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.

Economy Adds Jobs, But Recovery Still Weak

September’s jobs report was better than expected, but still not very good.

Elizabeth Warren’s Flawed Social Contract

Elizabeth Warren has a deeply flawed view of our social contract.

There Really Is A Death Panel

We’re learning more about the Obama Administration’s decision to kill Anwar al-Awlaki

Alabama Immigration Law Causing Produce To Rot In The Fields

Another case of the law of unintended consequences.

Sarah Palin Is Not Running For President

Sarah Palin is out for 2012

Farmers Finding Few Americans Willing To Do Jobs Immigrants Do

It turns out there are some jobs immigrants will do, but Americans won’t

Obama’s Populism At Odds With His Path To Re-Election

The partisan crowds like President Obama’s populist rhetoric but it seems ill-suited for his re-election strategy.

#OccupyWallStreet: A Protest, Or A Temper Tantrum?

The Occupy Wall Street protests look more like a temper tantrum than a substantive protest movement.

The End Of The Draft

Herman Cain Rising: New Frontrunner, Or Flash In The Pan?

Is Herman Cain for real, or is this rise int he polls just another boomlet destined to fade away?

Chris Christie Makes It Official, Again: He Isn’t Running

After three weeks of speculation, we’re back where we started.

Obama Answers Reagan’s Question

In an interview, President Obama says that Americans are worse off than they were four years ago.

Further Signs Of Trouble For Rick Perry In ABC News Poll

Rick Perry continues to slip in the polls.

The Rick Perry Hunting Lodge Story: A Trivial Distraction?

What was written on a rock outside of a hunting lodge in Texas 30 years ago doesn’t really matter all that much.

Rick Perry’s Bad Rollout

The first two months of Rick Perry’s campaign are a good example of why it helps to start a Presidential campaign early.

The Incoherent Agenda Of Occupy Wall Street

Judging them by their own manifesto, the Occupy Wall Street protesters are pretty silly people.

Rick Perry Faces Criticism Over Hunting Lodge With Racially Tinged Name

Why does what was painted on a rock 30-odd years ago matter today?

The Death Of Anwar Al-Awlaki And The Imperial Presidency

Giving the President the unchecked power to kill American citizens raises some serious red flags.

Terrorist Plot, Or Homeland Security Theater?

When the FBI essentially creates a terrorist in order to arrest him, have we really accomplished anything?

Chris Christie And Other Weighty Issues

Chris Christie’s weight has become a political concern, apparently.

Christie Now Allegedly “Seriously Considering” Presidential Race

And, the week closes out with another round of rumors about New Jersey’s Governor.

No Evidence GOP Voters Are Dissatisfied With 2012 Field

Despite what the media keeps saying, there’s no real evidence that GOP voters are dissatisfied with the 2012 field.

Chris Christie Too Fat To Be President?

Can someone who doesn’t look like a GQ model make it in politics anymore?

Is A Politician Who “Flip-Flops” Really A Bad Thing?

Mitt Romney is still being dogged by charges of changed positions. Now, he’s trying to spin that as a good thing.