We’re rolling out a new TPM feature this morning: The Exchange. The concept and format are pretty simple. We put two people together to discuss an issue by email, usually three back and forths, so a total of six emails. We’re calling it ‘exchange’ rather than ‘debate’ because we’re not looking for debate, though they may settle into major disagreements. Often they will simply be trading of ideas. The goal is to air an issue, hopefully with two people who have given the matter some real thought or, in other cases, bring specific technical expertise. Though the participants know the emails will be published (edited only to prune out missing words or particularly strained grammar) we hope that these will have an unstructured, more casual air, which preserves pointed thinking while allowing writers the space to think out loud and explore ideas more than they might in more formal settings.
Our first installment is David Frum and I discussing the Iran Nuclear Deal, wisdom, folly and something else entirely. I hope you like it. Read here.
After 15 years doing this, I’ve seen a truckload of closeted politicians forced out of the closet under the harsh glare of the media, either with wide stances, public bathroom propositions, dick pics. There are so many ways. And yet, man, I gotta hand it to Rep. Randy Boehning (R), a state legislator in North Dakota (and yes, that’s really his name, we didn’t make that up). I not sure I’ve seen a better response. He seems to have gone from deeply closeted to loud and proud (albeit under circumstances he didn’t choose) in like 30 seconds.
As we prepare for a 2016 election, the outlines of which we think we basically know, will urban riots bring back the “backlash voter” who dominated many elections in the late 20th century?
Is Sharpton responsible for the rioting in Baltimore? Obama? Our Catherine Thompson wades through the right-wing media to find out who’s to blame.
A protestor with a loudspeaker stood among protestors on the sidewalk in front of the Supreme Court on the crisp, clear April morning of the hearing, chastising “fornicators” and “masturbators”.
“When you put that penis in that anus, that’s a choice.”
David Kurtz was in the Court chambers this morning as the Justices heard arguments in what is likely to be the pivotal case on the marriage equality issue. Here’s his report.
If you’d like to ask David questions about what he saw and what the Justices said, he’ll be answering your questions at 4 PM in The Hive (sub req). Get your questions in now.
Protestors interrupt SCOTUS hearing with anti-gay rant. David Kurtz reports from inside the chamber.
David will be taking your questions in The Hive (sub req) at 4PM about what he saw inside the chamber in today’s the oral arguments. Get your questions in now.
ICYMI: With former President Bush raising his voice again on foreign policy, a few thoughts on why he really should remain silent.
With troubles at home, Gov Chris Christie is stationing 150 state troopers abroad … in Maryland.