Beto O’Rourke, who entered the race for president on Thursday, has drawn comparisons to another young, relatively inexperienced Democrat: Barack Obama. And while there are ways that O’Rourke can claim to be like Obama, there are a number reasons he cannot (beyond biographical details). First let’s tackle how they are […] Read more »
Who’s Taking Up Obama’s Mantle In 2020?
Since leaving office, former President Barack Obama has experienced a boost in public opinion, and his post-presidency approval rating is especially strong among Democrats. That popularity could make him a powerful surrogate on the 2020 campaign trail, and he has been meeting with many of the Democrats who are or […] Read more »
Why do Republicans still back Trump? The answer is simple: Attitude and gratitude
Why do Republicans stick with Donald Trump? It’s a question I’m asked again and again by Democrats, “Never Trumpers,” and journalists. But the answer is simple. Attitude and gratitude. For years, Republican voters wanted someone — anyone — to come along and do two things: stick it to the Clintons […] Read more »
Joe Biden’s not so secret weapon: Barack Obama
… Biden has been the polling frontrunner throughout the early stages of the 2020 Democratic primary. Yet, as I’ve noted before, there are many reasons to believe his advantage won’t hold. … The problem for Biden is obvious: the Democratic electorate is moving to the left. Whether you examine Gallup […] Read more »
The Rest of the World Knows Pax Americana Is Over
A conversation with Ian Bremmer, president and founder of Eurasia Group. You’ve written a lot about the geopolitical risks facing the world in 2019 and beyond. How do the findings in this Gallup report — “Rating World Leaders: 2019” — fit into your assessment? What do they tell you? Bremmer: […] Read more »
Broad disapproval of Trump’s national emergency mirrors a critical 2020 problem for Trump
We’re pretty far down a tricky path for President Trump, whose promises on the 2016 campaign trail to build a wall on the border with Mexico were never likely to come to fruition given the process for getting legislation passed by Congress. … During the past two months, the bumpiness […] Read more »