Buzzflash
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Newsvine
RedditIn a 5-to-4 decision as we went to press, the Supreme Court upheld nearly all the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act's provisions. It would have been a major setback if the Court hadn't agreed with the law's banning of national party soft money and restrictions on electioneering ads. However, with 95 percent of Americans not giving any money and the bulk coming in $2,000 checks from a tiny, wealthy elite, big money still dominates the electoral process. Candidates and communities without access to wealth are still essentially excluded from meaningful participation. Exhibit A: Bush's Rangers and Pioneers. More reform is needed.
-
Rethinking the Veepstakes
John Nichols: The process of picking a Vice President needn't be the craven political exercise it is today. Do we even need one?
-
Boxed In
Peter C. Baker: Electoral reform in the United States will require federal intervention to empower voters and overcome the challenges posed by state and local autonomy.
-
Protecting the Rights of Millionaires
Laura MacCleery: By equating money with free speech, is the Supreme Court defending the right of the rich to steal elections?
-
Restore Integrity to Federal Elections
Lawrence Norden: The House must act now to create universal voting standards and restore confidence in our electoral system.
-
Failing Electoral College
Rob Richie: As California Republicans seek to game the dysfunctional Electoral College, a campaign is rising to establish a national popular vote.
-
How to Fix Our Democracy
Mark Green: In just six years, Bush has squandered centuries of American progress. It's time to start repairing the damage.
-
The Sounds of Silence
Walter Mosley: Voting is a privilege and a responsibility that every American bears. Allowing prisoners to vote will keep us honest.
-
Noted.
Sarah Palin, pit bull in lipstick; Amy Goodman behind bars.
-
Tale of Two Conventions
Populist politics in Denver; an elaborate fraud in St. Paul.
-
Noted.
Dems and the Constitution, dispatches from Denver, journos rescue our correspondent in Georgia.
-
The Biden Bid
It could have been worse--a lot worse.
-
We'll Take It From Here
Eight years ago, the people gave the GOP the keys to the country. It's time to take them back.
-
Noted.
The I-word, back on the table; Fannie Lou Hamer and the Democrats.
-
For a New Economics
The tepid platform Democrats will adopt in Denver isn't a new social contract, but it does go places Republicans never will. Let's hope Obama does better.
- Get The Nation at home (and online!) for 75 cents a week!
- If you like this article, consider making a donation to The Nation.
