Electoral Politics

For Competitive Primaries

John Nichols : Democratic Party

Yes, primaries can be divisive and expensive. But the Democratic Party is usually at its best when it trusts grassroots activists and voters to make choices.

Tom Geoghegan's Run

John Nichols

Tom Geoghegan may not have prevailed at the polls, but he won the ideas primary.

Waiting for the Barbarians

Richard Kim : Republican Party

The GOP's machinery of hate has taken on a life of its own.

The New Senate Majority?

John Nichols : Democratic Party

Democratic candidates are gaining in key Senate races and could tip the balance in the next Congress.

Voting the Fate of the Nation

Chalmers Johnson : Presidential Election 2008

This can be a transformative election. Will economic meltdown, race or regional loyalty be the trump card?

Lee Atwater's Legacy

Antonino D'Ambrosio : Film

Rebel. Liar. Attack dog. Bigot. Stefan Forbes's Boogie Man assesses the enduring damage Lee Atwater did to our political process.

McCain and W.

Robert Scheer : Film

McCain's not a perfect replica, but Oliver Stone's Bush bio-pic reminds us they're two spoiled screw-ups who divided and conquered the country for their high-rolling pals.

Ohio Election Activists Fight GOP Dirty Tricks

Bob Fitrakis & Harvey Wasserman : Presidential Election 2008

A surge of first-time voters and dirty tricks by GOP operatives have mobilized citizen activists to prevent another stolen election in Ohio.

Noted.

The I-word, back on the table; Fannie Lou Hamer and the Democrats.

Obama and the Power of Symbols

Gary Younge : Democratic Party

Does Obama's candidacy represent a progressive paradigm shift--or is he just another mainstream Democrat?

Obama Makes History

: Presidential Election 2008

The Democratic nominee is betting on the basic decency of the American people, their hunger for a discussion of issues and their desire for real change.

A Progressive Push

It's time for candidates to focus on issues missing from the debate so far: the bloated military budget, an exit from Bush's "war on terror," our failing infrastructure and the deepening financial crisis.

Progressive Democratic Challengers

John Nichols : Democratic Party

With the Congressional race under way, the essential question is: will the Democrats be more progressive post-Bush?

They Like Mike

Micah L. Sifry : Third Party Politics

Is America ready for a nonideological problem solver with liberal views on gun control, gay rights and abortion?

Dems Get New Tools, New Talent

Matt Stoller : Democratic Party

Democratic campaigns are refining the art of reaching more people.

Grassroots Reseeded: Suites vs. Streets

Laura Flanders : Democratic Party

This could be the year that Democrats finally let the people play a role in politics.