USA | Politics | Politics Voices
- In tricky US-Russia climate, citizen diplomats and scholars do the talking
In conferences and forums around Washington last week, hacked emails and election influencing were not on the agenda. Rather, the talk centered on strategic stability, terrorism, and other areas of mutual interest that undergird US-Russia relations.
- Why I've left my liberal comfort zone – and found conservative friends
As the cofounder of Moveon.org, I'm steeped in progressive culture. I often hear the argument that we must overwhelm conservatives with greater numbers. But I ask my progressive friends to consider another approach.
- Speaking Politics phrase of the week: 'tabula rasa'
Donald Trump offered so few specific policy prescriptions in the election that many pundits are saying he remains a relatively blank slate.
- How schools can bring civility to politics
With all the divisive rhetoric, sensationalist journalism, and inflamed passions during this election cycle, schools can be one of our saving graces. Unfortunately, 40 percent of teachers are hesitant to teach about the election.
- America divided? Not in these hundreds of communities.
The civility revolution is particularly strong within the millennial generation, who have created a cross-party 'Future Caucus' on Capitol Hill and in a dozen state legislatures.
- Speaking Politics phrase of the week: 'dead-cat bounce'
The phrase, suitably festive for Halloween, has gained currency in political circles to explain polling blips that don't mean anything.
- Speaking Politics phrase of the week: 'roll-off'
When voters vote for president but not for other races on the ballot, that's roll-off, and experts are wondering if it will be an issue with Trump voters.
- A presidential debate is not a boxing match
Our presidents are not pugilists, but politicians. For the sake of our democracy, let's stop confusing the two.
- Speaking Politics phrase of the week: 'A new generation of leadership'
The phrase, invoked by candidates from Justin Trudeau to Evan McMullin, has been used 408 times in media coverage so far this year – almost 100 times more than four years ago.
- We got Al Gore and climate skeptics in a room. Here's what happened.
Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth, was just about to come out. A libertarian think tank had published attack ads against it. My co-facilitator and I brought them together.
- Why I'm against desegregating my black grandsons' school system
A federal policy that has not worked is being forced on my grandkids. I, a white liberal from the North, once favored it. They, black students at a public high school in Mississippi, now don’t.
- Speaking Politics term of the week: zinger
“Zinger” is one of many political words originating in the sports world. But by 1970, as political discourse became less civil and more confrontational, it turned into a catchy synonym for a barbed quip.
- The ExplainerBoston broke a record last year for fewest homicides. It’s on track to do it again.
- Five years after fire, a shining Notre Dame is ready to reopen its doors
- Why Florida and almost half of US states are enshrining a right to hunt and fish
- Waves of joy flood Damascus. But an undercurrent of distrust lingers.
- Malibu’s wildfire threatens my community. It’s also bringing us together.