If the trajectory of the 2016 presidential election remains constant, there is an overwhelming probability (86 percent according to Nate Silver at 538) Hillary Clinton will be declared the next chief executive of the United States. That announcement is likely to come shortly after the polls close in California, Oregon and Washington. Claims that … Read more
Last night in West Palm Beach, Florida, Donald Trump delivered a speech reminiscent of Father Edward Coughlin. Coughlin, who some might consider Rush Limbaugh before there was a Rush Limbaugh, used radio in the late 1930’s to challenge what he believed was an international conspiracy of financiers and the media to undermine American sovereignty. Included … Read more
I love horror flicks. I read almost every Stephen King book as soon as it is released. And I still sleep well at night. Why? Because I know there is no Jason who will rise from Crystal Lake and kill me if I have pre-marital sex (as seems to be every victim’s sin in Friday … Read more
The issue of whether money equals speech came to the forefront in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) in which the Supreme Court ruled government could not restrict independent political expenditures. The ruling applied to for-profit corporations, labor unions, non-profit corporations and other associations. While many people believe Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority … Read more
Many of you will remember the picture on the right of NBC News political director Tim Russert and his now-famous, low-tech white board. Early in the evening, Russert predicted the 2000 election would hinge on the outcome in Florida. And after weeks of recounts and legal challenges, everyone was congratulating Russert for his foresight. There’s … Read more