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Political Commentary

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January 25, 2008

South Carolina Has Set the Stage for General Election: A Commentary by Michael Barrone

South Carolina: In 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000, it was the state that, with its early primary, determined the winner of the Republican nomination for president.

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January 24, 2008

The Mortgage Mogul and His Victims: A Commentary by Froma Harrop

As banks, money markets and stock exchanges convulse over a sinking American economy, we see the folks sprawled at the bottom of the smoking rubble -- debt-crushed American consumers. It is they whose reckless or trusting natures enriched so many, at least for a while, and whose troubled loans have sent markets into panic.

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January 24, 2008

The Race for President: The Finalists Emerge: A Commentary by Larry J. Sabato

Now that Iowa, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada, and South Carolina have voted, at least in one party, one thing is perfectly clear: While the identities of the two major-party nominees are not yet certain, the ranks on both sides have thinned dramatically and the finalists have emerged.

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January 24, 2008

Business as Usual GOP: An Inside Report by Robert D. Novak

When House Republicans convene behind closed doors today (Thursday) at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.V., they have a chance to make two bold moves to restore their reputation for fiscal responsibility.

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January 24, 2008

That Dismal Democratic Debate: A Commentary by Joe Conason

Supporters of one Democratic candidate or another may insist that their man or woman won last Monday's debate in South Carolina, but in their hearts most viewers could only have been disappointed by its childish tenor and puerile content.

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January 24, 2008

There's a Method to Crazy Bill's Madness: A Commentary by Dick Morris

Why is Bill Clinton courting such intense publicity, inevitably much of it negative? Is he crazy? Crazy like a fox.

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January 23, 2008

Where is Oprah?: A Commentary by Susan Estrich

Was it just last month that the Queen of Everything was everywhere, pulling tens of thousands of people into rallies in Iowa, stomping with Barack and Michelle Obama at just the point it seemed his campaign most needed a lift?

January 23, 2008

How Clinton Will Win The Nomination by Losing South Carolina: A Commentary By Dick Morris

Hillary Clinton will undoubtedly lose the South Carolina primary as African-Americans line up to vote for Barack Obama. And that defeat will power her drive to the nomination.

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January 22, 2008

Blue Dogs Sniff at Fiscal Stimulus: A Commentary by Froma Harrop

You've seen the hound who sits out front and emits a low growl when people walk by. He's saying, "You can pass, but don't try any funny stuff."

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January 22, 2008

Front-Runner McCain: An Inside Report by Robert D. Novak

Sen. John McCain's win over Mike Huckabee in South Carolina was no landslide, but stands as by far the most important win in his quest for the presidency. It means that McCain by any measurement is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.

January 21, 2008

Hillary v. McCain Might Just Be The Final: A Commentary by Dick Morris

Both Clinton and McCain scored hugely significant wins on Saturday in Nevada and South Carolina, wins which might set them on the road to the nomination.

January 19, 2008

Hillary Clinton's Massive Conflict of Interests: A Commentary by Dick Morris

As American banks go hat in hand to foreign financial institutions and governments, begging for capital to help them get out of the mess into which their subprime loans have landed them, the question arises as to whether the United States should permit nations like China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the banks they control to acquire part ownership of our leading banks.

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January 19, 2008

Bipartisan Stimulation: An Inside Report by Robert Novak

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Republican Leader John Boehner are working behind the scenes to attempt rare bipartisan cooperation on an economic stimulus package.

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January 19, 2008

Mostly Decent Politics: A Commentary by Michael Barone

My campaign and election memories go back to 1960, when I was one of the few who backed John Kennedy at an election night party that my parents were throwing.

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January 18, 2008

The TV Diet: A Commentary by Susan Estrich

It's been nearly three months since the writers went on strike. The TIVO broke a month into it, and no one in my house has bothered to fix it.

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January 18, 2008

In Contrast to Obama, Hillary Plays the Race Card: A Commentary by Dick Morris

On the evening of Jan. 3, it became clear that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was going to be a serious candidate for president with a viable chance of winning.

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January 18, 2008

Sarkozy the Mad Modelizer: A Commentary By Froma Harrop

The French have long tolerated adulterers, liars and hypocrites in their politics. A simpleton is another matter, and President Nicolas Sarkozy's public frolic with a former model and singer of heavy-breathing songs does not speak of emotional complexity.

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January 17, 2008

30 Minutes After Harrop: A Commentary By Joe Conason

As America marks the first anniversary of the troop escalation in Iraq, at least one thing has become clear. Although the "surge" is failing as policy, it seems to be succeeding as propaganda.

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January 17, 2008

Time for Edwards' Exit: Hillary, Barack Fate in His Hands: A Commentary by Dick Morris

The Democratic nomination for president will likely be decided by the subtle pulls of ego against duty that tug at the conscience of John Edwards. He manifestly can no longer win - but he helps Hillary Clinton if he stays in the race and boosts Barack Obama if he pulls out.

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January 17, 2008

The Primary Turnout Boom: A Commentary by Rhodes Cook

One of the basic facts of American politics is that citizens will turn out to vote when they feel they have something to vote for.