Role of Judges in Hiding Trump Activities Helped Pave Way for Eventual Victory
It’s possible Donald Trump might not have won — might not even have run for president — were it not for the action of a panel of judges years ago.
The Puzzling Putin-Trump Relationship
President Donald Trump once again had people scratching their heads over his (in)actions involving Russia. Why does he so frequently seem to act with Vladimir Putin’s interests in mind — at the expense of the American people?
Subpoena of Trump Organization Records Brings Mueller Closer to Sater, Cohen
General Counsel Robert Mueller is scrutinizing Donald Trump’s business dealings and getting closer to the president’s friends who have Russian connections.
Canadian Lumber Tariffs Highlight Downsides of Trade Wars
Economists warn that President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of tariffs on aluminum and steel could backfire. That’s exactly what happened when the administration imposed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber last year.
ACLU Battles Voter-Suppression Architect Kobach in Kansas Court
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is in court this week defending one of his voter disenfranchisement schemes. And hardly anybody is paying attention.
Like Death and Taxes, Budget Riders Are Forever
As Congress prepares to pass a spending bill, the war against riders intensifies. When one party holds power in both the legislative and executive branches, these additional bill provisions may be the best way to amplify and solidify a partisan agenda.
Youths Suing US Gov’t on Climate Change to Get Day in Court
A group of children and teenagers has been trying to force the US government to take action on climate change for years. Now it looks as though they will finally see their day in court.
What Gun Background Checks Can’t Detect: Stupidity
Raised age requirements and background checks for gun purchases won’t fix absent-mindedness. Or stupidity.
What Can a Gun-Toting Church Tell Us About Conservatives?
When Barack Obama said segments of Pennsylvania were clinging to guns and religion, he identified the dynamic that would lead to Donald Trump’s election. That sentiment was on display once more at a gun-blessing ceremony that most of the media covered — and got totally wrong.
Uncle Sam Is Looking for a Fight in All the Wrong Places
The US military budget is now bigger than ever. But the war machine that’s been built up over many decades is not making America any safer, and leaders in Washington aren’t dealing with the asymmetric warfare that has caused real harm.
Judicial Activism: Liberal Overreach or Republican Dog Whistle?
For decades, conservatives have panned left-leaning judges for disregarding constitutional protocol to enact a “liberal agenda.” But history shows these critics should take a good look at their own side before rushing to judgement.
House GOP Leads Russia Probe … Away from Deutsche Bank
House Republicans who are supposed to be investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election say there is no need to look at Deutsche Bank. Here is why they are wrong.
Why Partisan Gerrymandering Might Chill a Democratic Wave
After a strong year in 2017, Democrats hope that a blue wave will give them control of the House in 2018. But GOP gerrymandering guarantees that it will be an uphill battle.
A Win for Democracy in Pennsylvania
Gerrymandering is a political problem that requires a non-political solution. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and an expert in California have now restored a semblance of fairness to one of the most gerrymandered states in the country.
Bipartisan Consensus Emerging to Ban Bump Stocks
The latest school shooting in Parkland, FL, has prompted another round of fights over gun control measures. But a bipartisan readiness to end the sale of bump stocks is emerging.
Billy Graham, Willing Pawn for Politicians
With the passing of Billy Graham, we can expect all the usual homilies and hagiographies. But there’s another side to the role of such very public “men of God” in America’s cynical politics.
Will Redistricting Vote Change History’s View of Justice Kennedy?
Over his 30-year tenure on the US Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Kennedy has been the key vote on major issues. Though appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he has often disappointed conservatives, for example on abortion and same-sex marriage. But on democracy issues, his legacy is more mixed.
Trump’s Affair With a Porn Star Shouldn’t Matter (Much)
President Donald Trump should be judged by what he does in office and not what he did with a consenting adult years ago.
The AR-15: Weapon of Choice for Mass Shooters
Fourteen teenage students will never get to go to prom or attend college, but somehow this tragedy feels like just another chapter rather than a plot twist in America’s tortured narrative about guns.
Trump Lawyer Michael Cohen: Beyond Porn Star Payments, Russia Angle
Michael Cohen, one of President Donald Trump’s personal lawyers, claims that he paid porn star Stormy Daniels — who reportedly had an affair with Trump in 2006 — $130,000 out of his own pocket shortly before the 2016 presidential election. But who is Michael Cohen? WhoWhatWhy found out some fascinating things about this Trump confidant. As with almost everything in this saga, there’s a Russian angle.