Norman J. Ornstein

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

GOP presidential race: Why Perry may still have a shot

Norman J. Ornstein | January 4, 2012, 9:36 pm

Why would Rick Perry stay in the race? To those who watched a candidate who seemed to have everything going for him—long-time, big-state governor with a record he could tout, money, attractiveness, appeal to the base, never lost an election—fall … read more >

Politics and Public Opinion

The Republican speed dating nightmare

Norman J. Ornstein | January 3, 2012, 10:17 am

For months, we have all watched the Republican nomination campaign unfold as Mitt vs. Not Mitt. Mitt Romney has in some ways floated above the fray as all the other candidates have vied to win the title of Not Mitt. … read more >

Foreign and Defense Policy

The Senate vote on Norm Eisen

Norman J. Ornstein | December 12, 2011, 4:15 pm

Later this afternoon, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Norm Eisen to be the American ambassador to the Czech Republic. Actually, Eisen has been in the post for a year under a recess appointment that expires at the end … read more >

Society and Culture

Joe Robert: A truly larger-than-life figure

Norman J. Ornstein | December 12, 2011, 9:37 am

Joe Robert, who died last week after a battle with inoperable brain cancer, was a true larger-than-life figure. In my four-plus decades in Washington, I have known many larger-than-life figures—people like Tip O’Neill, Henry Kissinger, Bill Clinton, Jack Welch, Ted … read more >

Politics and Public Opinion

The Cain scandal you haven’t heard about

Norman J. Ornstein | November 4, 2011, 4:10 pm

The frenzy over allegations of sexual harassment against Herman Cain has obscured another scandal involving the candidate, what appears to be a blatantly illegal use of a non-profit organization to fund the initial stage of his campaign. Set up as … read more >

The Uses of Scandal
One of the greatest uses of scandal is to vividly demonstrate what new laws are needed and to create the political conditions to get them enacted. […]
Lean In… to Government?
Sheryl Sandberg's runaway best-selling book Lean In has managed to offend both the Left and the Right. Sandberg touts female hard-headedness, yet also calls for an elaborate government- and employer-supplied support system for women. […]
Are American Voters Racist?
Racial prejudice plays a very small role in American politics, but a highly disciplined sense of self-interest on the part of one group may play a very large role in the way the federal government functions. […]
The Perpetual Passion for Paper
Paper is becoming less important in some respects, but its strengths — prestige, utility, permanence, and security — are more essential than ever. […]