Economic Crisis: What Could Government Have Done Better?

With the advantage of hindsight, it’s clear that more creative strategies were needed. But they probably couldn’t have been passed.

Romney’s Realist Foreign Policy

My latest for The Atlantic, “Romney’s Realist Foreign Policy Is a Lot Like Obama’s,” has been posted.

Mitt Romney’s National Security Team

Ahead of his big foreign policy speech, Mitt Romney has unveiled his “Foreign Policy and National Security Advisory Team” which “will assist Governor Romney as he presents his vision for restoring American leadership in the world and securing our enduring interests and ideals abroad.”

#OccupyWallStreet: A Protest, Or A Temper Tantrum?

The Occupy Wall Street protests look more like a temper tantrum than a substantive protest movement.

Are our Problems Based in Leadership or Institutions?

Where should we look to understand the failings of the government?

American Government for Sale?

Is money the only thing that matters in post-Citizens United American politics?

The Incoherent Agenda Of Occupy Wall Street

Judging them by their own manifesto, the Occupy Wall Street protesters are pretty silly people.

Occupy Wall Street Not Our Arab Awakening

A meme is emerging that the Occupy Wall Street protests are America’s version of the Arab Awakening. That meme must die.

Reagan Library Speech Fails To End Chris Christie Speculation

Last night’s speech at the Reagan Library did nothing to stop people from speculating about Chris Christie’s Presidential plans.

At U.N., Obama Says There Are No Shortcuts To Peace

President Obama explained his position on the Palestinian statehood resolution today, but one wonders if anyone listened.

Rick Perry’s Odd And Alarming Critique Of U.S. Mideast Policy

Rick Perry’s speech criticizing the President’s policies in the Middle East raised more questions than it answered.

What Explains The Rise In Public Distrust In Government Institutions?

Far from being an existential crisis, the recent rise in public distrust in government is easily explained.

Three Arguments Contra the Electoral College

A book could be written on this subject, but let me suggest the following as a good place to start

Here’s an Idea (Electoral College Edition)

Why even have an electoral college?

Pennsylvania’s Electoral College Reform Plan Is A Good Idea

Allocating Electoral Votes by Congressional District is an idea whose time has come.

The “Responsibility To Protect” Doctrine After Libya

What does the apparent outcome of the war in Libya mean for the so-called “Responsibility To Protect” doctrine?

DC Speed Cameras: Municipal Extortion

WaPo humor columnist Gene Weingarten doesn’t think DC’s speed cameras are funny.

What’s Wrong With Political Reporting?

Political journalists aren’t like you and me. Well, you, anyway.

Madison, the Philadelphia Convention, and Presidentialism

The US came a lot closer to something resembling a parliamentary system than most people think.

Libya Exposes Transatlantic Contradictions

My first piece for CNN has been posted at Fareed Zakaria’s Global Public Square.

For A Guy Who Says He Likes The Constitution, Rick Perry Sure Wants to Change It A Lot

In the book he released last year , Rick Perry advocated far reaching changes to the Constitution.

Sarah Palin’s Media Paranoia Victimizes An Innocent Reporter

Sarah Palin’s paranoia about the media was on full display during her recent visit to Iowa.

Iraq Is Backing Syria’s Dictator. Why The Heck Did We Go To War Again?

Iraq has become so dependent on Iran for its survival that it is endorsing the brutal tactics of Bashar Assad.

Mubarak On Trial

Will the trial of Hosni Mubarak actually change anything?

Syrian Troops Continue Crackdown Amid International Pressure

The world is starting to denounce the crackdown in Syria, but the reaction seems unlikely to go much beyond strongly worded statements.

Can Jon Huntsman Revive the Party of Reagan?

Condi Rice’s speechwriter thinks Huntsman can appeal to the Tea Party.

Debt Deal Winners and Losers

Now that America’s political leadership have probably averted a self-inflicted global economic calamity, it’s time to assess the winners and losers.

Explaining the House Republicans

A recent poll provides some insight into congressional behavior.

The Debt Ceiling Debate: Social Democracy v. Limited Government?

Charles Krauthammer claims we are in the midst of a great debate. I am not so sure.

Left Made Anders Behring Breivik Do It!

A European anti-Muslim blogger observes, ‘It is clear that Anders Behring Breivik is one of us.'”

State’s Rights Is Not The Answer To The Same-Sex Marriage Debate

Does the 10th Amendment contain the answer to the same-sex marriage debate? Not really.

Illegal Immigration From Mexico At Lowest Level In Nearly 60 Years

Illegal immigration from Mexico is down substantially, and it has nothing to do with all those anti-immigration laws.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Parts Of Arizona Campaign Finance Law

Another major campaign finance case from the Supreme Court.

Obama Punts On Same-Sex Marriage, Again

President Obama came close to endorsing same-sex marriage last night, but stopped short yet again

Republicans At A Foreign Policy Crossroads

For the first time since the end of World War II, the GOP is wrestling with two diametrically opposed visions of foreign affairs.

Guns and Democracy

Is it reasonable to state that countries with less guns are more likely to become tyrannical than countries with more guns?

Opposing Dumb, Unnecessary Wars Is Not “Isolationism”

Contrary to what Senator McCain, seeking realism in military policy does not make one an isolationist.

States Rigging 2012 Elections?

States are racing to put obstacles in front of voters in the name of fraud prevention.

A Democracy Fail In Virginia

The vast majority of the seats in the Virginia legislature will not even be contested this November.

Christians More Militant Than Muslims!

Trevor Phillips, chairman of the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission, says fundamentalist Christians are a far bigger problem than Muslims. And, no, he’s not anti-religion.

Syria and the Do Something Syndrome

Ousting evil dictators is harder than it looks.

Looking to the Founders

Sandy Levinson suggests that there is a key lesson from the Founders that we ignore.