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.

Is Same-Sex Marriage Now A Wedge Issue For Democrats?

Is support for marriage equality now an issue that can benefit Democrats at the polls?

Yes, College Is Worth It (If You Graduate)

While it’s been much derided in recent years, there’s a definite economic benefit to obtaining a college degree,

All U.S. Troops Will Be Out Of Afghanistan After 2016, Most Will Be Out By December

An imperfect timetable, but better than nothing.

Is Compromise Possible In The Gun Debate?

The tragedy in Santa Barbara will. inevitably, revive the same old gun debate. But can it ever evolve beyond shouting?

What Next For Ukraine?

They’ve got a new President, but there’s still much to do.

Supreme Court Quietly Revises Opinions With Little Notice To The Public

The Supreme Court, subject to revision.

Meet Egypt’s New Military Dictator

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is a name we’re likely to be seeing in the news for some time to come.

NYC School Labels 66-Pound Girl ‘Fat’

According to the New York City Public Schools, this girl is fat.

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48% Of Americans Don’t Care Who Controls Congress

Public cynicism about politics at its very best.

Nigeria Delaying Search For Missing Schoolgirls

The search for more than 200 missing Nigerian schoolgirls is not going well, and part of the blame lies with the Nigerian government.

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Federal Judge Orders Cong. John Conyers Placed Back On Ballot

One of the longest serving Members of Congress just got his political career saved.

Tennessee Brings Back The Electric Chair

Tennessee makes an unfortunate return to the past.

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Fifty Senators Call On N.F.L. To Change Redskins Name

Once again, Washington politicians are pontificating about the Washington Redskins.

Brian Schweitzer Hits Hillary Clinton Over Wall Street Ties

A prairie populist challenger for Hillary Clinton?

Thailand’s Army Stages Military Coup

Another civilian government falls in Thailand.

House Science Committee Has Investigated Aliens More Than It Has Investigated Climate Change

Not much science from the Congressional Committees devoted to science.

Pennsylvania Will Not Appeal Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

And Pennsylvania makes it 19.

Europe’s Far Right Finds A Friend In Putin

The European far right has found a friend in an unlikely place.

David Perdue, Jack Kingston Advance To GOP Senate Runoff In Georgia

A victory for the GOP Establishment in Georgia.

Mitch McConnell Soundly Defeats Tea Party Challenger In Kentucky GOP Primary

A big loss for the Tea Party, and a big win for Mitch McConnell,

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

Yet another Federal Judge has struck down a state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The Midterms And The Economy: Bad News For Democrats?

Republicans are winning with voters on the issues they say they care the most about.