A 2016 Debate We Need A 2016 Debate We Need
Editor’s Note: Each week we cross-post an excerpt from Katrina vanden Heuvel’s column at the WashingtonPost.com. Read the full text of Katrina’s column here. On Tuesday, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address to a Congress ruled by Republicans. The president has two years left in his second term, but political Washington is so focused on the 2016 presidential race that even the president’s speech is evaluated for its effect on the race. Presidential campaigns start earlier and earlier, but seem to get emptier and emptier. Already the media is hyping the coming horse race, laying odds on who is in and who isn’t, positioning one candidate against another, treating reform ideas like fashions on a Hollywood red carpet, judged only in relation to the competition. Already the money primary has started, with political contenders dutifully lining up like beauty contestants at big money donor gatherings. Please support our journalism. Get a digital subscription for just $9.50! On the Republican side, contenders seem to be tripping over one another, with a baker’s dozen or more considering the race. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton has already built a campaign in waiting, even before announcing her exploratory committee. Activists hoping to avoid a Clinton coronation have launched a “draft Warren” movement, to push Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren into the race. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and former senator Jim Webb are also considering a run. Read the full text of Katrina’s column here. Read Next: Katrina vanden Heuvel on Bill Moyers
Jan 20, 2015 / Katrina vanden Heuvel
Can Wall Street Take Down Big Pharma? Can Wall Street Take Down Big Pharma?
A Dallas hedge-fund operator says he's going to attack the pharmaceutical industry for over-pricing drugs.
Jan 20, 2015 / William Greider
Black Lives Matter—at School, Too Black Lives Matter—at School, Too
In the wake of the Ferguson uprising, black students nationwide are indicting the state violence they face in American education everyday.
Jan 19, 2015 / George Joseph
Obama’s Smart Economic (and Political) Calculus: Tax the Rich Obama’s Smart Economic (and Political) Calculus: Tax the Rich
The president will use his State of the Union Address to propose new taxes and fees on very rich people and very big banks.
Jan 18, 2015 / John Nichols
Honor King’s Legacy by Protecting Voting Rights Honor King’s Legacy by Protecting Voting Rights
The right to vote is under the most sustained attack since King marched from Selma to Montgomery.
Jan 16, 2015 / Ari Berman
New Year, Same National Youth Groundswell New Year, Same National Youth Groundswell
At the turn of Dr. King’s birthday, the struggle for freedom rolls on.
Jan 16, 2015 / StudentNation / StudentNation
Is Hawai‘i an Occupied State? Is Hawai‘i an Occupied State?
As the campaign for full independence gains momentum, a new view of Hawaiian history is taking hold.
Jan 16, 2015 / ‘Umi Perkins
Perhaps the Most Important Question About the Democratic Party Right Now Perhaps the Most Important Question About the Democratic Party Right Now
Why did Democrats wait until now to make a sharp left economic turn?
Jan 15, 2015 / George Zornick
Obama’s Right to Embrace the Public Option for Closing the Digital Divide Obama’s Right to Embrace the Public Option for Closing the Digital Divide
The president wants cities to be able to innovate with municipal broadband systems.
Jan 15, 2015 / John Nichols
The Iraq War Strategy 3.0: If You Can’t Win, At Least Make Money The Iraq War Strategy 3.0: If You Can’t Win, At Least Make Money
Iraqis have a saying: “The rug is never sold”—meaning that there’s always more money to be made from any transaction. American defense contractors would agree.
Jan 15, 2015 / Peter Van Buren