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.
For A Guy Who Says He Likes The Constitution, Rick Perry Sure Wants to Change It A Lot
In the book he released last year , Rick Perry advocated far reaching changes to the Constitution.
Jon Huntsman Goes On The Attack
Jon Huntsman is not going to be the Republican nominee in 2012, but he seems ready to carve out a niche for himself.
Chris Christie: Climate Change Is Real, Human Activity Contributes To It
The climate change deniers aren’t going to like what Chris Christie has to say.
Panetta: At Least Some Non-Combat Troops Will Remain In Iraq After 2011
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta gave the strongest signal ever that there will be some U.S. military presence in Iraq after December 31st.
Revised Deportation Policy Focuses On Violent Criminals, National Security Threats
Under new policies, deportation efforts will be concentrated on people who pose a threat to society. It’s a sensible policy, so of course it’s being denounced.
Birth Of A Bad Blog Meme Or, Why Are Some People Laughing At “Green Aliens”?
It pays to read a scientific study before commenting on it.
If It’s August, It Must Be Time For Fake Outrage Over The President’s Vacation
President Obama is back on Martha’ Vineyard for a ten-day vacation. The usual suspects are upset.
Rick Perry: Evolution Just “A Theory That Is Out There”
Like Jon Huntsman, Rick Perry has something to say about evolution today and he handled it very differently.
Rick Perry’s Crony Capitalism
Rick Perry’s vision of capitalism doesn’t exactly comply with what Adam Smith had in mind.
U.S. Calls For Assad To Step Down In Syria, But Options Are Limited
The U.S. and its allies are calling on Bashar Assad to step down, but there’s little we can do when he says no.
Americans To The White House: It’s (Still) The Economy, Stupid
President Obama’s job approval numbers are even worse when you just look at the economy.
Michele Bachmann’s Plan For $2.00 Gas: Another Great Recession?
Michele Bachmann is promising $2.00 gas. Not surprisingly, she has no idea how to achieve this seemingly impossible goal.
Chris Christie Reconsidering A Presidential Run?
Is Chris Christie reconsidering his previous statements about not running for President? More importantly, why are so many Republicans still dissatisfied with the field?
Rasmussen: Perry 29% Romney 18% Bachmann 13%
The first poll in the wake of Michele Bachmann’s victory at Ames and Rick Perry’s entry into the race shows a brand new frontrunner
Sarah Palin’s Media Paranoia Victimizes An Innocent Reporter
Sarah Palin’s paranoia about the media was on full display during her recent visit to Iowa.
Rick Perry Issues Mea Culpa On Mandatory HPV Vaccine Program
Rick Perry has walked back his support for mandatory HPV vaccination but the broader issue still remains.
Paul Krugman’s Cure For Economic Woe: An Alien Invasion
According to Paul Krugman, what the American economy needs is for a bunch of space aliens to invade us.
Hundreds Of Miles Apart, Romney And Perry Trade Barbs
It’s Rick Perry’s second day on the campaign trail, and he’s already trading barbs with the guy at the top of the field.
Does Ron Paul’s Strong Showing In Ames Matter? No
Does Ron Paul’s second place showing at Ames mean the media should take him seriously as a contender? No, it doesn’t.
Michele Bachmann And The “Submission” Question: Byron York Was Right
On reflection, the nature of Marcus Bachmann’s influence over his wife is indeed a legitimate question in a political campaign.
Rick Perry v. Michele Bachmann: Is It Even Really A Contest?
Rick Perry will need to get past Michele Bachmann before he takes on Mitt Romney. But, really, how hard could it be?
Virginia School District Bans Sherlock Holmes Book
The desire to shield children from controversy has led another school district to ban a classic novel.
