/For-Vice-President-Senato-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_Jeff-Merkley_Vice-president-160705-631.html Tue, 05 Jul 2016 15:17:46 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/For-Vice-President-Senato-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_Jeff-Merkley_Vice-president-160705-631.html Robert Borosage Merkley offers real value. He's the sole senator who endorsed Bernie Sanders in the primaries, an act of remarkable courage. Putting him on the ticket would pay tribute to the millions of voters who backed the Sanders surge. His presence would excite the young and independent voters that were at the heart of the Sanders vote. It would reassure skeptical labor activists. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Clinton-on-the-Economy-Tr-by-Robert-Borosage-Clinton-Campaign_Politics_Trump-Campaign-160625-19.html Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:24:19 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Clinton-on-the-Economy-Tr-by-Robert-Borosage-Clinton-Campaign_Politics_Trump-Campaign-160625-19.html Robert Borosage Public investment to rebuild America green. Investment in education from preschool to debt-free college. Rules to curb corporate abuses. Tax hikes on Wall Street and the superrich. Lifting the floor under workers. Curbing the influence of "unaccountable" big money and special interests in politics. Clinton's agenda and rhetoric pay tribute to Bernie Sanders' victory in defining the agenda for change. https://www.opednews.com/articles/What-Will-Bernie-Do-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democratic_Election_Revolution-160615-473.html Wed, 15 Jun 2016 16:39:59 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/What-Will-Bernie-Do-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democratic_Election_Revolution-160615-473.html Robert Borosage Clinton will decide how she wants to run, what mandate she seeks, what coalition she wants to put together, but somehow it is Sanders responsibility to bale up his voters and deliver them to the nominee no matter what she decides. And if Clinton were somehow, unimaginably, to blow the election to Trump, no doubt Sanders will be blamed for not endorsing her soon enough or enthusiastically enough or loudly enough. https://www.opednews.com/articles/May-Jobs-Report-Ouch-by-Robert-Borosage-Economy_Jobs_Unemployment-160603-840.html Fri, 03 Jun 2016 15:57:23 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/May-Jobs-Report-Ouch-by-Robert-Borosage-Economy_Jobs_Unemployment-160603-840.html Robert Borosage The Jobs report also reinforces what already should have been clear. Voters will remain in a surly mood. They are not likely to be satisfied with a slow-growth economy that isn't offering much in terms of increased wages or increased security. Candidates who are the most plausible leaders of change will fare the best. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Common-Sense-on-the-Democr-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Politics_Presidential-Campaign-Democratic-160601-436.html Wed, 01 Jun 2016 01:32:09 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Common-Sense-on-the-Democr-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Politics_Presidential-Campaign-Democratic-160601-436.html Robert Borosage Even with the media declaring the race over, Sanders continues to draw stunning crowds. Young people continue to rally to his call. Democratic registration is soaring in California, as the Sanders campaign works to attract new voters. https://www.opednews.com/articles/What-Does-Bernie-Want-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democrats_Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton-160523-926.html Mon, 23 May 2016 11:05:01 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/What-Does-Bernie-Want-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democrats_Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton-160523-926.html Robert Borosage Clinton would be wise to embrace not only the Sanders energy, but to move to adopt many of his themes, and champion some of his major reforms. Sanders will no doubt endorse, if he loses the nomination. But how his followers respond -- the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the general election -- will be far more dependent on what Clinton does and how she runs than on his endorsement. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Ways-Bernie-Sanders-Will-B-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democratic-National-Convention_Hillary-Clinton_Politics-160520-631.html Fri, 20 May 2016 01:23:00 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Ways-Bernie-Sanders-Will-B-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democratic-National-Convention_Hillary-Clinton_Politics-160520-631.html Robert Borosage An early exit by Sanders remains unlikely. He has defined his campaign as building a movement to transform the Democratic Party and change the direction of the nation. He has stated repeatedly that he will carry that argument into the convention. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Test-of-Leadership-as-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Politics_Supporters-160518-66.html Wed, 18 May 2016 18:51:49 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Test-of-Leadership-as-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Politics_Supporters-160518-66.html Robert Borosage Clinton supporters and many pundits suggest that Sanders is "misleading his followers" by failing to "prepare them to lose" and to make the turn to supporting Clinton. The Clinton campaign has surrogates arguing that while Bernie "has done his job," but now "he is hurting Clinton" and should stand down. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Takes-West-Virginia-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Bernie-Sanders-Endorsements_Democratic_Polls-160511-620.html Wed, 11 May 2016 15:41:01 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Takes-West-Virginia-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Bernie-Sanders-Endorsements_Democratic_Polls-160511-620.html Robert Borosage Sanders vows to keep going to the end. If he continues to win -- particularly if he culminates by winning the diverse Democratic vote in California, he'll make the case to Democratic super delegates that he would be the strongest candidate in the general. Sanders fares better than Clinton against Trump in poll after poll. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Sanders-Wins-Indian-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Political-Mudslinging_Political-Values_Supporters-160505-456.html Thu, 05 May 2016 11:45:18 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Sanders-Wins-Indian-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Political-Mudslinging_Political-Values_Supporters-160505-456.html Robert Borosage Sanders has already been counted out in the mainstream media. But young voters, liberals flooded into the polling booths and swept Sanders to victory. Picking up a net of five delegates, Sanders may not be winning his struggle against the delegate math, as the mainstream media keeps reminding us, but he is winning the political debate. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Clinton-s-Defense-of-Big-M-by-Robert-Borosage-Bankers_Clinton-Campaign_Corporations_Money-Buys-Power-160425-662.html Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:45:24 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Clinton-s-Defense-of-Big-M-by-Robert-Borosage-Bankers_Clinton-Campaign_Corporations_Money-Buys-Power-160425-662.html Robert Borosage When Sanders questions Clinton about her funding from Wall Street, her speeches to big banks and other interests that brought her millions personally, and her array of super PACs, she charges Sanders with making "false character attacks." But the influence of campaign contributions isn't about character, it is about association, gratitude and access. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Sanders-Wins-Wyoming-Surg-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democrats_Hillary-Clinton_Nomination-160411-980.html Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:44:24 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Sanders-Wins-Wyoming-Surg-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Democrats_Hillary-Clinton_Nomination-160411-980.html Robert Borosage Despite winning by double digits in Wyoming, Sanders only got a split of pledged delegates -- seven to seven. The Democratic Party will face real trouble if superdelegates give Clinton the nomination over Sanders, particularly if he wins the majority of the pledged delegates. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Wisconsin-Adds-Momentum-To-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Delegates_Hillary-Clinton_Polls-160406-226.html Wed, 06 Apr 2016 11:46:04 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Wisconsin-Adds-Momentum-To-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Delegates_Hillary-Clinton_Polls-160406-226.html Robert Borosage Sanders has now won six contests in a row -- Wisconsin, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Utah and Idaho. He continues to cut Clinton's lead in pledged delegates. Pundits dismissing his chances say he has to win over 55 percent of the vote in remaining contests to catch up to Clinton. He's done that or better in each of the last six races. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Sanders-has-Hillary-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Bernie-Sanders-Presidential-Campaign_Hillary-Clinton_Politics-160330-8.html Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:51:44 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bernie-Sanders-has-Hillary-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Bernie-Sanders-Presidential-Campaign_Hillary-Clinton_Politics-160330-8.html Robert Borosage Sanders just swept through the West, winning five of six contests by stunning margins. In addition, he isn't just a candidate -- he's a cause. Sanders seeks to build a movement that can make the political revolution needed to transform the country, not simply win the White House. That means a political movement powerful enough to both get big money out of politics and pass Sanders' agenda. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Sanders-Soars-The-Democra-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Caucus_Democratic-Party_Democrats-160328-914.html Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:19:26 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Sanders-Soars-The-Democra-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Caucus_Democratic-Party_Democrats-160328-914.html Robert Borosage Even as his candidacy gains traction, Sanders keeps spreading the word and rousing activists. A presidential campaign isn't a movement. At best, an insurgent can issue a call to action, elevate alternatives, and infuse millions with a sense that there is an alternative. Sanders is doing just that, particularly with young voters who fill his rallies and caucuses. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Presidential-Race-The-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Polls_Presidential-Candidates-160323-51.html Wed, 23 Mar 2016 10:57:41 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Presidential-Race-The-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Hillary-Clinton_Polls_Presidential-Candidates-160323-51.html Robert Borosage Sanders continues to draw the biggest crowds of the election, Donald Trump's claims notwithstanding. And Sanders continues to rise in the polls. The most recent CNN/ORC poll in mid-March showed Sanders closing to 51-44 percent among registered Democrats and Democratic leaning independents, substantially better than that poll's late February measure (55-38 percent Clinton). https://www.opednews.com/articles/Mini-Super-Tuesday-The-Ca-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_Millennials_Policies_Politics-160316-383.html Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:59:05 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Mini-Super-Tuesday-The-Ca-by-Robert-Borosage-Democrats_Millennials_Policies_Politics-160316-383.html Robert Borosage The punditry is already rushing to crown Clinton the Democratic winner. However, the growing divide among Democrats between the older and the younger deserves more attention. The Clinton campaign people are certain that the threat posed by Trump or Cruz will help mobilize Democratic turnout. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Weekend-Update-Sanders-St-by-Robert-Borosage-Bailout_Bernie-Sanders_Debate_Hillary-Clinton-160307-373.html Mon, 07 Mar 2016 15:22:16 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Weekend-Update-Sanders-St-by-Robert-Borosage-Bailout_Bernie-Sanders_Debate_Hillary-Clinton-160307-373.html Robert Borosage While the mainstream media -- egged on by the Clinton campaign -- edges towards calling the race over, Sanders keeps on rising. His expanding army of small donors continues to fuel his campaign. And he can look forward to growing support -- particularly in the contests after mid-March, as he introduces himself to more and more voters. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Jobs-Report-Sunny-with-St-by-Robert-Borosage-Economic_Jobs_Recovery_Workers-160304-897.html Fri, 04 Mar 2016 11:30:31 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Jobs-Report-Sunny-with-St-by-Robert-Borosage-Economic_Jobs_Recovery_Workers-160304-897.html Robert Borosage Americans are still waiting to feel the rewards of growth. Wages are barely stirring; the average hourly wages of non-supervisory private sector workers remained unchanged from the previous month and is up little more than 2 percent (2.2 percent) over the year. The wealthiest 1 percent continue to capture virtually all of the income growth in the society. https://www.opednews.com/articles/South-Carolina-Clinton-s-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Clinton-Campaign_Media_Southern-Strategy-160229-408.html Mon, 29 Feb 2016 12:04:24 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/South-Carolina-Clinton-s-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Clinton-Campaign_Media_Southern-Strategy-160229-408.html Robert Borosage Voters across the country are looking for change. Clinton's efforts to present herself as the candidate of continuity worked in South Carolina, but may be more costly if she wins the nomination. The mainstream media used the Clinton victory in South Carolina to start posting funeral notices for the Sanders campaign. In reality, Sanders is still building. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Donald-Trump-Will-Not-Be-P-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton_Insults-160225-357.html Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:42:08 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Donald-Trump-Will-Not-Be-P-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Donald-Trump_Hillary-Clinton_Insults-160225-357.html Robert Borosage Sanders' clear integrity and independence will trump Trump's populist pose. And he'll enjoy wild energy from young voters as well as overwhelming margins from the voters Trump insults. Clinton would highlight Trump's lack on even elementary policy knowledge and experience. Donald Trump will not be president of the United States. https://www.opednews.com/articles/South-Carolina-and-Nevada-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Medicare_Populism_Republican-160223-689.html Tue, 23 Feb 2016 01:20:17 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/South-Carolina-and-Nevada-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Medicare_Populism_Republican-160223-689.html Robert Borosage In Nevada, the Sanders surge fell just short of Clinton, but only after she donned much of Sanders' garb from getting "unaccountable money out of politics"; to making certain "Wall Street does not threaten Main Street again"; while promising to do even more to address "systemic racism," sexism, and immigration. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Democratic-Face-Off-in-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Debate_Democratic-Progressive-Caucus_Hillary-Clinton-160212-767.html Fri, 12 Feb 2016 16:11:08 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Democratic-Face-Off-in-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Debate_Democratic-Progressive-Caucus_Hillary-Clinton-160212-767.html Robert Borosage Clinton may want to dismiss Sanders' critique of our corrupted politics and rigged economy as a "single issue," but more and more Americans are coming to understand that this is the heart of the matter. Now we will see if that message resonates with communities and states where Sanders is just beginning to introduce himself. https://www.opednews.com/articles/At-The-New-Hampshire-Democ-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Debate_Hillary-Clinton_Politics-160205-422.html Fri, 05 Feb 2016 17:56:35 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/At-The-New-Hampshire-Democ-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Debate_Hillary-Clinton_Politics-160205-422.html Robert Borosage Sanders' argument about the corrupting effects of money in politics and the need to break up the big banks was compelling. Clinton's profession of independence was less plausible. Clinton's foreign policy experience certainly showed. But Democrats have to be haunted by her taste for intervention and regime change (Iraq, Libya, Syria). And sadly, the push for a new cold war with Russia went unchallenged. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Iowa-Winnow-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Evangelical_Iowa-Caucus_Latinos-160202-926.html Tue, 02 Feb 2016 16:35:28 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Iowa-Winnow-by-Robert-Borosage-Democratic_Evangelical_Iowa-Caucus_Latinos-160202-926.html Robert Borosage The Iowa caucuses just supercharged the 2016 presidential race. Younger and lower-income voters drove Bernie Sanders into a head heat with Hillary Clinton. A record Republican turnout of white voters elevated an odd couple -- two first term Cuban-American Senators -- and deflated Donald Trump, the fear peddler. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Iowa-s-Big-Winner-Senator-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders-Presidential-Campaign_Iowa-Caucus_Politics-160201-630.html Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:46:02 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Iowa-s-Big-Winner-Senator-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders-Presidential-Campaign_Iowa-Caucus_Politics-160201-630.html Robert Borosage Sanders has already begun to shake the establishment, evidenced by increasingly vitriolic attacks on him and his ideas. Sanders is putting the powers that be on notice. This rigged system doesn't work for the vast majority of Americans. And the complacent politics of the establishment center offer no way out. The elites of both parties better figure out how to cut Americans a better deal--or Americans will demand a new dealer. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Hillary-and-Bernie-The-Cr-by-Robert-Borosage-Credibility_Donald-Trump_Donors_Hillary-Clinton-160122-372.html Fri, 22 Jan 2016 20:18:37 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Hillary-and-Bernie-The-Cr-by-Robert-Borosage-Credibility_Donald-Trump_Donors_Hillary-Clinton-160122-372.html Robert Borosage Hillary Clinton is a formidable candidate who has assembled a strong campaign. She will remain formidable even if Sanders exceeds expectations by doing well in Iowa and winning in New Hampshire. The panic among her supporters is both unseemly and excessive. Clinton's difficulties stem not from the attacks of Sanders -- the most courtly of opponents -- but from her own revealing choices. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Republican-Carnival-Co-by-Robert-Borosage-CNN_Republican-Candidates_Republican-Clown-Car_Republican-Debate-151215-854.html Tue, 15 Dec 2015 12:46:50 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Republican-Carnival-Co-by-Robert-Borosage-CNN_Republican-Candidates_Republican-Clown-Car_Republican-Debate-151215-854.html Robert Borosage Donald Trump will be center stage in CNN's Republican Presidential debate tonight, flanked this time by a surging, sinister Sen. Ted Cruz on his left and a flagging Dr. Ben Carson on his right. Once more Trump will claim the spotlight, with the others vying for time and attention. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Marco-Rubio-Foreign-Polic-by-Robert-Borosage-Ambitious_Foreign-Affairs_Marco-Rubio_Republican-151214-562.html Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:19:23 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Marco-Rubio-Foreign-Polic-by-Robert-Borosage-Ambitious_Foreign-Affairs_Marco-Rubio_Republican-151214-562.html Robert Borosage ubio wants the U.S. to take more aggressive steps against Russia in Ukraine. He would send more arms and more aid to the corrupt Ukrainian government, virtually insuring an escalating war in the region. He'd move U.S. troops to Russia's border and increase sanctions on Russia. He does not explain why a harsh confrontation with Russia is in the U.S. interest. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Who-Impugns-Hillary-s-Inte-by-Robert-Borosage-Bankers_Donors_Hillary-Clinton_Money-151123-326.html Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:31:51 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Who-Impugns-Hillary-s-Inte-by-Robert-Borosage-Bankers_Donors_Hillary-Clinton_Money-151123-326.html Robert Borosage The big money going from Wall Street into the Clinton campaign reinforces doubts about the strength of her reform promises. But it isn't Sanders or O'Malley who impugn her integrity; it is her Wall Street donors themselves. They are sophisticated, cynical and paying attention. And they are confident her new-found populism is a campaign posture, not a real position. https://www.opednews.com/articles/In-Praise-of-Julian-Bond-by-Robert-Borosage-Hero_Julian-Bond_Politics_Rights-150817-131.html Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:45:44 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/In-Praise-of-Julian-Bond-by-Robert-Borosage-Hero_Julian-Bond_Politics_Rights-150817-131.html Robert Borosage Julian Bond leaves us now. The race still unfinished, but his run has made a triumphant contribution, fulfilling his grandfather's charge of "greater efforts and grander victories." President Obama called Julian a hero and a friend, noting that "Julian Bond helped change this country for the better. And what better way to be remembered than that." https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bank-Reform-Five-Years-Lat-by-Robert-Borosage-Bank-Fraud_Glass-Steagall_Reform_Regulators-150721-232.html Tue, 21 Jul 2015 16:51:20 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Bank-Reform-Five-Years-Lat-by-Robert-Borosage-Bank-Fraud_Glass-Steagall_Reform_Regulators-150721-232.html Robert Borosage Despite what the FBI called an epidemic of fraud, no major banker has been prosecuted. Banks paid the fines, while bankers walked away with their money intact. The SEC continues to grant favors to repeat offenders. Violating the law is too often simply a small cost of doing business. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Warren-to-SEC-Chair--Step-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporations_Financial_Mary-Jo-White_Regulators-150604-966.html Thu, 04 Jun 2015 19:30:54 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Warren-to-SEC-Chair--Step-by-Robert-Borosage-Corporations_Financial_Mary-Jo-White_Regulators-150604-966.html Robert Borosage No wonder financial lobbyists are buzzing. Warren has taken a stick to their cozy hive. Her indictment of White is measured and devastating. It is time for White to "step up" or step down. Warren is to be applauded for doing what senators should do: holding regulators' feet to the fire in the public's interest. https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Sanders-Challenge-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Candidates_Democratic_Politics-150501-933.html Fri, 01 May 2015 12:43:13 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Sanders-Challenge-by-Robert-Borosage-Bernie-Sanders_Candidates_Democratic_Politics-150501-933.html Robert Borosage Sanders calls for an end to the corporate-defined trade and tax policies that have racked up unprecedented and ruinous trade deficits while shipping good jobs abroad. He is a leader in the effort to stop fast track and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is supported by the Democratic president, the Republican congressional leadership and the business lobby. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Government-Sweatshops-A-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Employers_Inequality_Labor-Unions_President-Obama-150423-909.html Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:47:18 -0400 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Government-Sweatshops-A-T-by-Robert-Borosage-Employers_Inequality_Labor-Unions_President-Obama-150423-909.html Robert Borosage Carrying a sign reading "Hiring: A President who will sign a $15 +Union Executive Order," these workers are calling on President Obama to lead and put government on the side of workers. They want an executive order that would give preference in government procurement and licensing to companies that pay a living wage with benefits, and respect their workers' right to organize. https://www.opednews.com/articles/A-Sober-Look-at-the-Good-N-by-Robert-Borosage-Jobs_Recovery_Unemployment_Workers-150306-653.html Fri, 06 Mar 2015 13:07:23 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/A-Sober-Look-at-the-Good-N-by-Robert-Borosage-Jobs_Recovery_Unemployment_Workers-150306-653.html Robert Borosage The Fed's actions -- from bailing out the banks to its Quantitative Easing programs -- have boosted stocks and saved Wall Street, but the benefits have been slow to reach Main Street. Workers have not yet shared in the recovery. Household income is down, not up since the recession. The vast majority of Americans have not recovered the wealth lost in that calamity. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-the-Country-Needs-a-Po-by-Robert-Borosage-Candidates_Capitalism_Democratic-Party_Democratic-Socialism-150217-487.html Tue, 17 Feb 2015 15:17:22 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-the-Country-Needs-a-Po-by-Robert-Borosage-Candidates_Capitalism_Democratic-Party_Democratic-Socialism-150217-487.html Robert Borosage Polls show Democrats want a contest, not a coronation, for their presidential nomination. There are two compelling reasons for a challenge in the Democratic primaries: We need a big debate about the direction of the country, and a growing populist movement would benefit from a populist challenge to Hillary. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Low-Wage-Workers--We-Can-by-Robert-Borosage-Jobs_Poverty_Protest_Wages-Salaries-141206-510.html Sat, 06 Dec 2014 12:18:04 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Low-Wage-Workers--We-Can-by-Robert-Borosage-Jobs_Poverty_Protest_Wages-Salaries-141206-510.html Robert Borosage When people move, smart politicians listen. The demonstrations across the nation after Ferguson and Garner, the growing protests of low-wage workers risking jobs because they simply can't breathe suggest that people are starting to move. The question soon will be who stands with those in motion and who stands with a status quo that clearly cannot hold. https://www.opednews.com/articles/Warning-Deficit-Delusions-by-Robert-Borosage-130204-916.html Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:28:34 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/Warning-Deficit-Delusions-by-Robert-Borosage-130204-916.html Robert Borosage A three-month downturn is a caution, not a catastrophe. But Washington seems too wrapped in its deficit delusions to pay attention to the flashing yellow lights. Here's a cautionary guide. https://www.opednews.com/articles/An-Ugly-Ugly-Deal-by-Robert-Borosage-130102-226.html Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:55:51 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/An-Ugly-Ugly-Deal-by-Robert-Borosage-130102-226.html Robert Borosage No one should be fooled. This is an ugly deal, with foul implications for the coming months. https://www.opednews.com/articles/On-the-Fiscal-Extortion-J-by-Robert-Borosage-121130-217.html Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:13:53 -0500 https://www.opednews.com/articles/On-the-Fiscal-Extortion-J-by-Robert-Borosage-121130-217.html Robert Borosage The grand bargain is anything but a bargain. The annual deficit is down while income inequality has gone through the roof. Austerity on top of endless wars and climate change is the last thing we need.