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.

John Boehner Admits That Congress Lacks The Votes To Stop A Nuclear Deal With Iran

Congress can’t really do anything to stop a nuclear deal with Iran, and John Boehner knows it.

Hillary Clinton’s Tenure At Foggy Bottom Could Be A Campaign Liability

Far from being a positive, Hillary Clinton’s time as Secretary of State provides ample material for those who would attack her over the next eighteen months.

Baltimore Under Siege

Just over a week after a death at the hands of police that remains incredibly suspicious, Baltimore is the sight of violent riots.

Once Again, It’s The Eve Of History At The Supreme Court

Tomorrow promises to be an historic day at the Supreme Court, but it’s been a long legal, political, and social battle.

American Politics Has Become Horrible, Predictable, And Utterly Boring

Even for political junkies, the thrill seems to be gone.

Nerd Prom Is Broken, But So Is Our Political Culture

It’s time for another White House Correspondent’s Dinner, and it’s going to be just as atrocious as the last one. But, the dinner isn’t the real problem.

Republicans Largely Out of Step With The Rest Of America On ‘Religious Freedom’ Laws

Another poll shows that Republicans are largely out of step with public opinion on the question of whether businesses should be free to refuse to provide services for same-sex weddings.

Ted Cruz And Steve King Are Attacking The Rule Of Law In Defense Of “Traditional Marriage”

Ted Cruz and Steve King think the Court should be prevented from hearing any case involving same-sex marriage. Because they know they’re losing.

Marco Rubio’s Supposed Expertise On Foreign Policy Leaves Much To Be Desired

Marco Rubio is often described as one of the GOP’s leaders on foreign policy, but a close look reveals a decided lack of substance.

Senate Republicans Preparing To Fix Obamacare If SCOTUS Strikes Down Subsidies

Senate Republicans are working on legislation to fix the PPACA’s subsidies if the Supreme Court rules against the Federal Government in June.

After Railing Against Loretta Lynch, Ted Cruz Misses The Vote On Her Confirmation

For months, Ted Cruz said the nomination of Loretta Lynch must be blocked. Then, he failed to show up when the Senate voted on her nomination.

Hillary Clinton May Be Her Own Worst Enemy

Hillary Clinton’s political and personal baggage is likely to be a bigger problem for her than whomever her Republican opponent ends up being.

Two Hostages, Including One American, Killed In Raid On Al Qaeda Targets

An attack on al Qaeda outposts in January resulted in the death of two hostages, but also resulted in the death of two high value al Qaeda targets.

Marco Rubio Rises To The Top Of The GOP Field In New Poll

Less than two weeks after entering the race, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is at the top of the GOP field in a new poll.

China Warns U.S. About North Korea’s Nuclear Arsenal

Chinese analysts are telling their American counterparts that North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is far more sophisticated than previously believed.

61% Of Americans Support Same-Sex Marriage, According To A New Poll

As oral argument in the Supreme Court gets closer, a new poll finds public support for same-sex marriage at it’s highest level yet.

Hillary Clinton Faces New Revelations About Questionable Donations To Clinton Foundation

A new report ties undisclosed donations to the Clinton Foundation to a Russian company’s acquisition of controlling interest in a major uranium mining company.

Carly Fiorina To Enter Race For President On May 4th

Former Hewlett Packard CEO, and failed Senate candidate, Carly Fiorina will be running for President for some reason.

House Benghazi Committee Won’t Release A Report Until 2016

Not surprisingly, the Select Committee established by House Republicans to investigate something that has already been investigated multiple times, will be in operation well into the Presidential Election season.

Scott Walker Is Now Apparently Against Legal Immigration Too

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is now appealing to the worst aspects of economic populism on the right.

New Study Finds No Link Between Autism And Childhood Vaccination

Yet another study has found no link between autism and childhood vaccines. However, that’s unlikely to mean the end of the anti-vaccination movement.

Supreme Court Limits Ability Of Police To Use Routine Traffic Stops To Search For Drugs

In a 6-3 vote that defied traditional expectations, the Justices have limited the ability of police to detain people on the side of the road for long periods of time.

Questions About Foreign Donations To Clinton Foundation Could Dog Hillary’s Campaign

New allegations regarding foreign government donations to the Clinton Foundation seem likely to become a campaign issue.

Republican Race Remains Tight, Clinton Continues To Dominate General Election Polling

The GOP race remains tight, but some candidates have benefited from their entry into the race more than others. Overall, though, Hillary Clinton continues to dominate.

FBI Admits Its Forensic Experts Gave False Testimony In Hundreds Of Cases

An elite FBI Forensics unit gave flawed and false testimony in cases over a period that lasted more than 20 years.

How FDR’s Death Changed The Nature Of The Vice-Presidency

Seventy years ago, Harry Truman became President in the final months of a war. He wasn’t prepared for it, but most Vice-President’s after him have been.

It Looks Like Lindsey Graham Is Running For President

And the fun part is that his main motive for running appears to be the opportunity to troll Rand Paul.

Yes, Mike Huckabee Is (Probably) Running For President

After declining to run in 2012, Mike Huckabee’s entry into the 2016 race seems fairly certain.

Have Republicans Given Up In The Fight Against Obamacare?

Five years after it became law, the Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act appears to be over.

161 Days Later, The Senate Still Hasn’t Voted On Loretta Lynch’s Nomination

The confirmation of a new Attorney General has been held up nearly six months for what amounts to no legitimate reason.

Chris Christie’s Reefer Madness

When it comes to marijuana policy, Chris Christie is stuck in the past.

Parents Of Youngest Victim Of Boston Marathon Bombing Call For Tsarnaev’s Life To Be Spared

The parents of the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombing argue that his killer should be spared from the death penalty.

On Foreign Policy, Jeb Bush Would Be Another George W. Bush

Like nearly all of his fellow Republicans, Jeb Bush has adopted the disastrous foreign policy views that typified his brother’s Presidency.