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.
Support For Eliminating Electoral College Hits Two-Decade Low
Notwithstanding the election results, support for eliminating the Electoral College is at a 20-year low.
Senate Democrats Look To Be On The Defensive In 2018
As things stand, Democrats will have a hard time winning back control in the Senate in 2018.
Another General In Trump’s Cabinet
Three of the top four national security positions in Donald Trump’s Cabinet will be filled by retired Generals. This isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Trial In Walter Scott Shooting Ends In Hung Jury, Mistrial
Despite a video that clearly shows what appears to be cold-blooded murder, the trial of a South Carolina cop who shot an African-American man in the back while he ran away ended in a hung jury. Fortunately, this isn’t the end of the road.
Solid November Jobs Growth Seems To Guarantee Higher Interest Rates In December
Another month of solid but not spectacular jobs growth seems to guarantee that the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates this month.
Nancy Pelosi Beats Back Challenge For Leadership Of House Democrats
To the surprise of nobody who paid attention, Nancy Pelosi won re-election as leader of the House Democrats.
Trump Announces He Will ‘Leave His Business,’ But Provides Few Details
Donald Trump says he will ‘leave his business,’ but is providing very few details and continuing to leave the impression that he will enter office with more conflicts of interest than any previous President in American history.
Donald Trump Opposes Flag Burning, Supports Burning The Constitution
Donald Trump resurrects an old debate and desecrates the Constitution in the process.
French Center-Right Party Picks Presidential Candidate
The players are almost completely set for France’s 2017 Presidential elections, and the choice seems likely to come down to center-right candidate Francois Fillon and Marine Le Pen, France’s Donald Trump.
Obama And Biden Will Skip Castro’s Funeral
Neither President Obama nor Vice-President Biden will attend Fidel Castro’s funeral.
Donald Trump Falsely Claims He Won The Electoral Vote By A Landslide
Donald Trump claims he won an Electoral College landslide. This is a bald-faced lie.
Donald Trump Claims ‘Illegal Voting’ In Three States He Lost
Now Donald Trump is alleging that the 2016 Election was tainted by ‘illegal voting,’ even though he won!
India And Pakistan Exchange Fire In Kashmir
As America prepares for a Presidential transition, an old conflict with a history of turning dangerous rears its head.
Mitt Romney Said To Be Top Contender For Secretary Of State
Mitt Romney and Donald Trump became bitter rivals for the soul of the GOP in 2016, but Romney appears to be at the top of Trump’s list for the nation’s top diplomat.
America To Trump: Delete Your Account
Most Americans wish Donald Trump would stop tweeting. Good luck with that.
Trump Backs Away From Idea Of New Clinton Email Investigation, Prosecution
Trump backs away from yet another campaign promise.
The Coal Industry Is Dying, And It Isn’t Coming Back
Canada is phasing out coal as a source of electricity production by 2030. The same thing will happen in the United States no matter how much politicians try to stop it.
Angela Merkel To Seek Fourth Term As German Chancellor
Political change coming to Germany? Or more of the same.
Rand Paul Speaks Out Against Potential Trump Nominees
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul is speaking out against several of President-Elect Trump’s proposed Cabinet nominees.
Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Senate Over Merrick Garland Nomination
A Federal Judge has dismissed a lawsuit that tried to make an end-run around the Senate and put Merrick Garland on the Supreme Court.
Vice President-Elect Pence Visits Broadway, Gets A Post-Performance Message
Mike Pence’s night at the theater included a message from the cast. Good for them.
Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions Picked For Attorney General
Alabama’s Jeff Sessions will become the nation’s top law enforcement officer. That’s not a good thing.
Retired General Michael Flynn Tapped For Trump’s National Security Adviser
A controversial retired General has been tapped to be President-Elect Trump’s top White House foreign policy voice.
Key Republican Senators Come Out Against Elimination Of The Filibuster
Senior Republican Senators are throwing cold water on the idea of eliminating the filibuster.
Was Bernie Sanders The Ralph Nader Of 2016?
One professor is suggesting that Bernie Sanders played a role in 2016 similar to the one that Ralph Nader did in 2000. It doesn’t pass even cursory examination.
