03/16/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Myths and misrepresentations about ObamaCare
President Barack Obama's top strategists have belatedly challenged the Republican argument that Congress should kill his health care reform plan because the American people have rejected it. That's one myth. Here are some others.

03/10/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Good news in Iraq doesn't wipe away the bad
Nearly seven years after President George W. Bush initially proclaimed success, the American mission in Iraq finally seems as close to being accomplished as it may ever be. But doubts will remain if it was worth the massive cost in lives and treasure.

03/03/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Is Rick Perry's next race for president?
Despite Gov. Rick Perry's protestations, it's a rare politician who doesn't at least think about seeking the next job up the political ladder, even though many never admit it. And the next GOP presidential race is as wide open as any within memory.

02/24/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Confident conservatives ignore their past
Amid the overheated rhetoric, few conceded the practical difficulties in achieving this agenda or its efficacy. Time has validated John Anderson's 1980 rejoinder that only "with mirrors" can one cut taxes, raise defense spending and balance the budget.

02/17/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Bayh leaving doesn't break partisan stall
Evan Bayh put his finger directly on what many people think is the biggest problem facing Washington - "Too much partisanship and not enough progress" - but the irony is that his decision to leave almost certainly will make things worse.

02/10/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Bipartisan quest easier said than done
In 2008, Barack Obama convinced many voters he had a new approach to break Washington's persistent gridlock. But bitter in-fighting during his first year as president has exacerbated the partisanship.

02/03/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Bipartisanship? Maybe on saner primary dates
It won't cut the deficit or guarantee Americans health care. But it would shorten the 2012 presidential primary season and prevent a repeat of candidates spending the 2007 Christmas holidays bashing one another in Iowa and New Hampshire.

01/28/2010

Carl Leubsdorf: Time will tell if Obama can calm his critics
Barack Obama's pointed comments about GOP obstructionism made clear he realizes that, because so much may remain undone, it's not too soon to start pressing the case with the public. And that's tricky, given his declining job approval.