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.

A Contrarian View Of The New Black Panther Case

One conservative argues that the “scandal” over the New Black Panther Party’s alleged voter intimidation is a tempest in a teapot.

Federal Court To FCC: Indecency, F**k Yeah !

A common sense decision on broadcast “decency” standards was handed down by a Federal Appeals Court today.

Toyota Acceleration Problem Caused By Driver Error ?

Remember all those suddenly accelerating Toyotas ? Now, we’re learning the rest of the story.

Obama’s 2012 Opponent ? George W. Bush

The Obama Administration seems to be saying that “Blame Bush” will be at the core of their re-election strategy. Good idea ? Not really.

New Polls Bring More Bad News For Obama, Democrats

The President likely has some very bad poll numbers on his mind this morning.

Gingrich Says He’s Considering Run For President

It’s time for the Gingrich For President speculation to begin again.

Offshore Drilling Moratorium Reimposed

The Department of the Interior has, unwisely and unnecessarily, reimposed the ban on deep water offshore drilling.

Republicans Ready To Repeat The Same Mistakes All Over Again

If Jon Kyl’s recent comments are any indication, Republicans haven’t learned their lesson just yet.

No Link Between Computers At Home And Academic Achievement

Having a computer in the home does not have a significant impact on academic achievement, according to several new studies.

Group Linked To al Qaeda Claims Responsibility For Uganda Bombing

There is an al Qaeda link to yesterday’s terrorist attack in Uganda.

Democratic Governors Warn White House On Immigration

The White House is making some very odd political choices in its response to the Arizona immigration law.

The Beginnings Of Palin 2012

Sarah Palin’s Political Action Committee is starting to look more and more like the beginnings of a run for the White House.

Feds May Challenge Arizona Law On Racial Discrimination Grounds

Attorney General Eric Holder said today that the Federal Government retains the option of suing Arizona a second time if the state’s new immigration law is enforced in a discriminatory manner.

So Much For The Summer Of Recovery

There are further signs that the economy will remain anemic through the end of 2010, if not longer.

Five Stars For Petraeus ?

Some people are saying that David Petraeus deserves promotion to a rank last held by Omar Bradley.

This Is Why It’s Good That It’s Hard To Amend The Constitution

A new poll shows that Americans have some odd ideas about the Constitution, and how to change it.

Mark Twain Autobiography Reveals Political Side

Starting in November, we’ll get a look inside the mind of one of America’s most fascinating writers.

Did Income Taxes Send LeBron James To Miami ?

Did LeBron James pick Miami because of income taxes ? Probably not.

Investigation Finds No Wrong Doing In Alvin Greene’s Senate Run

Where did Alvin Greene get the $ 10,000 for his Senate filing fee ? He got from you, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer !

Democratic Poll Brings Bad News For Democrats

Another new poll brings bad news for Democrats and the President.

Should We Fear A Lame-Duck Congress ?

Will Democrats use a lame-duck session of Congress to pass legislation they can’t get through otherwise ? They might try, but I doubt they’ll succeed.

LeBron James And The Tea Party

Will LeBron James’s departure push upset Ohioans to the right ?

Ann Coulter Anti-War ?

Is Ann Coulter’s defense of Michael Steele’s Afghan War skepticism the beginning of conservative split, or just an attempt to pile on President Obama ?

Russian Spies Like Us Plead Guilty, Prepare For Old-Fashioned Spy Swap

The members of the Russian spy ring broken up last week by the FBI are headed back to Mother Russia.

South Park Muhammad Episodes Get Emmy Nomination

Muhammed may be in a bear suit, but he still got an Emmy nomination.

GOP Tries To Reshuffle 2012 Primary Schedule

Republicans are looking at making some major, and interesting, changes to the primary calendar for 2012.

RNC: Michael Steele Not Going Anywhere

It looks like we’ll have at least five more months of Michael Steele gaffes to look forward to.

Ronald Wilson Obama ? Comparing Presidential Approval Ratings

Presidential approval ratings at the 18-month mark don’t tell you much about re-election prospects.

The Odd, Odd Case Of Alvin Greene Gets Even More Odd

Alvin Greene is running a political campaign, but it’s unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.

Bad Idea Of the Week: Sarah Palin For RNC Chair

The latest bad idea from some conservative pundits ? Sarah Palin for Chair of the Republican National Committee.

Obama Endorsement A Negative In Battleground States

Barack Obama may not be doing much campaigning in the fall if recent poll numbers are any indication.

Obama Administration Files Suit Against Arizona Over Immigration Law

The legal battle over immigration began today as the Obama Administration filed suit against Arizona over its new immigration law.

The War Against Air Conditioning

What exactly is it about air conditioning that has some people so upset ?