Graciously conceding as vice president in 1980, Walter Mondale spoke of voters wielding "their staggering power." This year's energized electorate did that, thereby proving, among other things, that bad governance is good for turnout, a fact that should give pause to people who think high rates of voting are unambiguous indicators of civic health. ...more

November 8, 2008

Why Denver? Why are Democrats holding their national convention next week in the hub of the Rocky Mountains rather than a traditional presidential battleground state such as Florida or Ohio, or some other large-delegate state such as New York? ...more

August 21, 2008

Abraham Lincoln was the rarest of men, and John G. Sotos thinks that extended all the way to his chromosome 10. ...more

November 30, 2007

There are a lot of well-chronicled reasons to go to the Tampa Theatre. I found two more recently. ...more

November 7, 2007

There are a lot of well-chronicled reasons to go to the Tampa Theatre. I found two more recently. ...more

November 5, 2007

A few key dates in the development of the U.S. primary system: Before the 1830s - Presidential candidates are chosen by caucuses of Congress members. ...more

September 26, 2007