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.

The GOP’s Debt Ceiling Gamble

By choosing to go it alone on a debt ceiling plan, the GOP is taking a big risk.

Debt Talks Break Down As Both Parties Go Separate Ways

The debt talks in Congress are moribund now, and both sides are working on their own versions of a plan, again.

Pawlenty-Bachmann War Heats Up

The two Minnesotans in the Presidential race are starting to trade barbs.

Is The Left Losing Patience With Obama?

Some on the left are upset with the President, but does it really matter?

Debt Ceiling Kabuki Theater Update

It hasn’t been a very productive weekend in Washington, D.C.

The Mack Truck Sized Hole In The GOP’s Balanced Budget Amendment

The House GOP’s proposed Balanced Budget Amendment contains the seeds of its own utter worthlessness.

In Defense Of Chris Christie And Rahm Emanuel

Chris Christie and Rahm Emanuel are being criticized for the brusque manner they handled questions about their children’s education.

U.S. Government Sells Chrysler Stake, Losses Higher Than Reported

On paper, the U.S. lost $1.3 billion on the Chrysler bankruptcy, but the true cost is far higher than that.

Debt Talks Break Down (Again) As Boehner Walks Away

It wasn’t a good day for the debt ceiling negotiations.

Capitalism, Creative Destruction, And The End Of Borders Books

Borders Books is closing, because the free market works.

Rick Perry On The Rise Before He Even Enters The Race

He’s not in the race (yet), but Rick Perry is already a top-tier 2012 candidate.

Virginia’s Budget Surplus: Fiscal Success Story, Or Fiscal Fraud?

It’s very easy to create a “balanced budget” when you cook the books.

Pennsylvania Family Court Orders Father To Delete Blog Critical Of Ex-Wife

Does a family court have the authority to tell a parent to delete a blog critical of his ex-wife?

Tim Pawlenty In Hot Water Over Use Of “Miracle On Ice” Footage

A new Tim Pawlenty television ad is raising copyright issues rather than, as intended, bringing back memories of the 80s.

Gary Bauer’s Absurd Attempt To Convince Libertarians To Oppose Same-Sex Marriage

A social conservative attempts to argue that same-sex marriage is a threat to liberty, and fails miserably.

NASA Dawn Returns Images Of Vesta Or, The Space Program Is Not Dead

Reports of the death of the space program are greatly exaggerated.

On Debt Deal, Americans Want Compromise Not Grandstanding

Three new polls provide a warning to both sides of the debt negotiations, but mostly to Republicans.

With President Obama’s Backing, Senate Takes Up Repeal Of DOMA

It won’t go anywhere this year, but after 15 years someone is finally trying to repeal a bad law.

Will Michele Bachmann’s Migraines Become A Campaign Headache?

Speculation about Michele Bachmann’s health continues.

Iowa Caucuses In December? Our Broken Primary Scheduling System

Once again, the primary scheduling race is getting ridiculous.

Gang Of Six Resurrecting The “Grand Bargain”?

The Gang of Six is back together. And they have a plan.

Evidence Of Prosecutorial Misconduct In Casey Anthony Trial

Even if Casey Anthony had been convicted, there’s a good chance she would have won on appeal.