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.Would Romney Spend The Nation Into Debt To Increase Defense Spending? Yes, He Would
Left with a choice between their hawkish foreign policy and their supposed commitment to fiscal conservatives, Republicans will, without fail, spend the nation into debt.
Foolishly, Republicans Open Attack On Obama On Foreign Policy
Today’s convention activities will include the opening salvos of an attack on the President’s foreign policy. This strikes me as a mistake.
Second Quarter Growth Revised Slightly Upward, Still Below 2%
Economic growth is the key to fixing many of our problems. Unfortunately, we’re not likely to see the kind of growth we need any time soon.
Jeb Bush To Republicans: Stop Being Stupid On Immigration
Jeb Bush continues to speak the truth on the GOP’s position on immigration issues. Sadly, his fellow Republicans aren’t listening.
Navy SEAL’s Book Disputes Official Account Of Bin Laden’s Death
A new book by one of the Navy SEALs involved in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden differs significantly from the official version put forward by the government.
Time Of Get Rid Of Political Conventions?
The political convention we know is a 19th Century relic. It’s time to modernize it and make it a lot shorter.
Political Conventions In The Era Of The National Security State
Security at the Republican Convention in Tampa looks more like a war zone than a political convention in a democratic republic.
MRIs As Lie Detectors?
Will an MRI of your brain someday be able to tell if you’re lying? And, if it can, should it be admissible in Court?
Republicans Call For Crackdown On Porn
The Republican Party has apparently solved all of the nation’s real problems and decided it can waste time on nonsense.
Who Is Thursday Night’s Mystery Convention Speaker?
“To Be Announced” has a prime speaking slot late in the Thursday program.
What The Heck Is Wrong With The Republican Party?
As its convention begins, one has to wonder what has happened to the Republican Party.
GOP Convention Remains Under Threat From Isaac
As Isaac bears down on the Gulf Coast, will the Republican Convention be even further impacted?
Isaac Could Rival Hurricane Katrina
Though still just a Tropical Storm, Isaac has the potential to be as dangerous as Hurricane Katrina.
Romney Campaign Reportedly Planning ‘Aggressive’ Campaign Against Obama
The Romney Campaign is reportedly planning a more aggressive campaign against the President for the fall.
Isaac Demonstrates Why Political Conventions In Late August Are A Dumb Idea
Tropical Storm Isaac won’t be as much of a danger to Tampa as feared, but it’s still having an impact. That’s all because of bad scheduling ideas.
Was Obama’s ‘Afghan Surge’ A Failure?
To much fanfare, President Obama announced a shift in Afghan War policy in December 2009. There’s little evidence it’s worked.
Day One Of Republican Convention Canceled Due To Isaac
For the second Presidential election cycle in a row, a tropical storm has resulted in the postponement of the first day events at the Republican National Convention.
Because Bill Clinton Is Popular, And George W. Bush Is Not
One of these men is going to his party’s convention, the other is not. The reason why is rather obvious.
The Empire State Building Shooting And The Appropriate Use Of Force
The fact that yesterday’s shooting at the Empire State Building resulted in nine civilians being injured by police bullets raises several questions.
Todd Akin Controversy Exposes Rift Inside The GOP
The fallout from Todd Akin’s rape comments on Sunday has exposed a rift in the Republican Party.
GOP To Change Rules For 2016 Primaries And Beyond
The GOP is set to approve rules changes that will impact the 2016 primaries, and beyond. They’re a good start.