Should We Let 16 And 17 Year Olds Vote?
After success in Scotland, it may be time to consider allowing at least some teenagers to vote.
Posts by Doug Mataconis
About Doug Mataconis
Doug Mataconis held a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May 2010 and contributed a staggering 16,483 posts before his retirement in January 2020. He passed far too young in July 2021.
Chief Justice Roberts: Neither Scalia Nor Ginsburg Could Get Confirmed Today
Chief Justice Roberts lamented recently that an increasingly partisan confirmation process could mean that Justices who have contributed much to the Court would not be confirmed today. He’s right.
Catalonia Secession Movement Moves Forward
Despite seeing the effort fail in Scotland, Catalans say they intend to move forward with their own independence effort.
Justice Ginsburg Lifts The Curtain On How The Court Might View The Same-Sex Marriage Cases
Justice Ginsburg had some interesting things to say about the same-sex marriage cases headed to the Supreme Court.
Despite Abuse Scandals, The NFL Remains As Popular As Ever
A new poll indicates that NFL fans plan to keep watching despite the recent domestic abuse scandals.
Federal Probe Of Bridgegate Finds No Connection To Christie
A Federal investigation of lane closures on the George Washington Bridge appears to vindicate Governor Chris Christie.
Scots Reject Independence, But The United Kingdom May Never Be The Same
The United Kingdom will stay united, but it may never be the same again.
Kansas Supreme Court Rules Democratic Candidate’s Name Must Be Removed From Senate Ballot
The Kansas Supreme Court may have just upended the battle for control of the U.S. Senate
Apple Strikes A Blow For Privacy
A recent change by Apple is good news for advocates of privacy and civil liberties in the Internet Age.
Americans View Both Major Parties Equally, Which Probably Helps The GOP
The GOP has bounced back significantly from the lows it experienced after last year’s government shutdown.
Compact Discs Still Rule The Japanese Music Business
A nation known for adopting new technology is behind the rest of the world in one interesting way.
Obama Must Be Honest About The Possibility Of American Ground Troops In His War Against ISIS
President Obama is still insisting that his war against ISIS will not require American ground troops. He’s not being honest with the American people.
Good News For GOP, Bad News For Obama In Latest CBS/New York Times Poll
President Obama hits new job approval lows, while the GOP seems poised for success in November,
On Eve Of Vote, Anti-Independence Forces Have Slight Lead In Scotland
It’s all over but the voting in Scotland.
Obamacare Fading As A 2014 Campaign Issue
The Affordable Care Act is playing almost no role in the midterm elections.
We May Not Know Who Controls The Senate Until January
A number of factors unique to 2014 make it likely that control of the Senate could be up in the air for months after Election Day.
Kansas Supreme Court Appears Prepared To Allow Democrat Chad Taylor To Get Off Ballot
Kansas’s highest court heard argument today in a legal dispute that could play a huge role in deciding who controls the Senate after November 4th.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Doesn’t Rule Out U.S. Ground Troops In ISIS Fight
So much for the President’s promise about ‘no ground troops.’
Race For Senate Control Tightening
Republicans still have an advantage, but Democrats seem to be holding their own in the battle for Senate control.
Iran And The U.S. On The Same Side Against ISIS?
Iran and the United States are on the same side in the fight against ISIS, whether they like it or not.
Time To Get Rid Of The Star Spangled Banner?
After 200 years, Francis Scott Key’s most famous work may have outlived its usefulness..
Mike Huckabee Leads In Iowa, And That Shows What’s Wrong With The Iowa Caucuses
The fact that a candidate like Mike Huckabee could win the Iowa Caucuses is the reason to end the Iowa Caucuses.
President Obama’s Misplaced Trust In The “Moderate” Syrian Rebels
After keeping his distance from them for three years, President Obama is placing much misplaced hope in the “moderate” Syrian rebels,
7th Circuit Allows Wisconsin Voter ID To Stay In Effect
A set back for opponents of Voter ID in Wisconsin.
Obama’s Anti-ISIS Coalition Seems To Exist Only In His Mind
Despite the President’s assurances of an international coalition, the rest of the world doesn’t seem all that interested in joining the fight.
Obama’s Flimsy Legal Case For War
The Obama Administration’s legal justification for war against ISIS is laughably flimsy.
Before We Go To War Against ISIS, We Need To Answer Some Questions
If the President is going to increase American involvement in the Middle East, he needs to address some fundamental questions first.
N.C.A.A. Lifts All Of Its Sanctions Against Penn State
Well, that punishment didn’t last for very long.
Congress Ready To Abdicate Its Responsibility On Attacks Against ISIS
Congress seems ready to avoid having to vote on expanded attacks against the Islamic State
Scottish Independence Becoming More Likely?
With just nine days to go, it’s anyone’s guess how the Scottish Independence vote will turn out.
Federal Judge Voids Changes In Ohio Early Voting Law In A Troubling Decision
A Federal Judge in Ohio has issued a very troubling ruling on that state’s early voting law.
Obama To Delay Action On Immigration Reform Until After Election
For purely political reasons, the Administration is delaying the announcement of new executive action on immigration.
Airman Reportedly Denied Reenlistment For Failing To Say ‘So Help Me God’
It would appear that someone needs to introduce the Air Force to Article VI of the Constitution.
Seventh Circuit Strikes Down Indiana And Wisconsin Bans On Same-Sex Marriage
Another Federal appellate Court has struck down state law bans on same-sex marriage, but the only thing that matters now is the Supreme Court.