Columns

Let me first always remind readers that polls are a snapshot in time. Two years from now, President Obama could be sitting on top of the world politically. But for now, he has lost all but 38 percent approval from the critical "independent" American voters. They're the ones that gave him the presidency. He appears headstrong in his determination to show the nation what a disastrous presidency looks like.

The shallow and promotional TV coverage of Elena Kagan's confirmation hearings illustrated once again how shamelessly ABC, CBS and NBC shape the political Play-Doh they offer to the American people as "news."

Next year when I start presenting some very difficult choices to the country, I hope some of these folks who are hollering about deficits step up. Because I'm calling their bluff. President Obama, June 27, 2010 For a devoted Chicago White Sox fan, President Obama has sure sounded like more of a Cubs fan lately when talking about Americas debt crisis its all about next year. In doing so, he has encapsulated the fundamental problem with Washington and our political system today its always about next year. Or after the election. Or when the time is right.

People who remember the old comic strip "Peanuts" will recall an often repeated situation where Lucy offers to hold a football for Charlie Brown to kick. Then, as Charlie comes running up to kick it, Lucy snatches away the ball and Charlie Brown loses his balance and goes crashing on his backside.

Daniel Webster's dictionary defines the word "emergency" like this: "crisis, accident, unforeseen climax, clutch."

LAS VEGAS -- Sometimes provocative people become that way because they were provoked. Sharron Angle, 60, could be enjoying the 10 grandchildren she loves even more than her .44 magnum. Instead, she is the Republican nominee against Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's quest for a fifth term. Her campaign began, in a sense, three decades ago, when a judge annoyed her.

WASHINGTON -- In the days since I suggested that President Obama's rhetorical style mimics feminine tropes, I've been informed of the following: One, a black man cannot show anger in public lest he be considered an Angry Black Man.

About 10,000 men and women have served in the United States Congress. Robert C. Byrd, who died Monday at age 92, served longer than all the rest -- more than 57 years, with six in the House and 51 in the Senate.