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.
After Election Losses, Democrats Battle For Some Top Leadership Positions
In what seems like a replay of the primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, some top Democratic Party leadership positions may be in jeopardy.
Secretary Of State Rudy Giuliani?
A surprising name is emerging as the likely pick for the nation’s top diplomatic position.
Hillary Clinton Blames Her Loss On The Director Of The F.B.I.
In a call to supporters, Hillary Clinton blames her loss on F.B.I. Director James Comey
No, The Democratic Party Is Not ‘Decimated’
Reports of the demise of the Democratic Party have been greatly exaggerated.
Federal Judge Suggests Charleston Shooter Dylann Roof May Not Be Competent To Stand Trial
The Federal Judge presiding over Dylann Roof’s murder trial suggested late last week that Roof may not presently be competent to stand trial. This does not mean that he’ll be set free, though.
Hillary Clinton Supporters Have A Foolish And Unworkable Idea To Overturn The Election Result
Some Hillary Clinton supporters have a foolish and unworkable “plan” to steal Trump’s victory in the Electoral College. They should abandon it.
Chelsea Clinton Being ‘Groomed’ For Congress, Reports Say
No, the Clinton dynasty isn’t dead just yet.
Leonard Cohen, Legendary Singer, Songwriter, And Poet, Dead At 82
Another great loss for music in what has been a difficult year.
Trump And Obama Continue A Long And Important Tradition
Despite resentments, power will transition peacefully from President Obama to President Trump. We should be thankful for that rather than protesting it.
Richard And Pat Nixon Predicted The Trump Presidency
Did Richard Nixon have knowledge of the future?
California, Two Other States, Legalize Recreational Marijuana
The fight for marijuana legalization advances in California.
Republicans Maintain Control Of Senate
Defying the odds, Republicans held on in several traditionally Democratic states to keep control of the Senate.
Donald Trump Defies Pollsters, Pundits, And The Odds To Become 45th U.S. President
Defying the odds and the polls, Donald Trump triumphed over Hillary Clinton to become the 45th President of the United States.
Federal Jury Orders Rolling Stone To Pay $3 Million In University Of Virginia Case
A Federal Jury orders Rolling Stone to pay up.
Bill Maher’s Mea Culpa
With Donald Trump on the ballot, Bill Maher regrets some past words. He shouldn’t be the only one.
A Final Look At The Polls
With just one day to go, Clinton’s paths to victory continue to look far more realistic than Donald Trump’s.
Janet Reno, First Female Attorney General, Dies At 78
Janet Reno, who served as Attorney General for nearly all of the Bill Clinton Administration, has died at 78.
F.B.I. To Congress: Never Mind
F.B.I. Director Comey tells Congress that it’s investigation into new emails revealed no information to change its conclusions about Hillary Clinton and her email server.
Anyone But Trump
Even if you’re not sure who you should vote for, it’s obvious who you shouldn’t vote for.
California, Four Other States, Set To Vote On Marijuana Legalization
If polls are any indication, voters are set to legalize marijuana in five more states on Tuesday.
Former Chris Christie Aides Convicted In Bridgegate Trial
Two of Chris Christie’s closest aides were convicted in the criminal trial resulting from the ‘Bridgegate’ scandal.
Rolling Stone Loses Defamation Suit In University Of Virginia Rape Case
Journalistic malpractice has real consequences.
Electoral College Wargames And Paths To Victory
A look at the Electoral College shows that It is far more likely that Hillary Clinton will win the election than that Donald Trump will.
October Jobs Report Shows Resilient Jobs Growth
Another month of resilient, but not noteworthy, jobs growth.
Cubs Break 108 Year Old Drought, Win World Series
A drought that began when Theodore Roosevelt was President has finally come to an end.
Your Ballot Selfie May Or May Not Be Legal
Depending on what state you live in, taking a picture of your ballot and yourself on Election Day may or may not be legal.
Bush Family Member Says Bush 41 And 43 May Vote For Clinton
Are these the faces of Clinton voters? George P. Bush thinks so.
I’m A Political Junkie, But 2016 Has Burned Me Out
I’ve been something of a political news junkie for 40 years now. This year has burned me out.
With One Week To Go, The Presidential Race Tightens But Clinton Still Has The Advantage
Seven days from now, millions of Americans will be headed to the polls. So far at least, Hillary Clinton is still the front runner.
Early Polling Shows Little Impact From Additional Revelations About Clinton Email Investigation
For now at least, it looks as though last week’s email news is having little impact on the state of the race for President.
Early Voting Seems To Favor Democrats
Early voting is favoring Democrats in a wide variety of swing states.
Supreme Court To Decide Case Involving Transgender Student’s Use Of Bathroom
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving Federal law and the rights of transgender students.
F.B.I. Investigating New Emails That May Or May Not Be Connected To Hillary Clinton
A late Friday news dump by the Director of the F.B.I. has thrown a confusing curve ball into the race.
Would Senate Republicans Really Block Any Supreme Court Nomination Hillary Clinton Makes?
Two Republican Senators are exchanging barbs over the idea that the GOP should block any attempt by Hillary Clinton to nominate anyone to the Supreme Court if she becomes President.
Initial G.D.P. Reports Show Stronger Growth In The Summer
Initial reports for the third quarter show strong economic growth during the summer;
Joe Biden For Secretary Of State?
According to reports, Vice-President Biden is on a Clinton campaign short list for Secretary of State.
GOP Committee Chair Says Investigations Will Continue If Hillary Clinton Becomes President
Get ready for more hearings if Hillary Clinton becomes President.
Down-Ballot Republicans Campaigning As If Clinton Has Already Won
Republican candidates for the Senate and House are campaigning on the argument that they will be a bulwark against a Clinton Presidency.