My biggest concern with presidential debates, not only in 2011-12, but for at least the last eight years, has been the frivolity of many
Category: Politics
Can we please spare our candidates from the triviality?
Recently there was a little spat in New Hampshire between CNN correspondent Dana Bash and presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX). For years, I have
A new approach to democracy — Americans Elect 2012
Occupiers, Tea Party members, actually most Americans feel that somehow our democracy is not working. The ultimate goals that each of us want certainly
Bill Moyers is back from retirement with a new TV show: Moyers & Company
After 20 months of retirement, Bill Moyers, now 77, will return to PBS with a new show called “Moyers & Company.” It will premiere
2012 candidates flunk secularism test
No one will be surprised to learn that many in this year’s crop of presidential candidates think it’s perfectly great—no, essential—to mix religion with
The wrong candidate is right [sort of]
I disagree with Ron Paul on almost everything. Almost. His views on government [he basically says it should have virtually no role in our
Who Am I? 2011 Newsmakers photo quiz
Now, class, who has been paying attention to the news this year? Class? Class? Anyone? Bueller? If you have, this little quiz will be
George McGovern didn’t win, but he changed the Democratic Party
During the fall of 2011, C-SPAN ran a series called “The Contenders.” The Contenders were candidates who ran for president and lost. Some came
What do Congressional staffers earn?
Angling for a behind-the-scenes staff job on Capitol Hill? If so, you’re probably curious about what salaries are like in the capital of the
What’s the word of the year for 2011?
Newspapers, linguists, politicos, magazines and blogs are always looking for end-of-year hooks for stories. One perennial favorite is to choose—unilaterally, or via a poll