Brookings: Topics - Political Campaigns

Capitol Hill Needs Old Codgers, Spring Chickens and a Middle-Aged Spread

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove analyzes the age dilemma in Washington and notes the average age of a U.S. senator is 62—a full quarter of a century older than the average age of a U.S. citizen. However, there are growing signs—like the younger appointments to the Obama administration—that the American gerontocracy is crumbling at the edges.

Campaign 2008: The Final Weeks

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 31, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Senators McCain and Obama are making a final push to identify themselves with voters before November 4. In the campaign's final days, what tactics have proven to be the most successful? Will their efforts pay off? On October 31, Brookings's Opportunity 08 project and Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs examined key questions on the role of money, advertising and mobilization in the 2008 campaign.

Reproductive Freedom and the Next President

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prior presidential election campaigns once focused on abortion as the primary element of "reproductive freedom." However, during the 2008 presidential election, candidates now find themselves addressing a broader array of arguably related issues, including the use of human embryos for stem-cell research and whether such research should receive federal funding, writes Eli Y. Adashi and Darrell M. West. Judging by Senator Barack Obama's and John McCain's voting records and positions articulated on the Senate floor, the primaries trail, and their campaign Web sites, the 2008 presidential candidates differ substantially in their views on "reproductive freedom."

Hope or Glory? The Presidential Election and U.S. Foreign Policy

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The contest between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States is being followed intently around the world. Michael Fullilove examines the foreign policy differences between the two candidates and explores how international perceptions of the U.S. may shift following the election.

How to Finish the Job in Iraq

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon and Ann Gildroy believe an exit strategy from Iraq should incorporate the thinking of both presidential candidates. They argue the next president will need to keep pressure on the Iraqis to make compromises, but also that U.S. strategy requires patience and resolve as well as a stabilizing troop presence in the near term.

Issues, Ideology, Gender and Race in the 2008 Election

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 17, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

A troubled economy, an unpopular president and a costly war are among the issues shaping the presidential race—but what about other factors, such as race, gender and the ideological extremes of each party's base? Brookings expert Thomas Mann and Princeton University's Larry Bartels led an Opportunity 08 panel discussion on the fundamentals of the presidential contest.

The Waning Days of the 2008 Presidential Election

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:13:12 GMT

Thomas Mann says that, with the presidential debates and months of campaigning behind us, the electorate has largely made their decision. In the waning days before the election, Mann suggests that the candidates should focus on mobilizing voters and underscoring the messages.

Energy and the Environment: National Security Implications

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For decades, energy has been an economic and national security flash point; and more recently scientists have warned of catastrophic climate change. Today, both presidential candidates list energy security and climate change as top priorities. In an interview with Politico’s David Mark, William Antholis described some energy security worse case scenarios, discussed where the candidates agree and disagree, and also where both are silent.

What the Presidential Candidates Aren’t Talking About

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 14, 2008, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Opportunity 08 hosted a discussion to examine some of the important policy concerns that the candidates and the debates have left unexamined. The discussion included such critical issues as education, immigration, North Korea’s nuclear program and U.S. relations with China.

Top 10 Global Economic Challenges Facing America's 44th President

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As President-Elect Obama prepares to lead the United States, what are the top global economic challenges facing the new president and his advisors and how should the new administration address them? A new report by Brookings global economic and development experts ranks the top 10 issues and details specific ideas for how to tackle the toughest challenges.

The Political Geography of America’s Purple States: Five Trends That Will Decide the 2008 Election

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 10, 2008, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

A briefing on a new series of reports on the political demography of "purple" states in the 2008 election. Authors William Frey and Ruy Teixeira highlighted the political and demographic trends in the 10 battleground states: Virginia, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

A Small-town or Metro Nation?

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jennifer Bradley and Bruce Katz examine the notion that America is still nation of small towns. Taking cues from Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin about her hometown of Wasilla, Bradley and Katz's metro area analysis shows that even so-called “small towns” like Wasilla are in fact part of larger metro areas, like Anchorage that contribute greatly to their state’s economy.

Debate Casts No Change

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the past week, Barack Obama made substantial gains in both national surveys and the key battleground states. Surveys indicated that Obama had bested McCain in the first presidential debate. Rather than reversing the impression Obama made in the first debate, he reinforced it, writes William Galston. McCain talked extensively about his own experience but did not make a strong case that Obama lacked the experience to be president. The town hall format made it more difficult for McCain to mount a sustained attack against Obama. As a result, Obama is one step closer to the presidency.

After the Vice Presidential Debate

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:57:42 GMT

The vice presidential face-off is behind us, but two more presidential debates lie ahead. Brookings presidential expert Stephen Hess says that televised debates are entertainment, providing voters a glimpse into the candidates’ demeanor, but little of their substance. Governor Sarah Palin showed viewers that she could stay in the ring with Senator Joe Biden, but it wasn't a changer in the race.

Election Fundamentals: The Economy, the War and the President

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 26, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The Opportunity 08 project at Brookings, in partnership with the Center for the Study of Democratic Politics at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, examined key questions about American electoral politics in the 2008 campaign.

“Change” or Plus Ça Change…? Pondering Presidential Politics and Policy after Bush

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

President-elect Obama faces daunting challenges when he assumes office in January. Pietro Nivola and Charles O. Jones examine these and the probable policy outcomes, at home and abroad, of an Obama presidency.

The Election of the Century

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The impending presidential election may be the election of a century, writes Michael McDonald. Record primary voting, floods of new registrations, more small campaign donors and highly rated political conventions show that people are intensely interested in the upcoming election. However, will we have a record voter turnout?

The Age of Photo Op Politics

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 18, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

In Picture Perfect: Life in the Age of the Photo Op (Princeton University Press, 2008), Kiku Adatto explored the expressions and problems of America’s photo op culture. William Galston moderated a discussion with Diana Walker, photojournalist and photographer for Time magazine; Gloria Borger, CNN senior political analyst and political columnist with U.S. News & World Report; and Bill Kovach, former Washington bureau chief of The New York Times and senior counselor for the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism.

2008 Campaign Attack Ads Hit an All-Time Low

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Negative attacks are as American as apple pie, writes Darrell West. However, the 2008 presidential campaign has reached all-time lows in the use of misleading and inaccurate political appeals. As a result, voters need to pay serious attention to the facts in order to make a wise choice.

Obama's Foreign Policy Options

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Philip Gordon assesses Barack Obama's foreign policy options should he be elected president in November. Gordon believes that the world today is more dangerous than it was 8 years ago, and that Obama offers not just an opportunity for change, but for strategic intellectual coherence.

The American Electorate in 2008

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 12, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

As the presidential campaign enters its final phase, it’s clear that political polarization remains strong in the United States. But is polarization increasing? And will it change the electoral map? On September 12, the Opportunity 08 project, in partnership with the Center for the Study of Democratic Politics at Princeton University, hosted a panel discussion on how partisan politics will affect the 2008 election.

Testing the Candidates on Foreign Policy

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon believes that both the Republicans and Democrats had good conventions. Now, he states, the candidates need to share more thoughts on critical foreign policy matters like energy security and describe how they will address difficult diplomatic issues so that voters can better draw conclusions.

The McCain Paradox

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, Republicans wrapped up their convention in St. Paul, Minnesota with John McCain’s acceptance speech. He delivered an honorable but paradoxical acceptance speech, writes William Galston, pledging to end bipartisanship rancor in Washington while allowing his campaign to choreograph a convention filled with highly charged personal attacks against the Democratic nominee.

Palin's Impact On Presidential Race Analyzed

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sarah Palin's selection as John McCain's running mate has energized the Republican base. E.J. Dionne joined David Brooks on All Things Considered to discuss Palin’s impact on the 2008 election and how she changes the race.

Experiments in the Recruitment of Chinese Political Elites

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With a focus on both intra-party elections and people’s congress elections, China expert Cheng Li offers a preliminary assessment of elections in China—their significance, limitations, and impact on the Chinese political process.

Sarah Palin's Acceptance Speech

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:11:42 GMT

Sarah Palin, Alaska's governor and the GOP vice presidential nominee, addressed the Republican convention in a speech widely acclaimed by her audience, but delivered amid criticism about her length of executive service in government. Darrell West analyzes the content of her speech and the tenor of her performance—and concludes she did what she was supposed to do.

Politicians Cry Poor as They Dig Deep for Log Cabins

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove reflects on speeches at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in which many speakers focused on their own humble beginnings.

The Right in the Rearview Mirror

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

From Nixon to Reagan, the conservative movement has encapsulated the Republican Party since the days of Barry Goldwater. E.J. Dionne reviews four new books on the Republican Party and examines the conservative movement in a recent article.

The Post-Convention Bump

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:57:34 GMT

Candidates typically gain popularity with voters immediately following their party conventions. But, as Darrell West explains, this “bump” in popularity is generally short-lived. This election cycle is no different and, he says, people won’t really know where the candidates stand until a few weeks after the Republican convention.

Obama Delivers an American Promise

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although Barack Obama's speech did not rise to the heights of his 2004 convention speech, writes William Galston, the nominee reached out to portions of the electorate that have been unresponsive to Obama's eloquence and high-flying idealism. He said, in essence, I share your values.

The Republican Platform

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:44:08 GMT

Looking forward to the Republican National Convention, Darrell West thinks that there could be disagreements on some planks of the party’s platform. On issues like abortion and torture, Senator John McCain has broken with the Republican Party and taken a slightly more moderate stance.

Obama's Stadium Acceptance Speech

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:43:34 GMT

Barack Obama has often addressed record crowds across the country. The Democratic Party’s nomination speech in front of 75,000 people at Invesco Field will signal that he’s thanking the crowds that nominated him, Darrell West says, not just the party insiders.

The 2008 Presidential Election Ad Wars

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:57:47 GMT

John McCain’s campaign released an ad showing video footage from the Democratic presidential primary of Joe Biden criticizing Barack Obama’s experience as a leader. Darrell West says that these kinds of attack ads will play a prominent role in the 2008 election and that he expects the Democrats to fight back.

Celebrities at the Conventions

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:39:53 GMT

From Chuck Norris to Bruce Springsteen, celebrities are prominent in this 2008 presidential election season. Darrell West says that both parties enjoy celebrities, with Democrats getting more Hollywood attention and Republicans pulling from among stock car racers and other athletes.

A Convention Surprise?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:45:04 GMT

One lesson that can be learned from the 2008 presidential campaign is that common wisdom, the polls and the pundits can be wrong. Darrell West says that every time the experts think they have this election figured out the voters do something very different.

The Clintons at the Convention

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:19:03 GMT

Looking forward to the appearances of Bill and Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention, Darrell West says that their speeches could be a positive for the party. West explains that a number of voters that supported Hillary during the primary still need to be convinced to support Barack Obama.

Biden: Does it Matter?

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the announcement of Senator Biden as Barack Obama's vice president, Obama "chose someone whose strengths complement rather than underscore his own," writes William Galston. Although Biden is an ideal candidate, will he make a difference in the upcoming election and what does this mean for John McCain?

Painting the Mountain States Blue

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Democrats plant their blue flag in America's newest, most geographically expansive "swing" region - the fast-growing, increasingly diverse, no-longer-reliably-Republican Intermountain West.

Democratic Convention Outlook

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

William Galston joins Markos Moulitsas and John Podesta on The Diane Rehm Show to discuss the impact of selecting Senator Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate and how the Democratic Party will try to define their candidate and unify the party at the National Democratic Convention.

What the Delegates Can Learn From Denver

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What will delegates take away from the Denver convention? Bruce Katz and Jennifer Bradley write that Denver is the shape of things to come. Denver and its region’s leaders collaborate across borders and program areas as a full-fledged metropolitan area. Metro areas are the true engines of our national economy and Denver gets it.

Obama's Running Mate

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:19:35 GMT

Just days before the 2008 Democratic National Convention, presidential candidate Barack Obama named Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies, explains how Biden adds to the Democrat’s ticket.

Vice Presidential Candidates

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:05:32 GMT

Some experts believe that a presidential candidate's choice of a running mate is not very important, because people generally vote the top of the ticket. However, Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies, says that this year the vice presidential candidates will play a significant role in the race between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama.

Covering the Uninsured: Cheap at Twice the Price

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To cover the uninsured, health care financing must be restructured. Henry Aaron takes a closer look at Senator Obama and Senator McCain's health programs.

The Secrecy Surrounding Obama's Vice President Pick and McCain's Housing Gaffe

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

E.J. Dionne joins David Brooks and Michelle Norris on All Things Considered to discuss the secrecy over Barack Obama's vice presidential pick and McCain's housing gaffe.

Star Power Fades When it Comes to Politics

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove assesses Hollywood's infatuation with certain candidates running for president. He argues that celebrity activism will have little real effect on this year’s race and that both candidates are better off staying above it all.

The 2008 Political Conventions

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:10:15 GMT

As Democrats gather for their 2008 convention in Denver, Governance Studies Vice President Darrell West says the conventions allow the political parties to showcase their candidates, and engage the broader American public in the hot-button issues that propel the presidential race.

Hawk vs Talk: America’s Foreign Policy Choice

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove describes the foreign policy choice facing Americans in the forthcoming presidential election, and how experts often get this question wrong.

Examining the Negative 2008 Presidential Campaign Ads

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A series of campaign ads from John McCain and Barack Obama are drawing attention on both the political and pop culture stages. Darrell West joins Judy Woodruff and Evan Tracey on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer to discuss their themes and the spending behind them.

Avoid Negative Sound Bites on Beijing

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the Beijing Olympic Games and the U.S. political conventions draw near, Jeffrey Bader and Richard Bush write that Barack Obama and John McCain should avoid condemning China and politicizing complex human issues. Instead, they argue that both presidential candidates should signal their intention to engage China's leaders and find ways to advance human rights through “discreet encouragement.”

If the Muslim World Could Vote

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr discusses the current mood in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, and its people's reaction to the U.S. presidential race. Amr states that, in their view, Malaysians are looking forward to the return of U.S. leadership which uses all facets of diplomacy instead of force to assert power in the world.

L’atout d’Obama ? Ne pas être Bush

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with Libération, Justin Vaisse explored the reasons for Barack Obama’s popularity in Europe and stressed the contrast between political classes on each side of the Atlantic for minority candidates. (French)

What's Next For Campaign Finance?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thomas Mann frequently appeared in the media to offer comprehensive analysis of and justification for the proposed contribution limits and other fixes to the existing campaign finance structures. But now, as the Obama campaign continues to shatter assumptions about fundraising, Mann discussed with Abby Rapoport of The American Prospect on how new efforts at reform should focus more on public funding of candidates and less on contribution limits.

Obama Takes to World Stage

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove discusses Senator Obama's trip throught the Middle East and Europe and what it can do for his campaign. Bringing the foreign policy debate to the fore-front of the presidential race could benefit Senator Obama writes Fullilove.

The Myth of a Toss-up Election

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

News media depict the 2008 presidential election as hotly contested and essentially up for grabs. After reviewing historical patterns, structural features of this election cycle, and national and state polls conducted over the last several months, Thomas Mann, Alan Abramowitz and Larry Sabato dispel the myth of the toss-up election.

Presidential Candidate Positions Undeclared on Arab Democracy

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Khalil Al-Anani writes that both Barack Obama and John McCain have not yet made spreading democracy in the Arab world a top priority in their campaigns. Al-Anani discusses the importance of spreading democracy in Arab societies to promote stable, more secure governments.

Is Obama the New Reagan?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although Barack Obama may often be compared to John F. Kennedy, Darrell West argues that Ronald Reagan poses the more interesting parallel. Like Reagan, Obama is an outstanding orator whose national political rise coincides with a grass-roots movement demanding fundamental change in America.

McCain, Obama Take Campaigns Abroad

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Hess discusses the significance of oversea trips by presidential candidates with Jesus Esquivel of Proceso and Michel Martin on NPR's Tell Me More.

A Report on the 2008 Presidential Nomination Ads

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Few aspects of campaigns attract as much discussion as television advertisements. Yet many observers are not happy with the quality of information presented in ads or the tone of political discourse. In looking at campaign ads in this year’s presidential nominating election, Darrell West finds that ads were more negative than in previous races.

Money in the 2008 Elections

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thomas Mann examines the virtues of the presidential public financing system and whether the existing laws should be reconsidered in light of recent practices from presidential nominees.

Is 2008 a Post-Partisan Year?

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Pietro Nivola examines whether American politics are at a dawn of a “post-partisan” age. Many speculate that the divide between Democrats and Republicans is narrowing, and a new era of bipartisan comity is just around the corner. Nivola argues otherwise.

Electoral Districting in the U.S.: Can Canada Help?

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

John Courtney examines whether “importing” the Canadian model of independent electoral boundary redistricting commissions would help the American districting problem.

Next Step: Choosing a Running Mate

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

E.J. Dionne and David Brooks of The New York Times discuss the possible vice-presidential choices for Barack Obama and John McCain, the presumptive nominees for the two major political parties, with Robert Siegel on NPR's All Things Considered.

Obama, è arrivata la vittoria

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi writes about the end of the democratic primary process and the victory of Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. (Italian)

Hillary Clinton n'a pas senti l'électorat démocrate

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse analyzes the reasons behind Hillary Clinton's defeat following the Democratic primary process. He also assesses Barack Obama's assets and liabilities for the general election. (French)

Obama Runs First True Campaign of 21st Century

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

William Galston discusses Senator Barack Obama’s historic victory in the Democratic presidential nominating contest and the key challenges ahead for him and Republican Senator John McCain in the general election race.

Why the Rules Mattered In the Nomination Race

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Senator Hillary Clinton made a run at the Democratic Presidential nomination, but came up short in the end. Michael McDonald examines how states "frontloading" their primaries and caucuses cost Clinton the nomination and what challenges remain for the two presumptive nominees.

McCain pourrait faire une vraie ouverture vers l'Iran, comme Nixon en Chine en 1972

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse joined LeMonde.fr to discuss foreign policy in the presidential campaign. Vaisse compares Barack Obama with John McCain on the issues, and also in terms of ideology and political instincts. (French)

2008 Primary Analysis Discussion between E.J. Dionne, Robert Siegel, and Matthew Continetti

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

E.J. Dionne joined All Things Considered with host Robert Siegel and Matthew Continetti of the Weekly Standard to discuss the Democratic Presidential nomination and John McCain's campaign.

The End Game in the Democratic Presidential Nominating Contest

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee met in Washington on May 31 to respond to petitions filed by Florida and Michigan Democrats to seat their delegations sanctioned for violating the timing provisions of party rules. Thomas Mann wrote about the option to seat those states' delegations but give them only half a vote each.

Elezioni USA: la partita è ancora aperta

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi discusses the U.S. presidential election. (Italian)

Why John McCain Should Reject the Reverend John Hagee

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Benjamin writes about the relationship between John McCain and Christian Evangelicals with particular focus on the Reverend John Hagee. Benjamin questions how much influence evangelicals will have on John McCain’s campaign after they played an important role to the Bush White House.

State of the Presidential Campaign

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Guest host Susan Page discusses what the results from the Kentucky and Oregon primaries mean for the Obama and Clinton campaigns, and examine the state of the McCain candidacy with E.J. Dionne of the Brookings Institution and Tod Lindberg of the Hoover Institution.

Election Fraud: Detecting and Deterring Electoral Manipulation

Wed, 21 May 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 21, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Drawing on social science research from the U.S. and abroad, Election Fraud: Detecting and Deterring Electoral Manipulation (Brookings, 2008), explores ways to define, measure and detect fraud, and makes recommendations for reform. On May 21, the AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project hosted a discussion with the book’s editors, R. Michael Alvarez of Caltech, Thad Hall of the University of Utah and Susan Hyde of Yale University.

Why Are Women Still Not Running for Public Office?

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Women in the United States remain severely under-represented in our political institutions. Jennifer Lawless and Richard Fox argue that this is because women do not run for office at the same rate men do. They offer guidance to organizations and individuals seeking to increase the number of women in elected positions.

Candidate Issue Index: Children

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Compiled by Brookings Institution experts, this chart is part of a series of issue indices being published during the 2008 Presidential election cycle. In this index, candidates' views on children's issues are presented.

Democrats Need Quick End to Infighting

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove offers insight into the continuing Democratic nomination process. He believes that while both candidates would be formidable in the general election, the fight needs to end sooner rather than later.

Democratic Nod in Barack Obama’s Reach

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Voters in North Carolina and Indiana padded Barack Obama’s popular vote margin by more than 200,000. William Galston writes that continuing warning signs remain. Obama doesn't have a strong base among religious and more moderate voters. Plus, if nominated, he must reunite the party.

The Catholic Vote in the 2008 Democratic Primary Campaign

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the 2008 Democratic nominating contest, Catholics have emerged as key members of Hillary Clinton’s base, says William Galston. Therefore, he says, if Barack Obama is the party's nominee, "he will have to work hard to improve his standing among white Catholics. If he does not, even states that Democrats count on—such as Pennsylvania—may be up for grabs this November.”

Bolivar's Ghosts in Latin America

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ted Piccone discusses whether Latin America is the home of free-market democracy or the bastion of populist autocracy. Piccone argues that it is both, and many things in between. To further understand and deal with these issues, he believes that Washington needs to develop new policies toward the region.

Pennsylvania Speaks: The Democratic Contest Will Continue

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the Pennsylvania primary, Hillary Clinton won an overwhelming victory, writes senior fellow William Galston. These results have quieted calls for her to leave the race and will probably slow the steady flow of superdelegates to Obama. Nonetheless, her path to the nomination remains steep.

U.S. Presidential Elections: Talk Might Be Cheap, But a Great Speech is Divine

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove offers insight into Senator Barack Obama's skills as an orator, and how those skills might transfer to the presidency. While Obama's competitors often argue that they are doers instead of talkers, Fullilove notes this campaign "will reveal what kind of premium attaches, in a 21st-century election, to the pro-speech candidate."

A Collapse of the Campaign Finance Regime?

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The fascinating 2008 presidential election has produced recent campaign finance developments, writes Thomas Mann, suffiently dramatic as to raise questions about the viability of the entire regime of campaign finance law.

Obama Criticized for 'Bitter' Blue-Collar Remarks

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Visiting Fellow Ruy Teixeira and experts appear on NPR's Talk of the Nation to discuss the Pennsylvania primary and the working-class vote.

Presidential Politics Can Help Iraq Policy

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ivo Daalder and Philip Gordon note that a majority of Americans now believes the war in Iraq was a mistake and that we should begin to withdraw troops. In this light, domestic politics will play an important role in future military and diplomatic considerations toward the country, especially once a new administration is in office come January 2009.

How and When Experience in a President Counts

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Experience has become a dominant issue in the 2008 presidential campaign. Charles Jones examines the CVs of the three remaining contenders and explores whether prior White House experience is a guarantee for success and how the historical experience of experience might apply to 2008.

How and When Experience in a President Counts

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan and Florida Recount Controversy

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Calling for a revote of the Democratic primary elections in Michigan and Florida seems like a perfectly reasonable proposal, writes Thomas Mann, but the costs of revotes would outweigh the benefits.

Get Out the Vote: Understanding Voter Mobilization

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 20, 2008, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The Brookings Institution Press hosted a discussion of voter mobilization based on the findings of the book Get Out the Vote: How to Increase Voter Turnout, Second edition. Co-authors Donald P. Green and Alan S. Gerber summarized the latest findings and explained how they affect organizing the grass roots and getting out the vote.

How “Super Delegates” Can Do Super Damage to America

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though the 2008 election season has been exciting and vibrant, Hady Amr believes it may have a detrimental effect on the voting public who does not fully understand the system in place to nominate a candidate.

Europeans and the U.S. Election

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Philip Gordon discusses Europe’s growing interest in the upcoming American election. He states that “Europeans instinctively understand that what Americans decide in November 2008 will have dramatic consequences for them and for the rest of the world.”

Nous sommes sans doute à la fin de l’ère du conservatisme conquérant

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the 2008 U.S. presidential campaigns in the context of the broader political climate (French).

Reality and the Iraq War

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon suggests that those who have opposed the war in Iraq should reexamine their interests in seeing an immediate withdrawal based on the current reality on the ground. Though problems do continue to exist, he argues that progress over the last 12 months is real and encouraging.

La campagna dei Democrats va avanti e ... la palla può essere nelle mani di McCain

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi discusses the 2008 presidential campaigns (Italian).

March 4 Primaries: One Nomination Settled; One Muddled

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the certain GOP presidential candidate, John McCain starts the long dash to November, while Democratic contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will continue to sprint for voters and superdelegates. William Galston writes that only prudent foresight among Democratic party leaders will ward off controversy and chaos that might ensue if their party's nomination goes all the way to the convention.

Le phénomène Obama

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the Obama phenomenon. (French)

The Search for the Next Soccer Mom: Trends to Watch in 2008

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The evolution of American politics is bound up with demographic and geographic change. So what are the trends to watch in 2008? A number of them are examined by Visiting Fellow Ruy Teixeira and AEI's Karlyn Bowman.

The Future of Red, Blue and Purple America: Election Demographics, 2008 and Beyond

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 28, 2008, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Campaign 2008 has already provided some tantalizing clues about the demographic and geographic shifts underway in red, blue and purple America. At this conference, leading demographers, geographers and analysts examined seven of the most important changes and explained where these trends came from, assessed their likely effects on this year’s election and outlined the ways they may affect our political future and the policy challenges both parties have to face.

Candidate Issue Index: Iraq

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Candidate Issue Index: Health Care

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Health care is a major issue in the presidential campaign. The Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform, led by Dr. Mark McClellan, presents presidential candidates' positions on coverage, costs, quality, market-based reforms, technology and portability. This chart is part of a series of issue indices being published during the 2008 presidential election cycle.

On from Wisconsin: March 4 is the Day of Decision for Hillary Clinton

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While John McCain has virtually clinched the Republican nomination, most observers believe that Hillary Clinton must win both Texas and Ohio on March 4, and do so by wide margins, to overcome Barack Obama's delegate lead. This will not be easy, writes William Galston.