Posts by Doug Mataconis

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.

The Coming End Of Checks

Once ubiquitous, checks are disappearing as a means of payment.

Virginia GOP Picks Ed Gillespie To Run Against Mark Warner

The establishment wins one in Virginia, but that’s unlikely to help the GOP in November

The Right Way To View The Bowe Bergdahl Deal

Trying to make some sense out of a week of outrage.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Wisconsin’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Another legal victory for marriage equality.

At Normandy, Obama Continues A Tradition That Reagan Started

For the fourth time in 30 years, an American President spoke at Normandy to honor a day of sacrifice and triumph.

US Capitol Rotunda US Capitol Rotunda

Michelle Obama For Senate: Serious Speculation, Or Just Classic Political Trolling?

A Reuters political blogger has set tongues wagging about the possibility another First Lady might run for the U.S. Senate.

Maybe It Should Have Been Easier For Bowe Bergdahl To Get Out Of Combat

If someone had seen the signals, perhaps Bowe Bergdahl never would’ve wandered off base and gotten captured.

A Mostly Good Jobs Report, And A Milestone Finally Passed (Sort Of)

The May Jobs Report was fairly good, and it marks the end of a jobs recession that started six years ago. But things aren’t entirely rosy.

Why It Matters That Obama Didn’t Follow The Law In The Bergdahl Release Deal

Good intentions and good results aside, the President’s disrespect for the Rule Of Law should concern everyone.

Tiananmen Square 25 Years Later

After two and a half decades, the images of June 4, 1989 resonate with many, unless you happen to live in China.

Yes, We Do Negotiate With Terrorists

Contrary to the oft-repeated slogan, the United States has negotiated with terrorists before. And we will do it again.

Does The World Really Think Less Of The U.S. Due To Obama’s Foreign Policy?

There’s little evidence for the conservative contention that the President has damaged America’s position in the world.

California GOP Turns Against The Tea Party

Another victory for the GOP establishment in its battle against the Tea Party.

GOP Primary In Mississippi Heads Toward Runoff

Down to the wire in Mississippi.

Did Obama Violate The Law With The Bergdahl Release? It Sure Seems Like It

Good intentions aren’t an excuse for failure to follow the law.

Army Will Investigate Desertion Charges Against Bowe Bergdahl

It’s good that Bowe Bergdahl is free, but questions remain about how he went missing that need to be answered.

No, It’s Not Time For A New War On Booze

A supposed conservative calls for massive increases in taxes on alcohol.