Political Science

So let me see if I get this right. If I understand the new budget deal correctly, the Republicans got the spending cuts they wanted without any tax increases, and all Obama got was an increase in the debt limit large enough that it won't need to be raised again until 2013. (I'm ignoring the 12-member "super-congress" that will make future proposals for balancing the budget … [Read more...] about Obama Sold Out

Sad news, everyone: Former Drug Czar William Bennett has himself fallen victim to the curse of drug abuse. At least that's the only explanation I can think of for his absurd pro-Trump editorial on CNN.com: Proving he is willing to call 'em as he sees 'em, and not following the traditional advice for prospective candidates that it's not a good idea to anger your audience, he … [Read more...] about When You Think Authenticity, You Think Trump?

A couple of years ago, shortly before the 2008 elections, some people were making fun of undecided voters for being stupid: How could anyone not tell the difference between Barack Obama or John McCain after 20 months of campaigning? How could anyone not know which one they thought would make a better president? At the time, I wrote a defense of undecided voters premised on the … [Read more...] about Decision In the Face Of Deception

I just found this video of Bill Maher's commentary on Jon Stewart's "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear." It's a bizarre mix of a few good points and a lot of partisan hackery, so I thought I'd add some commentary. And, really, Bill Maher just makes me feel like ranting. With all due respect to my friends Jon and Stephen, it seems to me that if you really wanted to come down … [Read more...] about Bill Maher v.s. Sanity

I don't follow politics as much as I probably should, but the Republicans advances in this election, including retaking the House of Representatives, appear to have been the result of voter dissatisfaction with the economy, jobs, and government spending. To a political simpleton like me, this implies that the Republican controlled House will therefore focus their … [Read more...] about And Now It Begins…