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.

Democratic Candidate Phil Murphy Easily Defeats Kim Guadagno In New Jersey

To nobody’s surprise, a blue state returns to its roots.

There Are Two Options When It Comes To North Korea, And Only One Of Them Makes Sense

On North Korea, there are two options, deterrence and war. And only one of those options makes sense.

Russian Lawyer Alleges Donald Trump, Jr. Offered Quid Pro Quo For Information On Clinton

Yet more evidence of potential collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russians.

Breakdown In Background Check System Tied To Texas Church Shooting

The shooter in the Texas church shooting was apparently able to get his weapons because the Air Force failed to report his domestic violence conviction.

Trump And The Rule Of Law

In his time as President, Donald Trump has demonstrated as much contempt for the rule of law as he did as a candidate.

Twenty-Six Killed In South Texas Church Massacre

Another mass shooting.

Race For Virginia Governor Tightens Significantly In Campaign’s Final Hours

With less than forty-eight hours to go, the race for Virginia’s Governor is tighter than ever.

Ezekiel Elliott Gets Another Reprieve

Ezekiel Elliott got a legal reprieve late last week, but it may not last for long and it could have a big impact on the fortunes of the Dallas Cowboys.

Bowe Bergdahl Receives Dishonorable Discharge, Reduction In Rank, Will Not Serve Prison Time

Bowe Bergdahl received a dishonorable discharge and reduction in rank, but will not serve time in prison.

Jobs Growth Bounces Back From Hurricane-Related Losses

The Jobs Market bounces back in October, but the numbers are far from impressive.

Trump Nominates Jerome Powell To Head Federal Reserve Board

President Trump has selected Jerome Powell, a member of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, to replace Janet Yellen as Chairman.

House Republicans Unveil Tax Reform Bill

House Republicans unveiled their tax reform bill today, but its fate is far from clear.

Justice Department May Seek Charges Against Russian Officials For Election-Related Hacking

The Justice Department appears to be on the verge of charging Russian government officials in connection with election-related hacking.

John Boehner, Without A Filter

It’s been two years since John Boehner stepped down as Speaker, and he’s got a few things to say about his former colleagues and the state of American politics.

House Republican Tax Plan Already Unpopular

House Republicans haven’t released their tax bill yet, but it’s already unpopular.

Eight Killed and Nearly A Dozen Injured In New York City Terror Attack

A month that was highlighted by the capture of the ISIS capital city of Raqqa ends with an apparent lone wolf ISIS-inspired attack in New York City

Trump And The Federal Courts

Federal Courts continue to rule against the Administration, and the President continues to lash out at Judges and demonstrate his contempt for the Rule Of Law.

Federal Court Blocks Implementation Of Trump’s Ban On Transgender Soldiers

A Federal Judge in Washington, D.C. has blocked the Trump Administration from implementing its ban on transgender soldiers.

Trump’s Job Approval Hits New Lows In Two New Polls

More bad polling news for President Trump.

Former Trump Campaign Adviser Charged With Lying To F.B.I. About Contacts With Russia

A Trump Campaign official has been charged with and pled guilty to charges of lying to the F.B.I. regarding contacts with Russian officials.

Former Trump Campaign Manager Paul Manafort Indicted

The first shoes drop in the Mueller investigation.

Don’t Expect Ruth Bader Ginsburg To Retire While Donald Trump Is President

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is making it clear she will not be leaving the court anytime soon.

First Indictment Reportedly Issued In Mueller’s Russia Investigation

The first shoes appear ready to drop in Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the Trump campaign.

There Is No Civil War, Republicans And Conservatives Have Already Surrendered

Forget all the talk about a civil war in the Republican Party, the truth is that Republicans and conservatives have already surrendered to Trump and Bannon.

Spain Moves To Take Over Catalonia In The Wake Of Independence Declaration

Things are heating up very quickly in Catalonia.

Bregrets, They’ve Had A Few: Brits Beginning To Regret Brexit?

At least some portion of the British public appears to be having some second thoughts about Brexit.

Amazon Would Like The Key To Your House

What could possibly go wrong?

Majority Of Americans Disagree With Trump On N.F.L. Anthem Protests

Donald Trump has apparently made the American public more supportive of players who kneel for the National Anthem.

Fats Domino, Rock & Roll Pioneer, Dies At 89

He had more than three dozen Top 40 pop hits through the 1950s and early ’60s, among them ”Blueberry Hill,” ”Ain’t It a Shame,” “I’m Walkin’,” “Blue Monday” and “Walkin’ to New Orleans.”

Trump’s Job Approval Hits New Low In Fox News Poll

President Trump remains the most unpopular newly elected President since the end of the Second World War, and there’s no sign that will change.

Don’t Expect Other Republicans To Speak Out Against Trump Like McCain, Corker, And Flake Have

Due mostly to cowardice and naked self-interest, you shouldn’t expect many other Republicans to speak out against Trump in the near future.

Support For Marijuana Legalization Now Stands At 64% Of Americans, Majority Of Republicans

A new poll shows that a record majority of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, support legalization of marijuana.

Robert Guillaume, Star Of “Benson,” Dies At 89

Robert Guillaume, who starred in situation comedies in the 70s, 80s, and 90s such as “Soap,” “Benson,” and “Sports Night,” has died at the age of 89.

Citing Nastiness In Trump Era GOP, Jeff Flake Announces He’s Retiring

One of the few Republicans willing to speak out against Donald Trump is retiring at the end of his current term.

Losing Our Religion

Americans as a whole are becoming less religious and some people are panicking about it.

Xi Jinping Consolidates Power In China

While the President of the United States continues to create chaos, Xi Jinping consolidates his power in China.

America’s Forgotten, And Forever, Wars

America has become involved in conflicts around the world, largely without the knowledge of the American people or the consent of their representatives, and it doesn’t appear that’s going to end anytime soon.

Gold Star Widow Speaks About Trump’s Condolence Call, Trump Calls Her A Liar

The widow of Sgt. La David Johnson spoke out about the death of her husband and the controversy over the phone call she received from President Trump. And Trump proceeded to attack her and call her a liar.

John McCain Is Taking On Donald Trump Without Regret

John McCain has been standing out from his fellow Republicans largely by unleashing on President Trump, and it is unlikely to end anytime soon.