My Hard Times in Tampa

The Sunsets Are Still Free, But Economic Change Has High Costs

 

We hear so much about presidential candidates–and so little about life in the states that elect them. In “Beyond the Circus,” writers take us off the trail and give us glimpses of politically important places. Today, Tampa.

At some point in late 2009, my young daughter became concerned about all the stores and restaurants closing in our neighborhood. She used the line she uses to this day to express concern–“there’s one thing I’m a little worried about”–and then went on to explain her worry that we’d wake up one day to …

Have Fun Without Me, Tampa

I’m Rooting For Romney—And Staying the Heck Home

I’m not going to the Republican National Convention this year.

Truth is, I wasn’t invited. I’m a Republican by registration and a political strategist by profession, but it’s been years since …

I Want To Be President. Please Ignore My Résumé.

Why the Candidates of 2012 Can’t Talk About Themselves

On Saturday at his unveiling as the Republican vice presidential candidate, Congressman Paul Ryan had to do what the man heading up the ticket has seemed so reluctant to do: …

Are We Less Civil Now?

America’s Political Past Was Nastier in Some Ways-And Nicer In Others

 

In 21st-century American politics, the combatants don’t agree on much. But they do agree that political discourse isn’t as civil it should be. This is a very old complaint, since …

The Elephant in the Race

Romney Should Address What His Faith Means For the Rest of Us

Earlier this year, when Mitt Romney ventured that he relies on his wife, Ann, to tell him what American women are thinking, many of those women no doubt rolled their …

Eat Cheese and Die

How Politics Soured Community—and Conversation—in Wisconsin

We hear so much about presidential candidates–and so little about life in the states that elect them. In “Beyond the Circus,” writers take us off the trail and give us …