I’ve been fascinated by the various reactions to Bush’s second inaugural, particularly from the right, where the opinions were hardly unanimous. But two conservative responses, from sycophantic supporters of Bush, stood out for me in their inanity. First up is U.S. News & World Report’s Michael Barone, who wrote a column emphasizing Bush’s line: “By […]
Though doubts persisted, it seems Dems, particularly in the Senate, have learned how to make the most of their status as the opposition party. Trying to show that they remain a force despite their reduced numbers, Senate Democrats on Monday threatened new hurdles for President Bush’s cabinet choices and expressed deep misgivings about the planned […]
NBC snuck a camera into some of the inaugural balls paid for by corporate cash and found the kind of routine corruption that hardly raises an eyebrow anymore. We caught up with Rep. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who was talking to a lobbyist for telephone company MCI. “Nothing wrong with a few corporate sponsors,” said Rep. […]
Bush’s address to the “March for Life” on the National Mall yesterday raised a couple of interesting problems for the president, one substantive, the other political. The speech insisted, for example, that the anti-abortion movement is making progress under his leadership. “The America of our dreams, where every child is welcomed in law — in […]
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s embrace of victimhood suggests the guy has lost touch with reality. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said Saturday that people of faith should not fear being viewed by “educated circles” as “fools for Christ.” The justice was in Baton Rouge, La., to address the Knights of Columbus Council 969 centennial […]
If I were one of the 477 members of the party who could vote for the next DNC chairman, I’d support Simon Rosenberg. That said, I’m starting to think the panic over Howard Dean’s chances is getting ridiculous. [W]ith the DNC meeting approaching on Feb. 12, party insiders have been conducting an urgent, so far […]
Usually, the Republican Party’s “marriage” to the religious right movement is one of convenience. Lately, it’s become increasingly inconvenient for both. The GOP’s base is frustrated because the party has ignored most of the movement’s initial, post-election demands — Arlen Specter was confirmed as the Judiciary Committee chairman with unanimous GOP support, the new co-chair […]
International observers of American politics are sometimes afraid that the president is a war-mongering simpleton. Other times they’re afraid he worships Satan. President George W. Bush’s “Hook ’em, ‘horns” salute got lost in translation in Norway, where shocked people interpreted his hand gesture during his inauguration as a salute to Satan. That’s what it means […]
It’s been about four years since people were engaged on this story, so indulge me for a moment as I offer a quick review… Then-governor George W. Bush was called for jury duty in October 1996. Bush and his aides turned it into a minor public relations opportunity, showing how Bush was prepared to do […]
It should hardly come as a surprise to anyone, but Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman is hosting a party event today to salute opponents of abortion. In an email to party activists over a week ago, the party wrote: “Please join Ken Mehlman … as we honor those who march for the Right to […]