A few readers emailed to ask my thoughts on Obama’s announcement that he now supports same-sex marriage. Briefly, then, here’s what I think: 1) The LONG version: I think that it’s certainly a calculated political move—and it’s certainly “cynical.” It may, as many are predicting, hurt him with various blue-collar independent voters who were suspicious of … Continue reading
It is one of the great canards of American politics that leftists have gotten tarred as “utopian” dreamers. In conservatives’ hands, progressives and liberals alike are cowards who cannot make their own way in life and thus look to government to protect them from tragedy. These latter are weak-kneed social dependents who believe that conflict … Continue reading
The Financial Times‘ Robin Harding, quoted in Mike Allen’s Playbook: Romney, speaking after he won the Nevada caucus on Saturday, said that even though the official unemployment rate fell to 8.3 per cent, … ‘the real unemployment rate is over 15 per cent. … [H]e’s been trying to take a bow for 8.3 per cent … Continue reading
Great speech. Obama always gives great speeches. Hooray! But it’s not without its problems—one big one in particular. President Obama’s most powerful theme was his invocation of military solidarity as a contrast with the messiness of democratic governance. He repeatedly argued that governing Democrats and Republicans ought to be able to emulate the common sense … Continue reading
As the President looks for more (constitutionally?) creative ways to address the economic crisis—and the Republicans look for new ways to dig in their heels—it’s time to ask whether the United States’ institutions are capable of responding to our political challenges. Read the column here.
Better late than never. Progressives, it seems to me, are tempted by two positions on the Obama Administration’s approach to international affairs/human rights/terrorism (insofar as there’s a unitary approach, which is part of the explanation for being pulled between contradictory positions, etc, etc). I’m tempted by both—haven’t had time to reflect long enough to settle … Continue reading
I spend a lot of time thinking about how the American Left might make better arguments (here, here, here, etc). Lately I’ve been thinking about how progressives might sell the president’s jobs bill to the country. One option—among many—is for Americans from the Heartland to ask why Republicans insist on keeping the economic recovery trapped … Continue reading
If you’re eagerly anticipating Obama’s speech tomorrow on troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, here’s something to guide your reflections. Sojourner’s Jim Wallis looks at the troop numbers and pulls no punches: So let’s be clear. It’s time for Obama to stop listening to his generals. Whatever the specific announcement will be, if it falls within the … Continue reading
Everyone knows Jon Huntsman’s “weaknesses” as a candidate in the GOP primaries. He wants to leave climate change science to climate change scientists…and he accepts the overwhelming consensus that humans are contributing to it. He’s reasonable on social questions—he supports civil unions for same-sex couples. He worked for Obama. What is he? Disloyal to his … Continue reading
The mock-hullabaloo over whether or not President Obama paid appropriate attention and shown sufficient empathy in the aftermath of the Joplin, Missouri tornado tragedy reminded me of a moment in one of my college classes. We were studying the modern American presidency as an executive office, and one of our readings listed the various presidential … Continue reading
