Here’s hoping Chicago lands 2016 Olympics
By DAVID BRODER - Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009
WASHINGTON -- I’m astonished that some carping critics have faulted President Obama for making the 18-hour excursion to Copenhagen to schmooze the International Olympic Committee members who on Friday will decide among Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Madrid and Chicago.
Team Obama
By DAVID BRODER - Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009
WASHINGTON -- For President Obama, last week was rather like a major exam on his skills as a diplomat and architect of foreign policy. He can count on being tested again and again by unexpected events. But in his debut at the United Nations and as host to the G-20 economic powers in Pittsburgh, Obama was given more scrutiny by foreign leaders and domestic constituencies than at any other time in his first year in office.
In a progressive stew
By DAVID BRODER - Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Democracy and representative government are a lot messier than the progressives and their heirs, including Obama, want to admit. No wonder they are so often frustrated.
Baucus finds misery in the muddled middle
By DAVID BRODER - Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009
WASHINGTON --
Last week, Sen. Max Baucus conceded that his effort to lead a committee crafting a bipartisan health care bill had failed—at least, so far—and said he would offer his own bill for amendment in committee this week.
Trade war could erupt when rubber hits road
By DAVID BRODER - Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
WASHINGTON -- The government’s International Trade Commission reported that a surge of Chinese exports of low-cost tires has cost U.S. workers 5,000 jobs. On the basis of that report, President Obama slapped tariffs, beginning at 35 percent, on Chinese-made tires. By itself, the issue seems hardly important. But like a pebble in the shoe, the irritation it has caused and the ramifications of the dispute may have greater consequences.
Now try the tough stuff
By DAVID BRODER - Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009
WASHINGTON --
When I listened to President Obama's Wednesday night speech a second time, trying to tune out the rhetoric and trace the argument, the impression was strikingly different. For the first time I realized how far Obama has shifted from the proposition that marked his successful race for the White House.
Holder’s prosecution decision is one bad idea
By DAVID BRODER - Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
WASHINGTON --
I think it is a matter of regret that Attorney General Eric Holder asked prosecutor John H. Durham to review the cases of the agents accused of abusive tactics toward some captives during the Bush administration.
Obama’s autumn of discontent
By DAVID BRODER - Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009
WASHINGTON --
When he took office, Barack Obama launched a series of ambitious initiatives and, while only the economic stimulus package came to quick fruition, there was a palpable sense of energy. By late summer, most of that good will has been dissipated, the voters are feeling impatient and irritable, and a sense of stalemate has returned to the capital.
Kennedy tackled life head on
By DAVID BRODER - Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009
WASHINGTON -- As a senator, as the de facto leader of liberal Democrats for decades, even as a failed presidential candidate, Ted Kennedy was always the same, pursuing his goals no matter the odds.
Three giants in a drama they loved
By DAVID BRODER - Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Paul Duke, who became the beloved moderator of PBS’ “Washington Week in Review,” died four years ago. Alan L. Otten, who adopted me on my first presidential campaign in 1960 and became the best mentor anyone could ever have, died two weeks ago. And now Bob Novak is gone. When I heard word of his death Tuesday, it struck me that we are not likely to see their likes again.
On stimulus, still some questions
By DAVID BRODER - Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009
WASHINGTON --
Three Brookings scholars and a suburban Washington mayor in a panel discussion agreed on one thing: No one can realistically pronounce the massive $787 billion stimulus bill either a flop or a triumph at this point.
Health care opponents play with fire at protests
By DAVID BRODER - Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009
WASHINGTON --
Scenes like the one in Romulus, Mich., have filled cable news as Democrats across the country have been meeting their constituents during this August congressional recess. The cameras were watching as Sens. Arlen Specter and Claire McCaskill were harangued Tuesday. What doesn’t make the news is what the reaction is among the larger population of voters whose views will ultimately influence the fate of health care legislation.
Sotomayor holds potential impact
By DAVID BRODER - Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009
WASHINGTON --
In any group as small as the nine-member Supreme Court, the departure of one person and the arrival of a very different one likely will alter the dynamics.
House factions sway debate on health care
By DAVID BRODER - Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009
WASHINGTON -- The Blue Dog Coalition's story is typical of the narratives behind the many other ideological, ethnic and geographical factions that have marked the history of Congress and are a feature of today’s House, as well.
One healthy competition
By DAVID BRODER - Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009
WASHINGTON -- The health care bills in Congress are getting better, even as support for them diminishes around the country. It is just as well that President Obama has yielded to common sense and backed off his demand for quick action.
