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.

Former Aides Say Ron Paul Signed Off On Racist Newsletters

Yet more revelations about Ron Paul’s newsletters.

GDP Growth 2.8% In 4th Quarter: Not Great, Not Good, Barely Okay

Another weak GDP report that portends stagnation ahead.

Jurassic Newt

The Birthers Go Down To Georgia

You thought the birthers went away? Silly you.

Romney Fights, Gingrich Falters In Final Florida Debate

It was another big night for Mitt Romney. A night that may just have helped him lock up the Florida Primary.

Heading Into Crucial Debate, Romney Has Florida Momentum

Right now the situation in Florida is Advantage: Romney. But, will it last after tonight’s debate?

Is There An American Cultural Divide?

Have Americans divided themselves into what are becoming increasingly different cultures?

Moon Base Newt

Wait until you hear about Newt Gingrich’s new out of this world idea.

Romney And Gingrich Neck And Neck In Florida

It’s pretty much a dead heat in Florida between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.

Egypt’s Unfinished Revolution

One year later, Egypt’s revolution remains unfinished.

The American Public Is Not SEAL Team Six

Last night’s State Of The Union Address contained another unfortunate example of the prevalence of militaristic rhetoric in domestic politics.

Mitch Daniels Gets The Worst Job In Politics

Mitch Daniels got the unenviable task of responding to the State Of The Union Address last night.

What Newt Gingrich Really Thought Of Ronald Reagan

He may be praising Ronald Reagan now, but Newt Gingrich was singing a different tune in the 1980s.

Newt Gingrich Apparently Can’t Debate Without His Cheering Section

Newt Gingrich was wondering where his audience was last night.

Federal Judge Orders Defendant To Reveal PGP Password To Law Enforcement

A Federal Judge deals with the clash between individual rights, law enforcement, and technology.

Mitt Romney’s Misleading Claims About The United States Navy

Mitt Romney is making claims about Naval readiness that are, at best, misleading.

Mitt Romney’s Tax Returns: Much Ado About Very Little

The reaction to the release of Mitt Romney’s tax returns is about what you’d expect.

Obama’s Second Term Would Be Neither Groundbreaking Nor A Calamity

The truth about a Second Obama Term is that it likely wouldn’t be all that remarkable.

Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney Clash In Subdued Tampa Debate

Monday’s debate in Tampa was a far more subdued affair than what we saw last week.

Mitt Romney: A Perfectly Manufactured Nothing?

Is there any there there?

Supreme Court Rules That GPS Tracking Is A Search, But That’s About All

The Supreme Court issued a somewhat muddled ruling on GPS tracking today.

Gingrich Leads In Two New Florida Polls

It’s Day One of the Battle For Florida.

The Myth Of Newt Gingrich The Great Debater

Conservatives seem to believe that Newt Gingrich can beat Barack Obama merely by debating him. They are delusional.

Why iPhones Aren’t Made In America

It’s not just low wages that have kept technology manufacturing jobs out of the United States.

Joe Paterno Dead At 85, Family Confirms

After a depressing and sad end to a storied career, Penn State’s legendary JoePa has passed away.

Newt Gingrich Wins South Carolina, Republican Race In (Temporary) Chaos

Last night, South Carolina was Gingrich Country.

newspaper newspaper

Bad Journalism, Or A Reason Not To Have Private Conversations In Public?

Should journalists report things they happen to overhear in a public place?

Iowa GOP Declares Santorum Caucus Winner As Iowa Beclowns Itself

This year’s Iowa Caucuses stand as Exhibit A for an argument against Iowa being first in the nation.

Palmetto State Preview

The polls are open in the South Carolina.

John King’s Question To Newt Gingrich Was Fair, And Newt’s Past Is Fair Game

Getting to the heart of last night’s moment of kabuki theater.

Mitt Romney Is Still The Inevitable Nominee

Mitt Romney has stumbled this week, and may pay for it tomorrow, but he’s still the only candidate with a realistic chance to win the Republican nomination.