More Scared of History Than Destined To Repeat It by Michael Barone
Traumas suffered by a society generations ago can still have a negative effect centuries later.
Political Commentary
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August 9, 2012
August 8, 2012
Wars To End War by John Stossel
On his recent trip abroad, Mitt Romney observed an American taboo by not criticizing President Obama's military policy. But before his trip, he made his position clear. Obama has "exposed the military to cuts that no one can justify," Romney said.
August 7, 2012
The Grand Old Party's Breaking Up by Froma Harrop
When traditional Republicans tell their tea party wing that they have to negotiate with Democrats, the radicals' frequent response is: No, they don't. One side has to win. But before that fistfight at the edge of the falls can take place, one side has to win within the Republican Party. Civil wars are not pretty.
August 6, 2012
Supporters of Ted Cruz and Chick-fil-A Break News by Michael Barone
Americans keep behaving in ways that baffle the liberal mainstream media. Two examples figured prominently -- or should have -- in last week's news.
August 3, 2012
'Kiss My Ass': Fear and Loathing in the Romney Campaign by Joe Conason
If Mitt Romney's purpose in traveling abroad this summer was to prove his credentials as a potential world leader, the verdict is mixed at best. Neither his tendency to utter bizarre insults nor his shallow, ideological approach to policy inspired much confidence, although he managed to garner support from Israel's right-wing prime minister and an eccentric former leader in Poland. (Our allies in the United Kingdom may never want to hear from him again.)
August 3, 2012
Tight National Race Freezes Electoral College Map By Kyle Kondik and Larry J. Sabato
While no one enjoys dissecting the presidential swing states more than we do, we also recognize that swings in the states are oftentimes uniform -- as in, changes in the national polls will trickle down to the states.
August 3, 2012
The Heavy Burden of Government By Scott Rasmussen
In my hometown, everyone is required to have a landline telephone so local officials can reach us with a reverse 911 call.
It's a nice idea, but it doesn't work. In my family, we never use the landline. We talk on cellphones. Occasionally, telemarketers call. So do people looking for someone named "Danny," but we no longer answer. So, if a call came from our local government, we'd never hear their message. But when you're building a house and need to pass inspection, it's easier to put in the phone than fight city hall.
August 2, 2012
Partisan Divide: Eggheads Get What They Wished For By Michael Barone
"Answered prayers," Saint Teresa of Avila is supposed to have said, "cause more tears than those that go unanswered." Especially, I fear, the answered prayers of political scientists.
August 2, 2012
Politically and Otherwise, the Mountain West Swings by Froma Harrop
When the sun goes down, the new Mountain West comes out swinging. Denver's Larimer Square and LoDo (Lower Downtown) district turns into a multicultural Mixmaster of educated professionals, ordinary folk and tourists jamming bars, hamburger joints, steak palaces and French bistros. Meanwhile, armies of largely Spanish-speaking immigrants work the kitchens and vacuum the deserted offices. For all the legends of the spacious West, the region is one of the most urbanized.
August 1, 2012
Myths We Live By By John Stossel
The Olympics have gone smoothly despite -- gasp! -- America's team wearing clothing made in China at the opening ceremony. "I'm so upset," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. "Take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile, and burn them. ... We have people in the textile industry who are desperate for jobs."
July 31, 2012
Drought Nation Heads for Dry Federal Well by Froma Harrop
As three-digit temps broil the sidewalks through late afternoon, one walks alone in this charming Nebraska panhandle city. These days, Chadron seems more pan than handle. The only thing breaking the silence is the nearly daily siren summoning local firefighters to a conflagration in the grass and brush countryside. Its source is usually easy to locate. Smoke clouds stand out in the big sky.
July 30, 2012
2012 Campaign Very Different Than Kerry vs. Bush by Michael Barone
Does the 2012 campaign look a lot like the 2004 campaign? Many Democrats think so.
July 27, 2012
Wounded and Pregnant, an Aurora Family Without Health Coverage By Joe Conason
In the wake of yet another well-armed madman killing and maiming innocent Americans, we are again rediscovering the malign influence of the NRA (correctly described by Alan Berlow as the criminals' lobby). But the political salience of the Aurora tragedy extends beyond the usually sterile argument over gun control.
July 27, 2012
Final Veepstakes Ratings: Pawlenty, Portman Continue To Top List By Kyle Kondik and Larry J. Sabato
And then there were five.
After starting out with more than 20 names a few months ago, we can now count our list of Mitt Romney's vice-presidential possibilities on one hand.
July 27, 2012
Declining Views of the Economy Put Obama's Reelection at Risk By Scott Rasmussen
Consumer confidence fell to the lowest levels of 2012 this past week. Most Americans believe that both the economy and their own personal finances are getting worse. Just 25 percent believe the economy is getting better, and only 22 percent say the same about their personal finances.
July 26, 2012
Conservatives Backtrack on Long Prison Sentences By Michael Barone
Only a few lonely media outlets responded to the Aurora Mall murders by calling for stricter gun control measures. President Barack Obama and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper made eloquent statements, as did Mitt Romney, but neither the two Democrats nor the Republican called for changes in gun laws.
July 26, 2012
Badger Cottage Versus Toad Hall by Froma Harrop
Sometimes you need children to set you straight. They are so attuned to what they like and what feels good. The status-value of things doesn't register as much as with adults.
July 25, 2012
America, the Law-crazed By John Stossel
Over the past few decades, America has locked up more and more people. Our prison population has tripled. Now we jail a higher percentage of people than even the most repressive countries: China locks up 121 out of every 100,000 people; Russia 511. In America? 730.
July 24, 2012
When Only a Human Will Do By Froma Harrop
I'm a well-trained child of the human-less world of customer "support." I don't ask for much. When I need an answer, I first check the FAQs (frequently asked questions). I visit forums to find others discussing similar problems and sometimes offering good advice.
July 23, 2012
Booming North Dakota City Shows Wisdom of Markets By Michael Barone
This is a tale of two cities. No, not Dickens' phlegmatic London and passionate Paris. Nor the two neighborhoods Charles Murray contrasted in his recent bestseller "Coming Apart" -- prosperous but isolated Belmont (actually, Mitt Romney's home for decades) and needy and disorganized Fishtown.
