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Politics
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November 11, 2015
Why Has Trust in the News Media Declined?
Why do so many people say they distrust journalists, and what does that mean?
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October 23, 2015
Paul Ryan, the ‘Hastert Rule’ and Democracy on the Hill
Would the House be more functional if it could vote more often on bills that most of the majority party members opposed?
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September 9, 2015
The Power of Third-Party Campaigns
Would voters be better off with more choices? Is the two-party system worth defending?
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August 6, 2015
Did Jon Stewart Have a Serious Lesson for Journalists?
Can mainstream journalists learn anything from Jon Stewart’s approach, or from comedic news shows in general?
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June 29, 2015
Red, White and Bluer
Has America become more liberal?
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April 6, 2015
A Changing World Order?
How will U.S. allies joining the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank affect world politics and the global economy?
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March 24, 2015
The Pulpit and the Ballot Box
Why do voters care about a candidate's religion? Does it matter?
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March 4, 2015
When a Candidate Leaves the Pack Behind
When a front-runner takes a dominant lead so early in a campaign, or tries to, what is lost or gained?
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January 5, 2015
Blood and Politics
Are dynasties bad for American democracy, or simply inevitable? How do they affect political power?
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November 9, 2014
Can the Red Tide Be Turned Back?
What can the Democrats do to recover from the sweeping electoral defeat?
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November 5, 2014
The Possibility of Post-Election Bipartisan Deals
What compromises, if any, are realistic for President Obama and the new Congress to make?
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November 3, 2014
Should Voting Be a Constitutional Right?
Should a constitutional amendment guarantee the right to vote, to fend off efforts that inhibit and restrict voting?
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June 4, 2014
Can the Minimum Wage Be Too High?
On Monday Seattle raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour. But can the city afford it? Will it lead to job …
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May 18, 2014
How Strong Is the Tea Party?
Has the movement been co-opted or passed by, or is it still a force to be reckoned with?
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April 21, 2014
Do the Rich Call the Shots?
Has the United States become more of an oligarchy than a democracy, with the economic elite holding more influence than the public …
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February 17, 2014
Organized Labor’s Future in the South
What barriers would have to be overcome to organize factory workers in areas that have not traditionally welcomed unions?
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January 26, 2014
Who Should Be Invited to the State of the Union?
To highlight certain priorities, the president invites a few guests each year to sit in the viewing gallery. Experts and readers can …
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January 9, 2014
Should Governor Christie Step Down?
The governor's aides retaliated against a foe by causing traffic tie-ups at the George Washington Bridge. Should Christie's involvement, or lack of …
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January 6, 2014
Turning Away From Painful Chapters
What happens when we ignore ugly truths about the past -- when families bury their dark secrets, and nations try to forget …
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November 22, 2013
What the Filibuster Rule Changes, and What It Doesn’t
What are the likely effects of the Senate's decision to limit filibusters?
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November 13, 2013
Should Politicians’ Spouses Shape Policy?
Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, have always worked as a team. But are there pitfalls for voters and officials …
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October 13, 2013
Is the G.O.P. Giving Independents an Opening?
Republicans have alienated the general public and their allies in the business world. In the next election, will onetime Republicans stray?
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August 13, 2013
How Lawmakers Can Stay Connected to Constituents
In an age of air travel and e-mail, is a month-long summer recess still fruitful?
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July 16, 2013
State Politics vs. the Federal Government
Does the growing assertiveness of governors and state legislatures make the federal government less powerful?
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July 11, 2013
Is North Carolina a Model for State Budgets?
The Republican governor and Legislature have pushed a series of controversial measures. Do they show a path to fiscal responsibility?
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June 30, 2013
Coming Out on Abortion
Would support for abortion rights grow if more women talked publicly about their abortions?
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June 4, 2013
Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser?
Should there be an age limit for the House and Senate?
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May 29, 2013
Is Obamacare Too Complicated to Succeed?
Are opponents of the Affordable Care Act pointing out serious flaws, or manufacturing obstacles for political gain?
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May 23, 2013
The Politics of Second Chances
Do voters think personal scandal matters and what can a politician do to recover from disgrace?
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May 8, 2013
Serious Investigations, or Partisan Ploys?
Have Congressional hearings become mere political devices to smear one party and attract voters?
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