Joe Biden

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Even if Joe Biden becomes president, he may well not have a Democratic majority in the Senate. The shape of the Senate may not even be known until January. This is a huge problem, because majority leader Mitch McConnell waged war on President Obama from the Senate, refusing to let […]

Democracy

A history of contested presidential elections, from Samuel Tilden to Al Gore

The Conversation

By Robert Speel | – No matter the outcome of the presidential election, it seems likely that Democrats and Republicans will end up in court. President Trump has said he’s going to contest the election results – going so far as to say that he believes the election will ultimately be decided by the Supreme […]

Democratic Party

How will the US election Change the Mideast?

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – If Joe Biden wins the presidency and the Democrats sweep to power in both houses of Congress, it will have a huge impact on domestic policies, on everything from health care to workers’ rights to green energy. But the impact on foreign policy would be equally significant. The biggest foreign […]

Congress

What if the outcome of the Presidential Election is Disputed? A Constitutional Scholar explains the Murk

The Conversation

By Richard Pildes | – As I’ve Zoom-traveled the country speaking about legal issues involving the election, I have found myself, as well as audiences, bewildered and frustrated by one underlying question: Why is there so much legal uncertainty about so many critical questions concerning the rules for resolving a disputed presidential election? If ever […]

Democratic Party

The Real Cancel Culture: Trump Rallies Sicken 30,000, Kill 700, and Trump Train Prevents Biden Gathering in Texas

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – A talking point for the cult of Trump is the deleterious effects of “cancel culture.” What they mean by that is that they want pundits and politicians to be able to say offensive things and utter slurs against minorities and women without suffering any negative consequences for their careers. This […]

Democratic Party

The Nightmare That Joe Could Inherit

Rajan Menon

( Tomdispatch.com ) – Donald Trump isn’t just inside the heads of his Trumpster base; he’s long been a consuming obsession among those yearning for his defeat in November. With barely more than a week to go before the election of our lifetime, those given to nail biting as a response to anxiety have by […]

Climate Crisis

A clear Choice on Climate: Trump wants to Wreck the Planet; Biden has taken strides toward a Green Vision

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Trump doesn’t get climate change or the ways to combat it. He is a greedy, venal person, and I presume he is encouraged in his obscurantism by some sort of business interest in the oil and gas industry, or backing by them with campaign dollars. Or perhaps he just, by […]

Democracy

Their Germs and Guns, our Steel: Canvassers Risk it All for America

Rebecca Gordon

( Tomdispatch.com ) – “Look, folks, the air quality is in the red zone today. The EPA says that means people with lung or heart issues should avoid prolonged activity outdoors.” That was J.R. de Vera, one of two directors of UNITE-HERE!’s independent expenditure campaign to elect Biden and Harris in Reno, Nevada. UNITE-HERE! is […]

Democratic Party

At Townhall, Biden Promises Big Green Infrastructure and Jobs: Spain’s Example Suggests he is Right

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – In his townhall on Thursday evening, Joe Biden pointed to the way infrastructural investments in green energy will help the economy. He said, according to the ABC transcript, “For example, we’re going to invest a great deal of that money into infrastructure. And into green infrastructure. We’re going to put […]