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.

Blaming Dallas For Kennedy’s Assassination

Don’t blame Dallas, or 60s era Texas conservatism, for what happened in Dallas 50 years ago,

What Voter Suppression?

Do Voter ID laws really suppress voter turnout? The evidence from at least one state doesn’t prove it.

When Is Obama Going To Fire Somebody?

It is clear the President has been failed by those under him. So, when is someone going to pay the price?

Is President Obama’s “Administrative Fix” Even Legal? Probably Not

The Imperial Presidency didn’t start with Barack Obama, but his PPACA “fix” does much to expand it into questionable new territory.

China Relaxes One Child Policy

China’s Communist Party has announced a significant change to the nation’s infamous “One Child” policy.

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Obama Introduces “Administrative Fix” That May Create More Problems Than It Solves

A contrite President Obama offered a “fix” for one of the biggest problems that the PPACA has created.

Governors Only For President?

A top House Republican suggested today that only Governor’s should be President. His argument has both practical and historical merit.

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Democrats On Capitol Hill Starting To Get Very Nervous About Obamacare

Congressional Democrats are not very pleased with the White House right now.

Obamacare October Enrollment Numbers Fall Far Short Of Goal

As expected, the enrollment numbers for Obamacare are far below where they were expected to be.

Healthcare.gov May Not Be Fixed By November 30th

With just over two weeks today, rumors are starting to float out that the efforts to fix the Federal Exchange website may not be done in time.

Democrat Mark Herring Leads Virginia Attorney General’s Race by 163 Votes

The next Attorney General of Virginia will be named Mark. And that’s about all we really know at this point.

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Congressional Job Approval Hits Record Low

Once again, pretty much everybody hates Congress. However, it’s unclear if that will matter come Election Day.

Roughly 40,000 People Have Enrolled In Obamacare To Date

Things don’t seem to be going well for the Affordable Care Act.

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The Amazon Deal Won’t Save The USPS By Itself, But It’s A Start

Amazon’s new deal with the USPS offers a way out of the agency’s problems if only Congress would give up its last bit of control.

60 Minutes Retracts, Apologizes For, Erroneous Benghazi Report

A story that has turned into a partisan kickball and some bad journalism have resulted in a celebrated news program getting considerable egg on its face.

The F.D.A.’s Misplaced War On Trans Fats

The FDA is declaring war on trans fats. That’s a bad idea on many levels.

17 Votes Separate Candidates In Virginia Attorney General’s Race

The margin in the Virginia Attorney General’s race is, quite literally, razor thin.

Deal On Iranian Nuclear Program Falls Apart, And That’s Mostly Not A Good Thing

Thanks largely to France, this weekend’s efforts to reach an interim deal on Iran’s nuclear program fell apart.

Another Federal Court Strikes Down PPACA Birth Control Mandate

A second Federal Court of Appeals in a week in two weeks has ruled the PPACA’s birth control mandate is unconstitutional.

McConnell Fires A Shot Across The Bow Of The Tea Party

When it comes to the unfolding conflict inside the GOP, Mitch McConnell seems to have fired an opening shot.

Hawaii About To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage: What A Difference 20 Years Makes

The state where the same-sex marriage battle began is just days away from legalizing same-sex marriage.

Progress On Iran Nuclear Deal?

Signs of some progress in the talks over Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

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With Republican Help, ENDA Passes Senate

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act passed the Senate yesterday but it’s unlikely to go much further.

Is Prayer At The Start Of A Legislative Session Constitutional?

Do prayers opening legislative sessions violate the First Amendment? The Supreme Court is set to decide that issue.