“A smart political strategy isn’t the same thing as accurate policy analysis. ”
A Different Perspective
Why is China laughing at America?
January 23rd, 2012
China has become an economic powerhouse. Since Deng Xiaoping initiated economic reforms in 1978 it has averaged almost 10% economic growth each year. That’s unprecedented and unheard of.
The pre-1978 Chinese economy was averaging 6% growth per year; however, it was unstable and experienced repetitive crises. Its GDP was only a fraction of that of the United States. So China had a lot of room to grow. In addition, its enormous population which is now more than 1 billion people meant its potential economic output could easily outdo the American economy if it could get its act together. And that is exactly what China did.
What is the key to presidential success?
January 19th, 2012
The American presidency is a peculiar political institution. Unlike its counterparts throughout the world the American president is both head of state and head of his party. Unlike other political executives it is an institution in of itself, a separate branch of government. There are no comparable political offices throughout the world. This only heightens the mystery and mystic of the office. Throughout its history scholars have tried to erode that mystery by studying every aspect of the institution. Almost every possible characteristic, quality, and feature of the presidency and of its occupants have been studied. However, over the course of its 223 year history many fundamental questions of the presidency still remain. This includes th
Special Interests Dominate American Politics
January 7th, 2012
In the past three years Americans have witnessed something quite amazing and extremely rare. Not only was there one major political movement that shook the establishment, but there were two. First it was the Tea Party movement then the Occupy Wall Street movement, both of which captured the nation’s attention and changed the political debate.
The Definitive Pragmatic Politician
December 2nd, 2011
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is the definitive pragmatic politician. He may also be the most unique elected official in the entire United States. In an era of hyper-partisanship, vicious rhetoric, partisan agendas, and special interests dominated politics, Rick Snyder charts a different path. His no labels approach, smart government designs, post-partisan policy prescriptions, and relentless positive outlook should make him an icon for centrists everywhere.
Moderates Just Don't Get It
October 25th, 2011
Will Marshall, the president of the Progressive Policy Institute, recently wrote, “Conservatives appeal to voters on a gut level; liberals invoke facts, analysis, rational arguments. It’s no contest: Demagoguery trumps sweet reason every time.” But it’s not just liberals that rely on rationality, it’s also moderates.
Why Liberals Should Support Michigan Governor Rick Snyder
October 12th, 2011
Liberals do not like Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. In fact, he is the topic of conversation for many segments on the Rachel Maddow Show. His policies, which include teacher tenure reform, huge budget cuts, cuts to education at all levels, and changing arbitration rules for public employee unions, have infuriated many liberals.
Yet non-partisan political pundits recognize that Snyder is quite different than his fellow Republican governors across the country. Instead of antagonizing liberals with a partisan agenda he has consistently ignored the contentious wedge issues that usually divide voters into partisan armies.
Practical is not Political
March 22nd, 2011
The biggest objection that ideologues and hard core partisans have of moderates is that we are too political. Tea Partiers abhor the moderates in the Republican Party because “they do only what’s in their self interest instead of promoting the conservative values they campaigned on.” Progressives view moderates in the Democratic Party with the same disdain. To them moderates are “corporate Democrats who sell themselves instead of standing up for American families and workers.” Ideologues at both ends of the political spectrum think moderates are too political.
The Moderate Brand of Rick Snyder
November 30th, 2010
Over the course of the past year I’ve been writing consistently about my frustration with the moderate brand. As I’ve written, most voters think of moderates as wishy-washy; they sit on the fence playing politics; they always choose the most politically expedient option; and they have no character, strength, or principles. I’ve also argued repeatedly that we need to change this perception or else we moderates will never be politically competitive.
He uses non-political terms and ideas that average, moderate, mainstream voters can understand.
The Post Atlantic President
April 5th, 2010
George F. Will is a conservative columnist who has written for numerous publications. He is smart and very articulate. He is also a great example of how ideology and party loyalty can blind smart people from reality.
A New Vision for America in the 21st Century
January 4th, 2012
President George W. Bush once wrote, ““The first challenge of leadership is to outline a clear vision and agenda.” Visions become agendas, agendas become actions. Creating a vision that informs and motivates is essential to any campaign whether it be political or social.
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