2. Trump’s “run out the clock” strategy (April 24, 2019)

Remember that Trump did not grow up in a political family nor did he rise through the political ranks, running for lower office before making the leap to the White House. He doesn’t have the political instincts of a Kennedy or a Bush or even a Clinton.  All knows about the law (and maybe human … Continue reading 2. Trump’s “run out the clock” strategy (April 24, 2019) →

3. Supreme Court to tackle Trump admin’s census controversy Axios Sneak Peak April 12, 2019

In Article 1, Section 2, the US Constitution dictates that the population of the country will be counted every ten years for purposes determining how many representatives go to which state -- a process called reapportionment. “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United … Continue reading 3. Supreme Court to tackle Trump admin’s census controversy Axios Sneak Peak April 12, 2019 →

1 big thing: Trump’s hardline new border plan April 9, 2019

Tightening immigration law has been at the top of President Trump’s to-do list since he declared he was running for office.  After he descended the elevator in Trump Tower, he gave an announcement speech that began to address immigration in the 7th paragraph: When do we beat Mexico at the border? They’re laughing at us, … Continue reading 1 big thing: Trump’s hardline new border plan April 9, 2019 →

1 big thing: A new form of American capitalism (Axios April 7, 2019)

For Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation (people born before 1964) and maybe even the generation after, “socialism” has been a dirty word. It stood for the absence of freedom and individual choice that characterized the Soviet Union and China and even political economic systems like Sweden, Norway and Denmark that tried to reach socialist … Continue reading 1 big thing: A new form of American capitalism (Axios April 7, 2019) →

5. N.Y. Times: Barr understated Mueller findings Axios April 4, 2019

One of the most important things in politics is the ability to set the narrative. If you can get other people to buy your version of who, what, why and how, you can have considerable power over them. You influence what they decide is true. After two years of virtually no leaks from the Mueller … Continue reading 5. N.Y. Times: Barr understated Mueller findings Axios April 4, 2019 →

1 big thing: Kudlow and the Fed (Axios, March 29, 2019)

The Federal Reserve System consists of 12 independent regional banks and a central bank in Washington established by Congress in 1913.  They are an odd public/private institution-- independent but subject to congressional oversight. The Fed, as it is called, is ruled by a Board Governors headed by the Chair of the Federal Reserve, currently Jerome … Continue reading 1 big thing: Kudlow and the Fed (Axios, March 29, 2019) →

The Trump administration’s ACA strike-down stance raises the stakes (Axios, March 26, 2019)

It's baaaack. The battle over Obamacare in the news again. It's been a while, so here's a crash course to refresh your memories. Or to fill you in, in case, you know, you were only 8 when the whole thing started. 🙂 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare) has had a checkered … Continue reading The Trump administration’s ACA strike-down stance raises the stakes (Axios, March 26, 2019) →

1 big thing: Trump claims vindication, eyes vengeance (Axios, March 25, 2019)

What do we know and when did we know it? After two long years, the Mueller investigation is over. The previous posts you read gave you the background to the Mueller investigation and told you that the report  was now in the hands of the Department of Justice, headed by the Attorney General.  The report … Continue reading 1 big thing: Trump claims vindication, eyes vengeance (Axios, March 25, 2019) →

2 Big Stories March 23, 2019

1 big thing: The politics of "collusion delusion" (Axios, Saturday, 3/23) What’s all this I hear about the Mueller investigation? Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI from 2001-2013, was appointed by Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General for the United States Department of Justice, as Special Prosecutor to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 US election. … Continue reading 2 Big Stories March 23, 2019 →