States may rely less on federal government for public health, other policies Dealing with the corona virus may be causing a political revolution. The federal government cannot deal with the required all-out effort to combat the virus. It depends on state governments. When the crisis has passed, it’s likely the country will find that the […]
Earlier this week, the Senate opened a session with a foul blast of partisanship. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell discussed the day’s schedule and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded. Next came a short break when no senator may speak. Sen. Susan Collins asked for agreement of all senators present, called “unanimous consent,” so that she could […]
Next week, we may find one small benefit in Covid-19. On April 1, the nation’s census is to be taken, and more people are likely to be staying home than would be normal. Because people are supposed to be counted by where they live, that could make the census more accurate. The number people in […]
The coronavirus pandemic is illustrating a basic truth about the U.S. We are poor at long-term preparing and better at short-term reacting. The country was unprepared for dealing with a worldwide public health crisis. Even if other countries were similarly unready, that’s no excuse for a country that considers itself and is widely considered by […]
In February, President Trump met with the National Governors Association. During a long and rambling session, including much praise for his policies, the president spent less than 20 seconds talking about the coronavirus. He found no need for any state action. His full remarks: “Now, the virus that we’re having to do – you know, […]
With former Vice President Joe Biden as the likely Democratic opponent of President Trump in November, Trump and the Republicans will renew efforts to discredit him over the Burisma-Ukraine-Biden issue. They will insist that Biden had a Ukraine prosecutor removed to protect Burisma, an energy company being investigated for corruption. He supposedly wanted to shield […]
Last week, Maine held a referendum on vaccinations and is likely to have another statewide, popular vote this year. The National Popular Vote is gaining momentum and could lead to a majority of all American voters having a direct role in picking the president in 2024. Democracy comes in two styles: direct and representative. The […]
The coronavirus not only has its victims, but it is also a victim. It suffers from an illness once thought to have been stamped out, but now afflicting the government again. It was called the “spoils system.” When Andrew Jackson became president in 1829, he promptly replaced federal government officials with people who were loyal […]
Term limits don’t work. The alternative, defeat by the voters, doesn’t work that well either. In either case, elected officials hold their offices for long terms. They have better name recognition than their challengers, can usually raise more money and know how to use incumbency to their benefit. Familiarity with office holders can give voters […]
Next Tuesday, “Super Tuesday,” could produce important answers to some of this year’s most fascinating political questions. It’s the biggest voting day this year, except Election Day itself. This year, for the first time, Maine will be join the big show. On a single day, Democrats will elect 1,357 of the 3,979 delegates who will […]
