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.

Obama Administration Invokes “State Secrets” Defense In Assassination Lawsuit

The Obama White House is asserting that the President has the authority to issue assassination orders against American citizens, and that no Court has the authority to review his decision. If that doesn’t worry you, it should.

Feds Seek Broad Authority To Wiretap Internet Communications

If the Obama Administration gets it’s way, your secure Internet communications won’t really be all that secure.

The Fox News Primary

More than ever before in the past, Fox News Channel will be the exclusive medium through which many of the candidates for the 2012 Republican nomination communicate with the public. And that’s a problem.

New Study Projects Big Gains For GOP From Redistricting

A new projection of Congressional reapportionment shows a dramatic shift to traditionally Republican states in the South and Southwest.

Kentucky Senate Race Tightening ? Maybe Not

A newly released poll on the Kentucky Senate race may not be an accurate measure of what’s actually going on in that race.

Poll: Just 38% Think Obama Deserves To Be Re-Elected

If the 2012 election were held today, President Obama would be in serious trouble. Luckily for him, he has two years to go.

Recession Over ? Most People Don’t Think So

The numbers tell us we’re not in a recession, but the public thinks otherwise.

U.N. To Appoint Obscure Scientist As Official “First Contact” Representative

If the United Nations has its way, E.T. will be meeting an obscure Malaysian astrophysicists if he arrives.

The Unfortunate Return Of Dick Morris

After several years in the wilderness, Dick Morris has returned as a Fox News analyst and, bizarrely, adviser to several Republican candidates for Congress.

Death Of The Salesmen

Thanks to the Internet, there are a lot more Willy Lomans out there.

Federal Judge Orders Flight Nurse Discharged Under DADT Be Reinstated

While Congress continues to refused to act, another Federal Judge has struck a blow against the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

Trust In Congress Hits All-Time Low, Both Parties Despised

Public trust in Congress is at an all time low, again, and the public doesn’t trust either party to fix things.

Wealthiest Woman In Britain Tries To Get Poverty Funds

Apparently, riding in a gilded carriage with footmen does not preclude one from seeking welfare funds in the United Kingdom.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: 9/11 Truther

If it’s September, it must be time for Mahmoud Ahmadinjad to stand up before the United Nations General Assembly and say something completely insane.

Too Hot For Sesame Street ?

Apparently, Katy Perry’s dress was deemed too revealing for public television.

Democrats Punt On Tax Cut Extention

The Democratic Party seems to have decided that the best way to begin the final leg of the midterm election campaign is with a legislative cave-in of epic proportions.

Liberal Blogger Accuses White House Of “Hippie Punching”

The relationship between the Obama White House and the progressive blogosphere isn’t very good right now, and it’s a preview of what is likely to happen on the right if the GOP gets back in power.

Are We Run By A**holes ?

Blockbuster Goes Bust

Blockbuster is trying to reorganize itself, but it’s probably too late.

Yes, It Looks Like Sarah Palin Is Going To Run For President

Yet more signs that Sarah Palin is quietly positioning herself for the opening moves of a White House run after the mid-term elections are over.

House Republicans Unveil Underwhelming “Pledge To America”

In 1994, it was the Contract With America. In 2010, it’s the Pledge To America. But does it really mean anything regardless of what it’s called ?

Marijuana Legalization Initiative Leading In California Polls

This November, California could become the first state in the nation to completely legalize the possession and sale of marijuana. And the battle over the ballot initiative is having an impact on other statewide races.

Obama: “We Can Absorb A Terrorist Attack”

What’s so wrong with saying that America will survive even if al Qaeda manages to hit us again ?

Woodward Book Reveals There Is No Plan In Afghanistan

According to a new book from Bob Woorward, American policy in Afghanistan is the result of a decision making process that can only be described as chaotic at best.

From The Office Of Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R., GA): “All Faggots Must Die”

A staffer for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss left a threatening slur on an Internet discussion of the right of gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military.

Senate Fails To Invoke Cloture On Defense Bill, DADT Repeal

The effort to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell suffered a setback in the Senate today that likely delays any further moves on the issue until after the midterm elections.