The Running Mate Choice

Excellent analysis by David Brooks. It is interesting to note how an Obama or a McCain administration would differ.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/27/opinion/27brooks.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

The Problem with Talking to Iran

Talking to Iran, a point Obama advocates, would be a grave mistake.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121193151568724469.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Obama's Metastatic Gaffe

Charles Krauthammer gives an excellent history lesson and ideological breakdown of why Obama's naive foreign policy will weaken America.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/22/AR2008052203016.html?hpid=opinionsbox1?hpid=opinionsbox1

The Obama Learning Curve

This is worrisome. This only proves Obama is not ready for the presidency.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121149958822915813.html?mod=todays_columnists

We Still Need a Larger Army

The case for a larger army ensures a strong America.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121150032042415833.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

The Death of Conservatism Is Greatly Exaggerated

Fred Thompson makes a great case for conservatism in America.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121150049025115903.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

In departure, China asks for outside help

China's move to allow outside help is welcomed. The crisis at hand should not allow politics of historical animosity impede a humanitarian imperative.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/16/asia/16china.php

Italy cracks down on immigrants

A bold step by Prime Minister Berlusconi to address the growing concerns - and tensions - within the Italian public.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/15/europe/italy.php?page=1

Phoenix rushes to help its 'sister' Chengdu

Chengdu and the Chinese people need our help. Politics and ideology must be set aside; this is an issue of moral imperative and leadership.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0516/p02s01-usgn.html

Gordon wrestles with growth, immigration

Mayor Gordon represents a brand of dedicated politics that transcends traditional partisanship for the greater common good of his constituents.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/05/15/20080515gordon0515online.html

McCain's 7 Steps to Beating Obama

Sen. McCain will take on Obama's empty rhetoric and bring America to a new level of leadership.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1739251,00.html?iid=sphere-inline-sidebar

Immigration and Gang Violence Propel Crusade

It is time to address the relationship between gang violence and illegal immigration effectively.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/us/15gangs.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin

The Politics of the Lapel, When It Comes to Obama

It has been interesting to watch Obama avoid the question of patriotism.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/us/politics/15flag.html?_r=1&oref=login

The GOP Must Stand for Something

Conservative Democrats are going to be difficult to beat when the Republican brand is weakening.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121081030507093579.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

The Republican Panic

Congressional Republicans are in a dangerous situation this fall.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121080704069593315.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

The Republican Health-Care Surrender

The Republican Party has the opportunity to set itself apart from the Democrats and address an issue important to all Americans.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121081009474293593.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

The Way Forward on Darfur

Not addressing Darfur would be a mistake. The US must demonstrate its leadership.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121081052074793543.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Polar Bear Melodrama

It is not that climate change is not an issue, but the implications of growing influence by radical environmentalists will erode our democratic principles.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121080873820493457.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

Israel at 60

Israel has a true ally and friend in the US. It is now time to broker a lasting peace deal with its neighbors.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121080728771793361.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

Bush speech in Israel seen as attack on Obama

President Bush was attacking those that suggest we must engage directly with Iran (mainly Jimmy Carter), not Obama specifically.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/15/america/prexy.php

Keep the Immigrants, Deport the Multiculturalists

New book out today by Jason Riley of the Wall Street Journal underscores the economic and historic precedents for immigration. The US benefits from immigrants and not the multiculturalists.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121080967841993539.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Edwards throws his support to Obama

Edwards clearly does not understand what is at stake this fall. His endorsement would have been significant had he supported Sen. Clinton who truly represents his platform, concerns and goals for the country.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/15/america/15obama.php

Election losses stir Republican fears for fall

Republicans must be worried about prospects for the fall.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/15/america/15repubs.php

After lopsided loss, Obama woos blue-collar voters

Obama clearly has a weakness in connecting with the middle class of America.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/14/america/14cndcampaign.2.php?page=1

Bush meets Israeli leaders in first leg of Mideast tour

The US has always stood behind our Israeli friends. The prospects of a peace deal in the final months of President Bush's term seem unlikely, though, especially with a weakened Abbas and a beleaguered Olmert.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/14/mideast/mideast.php

Maliki goes to Mosul to supervise operation against Al Qaeda militants

Prime Minister Maliki is proving he can lead his nascent democracy but still needs US support.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/14/mideast/iraq.php

Among Czechs and Poles, same missile shield, differing sense of threat

The missile defense shield is crucial for Europe and the US.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/14/europe/letter.php

Spain blames ETA for bomb attack that killed Spanish policeman

ETA is a considerable threat to Spain. Prime Minister Zapatero must take a more decisive stance against the terrorist group.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/14/europe/spain.php

A battered Gordon Brown faces more blows

Gordon Brown has been unable to meet expectations of the British people and his own party. Perhaps the Tories' return is coming...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/13/europe/britain.php

Land of the free?

Intriguing insight into America's intrinsic freedom.

http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11332246

Six books a week

Joel Kline's leadership is impressive. Education needs dynamic innovation.

http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11332273

Red ties and boys' pride

This is a refreshing educational initiative that provides opportunity for those who need it most.

http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11332280

Circulation wars

Turkey is in a precarious situation in upholding secularism in the face of a rising Islamic sentiment.

http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?source=hptextfeature&story_id=11332305

Cracks in the coalition

Pakistan yearns for stability. Politics must be put aside for the good of the country.

http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11360522&source=features_box_main

Blow West

Serbia has a long way to go in joining the EU, but this is certainly a step forward.

http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?source=hptextfeature&story_id=11358960

Two cheers for Fernández

President Fernandez has had a successful presidency and has earned the trust of the Dominican people.

http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11332852

Our Friends in Riyadh

As the US and Saudi Arabia celebrate a friendship of seventy-five years, it is important to note the historical relationship and presence of America in the region.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121072082707289965.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Maliki's Victory

Prime Minister Maliki must be supported by the US as he takes back his country from the malicious insurgency.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121072590056290307.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

German War Guilt and the Jewish State

The politics of memory remain significant in Germany and its relationship with Israel.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121072153331089983.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Uribe Calls Pelosi's Bluff

President Uribe has been a steadfast ally of the US. Congress' refusal to pass the Colombian Free Trade Agreement is a disgrace.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121072510215190281.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

The McCain Doctrines

A fascinating and comprehensive insight into John McCain the candidate, the senator, the patriot, and the friend.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/magazine/18mccain-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

Shame on the Junta

This is an extreme failure of the UN in not taking a more decisive stand against the junta.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/opinion/14wed2.html?ref=opinion

The New Cold War

The issue of a belligerent Iran will continue to resonate in the presidential race.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/opinion/14friedman.html?ref=opinion

Raspberry for Barry

Obama felt it was unnecessary to campaign in West Virginia. If that does not accent his priorities I do not know what else does.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/opinion/14dowd-1.html?ref=opinion

The Post-Bush Climate

This is definitely a challenge for the Republican Party brand and an opportunity for Sen. McCain.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/opinion/14wed1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

Truth Serum on The Trail

An interesting and sardonic realization of what is at stake this November.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/13/AR2008051302304.html

Phobia at the Gates

This is an unfortunate categorization of human beings by the US.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/13/AR2008051302719.html

Moral Scales in the Senate

This is somewhat disappointing. There is not relativism in supporting life.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/13/AR2008051302305.html

'Almost nominee' status keeps Obama in limbo

Obama's aura of hope and change is quickly fading. Clinton is proving to be a challenge. Still, McCain rises above the two as the best to move in to the White House in January 2009.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/14/america/14obama.php

Here Come the Millennials

It will be interesting to see how the Millennials affect and effect change in the political and social environment of the country.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/13/opinion/13herbert.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

End the Welfare Marriage Penalty

This is a initiative to promote the strength of our families.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121063787788786833.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

How to Win the War Against Cancer

Cancer is all too common and must be defeated; Armstrong serves as an exemplary model of resiliency and tenacity.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121063754261486825.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

The Challenge From China

China remains a potential threat to the US. To counter it, the US should continue to build up its defense systems and improve its economy.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121063718854786789.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

From Lebanon to Hezbollahstan

The US and the western world must stand up for Lebanon as it faces the threat of Hezbollah.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121063617750986741.html?mod=todays_columnists

Not a Time for Rivalry

Pakistan must move on from divisiveness.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/13/opinion/13tue2.html?ref=opinion

McCain allies tout blue-collar strategy

Sen. McCain must target blue-collar workers, Catholics, moderates and Hispanics to compete against the eventual Democratic nominee.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/12/america/politicus.php

Keep America Open to Trade

The United State should remain a champion of free trade and free markets.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121055661828684155.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

The U.S. Role in a Mexico Assassination

Disturbing killings in Mexico should be of concern for American authorities. Illegal drug trafficking is an issue that transcends borders and must be addressed effectively.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121055459537484059.html?mod=todays_columnists

Young Saudis ask, 'Where is the love?'

Intriguing perspective into a largely secretive society.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/11/mideast/saudi.php?page=1

Republicans forced to turn to their nemesis: John McCain

Though much discontentment surrounded the ascent of Sen. John McCain as the Republican nominee, he is the best option for carrying the Republican label beyond President Bush.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/11/america/letter.php?page=1

Europe reluctant to set up a security doctrine

Chancellor Merkel has set out a bold initiative that Europe must embrace for its own good.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/09/europe/letter.php?page=1

Veepstakes!

The Republican list seems appropriate and accurate.

The Democratic list is missing a serious candidate: Senator Jim Webb (D-VA).

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/05/the_friday_line_veepstakes_1.html#more

The Conservative Revival

Excellent outlook on the conservative movement on both sides of the Atlantic.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/opinion/09brooks.html?ref=opinion

Student Tests – and Teacher Grades

If students have to perform to standards, what is wrong with accountability for teachers?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121029630059279623.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Putin Changes Jobs – And Russia

What is ahead for Russia under the shadow of puppet master Putin?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121029328474879437.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

It's Obama, Warts and All

The Democrats have pretty much secured their nominee, though weakened and inexperienced. At least he has hope.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121020471141475293.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Where The Wild Cards Are

An analysis of the external, international threats still facing America during an election year.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/07/AR2008050703189.html

Obama vs. McCain: Let's Get It On

It is time for the McCain campaign to begin focusing on the likely Democratic nominee: Panglossian-rhetor, Barack Hussein Obama.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121020286683975215.html?mod=todays_columnists

Vice Presidential prospects

Two very compelling cases for potential vice presidential picks.

Obama's Vice-President
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_gerald_m_pomper/obama_s_vice_president

McCain's Vice President? Mitt Romney As Running Mate
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_kathryn_jean_lopez/mccain_s_vice_president_mitt_romney_as_running_mate

A Perfect Calm for John McCain

John McCain appeals to Hispanics/Latinos and may give Obama's Panglossian rhetoric a run with white, blue-collar voters.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_froma_harrop/a_perfect_calm_for_john_mccain

Georgia, NATO and Mr. Medvedev

Georgia must be given the opportunity to distance itself from Russia and align itself with the West, especially throught NATO.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/opinion/06tue2.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

The Mystery of Charisma

Though charisma is definitely an admirable characteristic, it is the experience and policy initiatives that matter in electing a president.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121003686573069505.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

President Obama: The Preview

This is worrisome. Obama's empty rhetoric has an archetype in Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120977620145164219.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Sarkozy's France

Approaching his first year in office, President Sarkozy must re-invent his presidency and presidential style to deliver on his mandate.

http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11289076