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.

Christian Conservatives Have A Very Selective Memory Of Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan wasn’t really much a of a “Christian Conservative.”

Newt Wins, CNN Loses, The Battle Of Charleston

It was another good night for Newt Gingrich in Charleston last night.

Citizens United And The SOPA/PIPA Blackout: Why The First Amendment Matters

Some questions for opponents of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United.

Why Rick Perry Failed

We won’t have Rick Perry to kick around anymore.

Should Presidential Candidates Be Expected To Release Their Tax Returns?

There’s no law requiring Presidential candidates to release their tax returns. Should they be expected to do it anyway?

Mitt Romney’s Offshore Bank Accounts

At least some of Mitt Romney”s investment money sits in offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands. Does it matter?

South Carolina Tightens As Newt Gingrich Surges

The race in South Carolina is going down to the wire.

Think You Know Who Won The Iowa Caucuses? Think Again

A recount in Iowa has changed the final numbers, but we really don’t know who won.

SOPA/PIPA Blackout Protests Lead Co-Sponsors To Jump Ship

Members of Congress are responding to the protests against SOPA and PIPA by withdrawing their support for the bills.

Obama Administration Rejects Keystone XL Pipeline

The Obama Administration has halted, for the moment, a pipeline project that has become a political football.

Time For Real Campaign Finance Reform

Mitt Romney made a suggestion about how to fix our campaign finance system. It’s a good idea.

Mitt Romney’s Unforced Tax Return Error

Mitt Romney has a bit of a tax return dilemma.

First Legal Challenge Filed To Obama’s Recess Appointments

The first shot in a Constitutional showdown has been fired.

Wikipedia To Go Dark Wednesday To Protest Online Piracy Bills

Wikipedia’s English language site will be offline for 24 hours tomorrow to protest two controversial online piracy bills.

Ron Paul Steps In It In South Carolina

Once again, Ron Paul showed last night why he could never win the Republican nomination.

Republicans Clash In The Battle Of Myrtle Beach

Mitt Romney’s rivals scored a few hits on him last night, but nothing that’s likely to make a difference.

US Capitol Rotunda US Capitol Rotunda

Congress More Futile And Unproductive Than Ever

The first year of the 112th Congress has set a new record for futility.

Evangelicals Not United Behind Santorum After All

It seems that Saturday’s vote by evangelical leaders in favor of Rick Santorum was less than meets the eye.

Andrew Sullivan: What Obama’s Critics On The Left And Right Are Missing

Conservatives are rejecting Andrew Sullivan’s Newsweek essay out of hand, but they ought to pay attention to what he’s saying.

Mitt Romney Surges In National Polls

Republicans are rallying behind their eventual nominee.

Jon Huntsman To Drop Out Of Presidential Race

Not surprisingly, it’s the end of Huntsmania

Perry, Gingrich Appeal Ruling Keeping Them Off Virginia Ballot

Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich are appealing the ruling that they cannot get on the Virginia ballot. Their argument doesn’t amount to much.

Mitt Romney Gives Money To Unemployed Woman At Campaign Stop

Charity? Or campaign stunt? Does it matter?

How The Tea Party Lost The 2012 Republican Primaries

After having so much influence in 2010, the Tea Party is finding itself adrift in the search for a Republican nominee in 2012.

Republican Race In South Carolina Tightens

Things are tightening up among the Republican candidates in the Palmetto State.

Would Americans Be Healthier If They Spent More On Food?

Are their cultural reasons for America’s obesity problem?

$4.00 Per Gallon Gas By Spring? Bye Bye Economic Recovery?

Higher gas prices in the spring could have an impact on the economy, and the election.

Federal Judge Rejects Rick Perry’s Ballot Access Lawsuit

Not surprisingly, Rick Perry’s effort to get on Virginia’s primary ballot via litigation has failed

Tim Tebow: It’s Just A Football Game

Tim Tebow has been at the center of a culture war battle, but he seems to have a more balanced view of the whole thing.

The Right Must Abandon The “Obama Is Evil” Meme

If the Right clings to the belief that President Obama isn’t just wrong, but evil, it will likely end up handing the election to him.