RealClearPolitics political analyst Sean Trende is one of the clear-eyed, analytic observers of American politics, and I usually find myself nodding in agreement when I read his invariably thoughtful stuff. That didn’t happen when I was reading his Dec. 10 piece, “Laying Odds on the GOP Presidential Race.” Trende writes that he is rating “the […]
When you write dozens of columns each year, as I have been doing for a long time (some people think far too long), you look back at some of them with embarrassment. Sure, there are plenty of columns of which I remain proud and that look thoughtful, even prescient (“prescient” is a word I try […]
“Political brands are important,” I wrote more than a year and a half ago in a lede that was much less interesting than the entire column. Now, though, I am wondering whether political party brands are so different from soap brands or over-the-counter medicine brands, which loyal consumers often stick with no matter what the […]
Republicans’ decline with Hispanic voters over the past two presidential races is undeniable and improvement with the growing demographic is an imperative to improve the party’s White House prospects. But a new interactive tool helps demonstrate that the GOP’s Electoral College challenge goes well beyond the party’s problem with Latino voters. David Wasserman wasn’t joking […]
An independent presidential run by Donald Trump would sink Republican chances of winning the White House, but Trump would be the biggest loser. And if there is one thing Trump can’t afford or stomach, it’s losing. During the wealthy businessman’s latest dustup with the GOP establishment over his proposed travel ban on all Muslims, Trump […]
Democrat John Bel Edwards’ “prostitutes over patriots” ad will be remembered as one of the most-hard hitting television spots in campaign history. But did it catch the attention of national Democratic strategists? Political consulting is a competitive sport with millions of dollars at stake. There is plenty of jockeying to be on top strategists’ unofficial […]
It has been almost 20 years since I started writing a best/worst end of the year column. Since I’m committed to doing them until I finally get one right, here goes this year’s attempt. Weirdest Political Development of 2015 The nominees: Bernard Sanders’ candidacy. John A. Boehner quits. Ben Carson’s candidacy. A Democrat is elected […]
Breaking news can be hard to predict, except when it’s tied to a controversial court case. Candidates and consultants spend their time, energy and dollars staying on message — trying to focus voters on winning issues. But breaking news, even something such as a court decision that can be anticipated, often derails those plans by […]