Category Archives: Commentary

Missing the Point

10/7/2004 – 10:56 am

The key moment of Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate was not about toe-to-toe slugging or one side making a more exaggerated claim than the other. The crux of the debate was a question about African-American women and AIDS. Moderator Gwen Ifill posed the question to Vice President Dick Cheney. She said, “I want to talk to you […]

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What’s To Debate?

9/30/2004 – 10:24 am

Tonight’s first presidential debate will be a carefully stage-managed event; much has been made of the 32-page Memorandum of Understanding agreed upon by the campaigns, with provisions requiring the candidates to shake hands and prohibiting them from moving from behind their podia or posing questions – or even directly addressing – their opponent (rhetorical questions […]

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Now and Then

9/23/2004 – 2:13 pm

A new phrase has crept into the dispatches from Iraq in recent weeks – “civil war.” Insurgents are increasing their attacks on Iraqis who cooperate, or as they see it, collaborate, with Americans. Some attacks are on individuals, like police or military recruits, others are aimed at groups, like the Kurds. Looming civil war completes […]

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The New Normal

9/16/2004 – 5:07 pm

Things are getting stranger. The Florida Marlins played two “home” games at the White Sox’ park in Chicago this week against the Montreal Expos. Their stadium in Miami was recovering from Hurricane Frances and fretting over Hurricane Ivan. It was the first time two National League teams had met in an American League park since […]

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Why Johnny Can’t Think

9/9/2004 – 1:21 pm

The presidency of the United States is a big, big job. Every day, dozens of decisions are made, statements released and executive orders issued on a host of subjects, all in the president’s name. No president could find enough hours in the day to sign all the documents personally, much less delve into the policy […]

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Reckless Arrogance

9/2/2004 – 3:08 pm

The Republican National Convention climaxes and concludes in Manhattan this evening with the nomination of George W. Bush for a second term as president of the United States. Inside the hall this week, speakers have commended Mr. Bush for bringing strength, purpose and dignity to the nation’s highest office. On the floor, delegates have marched […]

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The Bad Guy

8/26/2004 – 11:32 am

George W. Bush has always needed a bad guy. Bill Clinton was his original bad guy – more of a bad boy, really. During Mr. Bush’s first months in the Oval Office, any and all problems were blamed on “the previous administration.” Just when Mr. Bush had pushed that excuse to the limit of credibility, […]

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