AltWeeklies Wire
Political Parties Need to be Tossed Onto the Scrap Heap of Democracy's Failuresnew
There are already factions within the two major parties struggling for influence. We'd surely like to see more cross-pollination among them on various policy issues based not on what they think is in the long-term interest of their factions, but on what they think is in the long-term interest of the majority of the public -- or, what was once known as the middle class.
San Diego CityBeat |
Editorial |
06-26-2008 |
Commentary
What's Going On in Zimbabwe?new

The latest African despot to lose his mind very publicly and very destructively is 82-year-old Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. In what may be an unprecedented event in the history of dictatorship, Mugabe rigged this year's presidential and parliamentary elections but still lost.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Andi |
06-25-2008 |
Commentary
Obama Economic Appointment Highlights Old Trade Disputenew
Before giving Jason Furman a pass on his emerging trade polices, it's important to focus on the true differences between Free Trade and Fair Trade.
East Bay Express |
Jay Youngdahl |
06-25-2008 |
Politics
National Democrats Abandon South Carolinanew
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has announced that not a single South Carolinian candidate will receive "financial, communications, and strategic support" from the DCCC as part of the group's Red to Blue campaign. Not one.
Charleston City Paper |
D.A. Smith |
06-25-2008 |
Commentary
As Obama Rises, Detroit Lacks a Leader Who Can Deliver Him Votesnew
For Obama to win Michigan he needs a huge turnout in Detroit to offset McCain's outstate support -- but at this point a divided Detroit does not bode well for Obama's chances.
Metro Times |
Larry Gabriel |
06-24-2008 |
Politics
John Cornyn Doesn't Need to Sweat Over Rick Noriega Just Yetnew
As the electorate's disgust with its leadership deepens, even Texas Republicans are suiting up to defend their posts. The showdown between Senator John Cornyn and state Representative Lieutenant Colonel Rick Noriega -- and the recent seesawing polls on the race -- provide a revealing glimpse into the state's shifting political makeup and what it would take for Democrats to take ground in statewide contests this fall.
Dallas Observer |
Megan Feldman |
06-23-2008 |
Politics
DNC Protest Groups Splinter as They Prepare for Denvernew
The knot of protesters organizing around the Democratic National Convention got a lot more tangled when a coalition of progressive groups formally presented itself as the Alliance for Real Democracy. This move deepened a division that started in May, when pacifist-leaning activist organizations and those with a more radical bent could not reach agreement on language within a "Statement of Non-Violence."
An Obama Assassination: The Fear Factornew

Obama can easily laugh off a phony, self-serving stunt such as an assassination exhibit, but he can't laugh off the danger posed to presidents and those who aspire to be presidents.
Pasadena Weekly |
Earl Ofari Hutchinson |
06-23-2008 |
Commentary
What Will Post-Hillary Feminism Look Like?new
Here's my proposal: Feminists become for the Democrats and progressive politics what evangelical Christians have been for the Republicans and conservatism -- its demanding, uncompromising base.
Seven Days |
Judith Levine |
06-20-2008 |
Commentary
The Supreme Court is One Justice Away from Tyrannynew
You can look at the court's decision on Guantanamo this way: We are only one Supreme Court justice away from real tyranny. Sen. John McCain says as president he would appoint justices exactly like Bush's two. Based on his past opposition to torture and Guantanamo, he's probably lying about that, although he joined Bush in denouncing the habeas decision. It is nevertheless a risk worth avoiding.
Arkansas Times |
Ernest Dumas |
06-19-2008 |
Commentary
Who's Obama Gonna Bring as His Partner to the Dance?new
The importance of vice-president selections is always overrated. But in Obama's case, it will have more importance than usual, since voters will use this first "presidential" decision to size up his approach to governing. And in a close election, the selection could prove critical.
Boston Phoenix |
Steven Stark |
06-19-2008 |
Commentary
Why Michael Bloomberg Shouldn't Run for Governornew
An interesting idea, sure, and a tasty bone to gnaw on for the next 18 months; but to many political observers, this one just does not make sense. He could try, but would he really want this job, regardless of the continuing platform it would give him in public life? The answer, according to many who know him and have watched him as mayor, is no.
New York Press |
Edward-Isaac Dovere |
06-19-2008 |
Politics
What is a Status of Forces Agreement?new

With its proposed SOFA, the U.S. is essentially proposing Iraq officially sign away its sovereignty. Granted, it doesn't have much sovereignty, but Iraqi leaders, like leaders everywhere, want more power for themselves. Damned if they're going to sign an agreement that turns their entire country into Fort Bragg East.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Andisheh Nouraee |
06-18-2008 |
Commentary
Dirty Tricks and Registration Difficulties Impact Florida's Youth Votenew
College students on campuses throughout Florida are mobilizing for a big election year, but that doesn't mean casting a ballot will be easy.
Creative Loafing (Tampa) |
Amelia Harnish and Ben Fry |
06-18-2008 |
Politics
A Democrat is the Best Bet for South Carolina's Conservatives in Novembernew
I assumed Bob Conley, who will run against Sen. Lindsey Graham, was just another standard liberal Dem. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Charleston City Paper |
Jack Hunter |
06-18-2008 |
Commentary