News, Commentary and Opinion
Explore news, commentary and opinion about American politics from US and foreign media as well as policy analysts.
Wordless Wednesdays
Wordless Wednesdays blog posts feature photographs, not words. Check out these WW links from the news channel at About.com.
Wordless Wednesdays blog posts feature photographs, not words. Check out these WW links from the news channel at About.com.
Political Speech Punished in Egypt, Under-Appreciated Here
25 February 2007. Abdel Kareem Nabil Suleiman, an Egyptian blogger, has been sentenced to four years in prison for expressing personal political beliefs at odds with the government. And too many Americans don't know that press freedom is guaranteed by the First Amendment.
25 February 2007. Abdel Kareem Nabil Suleiman, an Egyptian blogger, has been sentenced to four years in prison for expressing personal political beliefs at odds with the government. And too many Americans don't know that press freedom is guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Bush on Iraq
We should reflect on the rhetoric coming from the White House four years ago, at the start of this extended military action, and compare it with what is being said today, as President Bush prepares to escalate military action.
We should reflect on the rhetoric coming from the White House four years ago, at the start of this extended military action, and compare it with what is being said today, as President Bush prepares to escalate military action.
Year In Review
We started the year with Jack Abramoff pleading guilty to mail fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy and ended it with the death of former President Gerald Ford and the hanging of Saddam Hussein. Here’s a month-by-month recap of the year.
We started the year with Jack Abramoff pleading guilty to mail fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy and ended it with the death of former President Gerald Ford and the hanging of Saddam Hussein. Here’s a month-by-month recap of the year.
Fifth Anniversary
A series of articles reflecting on the state of America since 11 September 2001.
A series of articles reflecting on the state of America since 11 September 2001.
Fake Photographs and One-Way Political Angst
There is a rise in the number of "doctored" photos appearing in news stories and political campaigns. What's the educated political consumer to do?
There is a rise in the number of "doctored" photos appearing in news stories and political campaigns. What's the educated political consumer to do?
The Tragedy of Unlearned Lessons
Dr. Joe P. Dunn -- Charles A. Dana Professor and Chair of History & Politics at Converse College -- compares Vietnam with Iraq, Johnson with Bush, McNamara with Rumsfeld.
Dr. Joe P. Dunn -- Charles A. Dana Professor and Chair of History & Politics at Converse College -- compares Vietnam with Iraq, Johnson with Bush, McNamara with Rumsfeld.
Expert Accuses Coulter of Plagiarism
An expert - and intrepid blogers - have accused Ann Coulter of plagiarism. Will she face ridicule and loss of future contracts like 19-year-old Harvard student Kaavya Viswanathan? Or will she get the proverbial "slap on the wrist" like Raytheon CEO William Swanson? And what's the deeper issue revealed by this news?
An expert - and intrepid blogers - have accused Ann Coulter of plagiarism. Will she face ridicule and loss of future contracts like 19-year-old Harvard student Kaavya Viswanathan? Or will she get the proverbial "slap on the wrist" like Raytheon CEO William Swanson? And what's the deeper issue revealed by this news?
Inflammatory Rhetoric: A Quiz
25 June 2006. A member of the US Politics Forum points us to an online quiz comparing quotes from Ann Coulter and Adolf Hitler. I checked out the quiz. What passes for paid political commentary can be easily confused with rhetoric from someone the West almost universally views as a demonic dictator. What a model Coulter makes.
25 June 2006. A member of the US Politics Forum points us to an online quiz comparing quotes from Ann Coulter and Adolf Hitler. I checked out the quiz. What passes for paid political commentary can be easily confused with rhetoric from someone the West almost universally views as a demonic dictator. What a model Coulter makes.
News - The Iraq War
This news archive records events surrounding the second War in Iraq, which has morphed from an event supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans to one opposed by a majority.
This news archive records events surrounding the second War in Iraq, which has morphed from an event supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans to one opposed by a majority.
More Questions About the UAE DP World Port Deal
25 February 2006. The DHS briefing on the DP World purchase of UK-based P&O is as full of questions as early media reports. What happens to P&O operations in the US that are not listed on the DHS website? Is DPW buying only part of the US business? What is the relationship to the Carlyle Group? And who do we want managing our military supply line to the Middle East?
25 February 2006. The DHS briefing on the DP World purchase of UK-based P&O is as full of questions as early media reports. What happens to P&O operations in the US that are not listed on the DHS website? Is DPW buying only part of the US business? What is the relationship to the Carlyle Group? And who do we want managing our military supply line to the Middle East?
Danish Cartoons - Background, Timeline, Context
A Danish newspaper published cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed in September 2005; organized protests/riots began in early 2006. Background, timeline, context for this story.
A Danish newspaper published cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed in September 2005; organized protests/riots began in early 2006. Background, timeline, context for this story.
2005 : The Political Year in Review
Recap of news highlights for 2005.
Recap of news highlights for 2005.
Katrina and the Risks of Global Warming
Commentary on insurance industry projections of increased natural disasters worldwide due to climate change (global warming) and rising sea temperatures.
Commentary on insurance industry projections of increased natural disasters worldwide due to climate change (global warming) and rising sea temperatures.
Should We Rebuild New Orleans?
Commentary on mitigation verus rebuilding after natural disasters, focusing on 2005 Category 5 Hurricane Katrina
Commentary on mitigation verus rebuilding after natural disasters, focusing on 2005 Category 5 Hurricane Katrina
Opinion and Commentary - 2005 Energy Bill
Recap opinion and commentary on the 2005 Energy Bill.
Recap opinion and commentary on the 2005 Energy Bill.
News - 2005 Energy Bill
This is an annotated compilation of blog posts and other writings on the 2005 Energy Bill, HR 6.
This is an annotated compilation of blog posts and other writings on the 2005 Energy Bill, HR 6.
News - US Supreme Court
This is an annotated compilation of blog posts on the US Supreme Court.
This is an annotated compilation of blog posts on the US Supreme Court.
News - Valerie Plame Investigation
This is an annotated compilation of blog posts and other writings on the Valerie Plame investigation.
This is an annotated compilation of blog posts and other writings on the Valerie Plame investigation.
Karl Rove / Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame Wilson Timeline
Karl Rove / Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame Wilson Timeline
Karl Rove / Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame Wilson Timeline
Presidential Approval Ratings
Analysis of presidential approval ratings -- overall, Iraq and economy -- from 2001 to 2005.
Analysis of presidential approval ratings -- overall, Iraq and economy -- from 2001 to 2005.
Opinion: United Airlines and the US Pension System
Editorial and opinion about the pension system in the United States and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).
Editorial and opinion about the pension system in the United States and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).
Editorial Commentary : John Bolton, UN Nominee
Wrap up of editorial commentary on John Bolton, President Bush's nominee to represent the US before the United Nations.
Wrap up of editorial commentary on John Bolton, President Bush's nominee to represent the US before the United Nations.
Guide to Editorial Cartoons
An evolving guide to the best editorial cartoons available online.
An evolving guide to the best editorial cartoons available online.
Editorial Comment on the Bush Budget - Feb 2005
Editorial comment on the Bush Budget - Feb 2005
Editorial comment on the Bush Budget - Feb 2005
Tsunami Resource Guide
The Boxing Day Tsunami is the largest natural disaster in more than a century. Evolving guide to web resources.
The Boxing Day Tsunami is the largest natural disaster in more than a century. Evolving guide to web resources.
An Open Letter to J. Kenneth Blackwell
Suggestions for Ohio Secretary of State designed to help heal the rift in the American voting public.ohio presidential election 2004 contested ballots voting provisional
Suggestions for Ohio Secretary of State designed to help heal the rift in the American voting public.ohio presidential election 2004 contested ballots voting provisional
What They're Saying ... About Sinclair
Editorial response to Sinclair's decision to air an anti-Kerry "documentary" has been universally opposed.
Editorial response to Sinclair's decision to air an anti-Kerry "documentary" has been universally opposed.
Goss to Head CIA
Rep. Porter Goss, R-FL, was confirmed by the Senate to head the CIA. Only 17 senators voted against the confirmation.
Rep. Porter Goss, R-FL, was confirmed by the Senate to head the CIA. Only 17 senators voted against the confirmation.
Presidential Race - Editorial Endorsements
A compliation of the editorial endorsements received by President Bush and Senator Kerry in the presidential race.
A compliation of the editorial endorsements received by President Bush and Senator Kerry in the presidential race.
Enron Connections - Cllinton or Bush?
An e-mail from 2002, which suggests that Enron was more connected to the Clinton White House than Bush, has resurfaced. Point-by-point rebuttal.
An e-mail from 2002, which suggests that Enron was more connected to the Clinton White House than Bush, has resurfaced. Point-by-point rebuttal.
Editoral Opinion on Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards
Compilation of worldwide editorial commentary on Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards
Compilation of worldwide editorial commentary on Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards
Extended Polling : Elections in an Age of Terrorism
What measures should states or Congress take to help make November elections "terrorist proof"?
What measures should states or Congress take to help make November elections "terrorist proof"?
A Democracy of Privilege
American Political Science Association task force report on democracy in America.
American Political Science Association task force report on democracy in America.
Editorial: Dick Cheney vs. John Kerry
The Capitol Times (Madion, WI) offers a compare and contrast between Dick Cheney and John Kerry.
The Capitol Times (Madion, WI) offers a compare and contrast between Dick Cheney and John Kerry.
Make Presidential Debates Real Ones
Seattle Times June 2004 editorial criticizes the lock that the two major parties have on Presidential debate content, style and participants.
Seattle Times June 2004 editorial criticizes the lock that the two major parties have on Presidential debate content, style and participants.
Politicians Stoop Low to Exploit 9/11
Commentary from the Des Moines Register reflects the view of many Americans.
Commentary from the Des Moines Register reflects the view of many Americans.
Tsunami: The Campaign '04 Information War
Columbia Journalism Review challenges the press to rethink its coverage of the campaign, noting that both presidential candidates are using "a cynical combination of calculated deception, speed, and volume to exploit the press’s reluctance to call a lie a lie."
Columbia Journalism Review challenges the press to rethink its coverage of the campaign, noting that both presidential candidates are using "a cynical combination of calculated deception, speed, and volume to exploit the press’s reluctance to call a lie a lie."
Same Justices, New Court
New York Times reporter Linda Greenhouse reviews the 2003-2004 term of the U.S Supreme Court and observes the "invisibility of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist." It's not that he is expected to retire -- he just hired clerks for the 2005 term. Instead, she writes, "the court’s center of gravity has moved away from him."
New York Times reporter Linda Greenhouse reviews the 2003-2004 term of the U.S Supreme Court and observes the "invisibility of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist." It's not that he is expected to retire -- he just hired clerks for the 2005 term. Instead, she writes, "the court’s center of gravity has moved away from him."
The Wrong 'Why' for U.S. Invasion
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorial board states that the Senate report on intelligence issued in July suggests that "America waged war against another country on erroneous pretense."
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorial board states that the Senate report on intelligence issued in July suggests that "America waged war against another country on erroneous pretense."