Overview for News

Sarko's Short Man Complex Reaches New Heights

Sarko’s legendary insecurities over his 5’5” frame reached new heights this week when he requested that taller bodyguards not apply for his security detail. Sarko’s legendary insecurities over his 5’5” frame reached new heights this past Sunday when he requested that a taller, “beefier” bodyguard …

Written by Rachel Ryan on Saturday June 12, 2010

Nudging Voters Towards the Center

This week, California voters approved Proposition 14, which would amend the constitution and consolidate party primaries into one election, allowing voters to choose a candidate regardless of party. But will nonpartisan primaries actually reduce political polarization? On Tuesday, California …

Written by Andrew Gelman on Friday June 11, 2010

The Fat Diaries: Confessions of a Food Addict

Like most addicts I began overeating because I was depressed and stressed out. I had a hole in my heart that needed filling and I filled it with forbidden food. It’s 4:00pm, the hardest hour of my day, and I’m staring down my addiction. “Come on,” says a voice in my head. “No.” I say …

Written by Monica Marier on Friday June 11, 2010

Surviving A Visit From Mom

Writing in the Globe and Mail , David Eddie gives advice to a married reader, who's mother has embraced a new philosophy: to never "explain or apologize." Making matters worse, she's popping in for a visit (uninvited) and his wife is not pleased. Writing in the Globe and Mail , David Eddie gives …

Written by David Eddie on Friday June 11, 2010

The GOP's Growing Hispanic Problem

Census population estimates released Thursday find that as of July 2009, minorities collectively made up a majority in four states. If the GOP hopes to remain relevant they will need to move beyond their base of white voters. Republicans are tough on immigration. Republicans are tough on Sonia …

Written by Jeb Golinkin on Friday June 11, 2010

Helen Thomas: Weapon of Mass Distraction

Cast alongside a preening, camera-ready White House press corps, Helen Thomas was different. But she certainly wasn't "tough." My latest column for The Week remembers Helen Thomas’ outbursts in the White House briefing room and points out the trouble with journalism that seems more concerned …

Written by David Frum on Thursday June 10, 2010

Tom Campbell's Unfortunate Defeat

Through this campaign season, many Republican primary voters have asked the question: "Is Candidate X conservative enough?" My ballot question is to ask: Is this a Republican who can do better? Hence my enthusiasm for Tom Campbell. Carly Fiorina is the Republican nominee for US Senate in Californi…

Written by David Frum on Thursday June 10, 2010

Maryland's Busted Budget

Baltimore’s deficit and Montgomery County’s school budget crisis are only the tip of the iceberg for Maryland’s leading gubernatorial contenders, both of whom have promised voters they can balance the state's budget. Maryland is suffering along with the rest of the nation as the state attempts to …

Written by Rachel Ryan on Wednesday June 9, 2010

Kirk's Unforced Errors Multiply

A new Rasmussen poll finds that despite his miserable campaign performance, Mark Kirk still clings to a narrow lead over Dem challenger Alexi Giannoulias. Given the scope of Kirk’s errors though, things could be worse. A new Rasmussen poll finds that despite his miserable campaign performance…

Written by Jeb Golinkin on Wednesday June 9, 2010

Conservatives AWOL on Fighting Defense Cuts

The Right is too lazy, myopic, and mired in its Cold War ways to think imaginatively and creatively about the defense budget. The American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI’s) Center for Defense Studies is lamenting what it calls the “isolationist urges” of some conservatives and many Tea Partiers. …

Written by John Guardiano on Wednesday June 9, 2010

Americans Uninterested in Gaza Flotilla Story

Despite the extensive media coverage, a new Pew Research Center survey reveals that Americans were as interested in reports about the Gaza flotilla incident as they were in coverage of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Pew Research Center provides a weekly survey to determine which news stories might …

Written by Elise Cooper on Wednesday June 9, 2010

Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Message to the West

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is the world’s most effective critic on Islam’s treatment of women and has continued to speak out despite threats to her life from extremists. The packed audience at the CBC’s Glen Gould Studio this week, didn’t quite know what to expect when invited by the Donner Canadian …

Written by Peter Worthington on Wednesday June 9, 2010

Crist's Flip-Flops Evade Scrutiny

Charlie Crist’s positions on the teachers unions, offshore drilling, and a host of other major issues change daily. What has not changed is Charlie Crist's front-runner status in the Florida Senate race. Charlie Crist’s positions on the teachers unions, offshore drilling, and a host of other …

Written by Jeb Golinkin on Wednesday June 9, 2010

Attacks on Haley Flop

Say what you will about South Carolina, but at least the whole “raghead” thing didn’t work. Say what you will about South Carolina, but at least the whole “raghead” thing didn’t work. State Sen. Jake Knotts (who infamously called Rep. Nikki Haley AND President Barack Obama “ragheads,” which …

Written by Cheves Ligon on Wednesday June 9, 2010

Angle's Scientology Problem

So the good news is that Sharron Angle, winner of the Nevada GOP Senate primary race, is not personally a member of the notorious Church of Scientology. The bad news: She seems to be a gullible person, easily deceived by persons with sinister agendas. It's early days yet, but it does seem we can …

Written by David Frum on Wednesday June 9, 2010

GOP Gov Vulnerable in Nevada Primary

For the first time in Nevada’s history, it’s looking as if the incumbent governor will be defeated in the party primary. Nevada is poised to watch an electoral first as U.S. District Court Judge Brian Sandoval continues to lead in the polls ahead of incumbent Governor Jim Gibbons. For the first …

Written by Rachel Ryan on Tuesday June 8, 2010

Will Tea Party Hurt GOP's Chances in VA-5?

With the establishment candidate set to win the GOP primary in Virginia's fifth congressional district, attention now turns to whether the Tea Party will back an independent challenger in the general election. When I visited the town of Lynchburg, Virginia in March earlier this year, there were …

Written by Noah Kristula-Green on Tuesday June 8, 2010

The GOP's Foolish Defense of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Instead of preparing for the next round of pork-laden "jobs" bills or increased regulations from the Democrats, Republicans are wasting their political capital in defense of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". Not wanting to be on the unpopular side of a controversial issue, Massachusetts Senator Scott …

Written by Jonas Stankovich on Tuesday June 8, 2010

A Sad End For Helen Thomas

In a way, it’s too bad (albeit deserved) what has happened to Helen Thomas. Her ground-breaking achievements as a pioneering female journalist all will fade in light of her fall from grace. I wasn’t anxious to write about Helen Thomas, the living (sort of) legend of White House correspondents, who …

Written by Peter Worthington on Tuesday June 8, 2010

Israel Has No Option but Victory

If Muslim countries lay down their weapons, there would be peace; if Israel laid down its weapons – there would be no more Israel. That is the sorry reality of the Middle East today, as it was 60 years ago. It’s hardly a surprise that criticism of Israel for its commando raid on the so-called “aid …

Written by Peter Worthington on Tuesday June 8, 2010