Support for center-right bipartisan government is both misleading and dangerous. It fails to address the problems of the economically stressed, gives them no reason to vote, and could render the Democrats irrelevant.
Congress
Posted inAmerica and the World
Taking Liberties: The New Assault on Freedom
Freedom is falling out of fashion all across the political spectrum, and new moves by Congress and the courts threaten basic liberties.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Mississippi Waltz
While the House Republican leadership imploded after the 1998 elections, the Senate majority leader kept a low profile. Despite his reputation as a conservative ideologue, Trent Lott is a big-money pragmatist—some would say an opportunist.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Memo on Presidential Transition
A presidential scholar’s still–timely confidential transition memo to candidate John Kennedy, dated September 15, 1960.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
The Pork Barrel Objection
It’s a problem, but there are ways to minimize it.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Electoral Detox: A Twelve-Step Cure for Donor Dependency
“Hi, I’m Congressman Bob, and I’ve got a problem. I’m hooked on campaign contributions.” That should be the first step.
Posted inEconomic Policy
The Kindest Cut
Of three tax relief plans on the congressional table, only one significantly benefits middle-class families.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Why America Will Adopt Comprehensive Health Care Reform
As costs rise and incremental reforms fail, the chances increase for a comprehensive, single-payer system of national health insurance.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
The Pragmatic Road Toward National Health Insurance
The politically plausible path to universal coverage is an approach that builds on employer-provided health coverage, caps costs, and stringently regulates insurers.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Why Save the Banks? The Ambivalent Liberal’s Guide to Reform
Liberals may find it difficult to muster sympathy for bankers, but there are compelling reasons to strengthen banking. Reforms should help restore the banks’ profitability, while coupling new powers with stronger supervision to curb abuses.