To Govern Better, GOP Should Work From Reality

In my previous blog post , I discussed how many Republican criticisms of the Obama administration's policies are not backed up by data. Republicans don't just have a problem with specific critiques, they also have a view of America that doesn’t match with how the country actually is. Their view …

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Written by Noah Kristula-Green on Friday November 4, 2011

The Alternative to Rick Perry: Trickle Up

Perhaps the greatest single threat to both conservatism in American life and the nation's economic vitality is not Ivy League professors or Hollywood elites or a sinister "progressive" conspiracy but the economic decline of the middle class. Take away hope in the churning of the free market, and …

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Written by Fred Bauer on Wednesday October 26, 2011

What if No One Gets Credit for the Recovery?

Seth Masket  writes : The upcoming presidential election is the most important election in a generation. . . . we are in the middle of (and hopefully on the tail end of) a truly catastrophic recession. The economy will recover, although that may not happen for several years. It seems fair to …

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Written by Andrew Gelman on Tuesday September 13, 2011

Is Larry Summers a Scientist or a Politician?

A new interview of Larry Summers shows the tension between his public persona as both a social scientist and as a political figure. A couple things in this interview by Andrew Goldman of Larry Summers currently irritated me. I'll give the quotes and then explain my annoyance. 1. Goldman: …

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Written by Andrew Gelman on Saturday May 14, 2011

Japan's Economic Aftershocks

The quake that struck Japan could have serious consequences well into the summer as a damaged energy sector slows the nation's economy. This is Part 1 of a Two-Part Series on what the long-term consequences of the Japanese earthquake will be on America and Japan's economies. The aftershocks …

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Written by Noah Kristula-Green on Saturday March 26, 2011

The Fair Trade Racket

“Fair Trade” coffee is promoted everywhere. But far from helping third world farmers, "fair trade" practices are luring the world's poor into a distorted market. “Fair Trade” coffee is promoted everywhere, from companies such as Starbucks to my university's campus. Its advocates argue that the …

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Written by Harry Graver on Wednesday March 9, 2011

The Olympic Games Money Pit

Back in 2009, the media was quick to criticize Obama’s failed pitch for Chicago’s 2016 Olympics bid. However his failure has turned out to be a lucky break. Back in 2009 the media was fast to lash out against Barack Obama’s failed pitch for Chicago’s 2016 Summer Olympics bid. However Obama’s …

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Written by Robin Tim Weis on Monday March 7, 2011

Can Obama Save His Presidency?

Obama's best bet for salvaging his agenda is to "pull a Clinton" and move to the political center. Yet there is no evidence the president is so inclined or even able to do so. As cold fear rises in the mainstream media that President Obama may be in over his head, my thoughts go back to a dinner …

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Written by Gusher on Monday August 31, 2009