John Nichols

Take That, Austerity! Outcry and Activism Save 6-Day Mail Delivery

John Nichols on April 10, 2013 - 10:45 PM ET

A USPS van. (Joseph Barillari)

Can Americans beat the austerity agenda of Wall Street Republicans and compromise-prone Democrats? Can we prevent deep cuts to essential services? Can we preserve the commons in the face of a full-frontal assault from politicians and pundits who are ever at the ready to attack the public sector and public employees on behalf of their crony-capitalist patrons?

2.3 Million Petitioners Urge Rejection of 'Chained-CPI' Social Security Cut

John Nichols on April 8, 2013 - 5:52 PM ET

Social Security checks at the US Treasury. (AP Photo/Bradley C. Bower)

US Senator Bernie Sanders, Congressman Mark Takano, Congressman Mark Pocan, Congressman Rick Nolan and leaders of organizations that oppose President Obama's anticipated assault on Social Security went to the White House Tuesday to present petitions signed by 2.3-million Americans who reject the president's proposal for “chained-CPI.”

Progressives Push Back Against Obama's Social Security, Medicare Austerity

John Nichols on April 5, 2013 - 11:22 PM ET

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

President Obama’s plan to include Social Security cuts in his budget plan is well summed up by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as a “bitter disappointment.”

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Educator Who Challenged Scott Walker's Vouchers Agenda Wins 61-39 in Wisconsin

John Nichols on April 3, 2013 - 12:17 PM ET

Tony Evers. (Flickr/WisPolitics.com)

When Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced that he would use his upcoming budget to expand private-school voucher programs, even some Republican legislators objected.

A 'Stark Choice' Election on the Future of Public Education

John Nichols on April 1, 2013 - 3:41 PM ET

Tony Evers speaks in Milwaukee, June 1, 2010. (Flickr/WisPolitics.com)

Debates about education policy often get muddled, especially at election time. Though school board contests across the country regularly touch on local elements of the fight over the future of public education, and though legislative contests frequently raise policy details, it is rare that voters in a high-profile statewide contest face an absolutely clear choice on a broad range of education concerns.

What if Sherrod Brown, Battler Against 'Too-Big-to-Fail' Banks, Gets Banking Committee Chair?

John Nichols on March 29, 2013 - 11:57 AM ET

Senator Sherrod Brown. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown has for years battled to break up “too-big-to-fail” banks, arguing, “American taxpayers don’t want us to wait until another crisis develops. They want us to ensure that Wall Street megabanks will never again monopolize our nation’s wealth or gamble away the American Dream.”

Scott Walker's 'Unintimidated' Grab for Presidential Consideration

John Nichols on March 26, 2013 - 4:31 PM ET

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Why is Governor Scott Walker writing a book?

Austerity's Cruelest Cut: Democracy Denied in Detroit

John Nichols on March 25, 2013 - 1:53 PM ET

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

When the voters of Detroit were given the opportunity to decide whether they wanted Rick Snyder to have a role in running their city, it did not go well.

Congress Has a Constitutional Duty to Preserve and Promote the Post Office

John Nichols on March 22, 2013 - 1:39 PM ET

A local post office in Markham, Virginia. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

No member of Congress who takes seriously their oath sworn to uphold the Constitution can neglect the duty to preserve the United States Postal Service.

Americans Want a 'Back-to-Work' Alternative to Ryan's Austerity Scheme

John Nichols on March 21, 2013 - 12:26 PM ET

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus speak against proposed tax cuts, December 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

When it comes to budgets, debts and deficits and, most importantly, the future of the US economy, there are two distinct visions competing in Washington.