Where do the candidates stand on modern biology?

Ronald Bailey, Reason’s science correspondent, took on an interesting project this week: documenting where every major-party presidential candidate stands on evolutionary biology. Oddly enough, this has taken on far more political significance this election cycle than the last two. It started back in May, in one of the more memorable debate moments of the year, […]

A novel approach to ending legally dubious wiretaps

Ever since we learned about the Bush administration’s legally dubious efforts in conducting warrantless surveillance of Americans, people concerned with civil liberties, limited government, and checks and balances have wondered how to restrain the White House’s power grab. Oddly enough, I suspect no one thought of this novel approach. Telephone companies cut off FBI wiretaps […]

Santorum: McCain can’t win

National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez argued yesterday, “I don’t see how [John McCain] wins the Republican nomination. I’m second to none in praising him on his surge leadership. But on a whole host of issues — including water boarding, tax cuts, and the freedom of speech — he’s not one of us.” Now, it’s become […]

Thursday’s campaign round-up

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: * Apparently, it’s not just John Kerry. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), who is up for re-election this year, also announced his support for Barack Obama, as did Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.). * For […]

What a Bloomberg/Unity agenda might look like

According to several news outlets, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has launched a “research effort” to determine whether he’d be a viable third-party presidential candidate in November. The mayor has reportedly been eyeing “early March as a timetable for making a decision.” All of this, of course, comes just a few days after Bloomberg […]

John Kerry to endorse Barack Obama

I’m generally skeptical of the notion that candidate endorsements, even from big-name figures, translate to a significant number of votes. But this one is nevertheless pretty interesting. Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), the Democratic Party’s 2004 presidential nominee, will endorse Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president in South Carolina today, Democratic sources told Politico. Kerry […]

What ‘buddy system’?

Hillary Clinton chatted with CBS’ Katie Couric yesterday, and made a comment about what helped give her a boost in New Hampshire. “This is the toughest job in the world. I was laughing because you know in that debate, obviously Sen. Edwards and Sen. Obama were kind of in the buddy system on the stage. […]

‘Senator Hothead’ the wrong guy to ‘raise the level of political dialog’

Of all the candidates to talk about civility in the political discourse, John McCain is probably the most ridiculous. But he apparently sees which way the winds are blowing, so the Arizona senator is giving it a shot, hoping desperately that reporters play along and ignore his record. ABC News’ Bret Hovell Reports: Sen. John […]

And then there were three — Richardson to bow out

It won’t be official until later today, and there’s some question about whether his campaign will officially end or simply be “suspended” indefinitely, but it appears that Bill Richardson is poised to withdraw from the Democratic presidential race. Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico is pulling out of the presidential race, after coming in fourth […]

Wednesday’s Mini-Report

Today’s edition of quick hits. * Bloodshed in Baghdad: “Six American soldiers were killed and four wounded in a house rigged with explosives during an operation in Baqouba, the U.S. military told NBC News on Wednesday. The soldiers were clearing the house when a huge blast killed the six — the largest single loss of […]