The very idea that a person could literally be put to death for converting from one faith tradition to another is a human-rights nightmare. But from a purely political perspective, the fate of Abdur Rahman may prove to be a different kind of problem for the Bush White House. The Bush administration stepped up pressure […]
It’s official, Ben Domenech has resigned. In the past 24 hours, we learned of allegations that Ben Domenech plagiarized material that appeared under his byline in various publications prior to washingtonpost.com contracting with him to write a blog that launched Tuesday. An investigation into these allegations was ongoing, and in the interim, Domenech has resigned, […]
Whenever the White House is asked if the president’s dwindling public support will prove to be a liability for Republican candidates, the Bush gang dismisses the idea out of hand. As proof, they point to the president’s long list of invitations from GOP candidates nationwide, all of whom are anxious to have the president help […]
The Bush White House has become quite fond of “signing statements,” in which the president explains what he thinks of a bill as he signs it into law. Reagan popularized the tool in the ’80s, issuing 71 signing statements. Clinton had 105. George W. Bush passed the 500 mark a few months ago — despite […]
Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers: * Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calif.) is still struggling in his re-election efforts, according to the latest Rasmussen poll. The results show Schwarzenegger trailing both of his Dem rivals — State Comptroller Steve Westly […]
Knight Ridder had a terrific item last night on one of my favorite subjects: “Republican fatigue.” Brian Wareing has been a Republican all his life. But ask him how his party has done running the federal government and his complaints pile up: Immigration. Spending. Trade. He’s had enough. He won’t vote for a Democrat in […]
This week, for the first time, the president subtly acknowledged that U.S. troops would be in Iraq through the end of his presidency, and decisions about troop withdrawals “will be decided by future Presidents.” Bush’s comments were particularly well received by those who disagree with his handling of the war, but for me, one critic […]
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe it’s the 21st century and teachers in too many communities are still instructed to suppress modern science. In the fall of 2004, I received an e-mail from an old friend back in Arkansas, where I was raised. She was concerned about a problem her father was having at work. “Bob” […]
In case you missed it yesterday, former First Lady Barbara Bush generously donated to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, but included a fairly specific request with her contribution. Former first lady Barbara Bush donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund with specific instructions that the money be spent with an educational software […]
A couple of weeks ago, Republicans thought it was so hilarious that Rep. Harold Ford, a Dem Senate candidate in Tennessee, enjoyed nice hotels and amenities, that they created a borderline-racist website called “Fancy Ford.” The GOP response was that Ford’s race was irrelevant — they just wanted to mock Ford for his preference for […]