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.
The Disappearing Oval Office Address
The Oval Office Address, once a common tool of the Presidency, has been in declining use of late.
George Zimmerman Found Not Guilty On All Charges
George Zimmerman was acquitted on all charges by a Florida jury late Saturday night.
Iowa Supreme Court Affirms You Can Be Fired For Being Too Attractive
If you’re too sexy for your job in Iowa, your boss may be able to fire you.
Texas Senate Passes Abortion Bill
Texas has become the latest state to attempt to restrict abortion rights, and North Carolina isn’t far behind.
Obama Job Approval On Foreign Policy Hits Low In New Poll
President Obama is losing public support in the one area where he’s generally had broad support from the public in the past.
House GOP Rejects Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Likely Killing Any Reform
The latest House GOP pronouncements on immigration reform make it exceedingly unlikely that any bill will pass this year.
Did The Egyptian Military Set Morsi Up To Fail?
Certain aspects of Egyptian civic life have improved rapidly in the wake of the military coup, raising at least some questions about the events leading up to it.
More Trouble For Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
The drip, drip, drip in Richmond is turning into a flood.
Sarah Palin For Senate?
Sarah Palin hinted about running for Senate in Alaska. Most likely, she’s once again just teasing her supporters.
Harry Reid To Make Another Attempt At Filibuster Reform?
Harry Reid is supposedly making another run at filibuster reform.
Frustration With Karzai Pushing Obama Toward “Zero Option” In Afghanistan
Frustrations with the mercurial leader of Afghanistan may increase the pace of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Legal Fight Against Same-Sex Marriage Moves To The States
The marriage equality battle is entering its next phase.
Can Rick Perry Be A Viable Candidate In 2016?
Could Rick Perry recover from his disastrous 2012 campaign to become a viable candidate?
Privacy Group Petitions Supreme Court Over FISA Court
A privacy rights group has filed a Petition with the Supreme Court regarding recent actions by the FISA Court.
Eliot Spitzer Plots Return To Politics With Run For NYC Comptroller
Is 2013 the year of second acts in American politics? Eliot Spitzer seems to be the latest disgraced politician to hope that it is.
Flying On A Plane Is Safer Than It Has Ever Been
Despite yesterday’s tragic events in San Francisco, flying by plane remains the safest way to travel.
Who’s In Charge Of The FISA Court? John Roberts, And Apparently Just John Roberts
Chief Justice Roberts is the only person who gets to say who sits on the FISA Court.