Politics

Regarding the June 15 story on “Post-Election Blues,” as someone who’s felt those blues, I’d like to add some insight. The difference between a crowded and a sparse ballot is tremendous. When there are about 40 races, 120 candidates and many propositions, it’s easy for a dark horse to get lost in the shuffle and, … Read more

With so much campaign verbiage this year, some goofs are inevitable. One mailer put out by congressional Democrats Howard Berman and Henry Waxman urged recipients to “Vote Nov. 7.” However, recipients would have trouble finding a booth that day because election day is Nov. 8. A mailer sent out by Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike … Read more

In a visit that felt more like a victory celebration than a political huddle, President Obama met with congressional Democrats on Saturday at the Capitol to rally them in their final push for a healthcare overhaul amid signs that Democrats were closing in on the required votes and resolving last-minute problems and procedural disputes. Under … Read more

Reports of President Trump’s statements during an Oval Office meeting on Thursday were met with quick reactions worldwide. Here’s a look at how politicians, world leaders, media and late-night TV show hosts reacted to the news. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein “The president’s reported comments about our allies in Latin America and Africa are disgusting. They … Read more

Roberta Garfield Cohn, who endured the blacklisting and early death of her husband, actor John Garfield, has died. She was 89. Cohn died Tuesday at a nursing center in Los Angeles, according to her daughter, Julie Garfield. She had Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Born on New York City’s Lower East Side to parents who … Read more

Venezuelan migrants prepare to walk along the U.S. border fence after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico to seek asylum with the U.S. Border Patrol on Sept. 22 in El Paso. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) A divided Supreme Court refused Tuesday to lift the Trump-era rule that has turned away migrants at the border … Read more

Poll workers congratulate first-time voter Hector Escobar Solis on election night 2020 in Los Angeles. Voting by young people surged in many areas last year. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) This is the April 23, 2021, edition of the Essential Politics newsletter. Like what you’re reading? Sign up to get it in your inbox three … Read more

Lawrence O’Donnell Jr. might just be the hippest policy wonk ever to don a pair of wingtips. When he’s not at work as the powerful, even feared, staff di rector of the influential Senate Finance Committee, he’s roaring through Washington on his Harley Davidson. On weekends he heads home to Manhattan to be with his … Read more

President Trump speaks in the Oval Office before signing an executive order on social media companies. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump signed an executive order Thursday targeting social media companies such as Twitter, accusing them of having “unchecked power” and escalating his feud with the popular digital platforms he relies on as a … Read more

Until the moment I reached the Capitol on Monday, I wondered if I had done the right thing. Drawn to the “Million Man March” with conflicted feelings, I got my answer as soon as I witnessed the human tidal wave. There were more faces like mine than I had ever seen in one spot. This … Read more