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.
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The Big Lie Of The 2012 Election

Both candidates are telling the public that they can change the way Washington works. They’re both setting themselves up to be the source of major disappointment.

Today’s Outrage Of The Day: “Decapitated” George W. Bush In `Game Of Thrones’

A year old, seconds-long, scene from a show on HBO has apparently become the latest cause for outrage.

Egypt’s Highest Court Dissolves Parliament, Is Another Round Of Chaos Coming?

A new ruling from Egypt’s highest court has set in motion a chain of events that could end very badly.

Obama Losing Support Among New York Jews? Or, More Statistical Noise?

Several conservatives are touting a poll that purports to show a 22 point drop in support for Obama by Jewish voters in New York. Is it believable?

Problems For Obama Among Blacks In North Carolina? Don’t Believe The Poll

A new poll purports to show the President losing 20% of North Carolina’s African-American vote to Mitt Romney. Don’t Believe It.

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Should Congress Hold Eric Holder In Contempt?

If the Department of Justice does not fully comply with Congressional subpoenas, then there seems to be no alternative other than holding the Attorney General in contempt.

There’s No Evidence The Death Penalty Deters Crime

There is no evidence that the Capital Punishment works.

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Signs Our Government Is Broken: The Judicial Vacancy Problem

As of today, there are 75 vacant Federal Judgeships, including one that has been open for seven years.

Jeb Bush: Reagan And My Father Have No Place In the Modern GOP

How would modern Republicans treat Ronald Reagan and his Vice-President?

Will Obama’s Gaffe On The Economy Matter In November?

The President’s comment that the private sector is “doing fine” continues to be a topic of discussion.

Life Inside The Bubble

Do Americans have any idea how different their lives are from the rest of the humanity?

Who’s On The Democratic Bench For 2016?

If not Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden, who might the Democrats have to choose from in 2016?

Why Has Public Approval Of The Supreme Court Declined?

Public opinion of the Supreme Court has declined in recent years. But It’s not because of anything the Court did.

Infrastructure Projects And Economic Stimulus

Are infrastructure projects the key to turning around the economy? Not really.

No Mr. President, The Private Sector Isn’t Doing Fine

The President seems to think the private sector is doing fine. He couldn’t possibly be more wrong.

Suicides Surging Among American Troops

After a decade of war, suicides are surging among American troops.

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Bill Clinton’s Bizarre Walk Back On Tax Cut Extensions

Bill Clinton walks back his comments about extending the Bush Tax Cuts in the most unbelievable manner possible.