The Washington Post’s Dan Froomkin raised a point today that can’t be emphasized enough. It has less to do with the merit of Bush’s plan to privatize Social Security and everything to do with how he’s pitching it to the nation. As Froomkin explained perfectly, we’re dealing with a president who is only willing to […]
Compared to Social Security, budget deficits are easy. The government spends x and takes in y. If x is bigger than y, you have a deficit. But as is often the case with the Bush White House, it’s not that easy. The president has been promising America for over a year that he’s committed to […]
There were a few lingering questions about Howard Dean’s efforts to become chairman of the DNC that led many, including me, to believe he may not be the ideal choice for the job. Near the top of the list was the fact that he made so many enemies during his presidential campaign a year ago. […]
One of the lessons Dems took away from the 2004 elections is the significance of fighting for party principles while emphasizing our “values.” It might seem that the far right, which laments what it sees as a breakdown in the importance of values, would be thrilled to hear both parties embrace language that characterizes policies […]
There are a million of these articles, but let’s just take a look at the one that appeared today in The Hill. House and Senate Democrats have decided against introducing an alternative Social Security reform plan yet, preferring instead to focus attention and criticism on President Bush’s proposals, according to a number of senior Democratic […]
I suspect Howard Dean didn’t intend to kill off Dems’ interest in gun control once and for all, but he’s played a surprisingly large role in making it happen. It started during the presidential campaign. Dean made no secret of opposition to new federal gun control laws, or his “A” rating from the National Rifle […]
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s ambition for the White House is hardly a secret, but the rumors and widely-held beliefs are quickly becoming stated facts. Although Gov. Bill Richardson has been coy since last November’s election about whether he plans to run for president in 2008, he has told party leaders he will run, according […]
You’ve probably already seen the amusing explanation Bush offered over the weekend of his Social Security scheme, but I think the exchange is more than just another example of the president struggling to say what’s on his mind. The event was in Tampa, home to more than a few senior citizens who like Social Security […]
For anyone interested, I’ll be doing a nationally-syndicated radio show this afternoon, talking about the recent Iraqi elections, the State of the Union address, the era of accountability, and what’s on the political horizon. The show is “Culture Shocks,” hosted by the always-great Barry Lynn. I’ll be on from 5 to 6 Eastern. (Regular readers […]
Just when it seemed responsible parties across the country were opening the door to important reform in the way congressional lines are drawn, some southern Republicans are looking to abuse the process. Again. Let’s take a step back and look at political history for a moment. Every state legislature in the Union takes up redistricting […]