Bullpen
Obama in China: What the media missed
Even through a veil of censorship and propaganda, the Chinese people managed a clearer view of Obama's visit than the US media did.
What do we do about the dollar?
The dollar is down and heading lower. Can we afford to let it sink?
Obama's three fateful tests
By the middle of next month, the die will be cast on the economy, health-care reform and Afghanistan. These are the tests that will decide Obama's presidency.
Obama's fractured Israel policy
Obama has pro-Israel credibility among Arabs, where it does him no good. But he lacks it where he most needs it, leaving him powerless to enforce his demand for a freeze on Israeli settlements.
Will campaign cash influence financial reform?
The connection between campaign contributions and public policy is more subtle than most cynics acknowledge. But as the Senate considers reform of the financial system, the opportunities -- and motives -- for abuse are mounting.
The mao-maoing of Anita Dunn
Accusations that White House communications director Anita Dunn is a left-wing ideologue have no credibility. But that doesn't mean they haven't been successful.
The referendum on Obama
Republicans took a joyful victory lap last week for next year's 2010 midterm elections. Now all they have to do is run the race.
Should Obama confront China on currency manipulation?
Paul Krugman and others are pushing Obama to demand that China revalue the yuan. As he prepares for his first presidential trip to Asia, here's why the president should ignore their pleas.
How long can conservatives oppose gay marriage?
In Maine this week, opponents of gay marriage won a narrow victory at the polls. But Americans are rapidly warming to the idea, and even social conservatives won't be able to hold out much longer.
Immigration: A hot-button issue on ice
Less than two years ago, illegal immigration was roiling the Republican base and fueling a divisive national debate. What happened?
The GOP dumps the Gipper
Mired in anger and vituperation, seemingly hell-bent on becoming a small-tent faction rather than a big-tent governing party, Republicans have betrayed the leader they ritually canonize. The GOP is now the party of malaise.
It's Army vs. CIA in Afghanistan
A front-page story in The New York Times reveals the U.S. Army has initiated another shock-and-awe campaign. This time, the enemy is the CIA.
A midterm message in Virginia and New Jersey
One Democratic candidate has distanced himself from his party's and his president's signature issue. Another has embraced it. Who's better off?
Prelude to Republican fratricide
GOP candidates in New York and New Jersey should be cruising to victory this November. But angry conservatives would rather hand power to Democrats than help moderate Republicans win.
Day-care sex abuse case haunts Massachusetts Senate race
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, the Democratic front-runner to fill Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat, didn’t prosecute the notorious Fells Acres Day Care case. But when she had a chance to help end the 'travesty,' she took the easy way out.
Obama and the GOP: 2008 debate foretold all
The last of Barack Obama's 2008 debates with John McCain previewed the kind of president he has become. It also painted a vividly distinct portrait of the current GOP.
Gen. McChrystal is a good soldier
After the politicization of military 'recommendations' by the Bush administration, Gen. McChrystal's candor is as welcome as his new strategy.
Is Obama a brute or a pushover?
Republicans keep seeing double when they look at the president. For a clearer view, they should watch less Glenn Beck and more Saturday Night Live.
Is China dangerous?
Sarah Palin was widely ridiculed for her speech in Hong Kong last month. But Chinese nationalism bubbles nonstop and the alarm Palin raised about the authoritarian regime wasn't stupid—not by a long shot.
We can afford a second stimulus
As long as unemployment remains high, and interest rates are at rock-bottom lows, the prudent thing for government to do is keep on spending. The arithmetic speaks for itself.
