The Ticker: Rich Lowry thinks a Republican Congress is the best thing that could happen to Obama

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Steve Benen Courtesy of Steve Benen

#44 Steve Benen

The Washington Monthly

Steve Benen is "blogger in chief" for The Washington Monthly. More information


Part partisan strategist and part watchdog, Benen rarely misses an act in the D.C. political circus. His blog posts—advocating for universal health care, calling out centrist Democrats, decrying the GOP’s dedication to free markets—frequently drive coverage for left-leaning bloggers, who spread his takes across the Web.

After college, Benen worked in politics, beginning with an internship in the Clinton White House and peaking with his position as communications director for an unsuccessful candidate for Congress from Pennsylvania in 1996. He began blogging anonymously in 2003 at a site he called The Carpetbagger Report; he eventually dropped political work when his reach and influence ballooned after guest-blogging gigs at Salon, Crooks and Liars, the American Prospect, and The Huffington Post.

Steve Benen on All Topics

Displaying 61-75 of 202

November 19, 2009
Democrats

No Time to Rest on (Incomplete) Laurels

In terms of 'really, really big things' that need to get done, Congress should have a strategy to at least pass a jobs bill, a climate bill, and financial regulatory reform.
November 17, 2009
Health Care Reform

Stupak's Tough Talk

Stupak can talk tough on "Fox & Friends," and the show's audience no doubt appreciates it, but he may not be able to back up the bravado.
November 16, 2009
Republicans

Crist's Cross to Bear

Conservatives find it easy to take cheap shots at ideas that work, but struggle to craft actual solutions or solve actual problems.
November 13, 2009
Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, All Policy Is Local

The World Bank helped establish the National Solidarity Program six years ago, but the Bush administration was never fond of it.
November 12, 2009
U.S. Economy

Jobs Summit

As a rule, there's reason for skepticism when it comes to the efficacy of summits like [the president's proposed jobs forum]. The gatherings rarely produce meaningful, concrete proposals.
November 10, 2009
Obama v. Fox News

Murdoch Fans the Flames

Within seven days of a reported 'truce' between the Republican network and the Democratic White House, [Murdoch defending Beck] is what we're seeing. I guess the 'truce' is over?
November 9, 2009
Health Care Reform

Getting the Strongest Possible Bill

Where reform advocates come up short this year -- if they come up short -- it's not the end of the fight.
November 5, 2009
Health Care Reform

An Embarrassing Alternative

The public should realize that there are two competing approaches to the same problem here, and one of the two is ridiculous.
October 30, 2009
LGBT

Reversing a Senseless Ban

The last major effort to drop the ban came in 1991, but it fell apart in the face of intense right-wing criticism. Fortunately, the country has come a long way since then.
October 29, 2009
National Security

An Impressive Win on Defense Spending

The president is spending more money smarter, directing funds away from wasteful projects that few had the political courage to take on.
October 28, 2009
Health Care Reform

Their Lying Eyes

When it comes to reform opponents pushing back against polls showing support for a public option, they have some credible options to choose from. Simply pretending that the polls don't exist, however, is far more annoying.
October 27, 2009
Health Care Reform

The Still-Elusive GOP Alternative

Do Republicans keep their word, unveil a bad bill, and give Dems a giant bull's eye, or do they break their word and embrace the 'Party of No' label?
October 26, 2009
Congress

Unprecedented Obstructionism

Prospective judges realize that they can have a skeleton-free closet and plenty of support to be confirmed, but can wait indefinitely for a vote, simply because the GOP feels like it.
October 23, 2009
Climate Change

Public Concern Over Global Warming Fades

A majority of Americans still support establishing emissions standards to address global warming ... But it's the decline in those who believe the evidence that's most distressing.
October 22, 2009
War in Afghanistan

Dick Can't Stop Talking

That Cheney feels comfortable making demands of the administration dealing with his failures shows a certain pathological quality.