Sen. Clinton as Pandora
By Philip Mella02/22/2007
Because of the gravity of the office, candidates at the presidential level have an inherently more fragile, which is to say, tenuous, relationship with voters. Even at this implausibly early stage of the race, with the omnipresence of media outlets, the electorate will have the tone of every utterance and nuance of every glance microanalyzed and delivered to their televisions, computers, or handhelds.
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"Divisive Partisanship"
By Philip Mella02/20/2007
When exercised by Democrats, strategic cunning is lauded as a brilliant defense of their core values. However, when it's practiced by Republicans, it is derided as "divisive partsianship." Enter E.J. Dionne who artfully--that is, with Machiavellian verve--argues the case for Congressional opposition to President Bush's decision to increase troop strength in Iraq.
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How the Later Primaries Could Be Important
By Terry Mitchell02/20/2007
Much has been said about the possibility that the 2008 presidential nomination process for both major parties could be over by next February. This is a viable possibility because of the fact that many states have already moved their primaries up to early February, and several large states like California, Illinois, Florida, and New Jersey are seriously considering the move.
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Emancipation from the IRS
By Terry Mitchell02/14/2007
I was recently talking to a lady who told me she would have to see her financial advisor soon because she and her husband were nearing the "magic" age of 70 1/2, when the IRS requires people to start taking distributions from their 401(k) accounts or face stiff financial penalties. Why does the IRS get to tell us when we have to spend our 401(k) dollars?
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Is George Allen's Political Career Over?
By Terry Mitchell02/09/2007
George Allen's tenure in the U.S. Senate ended abruptly last fall with his defeat by Jim Webb. However, let's not write Allen's political obituary just yet. Sure, it was a disappointing loss for Allen, who, just four months prior, seemed like a cinch to win overwhelming re-election and be on his way to a formidable run for the White House in 2008. Now, after several gaffes and a poorly run campaign, he sits as a former senator with his 2008 presidential aspirations having been dashed. My, how quickly fortunes can change in politics!
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Voters Are to Blame for Bad Politics
By Terry Mitchell02/05/2007
When I was growing up, I actually considered a career in politics. I quickly changed my mind, though, when I discovered that there was way too much politics involved in it. Obviously, that's a play on words, but I get funny looks from people when I tell them that. However, I am completely serious. The politics of running for and holding elective office is influenced too much by the politics of power, influence, and money. But whose fault is it that such a condition exists? I believe voters have no one to blame but themselves.
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