The Notion

Is Tim Pawlenty Responsible for the Minnesota Government Shutdown? Is Tim Pawlenty Responsible for the Minnesota Government Shutdown?

His budget gimmicks as governor contributed to the current crisis.

Jul 7, 2011 / Ben Adler

John Mackey: The Death of a Football and Union Legend John Mackey: The Death of a Football and Union Legend

Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey has a legacy that truly transcends his sport.

Jul 7, 2011 / Dave Zirin

Democrats to Obama: Don’t Cut Social Security and Medicare Democrats to Obama: Don’t Cut Social Security and Medicare

By putting cuts to Medicare and Social Security on the table as part of a debt ceiling deal, President Obama could undermine his presidency and party.

Jul 7, 2011 / Ari Berman

With Entitlements on the Table, Obama Plans to Go Big on a Budget Deal With Entitlements on the Table, Obama Plans to Go Big on a Budget Deal

The president is ready to support changes to Social Security and Medicare to get a deal on the debt ceiling. If the past is any indication, this was the plan.

Jul 7, 2011 / Jamelle Bouie

Republican Presidential Field Off to Slow Fundraising Start Republican Presidential Field Off to Slow Fundraising Start

Weak Republican fundraising shows they are still unexcited by their presidential candidates.

Jul 6, 2011 / Ben Adler

What Happened at Obama’s First Twitter Town Hall? What Happened at Obama’s First Twitter Town Hall?

In an unusual new media event, the president served up some long answers to short questions. Is this an improvement on traditional town halls?

Jul 6, 2011 / Ari Melber

The Risks—and Potential Rewards—of Pre-K ‘Testing’ The Risks—and Potential Rewards—of Pre-K ‘Testing’

The Obama administration wants states to develop assessments for pre-schoolers. Here’s how it would work in the classroom.

Jul 6, 2011 / Dana Goldstein

The Paradoxical, Dangerous Balanced Budget Amendment The Paradoxical, Dangerous Balanced Budget Amendment

Talk of a “balanced budget amendment” abounds in Washington—but few realize what it would actually entail. 

Jul 6, 2011 / George Zornick

Budget Battles Force One-Sided Compromises

Budget Battles Force One-Sided Compromises Budget Battles Force One-Sided Compromises

The government calls for “shared sacrifice” during the budget wars—but only one side ends up losing out.

Jul 6, 2011 / Allison Kilkenny

The Beltway Begins to Wake Up to GOP Extremism The Beltway Begins to Wake Up to GOP Extremism

Establishment pundits have finally figured out that the Republican Party has been completely consumed by right-wing extremism.

Jul 5, 2011 / Jamelle Bouie

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