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.
Romney, Bachmann Lead GOP Field, Obama Leads All GOP Candidates
For the moment, the GOP race looks like a race between Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann, which should make Romney happy
Even If There’s No Default, There Will Still Be Pain
The idea that we can avoid the consequences of failing to raise the debt ceiling is patently absurd.
Where Are The Rational People In The Debt Ceiling Debate?
The participants in the debt negotiations are being led by constituencies that have little interest in compromise.
Why Do We Even Have A Debt Ceiling Law?
Based on its history, the debt ceiling law may be the most pointless statute in the entire U.S. Code.
The Final Flight Of Atlantis And The Future Of Space Travel
A space shuttle lifted off for the last time on Friday, and some people seem to think its the beginning of the end of America.
Some Tax Breaks Are Middle Class Welfare
Do people who take advantage of tax breaks get a “government benefit”?
Obama Still Trying To Sell GOP On “Grand Bargain” Debt Deal
It was a largely fruitless weekend in the debt negotiations.
Chances Of Long Term Debt Deal Collapse Amid Mutual Recrimination
It’s still politics as usual in Washington.
Dead Children Make For Bad Laws: The Case Against “Caylee’s Law”
The result in the Casey Anthony case is leading, inevitably, to a host of new proposed laws.
Is Washington Fighting The Wrong Economic War?
While unemployment remains stubbornly high, Washington is spending its time fighting over the budget deficit
Tim Pawlenty: Michele Bachmann Hasn’t Really Accomplished Much In Congress
Tim Pawlenty took aim at Michele Bachmann yesterday but will he keep up the attack?
White House To America: Pay No Attention To Those Bad Economic Numbers
The White House would really appreciate it if you didn’t pay attention to all that bad economic news.
White House Rejects “14th Amendment Option” On Debt Ceiling
The White House has apparently rejected using a tortured interpretation of the 14th Amendment to deal with the debt ceiling debate.
June Jobs Report Disastrously Disappointing
Judging by the June jobs report, there’s no economic recovery coming in the near future.
The GOP Is Now Controlled By Its Conservative Base
More than any other time in the past, the GOP is now firmly under the control of its most conservative members.
Putting Calorie Counts On Restaurant Menus Doesn’t Accomplish Anything
Not surprisingly, people still order that big juicy cheeseburger even after being told it contains over 1,000 calories.
