When Republicans express dismay over public disappointment with the economy, it’s generally indicative of how out of touch the party really is. When the New York Times does the same thing, it’s just odd. In many ways, the economy has not looked so good in a long time…. But Republican candidates do not seem to […]
In May 2005, Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) raised a few eyebrows when, during a debate on the “nuclear option,” he compared Democrats’ approach to Bush’s judicial nominees to Adolf Hitler in Paris in 1942. Some of the cooler heads among us argued that Santorum was not necessarily drawing a moral parallel; he was only using […]
This seems entirely out of character for the president. President Bush said yesterday he’s “astounded” by some of the astronomical salaries that corporate CEOs collect and thinks companies should rethink the practice. “I don’t think government should control salaries, but I would hope shareholders would take a close look at some of these compensation packages […]
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: * In Tennessee’s closely-watched Senate race a new Mason-Dixon poll shows Bob Corker (R) with a very narrow lead over Rep. Harold Ford (D), 45% to 43%. It’s a subtle shift in Corker’s […]
When critics of the Bush White House talk about the president having undermined our national prestige and moral authority, this is exactly what we’re talking about. Several governments around the world have tried to rebut criticism of how they handle detainees by claiming they are only following the U.S. example in fighting terrorism, the U.N. […]
One of the biggest topics among conservative bloggers the past several days is a video, broadcast last week by CNN, that shows insurgent snipers in Iraq shooting at U.S. troops. The right is nearly apoplectic about this, and this week, they’re getting support from Republican members of Congress. The anger seems misplaced, and in an […]
Perhaps conservatives are confused, so let me remind them — people generally feel sympathy for those with physical disabilities. Mocking and threatening them is rarely a good idea. The president recently approached a Florida voter in a wheelchair by saying, “You look comfortable.” He followed this up by mocking a reporter with a visual impairment. […]
Both parties generally want to expand their base of support by appealing to independent voters, but this year, with just two weeks to go before Election Day, it’s not even close — independents are backing Dems in huge numbers. Two weeks before the midterm elections, Republicans are losing the battle for independent voters, who now […]
Today’s edition of quick hits. * What, exactly, does a candidate do with $387,000 in “petty cash” just a few days before a major primary election? * Bob Novak has a clever way of downplaying the significance of his friends losing in Congress. He told an audience yesterday, “I would make the argument that this […]
A few days ago, Claire McCaskill unveiled a powerful, emotional ad in her Senate race in Missouri against Sen. Jim Talent (R). It’s a straightforward piece featuring Michael J. Fox, clearly feeling the effects of Parkinson’s disease, highlighting Talent’s opposition to stem-cell research. It’s a little painful to watch, but it’s a stark reminder of […]