June 2008

A murdered wife who isn't dead Andrew O'Hehir
Harlan Coben's beach-read bestseller "Tell No One" becomes a crackerjack thriller -- made in France. (06/30/2008)

Big Think: Has the Web changed our sense of humor?
Human Giant comedian Rob Huebel discusses the effects of YouTube, and what makes a president funny. (06/30/2008)

Bateman: Karl Rove on Barack Obama's "arrogance"
Actual audio of Rove defending a comment made in exclusive company. (06/30/2008)

American Girl power Sarah Hepola
Does the specialty doll nurture girls' adventurousness or simply encourage them to be good little consumers? (06/30/2008)

The true price of beauty is needles in your face Kate Harding
Sarah Haskins' hilarious new video satire takes on the wicked world of Botox. (06/30/2008)

Ask Pablo By Pablo Päster
What is the environmental fallout of fireworks? (06/30/2008)

How to get ahead at the office -- in 1976 Kate Harding
"Not unlike a geisha, leave your flip-flops at the door and step into those Jimmy Choos." Mmmkay. (06/30/2008)

Good to the last drop By Monica Bhide
What makes a perfect pot of joe? Is Fair Trade really fair? "God in a Cup" author Michaele Weissman talks about the history, and our continuing love affair, with that divine drink -- coffee. (06/30/2008)

Britney and Lindsay go to college Judy Berman
Academics meet to discuss the public's fascination with "train wreck" celebrities. (06/30/2008)

See? See why I get hysterical?!? Kate Harding
Research shows that subtle sexism is more damaging to women's self-esteem than glaring examples. (06/30/2008)

Bush's top general quashed torture dissent By Mark Benjamin
New evidence shows that despite warnings from across the military, former Gen. Richard Myers shut down legal scrutiny of brutal interrogation tactics. (06/30/2008)

Anti-science conservatives must be stopped By Joseph Romm
Americans must not allow global warming deniers to block the policies needed to avert catastrophic climate change. Our future is at stake. (06/30/2008)

Wesley Clark boldly goes where few have gone before Steve Benen
Wesley Clark draws criticism after questioning McCain's military credentials. (06/30/2008)

An "ominous trend" for Fox News' ratings Steve Benen
Once dominant cable news channel is finding increased competition from rivals. (06/30/2008)

McCain's tax troubles Steve Benen
McCain runs into a little trouble over his failure to pay his property tax bill. (06/30/2008)

Monday's campaign roundup Steve Benen
Today's installment of campaign-related news items. (06/30/2008)

Until recently, McCain opposed his "top priority" Steve Benen
McCain vows to support an immigration bill he recently vowed to oppose. (06/30/2008)

G.I. Bill hypocrisy reaches new depths Steve Benen
After fighting the G.I. Bill expansion, both Bush and McCain take credit for its passage. (06/30/2008)

Media mischaracterizes Clark comments, Obama backs away Steve Benen
Following an uproar in the press, Obama distances himself from Clark's questions on McCain's qualifications. (06/30/2008)

Of all the attack dogs McCain could have picked ... Steve Benen
To go after Clark and Obama, McCain campaign taps member of '04 Swift Boat group. (06/30/2008)

Obama, Bill Clinton connect Steve Benen
The Democratic nominee and the last Democratic president finally talk on the phone. (06/30/2008)

Bush's plans falter, al-Qaida establishes new base of operations Steve Benen
"Operation Cannonball" can't get off the ground as al-Qaida establishes roots in Pakistan. (06/30/2008)

Auto-replace is not always your friend Steve Benen
The American Family Association finds out why misusing auto-replace can be embarrassing. (06/30/2008)

España 2008 King Kaufman
Spain caps an exciting European championship tournament with a 1-0 win over Germany. (06/30/2008)

Who's powerful in sports? King Kaufman
Can BusinessWeek's 2007 power champ Roger Goodell repeat now that the voting's been opened up to the masses? (06/30/2008)

The Barack Obama of automobiles? Andrew Leonard
General Motors is betting that the Chevy Volt will usher in the electric future. Promises, promises. (06/30/2008)

Worst. Encyclopedia. Ever. Andrew Leonard
Conservapedia launches attack on evolution. A scientist gets annoyed (06/30/2008)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
TV's dance marathon rages on, from the inspired kids of "So You Think You Can Dance" and "America's Best Dance Crew" to the inspired jackasses of "Dance Machine"! (06/29/2008)

Opus By Berkeley Breathed
Stuck in Stage 2 of the five stages of grief. (06/29/2008)

The baseless, and failed, "move to the center" cliche Glenn Greenwald
Why do Democrats continue to follow the same strategic advice that has produced one failure after the next? (06/29/2008)

Critics' Picks
What you need to see, read, do this week: Squirrels! Swingers! Napoleon's pickled penis! (06/28/2008)

My coming-out mix tape By Kera Bolonik
I was an alienated kid roiling with sexual anxiety. But then New Wave gave me the soundtrack -- and the courage -- to embrace my homosexuality. (06/28/2008)

Women and their "girl crushes" Tracy Clark-Flory
Judith Warner asks why men don't share in platonic same-sex crushes. (06/28/2008)

All together now By Walter Shapiro
Obama and Clinton's choreographed love fest in Unity, N.H., went off without a glitch. But are Democrats singing the same tune? (06/28/2008)

"The Last Mistress" By Stephanie Zacharek
This explicit movie about a sexually insatiable 19th century courtesan emerges like an erotic dream. (06/27/2008)

"WALL-E" By Stephanie Zacharek
This new Pixar movie is an environmental cautionary tale and a story of robot love -- and quite possibly the most melancholy cartoon ever made. (06/27/2008)

"Wanted" By Stephanie Zacharek
Sick thrills, "Matrix"-like special effects, Angelina Jolie in black leather -- but this action picture's secret weapon is James McAvoy. (06/27/2008)

Bateman: Obama on FISA
The cartoonist doesn't see change in the senator's support of FISA. (06/27/2008)

Hypocrisy strikes again
Tracy Clark-Flory on recent claims that an antiabortion congressional candidate paid for his ex-girlfriend's abortion. (06/27/2008)

"La Dolce Vita" in old age Andrew O'Hehir
An elderly Spanish couple -- one dignified, the other not -- revisits the classic love affair between Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg. (06/27/2008)

Bill Clinton makes himself scarce
Joan Walsh stands up for the ex-president as his wife and Barack Obama work towards unity (06/27/2008)

To breed or not to breed By Laura Miller
With its taproot in "Hamlet," this novel spins an engrossing tale of power struggles within a family of Wisconsin dog breeders. (06/27/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Steve asks Jill to join him on the most dangerous undertaking yet. (06/27/2008)

What's so wrong with a pregnancy pact? By Amy Benfer
The media is apoplectic about the knocked-up Gloucester girls, but as a former teen mother, I think there was some wisdom in their plan. (06/27/2008)

Is the Pill "outdated"? Tracy Clark-Flory
A lead reproductive health researcher says hormonal birth control pills don't "work well enough." (06/27/2008)

The next female presidential contender Katharine Mieszkowski
Maybe you should ask her to run. (06/27/2008)

Ex-girlfriend: Pro-life pol is a hypocrite Tracy Clark-Flory
Mike Erickson's ex-girlfriend claims the congressional candidate paid for and approved of her abortion. (06/27/2008)

A game with soothing graphics, gal pals Judy Berman
It's great that video game manufacturers are reaching out to women. But why are they so clumsy about it? (06/27/2008)

The tragic story of LaVena Johnson Kate Harding
More disturbing evidence that women in the military sometimes face more danger from their fellow soldiers than from their enemies. (06/27/2008)

Woman's best friend Kate Harding
How can dogs detect ovarian cancer? (06/27/2008)

Ladies get a small bite of the Big Apple Logan Scherer
Forget what you see on TV. New York women are much worse off economically than they were two decades ago. (06/27/2008)

Supreme Court gun ruling could backfire By Mike Madden
John McCain used the high court's decision to blast away at Barack Obama -- but it could make Obama's campaign more bulletproof. (06/27/2008)

On energy, McCain sounds a lot like Cheney By Joe Conason
The GOP nominee wants to distance himself from Bush on climate change, but he'd do better to emulate Jimmy Carter than the vice president. (06/27/2008)

Keith Olbermann's reply and Obama's secret plan to protect the rule of law Glenn Greenwald
The MSNBC star denies he was justifying Obama's support for the FISA bill; in the course of denying it, he proceeds to do exactly that. (06/27/2008)

Leave Bill Clinton alone! Joan Walsh
Why is everybody trying to rain on the Clinton-Obama unity parade by asking about the ex-president? By making himself scarce, he's doing exactly the right thing. (06/27/2008)

New ad says McCain is "putting country first" Alex Koppelman
A new spot about John McCain's energy policy tries to reinforce his campaign's new message. (06/27/2008)

Clinton and Obama appear together Alex Koppelman
Their first joint appearance, at a fundraiser in Washington, showed that Democrats are inching toward unity, but there's still some work to be done. (06/27/2008)

Top Clinton loyalist joining Obama camp Alex Koppelman
Neera Tanden, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton, will reportedly become Barack Obama's director of domestic policy. (06/27/2008)

Prominent evangelical group attacks Obama on abortion Alex Koppelman
The Family Research Council is going on the air Friday with a new ad that targets Barack Obama's position on the right to abortion. (06/27/2008)

A place called Unity Alex Koppelman
On Friday, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made their first public campaign appearance together, in a place laden with symbolism. (06/27/2008)

Clintons donate to Obama Alex Koppelman
Bill and Hillary Clinton's gesture followed a similar one from Barack and Michelle Obama. (06/27/2008)

A lesson in how not to pick your co-sponsors Alex Koppelman
The Federal Marriage Amendment has just been reintroduced to Congress, and a couple of interesting people are backing it. (06/27/2008)

Washington state Dems agree to change "Sopranos" ad Alex Koppelman
After a complaint from a local Italian group, the party apologized for an attack ad directed at a Republican candidate that featured the theme song from "The Sopranos." (06/27/2008)

Vacation, all I ever wanted Alex Koppelman
Guest bloggers will be running War Room for a couple weeks. (06/27/2008)

NBA draft King Kaufman
Rose goes first, Riley takes Beasley after all, and the New York fans boo the Knicks' choice, as always. (06/27/2008)

E is for ennui
Feeling cynical? Members of Salon's community, Table Talk, redefine the word this week. (06/27/2008)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Flying isn't much fun, but for now people keep doing it anyway. What can the airlines do to keep their customers happy? (06/27/2008)

More fun with reverse globalization Andrew Leonard
High transportation costs are making Procter & Gamble rethink its supply chain strategy. But China still comes out on top. (06/27/2008)

Consumer confidence: "The economy really sucks" Andrew Leonard
Americans haven't felt this glum about their finances since 1980. Hmmm. What else happened in 1980? (06/27/2008)

Bad ethanol economics Andrew Leonard
Industry capacity hits a new high, even as a dozen companies file for bankruptcy. (06/27/2008)

Bill Gates, the greatest hacker of all time Farhad Manjoo
Reflecting on the Microsoft co-founder's legacy. (06/27/2008)

Dalton Trumbo and American evil Andrew O'Hehir
How the legendary screenwriter of "Roman Holiday" and "Spartacus" defied Congress, broke the blacklist and raised his family. (06/26/2008)

Does Google prove orgies are as American as apple pie? Farhad Manjoo
Farhad Manjoo discusses a novel defense Web porn defense. (06/26/2008)

So you think they can break-dance? By Jeff Chang
Forget the Bronx and South Central. If you want to find the best hip-hop dancers in the world look farther east, to South Korea. (06/26/2008)

Bateman: Dick Morris is wrong about pretty much everything
Actual audio of Dick Morris on the "Today" show. (06/26/2008)

Don't call her Mrs. Corleone By Camille Peri
Eleanor Coppola -- Francis Ford's wife and Sofia's mom -- talks about life in a famous Italian-American family and finding her artistic voice. (06/26/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Judge Scalia's Constitution Comics! (06/26/2008)

Bad news for 27-year-old virgins Catherine Price
The FDA is delaying its decision on whether to approve Gardasil, the cervical cancer vaccine, for women over 26. (06/26/2008)

A new definition of "boob tube" Catherine Price
Should doctors be allowed to offer financial incentives for patients to post video endorsements on the Web? (06/26/2008)

What do your genes say about your breasts? Catherine Price
A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine says we're getting closer to a genetic test for breast cancer risk. (06/26/2008)

Beautiful new home comes with free ... wife? Judy Berman
One Florida real estate agent will sell you a lovely house -- with her in it. (06/26/2008)

Are you a "trailing spouse"? Catherine Price
When one half of a married couple relocates for work, what happens to the other person's career? (06/26/2008)

McCain's man in Ohio By Mike Madden
Rob Portman is a Bush loyalist from the key swing state, who's even served as a John Edwards stand-in. Could he end up as McCain's running mate? (06/26/2008)

Keith Olbermann: Then and now Glenn Greenwald
In January, the MSNBC star denounced telecom immunity as "textbook fascism" designed to "immunize corporate criminals." Wednesday night, he heaped praise on Obama for supporting it. (06/26/2008)

Obama: "I bit my tongue" on Clinton Alex Koppelman
In a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus, Barack Obama says he held back in criticizing his one-time rival, and that the party must focus on defeating John McCain. (06/26/2008)

Supreme Court strikes down D.C. gun ban Alex Koppelman
The court's decision, the first it has made on the Second Amendment since 1939, says that the amendment protects an individual right to bear arms. (06/26/2008)

Powell for Obama? Alex Koppelman
Speculation that Colin Powell will endorse the presumptive Democratic nominee is growing. (06/26/2008)

Supreme Court rules "millionaire's amendment" unconstitutional Alex Koppelman
In a 5-4 vote, the court struck down a provision of a campaign finance law that allowed candidates to collect larger contributions when facing self-financed opponents. (06/26/2008)

Jindal approves castration for sex offenders Vincent Rossmeier
The Louisiana governor signs a bill mandating the castration of sex offenders convicted of a second offense, and rails against SCOTUS's decision on his state's death penalty laws. (06/26/2008)

McCain advisor: Politicians "putting politics first and country second" Alex Koppelman
In a memo that seems to presage the campaign's message to come, Steve Schmidt positions his candidate as patriotic and Obama as interested only in himself. (06/26/2008)

Poll shows Obama ahead in key states Vincent Rossmeier
According to a poll released Thursday, Barack Obama is leading John McCain by double digits in four swing states. (06/26/2008)

Schwarzenegger seems to hit Bush, McCain, Crist on drilling Alex Koppelman
California's governor, who had held his tongue before, says anyone who promises that certain policies will reduce gas prices soon "is blowing smoke." (06/26/2008)

Will evangelicals abandon McCain? Justin Jouvenal
The presumptive Republican nominee continues to reach out to Christian conservatives, but so far, they're not enthused. (06/26/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
A conservative radio host says he's especially desperate to get tickets to a football game because of what might happen if Barack Obama is elected. (06/27/2008)

The ultimate underdog pile King Kaufman
Fresno State wins a baseball championship that had seemed improbable 26 hours before -- and unthinkable a month ago. (06/26/2008)

Jerry Brown joins the Countrywide pile on Andrew Leonard
And the housing bust hits a new low: The legacy of REO Speedwagon power ballads is invoked (06/26/2008)

There's a hole in my oil bucket Andrew Leonard
You don't need speculators to explain why the price of oil keeps going up, up, and up (06/26/2008)

Why $140-a-barrel oil is no surprise Andrew Leonard
It took awhile, but the market finally realized there's only so much of that black gold to go around. (06/26/2008)

Bateman: Jim Cramer yells about gas prices
"Our price of oil is not in our control!" And more actual (and scary) audio from the "Mad Money" host's appearance on "Hardball." (06/25/2008)

Awesome; I f**kin' shot that basketball movie! By Caitlin Shamberg
The Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch on his new documentary, "Gunnin' for That #1 Spot," and tomorrow's NBA superstars. (06/25/2008)

Feel the noise Caitlin Shamberg
New York is a loud, loud city. We talk to locals about what they hear, and how they drown it out. (06/25/2008)

Adam Yauch on "Gunnin' for that #1 Spot"
The Beastie Boy talks about his new documentary, a music-driven celebration of elite basketball. (06/25/2008)

Can these tempers be cooled?
Rebecca Traister responds to reader letters expressing continued anger among supporters of Hillary Clinton. (06/25/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
I'm punching myself, but all the blood is going to waste. (06/25/2008)

J.C. Penney does not actually endorse teen sex Catherine Price
A racy, fake advertisement has the retail giant up in arms -- and pointing fingers. (06/25/2008)

How gay it would be By Sarah Bird
I know a mother is supposed to accept her children as they are. But my son has one painful flaw -- he's straight. (06/25/2008)

"PUMAs": Angrier than I thought Rebecca Traister
Readers' responses to a piece about Hillary Clinton supporters. (06/25/2008)

Holy Mary, mother of God ... lactivist icon? Katharine Mieszkowski
The Vatican condones depictions of baby Jesus at the breast. (06/25/2008)

Umm, what is boob punching? Sarah Hepola
Duh: It's when you punch a woman in the boobs, of course. And it's yet another Internet trend. (06/25/2008)

"I just want mayonnaise. I don't want guys kissing" Judy Berman
A backlash ensues after Heinz pulls an ad featuring a smooch between two men. (06/25/2008)

Bully for Nancy Pelosi! Rebecca Traister
The speaker of the House affirms that she, too, is the victim of sexism, yesiree. (06/25/2008)

Men: Score! Women: Whoops! Tracy Clark-Flory
A study finds women experience more regret over one-night stands. (06/25/2008)

Malaysia: Give up lipstick, prevent rape! Tracy Clark-Flory
Officials are passing out anti-rape pamphlets that warn against makeup and high heels. (06/25/2008)

Zimbabwe's descent into electoral terror By Jan Puhl and Toby Selander
Opposing the brutal dictator Robert Mugabe in the election deadlock here has become equivalent to a death sentence. (06/25/2008)

Stop the noise! By Katharine Mieszkowski
When noise pollution is not making us sick and anxious, it is literally killing us. How do we turn it off? (06/25/2008)

Is Ralph Nader losing it? Joan Walsh
His remarks about Obama's "talking white" were appalling. But he's right that progressives need to keep the pressure on the Democratic nominee. (06/25/2008)

Chris Dodd's speech and a glimmer of hope for stopping the FISA bill Glenn Greenwald
The Connecticut senator's passionate speech in defense of the rule of law and surveillance safeguards signals some slowly growing opposition to the FISA bill. (06/25/2008)

What Barack Obama can learn from Jesse Ventura By Garrison Keillor
I made fun of Jesse for years, but the man knew something basic about politics: You need to talk to the people. How else will they get who you are? (06/25/2008)

McCain camp pushes back against low polling numbers Alex Koppelman
In a memo, pollsters for John McCain's campaign don't bother to argue that he's leading; they just say he's not trailing as badly as one recent survey said. (06/25/2008)

Obama asks top donors to help with Clinton's debt Alex Koppelman
As the push for unity continues, Clinton is also expected to do her part -- urging her congressional supporters to back the presumptive Democratic nominee. (06/25/2008)

Republicans won't run anti-voter-fraud campaign this year Alex Koppelman
One report says that some have decided that their traditional efforts, seen as voter suppression by Democrats and others, might cause a backlash. (06/26/2008)

McCain has missed the most votes of any senator Alex Koppelman
Campaigning has kept John McCain from his day job so often that the second most absent senator is Tim Johnson, who was away for months after a brain hemorrhage. (06/25/2008)

Clinton not asking for her money back Alex Koppelman
In a letter to supporters, Hillary Clinton seeks help paying some of her campaign's debts, but makes it clear her own loans are not included in that request. (06/25/2008)

DNC sues FEC over McCain Alex Koppelman
Democrats fire their latest salvo in a fight over John McCain's campaign spending. (06/25/2008)

McCain had private meeting with head of gay group Alex Koppelman
John McCain and Patrick Sammon of the Log Cabin Republicans met recently, but McCain's campaign kept the event off his public schedule. (06/25/2008)

ESPN's dishonest tap-dance King Kaufman
The network refuses to play it straight with Euro 2008 viewers about its announcers not being at the stadium. (06/25/2008)

Underdog days: Fresno State, Turkey King Kaufman
In a great midweek of sports, two Cinderellas continue their quest at Euro 2008 and the College World Series. (06/25/2008)

Losing their religion, in Kerala Andrew Leonard
A fuss gets kicked up in India over a social studies textbook that supposedly promotes atheism. (06/25/2008)

The way of the samurai Andrew Leonard
From the battle of Sekigahara to rice paddies, video games, MySpace and YouTube, this 16th century warrior will live on forever. (06/25/2008)

Slick John McCain and the offshore oil ruse By Andrew Leonard
The safety and economics of offshore drilling are distractions from the much larger challenges that humanity faces: Climate change and peak oil. (06/25/2008)

On the morality of immigration Andrew Leonard
If the U.S. is less crowded than the rest of the world, is it "fair" to keep other people out? (06/25/2008)

Bush administration biofuel confusion Andrew Leonard
How much do energy crops contribute to food price hikes? Depends how you count (06/25/2008)

Indie film is dying -- unless it isn't Andrew O'Hehir
Yes, distributors are closing, films are tanking and insiders are muttering that doom is nigh. But the best filmmakers always survive. (06/24/2008)

More on oil drilling
Alex Koppelman examines why drilling today won't mean cheaper gas tomorrow. (06/24/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
A few recent examples of awesomely non-racist political discourse. (06/24/2008)

Equality, shmequality! Just become a man Tracy Clark-Flory
Some Albanian women swear to live as men to avoid the strictures of womanhood. (06/24/2008)

Is local food really miles better? By Roberta Kwok
Many of us now count "food miles." But local fruits and veggies may not be more carbon-friendly than produce at the supermarket. (06/24/2008)

News flash: Sex is sold to young girls! Tracy Clark-Flory
A report argues that the media is hypersexualizing adolescents, leading to an "ideology of seduction." (06/24/2008)

So was it a "pact," or more of an informal agreement? Catherine Price
Controversy continues to stir over the supposed "pregnancy pact" at Gloucester High School. (06/24/2008)

Disaster of the day: Too many women rabbis! Judy Berman
Jewish religious leaders lament a shortage of men in the clergy. (06/24/2008)

"I'm not pregnant -- but the night is young" Kate Harding
Joy Nash offers women some snappy comebacks to nasty remarks about their bodies. (06/24/2008)

Who's afraid of Michelle Obama? By Erin Aubry Kaplan
The flap about the potential first lady's "image problem" proves how uncomfortable the country feels about a shift in racial dynamics. But as far as I'm concerned, I've found a kindred spirit. (06/24/2008)

A crack in the Army's glass ceiling Catherine Price
Pending Senate approval, Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody will become America's first female four-star general. (06/24/2008)

I now pronounce you male applicant and female applicant Catherine Price
A Virginia courthouse may have inadvertently beaten California to the punch by accidentally marrying two men. (06/24/2008)

The war on teen terror By Jo Becker
The Bush administration's treatment of juvenile prisoners shipped to Guantánamo Bay defies logic as well as international law. (06/24/2008)

The swing states of 2008 By Thomas F. Schaller
Salon asks a round table of experts to predict where the presidential election will be won or lost. It's not just about Ohio anymore. (06/24/2008)

Two things you don't want to miss Joan Walsh
Check out Tom Schaller's round table on 2008 swing states and Larry King's tribute to George Carlin. (06/24/2008)

Hoyer hails FISA bill as "a significant victory for the Democratic Party" Glenn Greenwald
The House majority leader argues that giving the GOP what it wanted on eavesdropping removed it as an election issue. That's the same mentality that led Democrats to authorize the war in 2002. (06/24/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Who are you calling an arrogant martini drinker, you arrogant martini drinker? (06/24/2008)

Lobbying for polar bear hunting Katharine Mieszkowski
New protections for bruins threaten furry rugs. (06/24/2008)

The truth about drilling and gas prices Alex Koppelman
Republicans are slamming Democrats for their opposition to offshore oil drilling, but new drilling wouldn't bring relief at the pump any time soon. (06/24/2008)

Is Obama moving to the center? Vincent Rossmeier
Positions he has taken recently on illegal wiretapping and foreign policy are indications that Barack Obama is trying to shake the dreaded liberal label. (06/24/2008)

Barack Obama, the experience candidate? Alex Koppelman
One longtime political hand says Obama's time in the Illinois Legislature has more value than many think, and that "experience" is a subjective measure anyway. (06/24/2008)

A "fitting monument" for Dubya Katharine Mieszkowski
San Franciscans may get a chance to vote to name their sewage treatment plant in honor of President Bush. (06/24/2008)

Bill Clinton says he'll help Obama Alex Koppelman
The former president's first statement on behalf of Barack Obama didn't evince much enthusiasm, though. (06/24/2008)

Surveying the race Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama's campaign manager paints a mostly rosy picture supported by recent polling, while John McCain's media buys give some insight as to where he'll be trying to compete. (06/25/2008)

Young ballers: See the world King Kaufman
The N.Y. Times profiles a high school basketball star on the verge of a smart response to the NBA age limit. (06/24/2008)

Please stand by King Kaufman
Posting will resume soon. (06/25/2008)

A human-animal hybrid nonproliferation treaty? Andrew Leonard
While Congress mulls over the ethics of cutting-edge biotech, other countries are moving right along. (06/24/2008)

Citing Google, pornographer claims orgies are bigger than apple pie Farhad Manjoo
Does the search engine prove group sex isn't so unusual? (06/24/2008)

Big Think: Saving the world two shoes at a time
The founder of TOMS Shoes discusses how purchasing a pair can help others. (06/23/2008)

Bateman: Atom Age Vampire, Part 18
The cops investigate Dr. Levin's lab and find strange atomic specimens. (06/23/2008)

Bateman: John McCain's "Energy Security"
We must shift our entire energy economy toward new and cleaner power sources such as ... drilling, drilling and drilling? (06/23/2008)

Gore Vidal's inconvenient truths By Louis Bayard
"The Selected Essays of Gore Vidal" reminds us that this combative political provocateur is also one of our finest literary critics. (06/23/2008)

Ask Pablo By Pablo Päster
It was 20 years ago that Congress heard the first serious warning about global warming. What can individuals do now? (06/23/2008)

Want the pill? It'll cost ya. Nathalie Gorman
The House drops an amendment for more affordable birth control for college students and lower-income women. (06/23/2008)

Did Maureen Dowd go too far? Sarah Hepola
The New York Times' public editor examines whether sexism played a role in Clinton's coverage by the paper of record. (06/23/2008)

Not such a pill anymore Kate Harding
A British doctor offers birth control prescriptions online. Are you listening, American docs? (06/23/2008)

Baby's first stilettos Sarah Hepola
Well, I suppose it had to happen eventually -- high heels for newborns. (06/23/2008)

SOS double-D Kate Harding
Jogging bras can save your life! (06/23/2008)

Quote of the day Sarah Hepola
Barack Obama speaks about equal pay to working women in New Mexico. (06/23/2008)

Girls in trouble for catcalling construction workers? Sarah Hepola
The tables turn at a college campus in England. (06/23/2008)

The New Republic syndrome Glenn Greenwald
A mentality that repeatedly admitted wrongdoing, reversed itself and spawned great destruction nonetheless continues to dominate the Democratic Party. (06/23/2008)

Why Clinton voters will come back to the fold By Walter Shapiro
Don't worry about those angry Hillary supporters who say they'll vote for McCain or stay home in November. History proves they'll vote for Obama. (06/23/2008)

Why Clinton voters say they won't support Obama By Rebecca Traister
The attack of the PUMAs, or a dozen reasons why Clinton voters are still too angry to come home. (06/23/2008)

George Carlin dies at 71 Joan Walsh
Read Heather Havrilesky's last great interview with Carlin, in which he talks about cocaine, being a fallen idealist and the "exciting" Obama story, even though he didn't plan to vote. (06/23/2008)

McCain panders on immigration, again Alex Koppelman
Once a moderate on the issue, John McCain needs to tack to the right to mollify his party's base, but also needs to hold on to Latino votes -- so he's tailoring his position to his audience. (06/23/2008)

Obama camp ditches its take on presidential seal Alex Koppelman
Unveiled Friday, the seal was the subject of criticism -- and some mirth -- but Barack Obama's campaign isn't the only one that's come up with its own version. (06/23/2008)

Rove: Obama "coolly arrogant" Alex Koppelman
Karl Rove used, of all things, a country club metaphor to slam the presumptive Democratic nominee at a breakfast on Monday. (06/23/2008)

Did lobbyists influence McCain's "straight talk" on Boeing?
Newsweek's Michael Isikoff updates the story of one of John McCain's good-government efforts, which doesn't smell so sweet anymore. (06/23/2008)

The self-aware Bill Kristol Alex Koppelman
In his latest column, the influential neoconservative pundit bemoans those who think only other people's kids should serve in the military. (06/23/2008)

Clinton, Obama go heavy on the symbolism Alex Koppelman
Details of one of their first joint appearances have just been released; the message is unmistakable. (06/23/2008)

Times slams Obama on ethanol Alex Koppelman
In an article implicitly critical of the biofuel, the paper explores Barack Obama's position on it and his ties to the industry. (06/23/2008)

McCain advisor sees political advantage in terror attack Alex Koppelman
John McCain is distancing himself from comments made by one of his senior advisors, who said a terror attack would help McCain's prospects for victory. (06/23/2008)

Partial score: George Carlin, 71 King Kaufman
The comedian, who died Sunday, talked about sports rarely, but he was funny and insightful when he did. (06/23/2008)

Now batting, number $, Derek Jeter King Kaufman
Babe Ruth's granddaughter wants the Bambino's number retired by all teams. The solution: Retire 'em all. (06/23/2008)

Germany: We are the green champions, of the world Andrew Leonard
While other nations whine about climate change, Germany takes action (06/23/2008)

Solar power: Just about ready for prime time Andrew Leonard
Forget about offshore drilling and energy speculators. Grid parity is just around the corner, and then the entire energy game changes. (06/23/2008)

Peak safety matches? Andrew Leonard
In India, a rise in phosphorus prices is forcing the closure of match factories. Some Indians are blaming China, but the real culprit is global agriculture. (06/23/2008)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
Jeff Lewis of "Flipping Out" embodies the tragicomic hothouse flower, while Nancy Botwin of "Weeds" makes the world safe for lazy, self-involved moms. (06/22/2008)

Opus By Berkeley Breathed
Six bucks for the extra bag, $4 for the flab ... (06/22/2008)

Time magazine uncritically prints Nancy Pelosi's "justifications" for the FISA "compromise" Glenn Greenwald
The congressional Democratic leadership explains that sacrificing the Fourth Amendment and the rule of law is necessary to win some more swing seats. (06/22/2008)

On McCain's push for offshore drilling
Joan Walsh on John McCain's desire to allow offshore oil drilling. (06/21/2008)

Meet the Japanese Brando Andrew O'Hehir
Little known outside his homeland, haunted hero-villain Tatsuya Nakadai spans the best years, and greatest films, of Japan's postwar cinema boom. (06/21/2008)

Critics' Picks
What you need to see, read, do this week: The Violent Femmes' Gnarls Barkley homage, an early gay-marriage prototype, and a "Sex and the City" antidote. (06/21/2008)

Sick in the head By Jennifer Traig
I've diagnosed myself with heart attacks, blood poisoning, meningitis and multiple sclerosis. Turns out, what I had was hypochondria. (06/21/2008)

U.N.: Rape a war crime Tracy Clark-Flory
Finally, the Security Council defines sexual violence as a weapon of war. (06/21/2008)

The Scott McClellan sideshow By Joe Conason
The former press secretary's testimony about Valerie Plame is valuable, but only the press can uncover whether Bush and Cheney lied to investigators. (06/21/2008)

Obama's support for the FISA "compromise" Glenn Greenwald
There are many important lessons from yesterday's announcement that he now supports a warrantless eavesdropping and telecom amnesty bill (06/21/2008)

McCain's offshore oil-drilling flip-flop Joan Walsh
Is the GOP nominee going out of his way to draw closer to President Bush? Plus: Obama's FISA compromise. (06/22/2008)

"The Love Guru" By Stephanie Zacharek
Mike Myers' new movie is offensive to Hindus? They're not the only ones. (06/20/2008)

"Get Smart" By Stephanie Zacharek
Steve Carell plays everyone's favorite shoe-phone-sporting spy in this surprisingly smart comedy. (06/20/2008)

"Kit Kittredge: An American Girl"
Six-year-old Dinah Schone (and her doll) talk about the funniest parts of the new movie. (06/20/2008)

Bateman: The voting machine -- a long step up from tyranny
Actual audio from the 1957 film "Behind the Freedom Curtain." (06/20/2008)

Do women really want to date psychopaths?
Tracy Clark-Flory responds to a new study that shows that men who possess a "dark triad" of traits have more sexual partners. (06/20/2008)

"Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" By Stephanie Zacharek
Yes, it's based on a doll. But this gentle-spirited movie makes the past come alive. (06/20/2008)

Secrets and lives By Allen Barra
Sebastian Barry may be the most exhilarating prose stylist in Irish fiction. His new book weaves together strands from Ireland's past -- and his own. (06/20/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Keeping up with daredevilish Steve? No problem! (06/20/2008)

The great size debate continues Amy Benfer
A popular online chart claims to show women's preferred penis size. (06/20/2008)

Should we go to the mall -- or get pregnant? Kate Harding
A group of Massachusetts teen girls make a pregnancy pact. (06/20/2008)

Japan's new sexbot Sarah Hepola
She's the woman of your fantasies, if you dream of 15-inch cyborgs. (06/20/2008)

Women love "self-obsessed psychopaths"? Tracy Clark-Flory
Yet another study draws creative conclusions about what women want. (06/20/2008)

Clinton's campaign is cold, but sexism is still hot Judy Berman
The man behind the controversial Obama button has a Web site stocked with Hillary hate. (06/20/2008)

Girl crush: Velvet d'Amour Kate Harding
A celebration of the 5-foot-8, 300-pound model who is anything but "the staid, asexual, catalogue, muumuu chick." (06/20/2008)

Barack Obama is a Muslim, and other stories By Mike Madden
The Democratic nominee's campaign is working overtime to combat rumors -- yet misinformation is still running rampant across the Internet. (06/20/2008)

What Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Fred Hiatt mean by "bipartisanship" Glenn Greenwald
Even the GOP, the media establishment and many Democrats themselves are openly mocking the claims by Pelosi and Hoyer that they "negotiated" a "bipartisan compromise." (06/20/2008)

Bloomberg: "Let's call those rumors what they are: Lies" Alex Koppelman
Speaking to a Jewish group in Florida, the mayor of New York says lies about Barack Obama's religion should be rejected. (06/20/2008)

Obama calls two Muslim women to apologize Alex Koppelman
The women, who had been barred by campaign volunteers from sitting behind the candidate because they were wearing head scarves, accept his apology. (06/20/2008)

Clinton, Obama to campaign together Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama's campaign hasn't provided details of the joint appearance yet, but it will happen next Friday. (06/20/2008)

The 527 monster hiding under Obama's bed Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama justified opting out of public financing in part by citing the specter of independent GOP attack groups, but the threat is overblown. (06/20/2008)

MoveOn closes its 527 for good Alex Koppelman
The liberal group's 527 committee hadn't been operating for a few years, though it had remained legally open. (06/20/2008)

McClellan takes the stand Alex Koppelman
Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday. (06/20/2008)

Why I'm voting Republican Alex Koppelman
A parody ad makes a funny, if unsubtle, case against supporting the GOP in the fall. (06/20/2008)

Obama says he supports FISA compromise Alex Koppelman
But the presumptive Democratic nominee says he will work in the Senate to strip a retroactive immunity provision. (06/20/2008)

Bissinger contrite, but still bashing blogs King Kaufman
The world's foremost defender of quality writing makes a fool of himself again. (06/20/2008)

With age comes ... insecurity Andrew Leonard
Another reason for economic pessimism: Older Americans are more likely to file for bankruptcy than ever before. (06/20/2008)

Charlie the Tuna swims to Korea Andrew Leonard
Whom to blame for StarKist's emigration? How about the price of oil, cheap labor, dolphins and free trade? (06/20/2008)

Emotiv's thought-reading headset puts your mind in games Farhad Manjoo
The thrill of controlling a game with your thoughts alone. (06/20/2008)

The bad economics of rapid population growth Andrew Leonard
Family planning can help lead a poor nation to prosperity, but you don't want to miss a crucial demographic window. (06/20/2008)

Can't wait for Spore!
Farhad Manjoo on the remarkable new social video game. (06/19/2008)

Maddin and Herzog: Brothers of the ice! Andrew O'Hehir
It's frozen allegory week -- in summer! Guy Maddin reveals the sleepwalking sex secrets of Winnipeg; Werner Herzog chases psycho penguins in Antarctica. (06/19/2008)

Can Lil Wayne save hip-hop? By Jess Harvell
He insists he's "the best rapper alive" -- and many agree. But can his smash-hit new album really redeem a flagging genre? (06/19/2008)

Bateman: "The McClaughlin Groove"
Andrew W.K. rocks out to real conversations from the wackiest in political television. (06/19/2008)

How to be a comic book hero By Douglas Wolk
Like graphic novels, manga or superhero tales? New books by Lynda Barry, Jessica Abel and Matt Madden may inspire you to turn your stories and doodles into real cartoons. (06/19/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Introducing Chrysler's $2.99 gas price guarantee! (06/19/2008)

Hot, steamy footage! Sarah Hepola
For the first time, human ovulation is captured on film. (06/19/2008)

Healthcare needs you By Rahul K. Parikh, M.D.
Ask not what healthcare can do for you but what you can do, with incentives, for healthcare. (06/19/2008)

Amazon.com for prostitutes Tracy Clark-Flory
Johns review sexual services and prostitutes dish on customers. (06/19/2008)

Save the animals, exploit the women Annsley Chapman
Once more, PETA places politics above humanity. (06/19/2008)

A new form of birth control Catherine Price
If homosexuality is determined by prenatal hormones, is there a way to force your fetus to be straight? (06/19/2008)

A new take on the octopussy Catherine Price
A French AIDS-prevention ad campaign makes us never want to go swimming again. (06/19/2008)

Some GOP women are defecting from McCain Katharine Mieszkowski
The candidate's abysmal record on reproductive rights is one reason. (06/19/2008)

McCain on Iran: Bush all over again By Hooman Majd
An alarmist John McCain is using Iran as a political weapon against Barack Obama -- even as he misjudges our Middle East adversary. (06/19/2008)

Obama, telecoms and the Beltway system Glenn Greenwald
Why is the Democratic nominee intervening in a Democratic primary to support one of the worst pro-war, Bush-enabling Blue Dogs against a highly credible, progressive challenger? (06/19/2008)

Pipe down, Cindy McCain Joan Walsh
Nobody wants to see a future first lady catfight. Do they? (06/20/2008)

George Bush's latest powers, courtesy of the Democratic Congress Glenn Greenwald
Congress is going to decree that the president has the power to order private citizens to break the law, as well as to spy on our telephone calls and e-mails with no warrants. (06/19/2008)

Obama opts out of public funding Alex Koppelman
In a video sent out to supporters, Barack Obama presents the decision as a way to "declare ... independence from a broken system." (06/19/2008)

McCain camp response to Obama's decision: "Typical politician" Alex Koppelman
Fur is already flying between the two major campaigns over Barack Obama's announcement that he'll opt out of the public financing system. (06/19/2008)

McCain counsel disputes Obama camp's account Alex Koppelman
An Obama spokesman says comments by a lawyer for McCain's campaign showed that McCain wasn't interested in dealing on public financing, but the lawyer says that's not true. (06/19/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama's response to Republicans' using 9/11 as a political weapon against him? Bring it on. (06/19/2008)

Rove slams Obama and McCain on economy Vincent Rossmeier
Calling the candidates "economically illiterate and irresponsibly populist," the former Bush advisor argues against restricting oil company profits. (06/19/2008)

Obama camp releases first general election ad Alex Koppelman
The spot, which introduces the senator from Illinois in his own words, will air in 18 states starting Friday. (06/19/2008)

McCain: "We will take public financing" Alex Koppelman
Thursday morning, Barack Obama announced his intention to opt out of the public financing system; later in the day, John McCain said he'll opt in. (06/19/2008)

AFSCME endorses Obama Alex Koppelman
The union had backed Hillary Clinton, and its head had previously expressed doubts about Barack Obama's chances for victory. (06/19/2008)

Popular baseball mechanics King Kaufman
Breaking down swings and pitching motions used to be insider stuff. But online, everyone's an insider. (06/19/2008)

Sonics: We're worthless King Kaufman
The NBA team makes a bizarro-world argument as it tries to escape Seattle. (06/19/2008)

Streaming Euro 2008 King Kaufman
Stuck at work? Silicon Alley Insider has some solutions, not all of them legal. (06/19/2008)

The bogus baby bust nightmare Andrew Leonard
A declining population doesn't automatically result in declining prosperity. Even the Black Death had a silver lining. (06/19/2008)

The insignificance of offshore drilling Andrew Leonard
Even Bush's Department of Energy acknowledges that more drilling in the U.S. won't relieve gas price pain. For real short-term help, look to China (06/19/2008)

How low can American drivers go? Andrew Leonard
In April, Americans drove fewer miles than last year. But the drop-off was much smaller than March's plunge. (06/19/2008)

"Rock Band" on Wii: The same as before, but still fun Alex Koppelman
Salon's political blogger pursues his rock star dreams. (06/19/2008)

A conflict of wind power interest Andrew Leonard
General Electric says wind power is a good deal for the U.S. government. Guess what? G.E. makes wind turbines. (06/19/2008)

Apple's iTunes sells 5 billion songs, but you don't own them Farhad Manjoo
Meanwhile, Microsoft keeps its DRM servers alive. (06/19/2008)

What color are Chinese South Africans? Andrew Leonard
According to the country's High Court, they are now considered "black" (06/19/2008)

Wii Rock Band makes us sing
Alex Koppelman finds his inner rock star (06/18/2008)

Where the 20-somethings are By Judy Berman
Forsaken by the networks, the post-college set has turned to the Web for revealing shows (full-frontal coed nudity!) about people just like them. (06/18/2008)

Bateman: Meet the Lithium League
Who is this strange band of depressed children with superhuman powers? (06/18/2008)

Baking with the first ladies
Alex Koppelman considers Cindy McCain's cookie recipe. (06/18/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Life's little victories. (06/18/2008)

Confessions of a salvia eater By Neal Pollack
This hallucinogenic herb offers an experience as intense as LSD, but the trip only lasts five minutes. Is it any wonder states are banning it? (06/18/2008)

Bareheaded in the park Judy Berman
Islamic women can shed their scarves at Tehran's female-only "Mothers' Paradise." (06/18/2008)

Imprisoned to iron, birth illegitimate child Tracy Clark-Flory
Two Italian women were allegedly kidnapped to clean house and avoid public shame. (06/18/2008)

Michelle Obama on "The View" Sarah Hepola
She's proud of her country, Hillary Clinton -- and her signature fist bump! (06/18/2008)

Make mine a venti Sarah Hepola
The good news for women who drink coffee. (06/18/2008)

Men snip, but don't tell Logan Scherer
Male plastic surgery is on the rise, even as the overall market takes a dip. (06/18/2008)

Joan Rivers' F-bomb on British television Rachel Shukert
After her colorful description of Russell Crowe, the comedian is escorted off the set. (06/18/2008)

Girl crush: Cyd Charisse Sarah Hepola
Remembering one of Hollywood's most elegant dancers. (06/18/2008)

A McCain-Lieberman ticket? By Walter Shapiro
Joe-mentum slants too far right for Democrats, but it would (believe it or not) move the Republicans toward the center. (06/18/2008)

A timeline to Bush government torture By Mark Benjamin
Newly public evidence sheds greater light on Bush officials' efforts to develop brutal interrogation techniques for the war on terror. (06/18/2008)

Campaign against warrantless eavesdropping and telecom amnesty is expanding Glenn Greenwald
Three targets are chosen who are key enablers of the corrupt bill Congress is attempting to pass. (06/18/2008)

The motor home fades into the sunset By Garrison Keillor
There's nothing like having the freedom of the road and the comforts of home. But $5 gas is pushing the fantasy of comfortable vagabondage to the wall. (06/18/2008)

Comcast's efforts to protect members of Congress who, in turn, protect Comcast Glenn Greenwald
Two weeks ago, Comcast rejected a political ad as defamatory because it stated that telecoms "broke the law." Today, the NYT wrote that telecoms "broke the law by helping Mr. Bush carry out his warrantless wiretapping operation." (06/18/2008)

Ru-dy! Ru-dy! Ru-dy! Alex Koppelman
The president of 9/11 is back, and attacking Barack Obama, but Democrats are having none of it. (06/18/2008)

Obama: "I think families are off limits" Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama says he's disappointed that his opponent didn't help come to the defense of Michelle Obama, but the McCain campaign says the same thing about him. (06/18/2008)

The return of Larry Sinclair Alex Koppelman
On Wednesday, the National Press Club plays host to the controversial figure, who claims to have engaged in a wild night with Barack Obama. (06/18/2008)

Volunteers blocked Muslims from being seen with Obama Alex Koppelman
Two Muslim women were told they could not sit behind the candidate at a recent appearance unless they removed their head scarves. (06/18/2008)

Cindy McCain, cookie thief? Alex Koppelman
The wife of the presumptive GOP nominee has been accused of recipe plagiarism -- again -- but that only provokes a larger question: Why is anyone asking a potential first lady for recipes? (06/18/2008)

The path to 270: Keys to victory in November Justin Jouvenal
Pollsters and consultants give Salon their take on what both candidates will have to do to win the presidency. (06/18/2008)

A "September 10th mindset" Vincent Rossmeier
After Rudy Giuliani criticized Obama's position on terrorism this morning, the DNC responded by pointing out the apparent hypocrisy of Giuliani's statement. (06/18/2008)

Celtics demolish Lakers for title King Kaufman
L.A. walked into Game 6 looking to get KO'd, and Boston more than obliged to wrap up the NBA Finals. (06/18/2008)

The FedEx economy Andrew Leonard
When it absolutely, positively doesn't have to get there overnight. (06/18/2008)

Gas prices and offshore drilling Andrew Leonard
Not much is at stake on Election Day 2008. Just the long-term health of the global economy and the future of the planet. That's what the offshore drilling debate is all about. (06/18/2008)

Bateman: Ode to "Crack Panda"
A revival of the great, lost daily comic strip from the '80s. (06/17/2008)

Red State Update: Barack and Jackie vs. the Internet
Did Jackie Browles go see "Sex and the City" with Mrs. Farrakhan? That and other online rumors questioning Jackie's campaign. (06/17/2008)

Angry, but not Republican
Rebecca Traister on whether "angry white women" will really vote for John McCain. (06/17/2008)

The "Dark Genius" of Fox News By Vincent Rossmeier
Biographer Kerwin Swint explains how news honcho Roger Ailes has pushed the country to the right for the past four decades. (06/17/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
The Republican good news fairy is here to assuage your doubts. (06/17/2008)

My failed lesbian romance By Ann Bauer
I was heartbroken and lost after the end of my marriage. Then I fell in love with Gisele, and things really got complicated. (06/17/2008)

American Apparel sells the "Cadillac of vibrators" Sarah Hepola
Get your hoodies and your Hitachi Magic Wand in one convenient place. (06/17/2008)

Angry women? Not so fast Rebecca Traister
Don't paint female Hillary supporters as wackadoo McCain voters. (06/17/2008)

Gay men and straight women have similar brains Sarah Hepola
Old stand-up comedy jokes find a new scientific basis. (06/17/2008)

The sex lives of animals Catherine Price
A new exhibit in New York reveals that creatures in the wild do a lot more than what you see on the Discovery Channel. (06/17/2008)

Octogenarian lesbian brides tie the knot Katharine Mieszkowski
Tear-jerker alert! Celebrating San Francisco's first same-sex marriage. (06/17/2008)

Press release of the day: The "fertile turtle" resort package Catherine Price
Do you find baby sea turtles arousing? Have we got the vacation package for you! (06/17/2008)

Pro-life pharmacies Catherine Price
As if it weren't enough to refuse to dispense contraceptives, a growing number of drugstores won't even stock them. (06/17/2008)

Iran tackles summertime sin Tracy Clark-Flory
As the weather heats up, police crack down on dress code violations. (06/17/2008)

And Obama's veep is ... a Republican? By Mike Madden
Some are buzzing about Chuck Hagel, a strong critic of Bush and the war, for the Democratic ticket. A bold idea or political fantasy? (06/17/2008)

In Iraq to stay By Tom Engelhardt
The press is finally reporting on the U.S. mega-bases in Iraq that the Bush administration wants to make permanent. (06/17/2008)

Election 2008: Declare a forfeit By Gary Kamiya
To avoid humiliating a once-great party and subjecting America to more painful glimpses of McCain's ideas and teeth, the mercy rule must be invoked now. (06/17/2008)

The company we keep Glenn Greenwald
House Democratic leaders are working hard to enact legislation this week to replicate the eavesdropping policies of Russia and Zimbabwe. (06/17/2008)

Targeting Steny Hoyer for his contempt for the rule of law Glenn Greenwald
Efforts are under way to disrupt the plans of the House Democratic leadership to give the president warrantless eavesdropping powers and the telecom industry full-fledged amnesty. (06/17/2008)

John Yoo's ongoing falsehoods in service of limitless government power Glenn Greenwald
Bush's war crimes theorist claims that the Supreme Court protected "Al Qaeda terrorists" who were "captured fighting against the U.S." Both claims are false. (06/17/2008)

Clinton and Obama, together at last Alex Koppelman
No, it's not for a joint ticket -- just a joint appearance. (06/17/2008)

Survey: Youth vote nearly doubled for 2008 primaries and caucuses Justin Jouvenal
Observers are always skeptical about turnout by young voters, but it appears to be way up this year. Will it matter? (06/17/2008)

Senate report says Pentagon skewed timeline on interrogation Alex Koppelman
A Senate committee finds that there are major holes in Pentagon officials' stories about the decision to use certain interrogation tactics at Guantánamo. (06/17/2008)

McCain's new ad goes green Mike Madden
John McCain keeps up his pitch for independent voters with a new commercial about global warming. (06/17/2008)

DNC heads back to court over McCain Mike Madden
The committee says it'll try again to sue federal election authorities, hoping they'll crack down on John McCain's campaign spending. (06/17/2008)

MoveOn, AFSCME hit McCain on Iraq Alex Koppelman
The groups' new ad goes for voters' emotions, and targets John McCain's comments about staying in Iraq for 100 years. (06/17/2008)

The new racist, anti-Obama fashion statement Alex Koppelman
One vendor in Texas makes no bones about pins promoting a racist attitude toward the presumptive Democratic nominee. (06/17/2008)

MLB replay: It's heresy! But it's OK King Kaufman
Baseball should get home run calls right without going down the NFL's tedious road. (06/17/2008)

Baseball's firing line King Kaufman
Randolph of the Mets and Bavasi of the Mariners pay for unrealistic expectations. (06/17/2008)

How my vendetta against the Benetton family was born Andrew Leonard
Another cashier reads from a script; another rent is torn in the fabric of civilized society. There is no escape. But we can bitch. (06/17/2008)

Made of steel: A globalization fable Andrew Leonard
The saga of Bayou Steel stretches from the banks of the Mississippi to the Taj Mittal (06/17/2008)

Spore Creature Creator: Proof that this game will rule Farhad Manjoo
Download a sneak peek of Will Wright's much-anticipated evolution simulator. (06/17/2008)

Scott Bateman: "I am the favored robot ruler"
Kristen Schaal plays the fearsome overlord who will control all of us! (06/16/2008)

Big Think: Robert Butler wants you to stay young
The president of the International Longevity Center talks about how we can slow aging. (06/16/2008)

Monday roundup: Hulk vs. Shakespeare Andrew O'Hehir
"Hulk" director says superhero flicks are boring! So I'm off to a 10-hour Japanese film. Also: A.P.'s wacky war against the blogosphere. (06/16/2008)

Summer reads By Salon staff
Past perfect: From a sinister Victorian thriller to the lush life of Louis XIV's mistress, these historical novels will take you back in time. (06/16/2008)

I stood on principle and was harshly reprimanded By Cary Tennis
I refuse to apologize for taking a stand that is in the best interests of the company. (06/16/2008)

The "angry white women" problem Sarah Hepola
Are female Clinton supporters really planning to leave their party to vote for John McCain? (06/16/2008)

Turns out, advertising stereotypes men too Judy Berman
A look at some of the worst male-bashing commercials. (06/16/2008)

Outrage of the day: Children's salon boom Kate Harding
The feminist in me hates the trend, but as a little girl, I would have eaten this up. (06/16/2008)

Heart disease is a feminist issue Kate Harding
Diabetic women get less intensive treatment for their heart disease than men do. (06/16/2008)

Roundup on gay marriage Judy Berman
With California's same-sex wedding ceremonies starting Monday, news outlets wonder: Are couples feeling ambivalent? And do gay men have bigger penises? (06/16/2008)

Gambling with science By Eliza Strickland
Determined to defeat lawsuits over addiction, the casino industry is funding research at a Harvard-affiliated lab. (06/16/2008)

Why Obama should pick Hillary Clinton as veep By Ed Kilgore
The case for an Obama-Clinton ticket, also known as, you got any better ideas? (06/16/2008)

Why Obama should NOT pick Hillary Clinton as veep By Thomas F. Schaller
He would lose his claim to being the candidate of change -- and probably wouldn't get any swing states in return. (06/16/2008)

The rantings of hateful leftists and Arab paranoids Glenn Greenwald
Back in 2003, the administration scornfully attacked anyone who suggested that the U.S. would seek to establish permanent military bases in Iraq. (06/16/2008)

Obama on Father's Day Joan Walsh
A tough, moving speech about absent fathers, including his own. (06/17/2008)

Newt Gingrich, supreme fear-monger Glenn Greenwald
With one radical policy after the next, the former GOP speaker warns that we will "lose a city" unless we give up our core constitutional liberties. (06/16/2008)

John Edwards not ruling out veep slot Alex Koppelman
In an interview, the former senator and one-time vice-presidential nominee doesn't categorically deny interest in trying for the job again. (06/16/2008)

Plouffe discusses Obama's map to victory Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama's campaign manager lays out his strategy for an Electoral College win, and discounts the importance of two states that had been key battlegrounds. (06/16/2008)

Lanny Davis joins Fox News Alex Koppelman
Davis, a special counsel to the president in the Clinton White House and a dogged surrogate for Hillary Clinton, becomes a contributor to the network. (06/16/2008)

Former Clinton campaign manager joining Obama staff Alex Koppelman and Mike Madden
Patti Solis Doyle, who ran Hillary Clinton's campaign until February, will be the chief of staff to Obama's running mate once he (or she) is chosen. (06/16/2008)

Obama says he'll visit Iraq, Afghanistan Alex Koppelman
The presumptive Democratic nominee, who's been criticized by Republicans for not visiting Iraq recently, said Monday that he wants to go to both before Election Day. (06/16/2008)

Gore to endorse Obama Monday night Alex Koppelman
The former vice president will make an official announcement during a joint appearance with the presumptive Democratic nominee. (06/16/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Responding to unsubtle jabs about its candidate's age and unfamiliarity with the Internet, the McCain campaign gets a little snippy. (06/16/2008)

More on Kucinich and impeachment Alex Koppelman
A vote last week means that articles of impeachment the Ohio congressman introduced are almost certainly doomed. (06/16/2008)

Gore endorses Obama Alex Koppelman
The former vice president throws his support behind the presumptive Democratic nominee, describing him as a man who can bring needed change to the U.S. and the world. (06/17/2008)

Superstar rules help the Lakers King Kaufman
Bryant gets a key non-call to help L.A. send the NBA Finals back to Boston for Game 6. (06/16/2008)

"Home run, Daddy!" King Kaufman
Miami second baseman Jemile Weeks' dad provides the best call of the College World Series -- on a cellphone. (06/16/2008)

Turkey tops the Celtics' comeback King Kaufman
Three goals in final 15 minutes of regulation give the Turks a stunner of a win over the Czech Republic at Euro 2008. Plus: Soccer letters. (06/16/2008)

Saudi Arabia to the rescue? Andrew Leonard
The New York Times says the kingdom is planning to pump more oil than ever. But energy traders shrug, and prices hit another record high (06/16/2008)

U.S. aircraft carrier "propa-manga" Andrew Leonard
As the nuclear-powered George Washington sails toward Japan, the Navy attempts to win Japanese hearts and minds with a comic book. (06/16/2008)

Gas prices and bicycles Andrew Leonard
A short and sweet equation (06/16/2008)

Is Obama a protectionist? Andrew Leonard
In Michigan, the candidate says we can't turn back the tide of globalization, but not all trade agreements make sense. Is he contradicting himself? Or just being nuanced? (06/16/2008)

What's wrong with Obama's FightTheSmears.com By Farhad Manjoo
Obama's new site tries to fight ugly rumors by getting people to e-mail the truth to their friends. The strategy could backfire. (06/16/2008)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
Happiness is a whoring sea donkey! "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" and "Denise Richards: It's Complicated" usher in the summer of the sensitive slut. (06/15/2008)

Opus By Berkeley Breathed
What kind of Democrat am I? A fowl-breathed, pickle-nosed ... (06/15/2008)

My two dads By Marc Lynott
Every Father's Day, I'm torn between the man who brought me into this world and the man who truly raised me. (06/15/2008)

Tin-eared at MSNBC Joan Walsh
Comparing angry Clinton supporters to women who stay with a "jerk" who's "difficult and brutal" was not the best way to defend Keith Olbermann. (06/15/2008)

British debate highlights the cravenness and complicity of congressional Democratic "leaders" Glenn Greenwald
While British politicians from all parties risk their political future to protect basic civil liberties, the Democrats are set, yet again, to endorse the most radical aspects of the Bush agenda. (06/15/2008)

Critics' Picks
What you need to see, read, do this week: Quintessential Lynda Barry, a fetishistic femme fatale and one wacky season of "Weeds." (06/14/2008)

Obama on the campaign trail
He wins on Social Security and taxes, stumbles on Jim Johnson and shows he'll fight back on smears and rumors. (06/14/2008)

Finale wrap-up: "Battlestar Galactica" By Heather Havrilesky
What the frack?!! "Battlestar" is known for its shocking finales, but this one may be the most mind-blowing of them all. (06/14/2008)

Bad Dad Gift Guide By Steve Almond
From Darth Vader to Pete Doherty, Salon presents a lighthearted list of the 10 worst fathers ever and the presents they deserve. (06/14/2008)

Ardor in the court, Part 2 By Alan Berlow
Salon reported on an alleged affair between judge and prosecutor in a Texas murder trial. Now, days before Charles Hood's scheduled execution, his lawyers make the allegation in court papers. (06/14/2008)

Tim Russert, one of the good guys By Walter Shapiro
There was no artifice in the "Meet the Press" host. The best political questioner on TV seemed the same guy off-camera as on. (06/14/2008)

Obama's first week, one-on-one with McCain Joan Walsh
He wins on Social Security and taxes, stumbles on Jim Johnson and shows he'll fight back on smears and rumors. (06/14/2008)

Various items Glenn Greenwald
Right-wing figures call for the president to ignore the Supreme Court and for the shooting deaths of dissidents. Journalists demand that their subjects be treated respectfully. Democratic capitulation on FISA is imminent. (06/14/2008)

Kinky underwear in Antarctica Andrew O'Hehir
Opening this week: Farmiga's feral femme fatale, Herzog at the South Pole, a true-life gay love story, the amazing "Blue Planet" and more. (06/13/2008)

Everyone hates the Tonys By Sarah Hepola
But those big-belting dames and over-the-top dance numbers bring out my inner theater geek -- and give my heart a wedgie. (06/13/2008)

"The Incredible Hulk" By Stephanie Zacharek
The big, angry green guy is back in this booming picture. Sure, it's a fantasy -- but is it too much to hope for a little believability? (06/13/2008)

Bateman: Barack Obama on healthcare
"Year after year, election after election, candidates make promises ... and nothing changes." (06/13/2008)

Who will win the Latino vote?
Alex Koppelman on a new poll showing Obama leading McCain with this growing voting bloc. (06/13/2008)

"The Happening" By Mary Elizabeth Williams
Suicide is painless. Can the same be said of M. Night Shyamalan's latest scare flick, in which people off themselves in countless ingenious ways? (06/13/2008)

Rushdie the romantic By Laura Miller
In Salman Rushdie's satisfying fairy tale "The Enchantress of Florence," magic and history entwine -- and so do a middle-aged emperor and a sexy princess. (06/13/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Jumping, for a guy? Is he that great, or am I that nuts? (06/13/2008)

From shortcake to tart Amy Benfer
What have marketers done to the beloved toys of my youth? (06/13/2008)

Baby mama drama By Miles Marshall Lewis
How did an urban slang insult cross over into the political mainstream, and why is it so offensive? (06/13/2008)

"She had her mouth on my dad's penis!" Kate Harding
The controversial case of the nursing-home lovers. (06/13/2008)

Men, talk among yourselves Rachel Shukert
One woman asks the question: Are men boring? (Well, are they?) (06/13/2008)

Hard drive By Tracy Clark-Flory
Human males have yet to evolve flesh-eating sperm like some animals, but their biological imperative for sex has made them into the creatures they are today. (06/13/2008)

Quote of the day Kate Harding
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick on the recent announcement that his daughter is a lesbian. (06/13/2008)

Michelle Obama Watch Kate Harding
A new Web site tracks the most egregious examples of racism and sexism directed at the potential first lady. (06/13/2008)

I'm secretly addicted to porn By Cary Tennis
My girlfriend thinks I just play computer games a lot! (06/13/2008)

Girl crush: "Top Chef's" Stephanie Izard Sarah Hepola
It's rare that the person who deserves to win actually does -- and makes Bravo history, to boot. (06/13/2008)

What happened to McCain the reformer? By Joe Conason
He should follow Obama's lead and tell his rich supporters that he won't tolerate vicious advertising paid for with sewer money. (06/13/2008)

Supreme Court to Bush: You're not above the law By James Ross
The court's latest rebuke of Guantanamo Bay won't close the prison down. But it's a step toward curbing Bush's unilateral tactics. (06/13/2008)

Conservatism vs. authoritarianism: The British vs. the U.S. right Glenn Greenwald
While British conservatives oppose mild increases in government detention and surveillance powers, American "conservatives" support endless expansion of those powers. (06/13/2008)

Debating debates Alex Koppelman and Mike Madden
The McCain and Obama camps are now sniping at each other over John McCain's proposal to hold 10 joint town halls. (06/13/2008)

Gauging the Latino vote Alex Koppelman
Democrats had worried about Barack Obama's appeal to the rapidly expanding demographic, but a recent poll shows he may not have much to worry about. (06/13/2008)

Iraqi leader: Talks on security hit "dead end" Alex Koppelman
The prime minister of Iraq says U.S. proposals for a security deal don't respect Iraqi sovereignty. (06/13/2008)

Russert dead from apparent heart attack Alex Koppelman
Tim Russert, host of NBC's "Meet the Press," was 58. (06/13/2008)

Clark: "What does John McCain really believe?" Alex Koppelman
Appearing on MSNBC Friday, retired Gen. Wesley Clark has some harsh words for the presumptive GOP nominee. (06/13/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Breaking down Justice Antonin Scalia's reasoning on detainees at Guantanamo. (06/13/2008)

McCains owe more than 100K in credit card debt Alex Koppelman
The exact total, which was revealed in Senate financial disclosure records released Friday, is not yet clear. (06/13/2008)

Tennessee Dem leader suggests Obama has terrorist connections Katharine Mieszkowski
With friends like these, who needs Republicans? (06/13/2008)

It's OK, boys: Score first! King Kaufman
Just when ESPN retires its graphic, second-goal scorers take a back seat at Euro 2008. (06/13/2008)

O Perez! My Perez! King Kaufman
Odalis and Oliver are confusing enough. Oneli's struggles in the minors save us more trouble. (06/13/2008)

Celtics take control with huge comeback King Kaufman
Chopping down a 24-point lead, Boston wins to put the Lakers at death's door. (06/13/2008)

The wheel thing
One of the greatest feuds in history: Bikes vs. cars. This week, members of Salon's community, Table Talk, try to find middle ground. (06/13/2008)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
The smell of smoke in the cockpit, and it's back to Boston for a planeload of fixated Japanese tourists. (06/13/2008)

Tell us how you really feel about Social Security, John McCain Andrew Leonard
On Thursday the candidate said he had "never" supported privatization. Did he forget his vote for George Bush's Social Security plan? (06/13/2008)

The joys of being a friend of Angelo Mozilo Andrew Leonard
Portfolio Magazine has the scoop on exactly how Washington insiders benefited from Countrywide's care and affection (06/13/2008)

Graduation day Andrew Leonard
Guess whose name kept popping up at elementary and middle school commencement ceremonies in Berkeley, California? Hint: It wasn't John McCain's (06/13/2008)

The real high-school musical By Mark Schone
Forget Zac Efron and his singing, dancing friends. These real, live high-school musical videos deserve a standing ovation. (06/12/2008)

Finale wrap-up: "Top Chef" By Heather Havrilesky
The judges bring this season's delicious bowl of cheftastic goodness to a most satisfying conclusion. (06/12/2008)

Bateman: John McCain's "2013"
Actual audio from the candidate's eerie, sci-fi Web ad. (06/12/2008)

The iPhone is coming!
Farhad Manjoo can't wait to play games on the new model. (06/12/2008)

A high-school musical medley
Salon picks the best real high-school musicals from the Web. (06/12/2008)

Sex, death and the city (i.e., Prague) Andrew O'Hehir
Smoldering Ana Geislerová lights up the screen in a dark, sexy blend of romance and social satire, one of the year's best foreign flicks. (06/12/2008)

The Little Tramp's killer comedy Andrew O'Hehir
How Charlie Chaplin's poisonously dark "Monsieur Verdoux" drove the audience away -- and was embraced by critics and filmmakers as a masterpiece. (06/12/2008)

Kiss my ass By Louis Bayard
For years America has desperately tried to outlaw sodomy and other sex acts like fellatio and cunnilingus. What are we so scared of? (06/12/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
You've seen it before: Hip black guy vs. cranky old white guy. (06/12/2008)

My whole family is alcoholic. How to protect the kids? By Cary Tennis
My mom says she won't drink when she's around them, but then she'll have a beer. (06/12/2008)

Parental consent laws gone amok Amy Benfer
A Georgia mother gets jail for illegally signing a form so that her son's girlfriend could get an abortion. (06/12/2008)

When panic attacks! By Meredith Maran
America is the most anxious country on the planet. So will I ever learn to live with my fear, racing heart and disaster scenarios? (06/12/2008)

Are all women a little bit bi? Sarah Hepola
A new documentary looks at the complicated nature of female sexuality. (06/12/2008)

Geeks gone wild Catherine Price
Are the Nerd Girls set to redefine our image of female engineers? (06/12/2008)

Judge Alex Kozinski regrets posting those pictures Catherine Price
Is it a good idea for public figures to host porn on their public Web sites? You be the judge. (06/12/2008)

Dancing with the New Tsars By Clare Foges
With their tricked-out yachts, trained servants and diamond-frosted toys, newly rich Russians have invaded London -- and thrown Britain's elite into a royal tizzy. (06/12/2008)

In a blow to Bush, the Supreme Court restores habeas corpus
The text of the court's historic decision to strike down part of the Military Commissions Act and affirm the right of Guantánamo prisoners to challenge their detention. (06/12/2008)

Supreme Court restores habeas corpus, strikes down key part of Military Commissions Act Glenn Greenwald
"Security subsists, too, in fidelity to freedom's first principles. Chief among these are freedom from arbitrary and unlawful restraint." (06/12/2008)

Coming to a Kabuki theater near you -- the search for a vice president By Walter Shapiro
Every four years, the who-for-No.-2 drama follows the same insincere rituals, from comically straining to soothing the party's base. (06/12/2008)

Displaced Iraqis to return -- but to where? By Anna Badkhen
Thanks to a law meant to quell sectarian violence, returning refugees who find their homes occupied cannot kick them out. (06/12/2008)

Oh no they didn't Joan Walsh
Counting the ways in which Fox News calling Barack Obama's wife his "baby mama" is so, so, so wrong. (06/13/2008)

Longtime reporter: "Bloggers have taught me a lesson" about dependency on sources Glenn Greenwald
"The problem with all that, I've come to realize, is that I got too close to the people I covered." (06/12/2008)

Polling the polls Justin Jouvenal
Don't look now, but Barack Obama leads John McCain by more than George Bush ever led John Kerry. (06/12/2008)

A Huck-a-pundit for Fox Mike Madden
Mike Huckabee finally lands the TV gig some people thought he was seeking all along. (06/12/2008)

Louisiana schools open to creationism? Vincent Rossmeier
Wednesday, the Louisiana House passed a bill that would allow teachers to promote "critical thinking." Critics say it's just intelligent design in a new package. (06/12/2008)

Obama won't be at town hall tonight Alex Koppelman
John McCain had wanted to kick off his proposed series at New York City's Federal Hall, but the launch will have to wait for another time. (06/12/2008)

Supreme Court rules in favor of Guantánamo detainees Alex Koppelman
The ruling, decided by a 5-4 vote, is the third time the court has ruled against the Bush administration in a case involving the detainees. (06/12/2008)

Penn spreads the blame around Alex Koppelman
The former chief strategist for Hillary Clinton's campaign has borne the brunt of the criticism in her loss, but he's not ready to admit his role. (06/12/2008)

Fox News responds Alex Koppelman
The network blames "poor judgment" for the description of Michelle Obama as "Obama's baby mama." (06/12/2008)

Sonics to Seattle: Screw us? Screw you!
Owners argue that poor attendance means city doesn't care about team -- which owners have destroyed and tried to move. (06/12/2008)

(Feigned) death on the soccer pitch By King Kaufman
The ugly part of the Beautiful Game: A defender lies motionless -- but unhurt -- during a scramble in front of his goal at Euro 2008. (06/12/2008)

Obama's new pro Wal-Mart economist Andrew Leonard
Organized labor isn't crazy about Jason Furman, but he's still a far cry from what you'll find on the other side of the political aisle (06/12/2008)

As promised, an economic stimulus Andrew Leonard
Americans boosted their shopping in May. What happened to all those well-meaning promises to pay down debt and sock away savings? (06/12/2008)

The king of beer mergers Andrew Leonard
Will patriotic Americans stand by while a foreign brewery chugs down red-white-and-blue Budweiser? Or will they say, good riddance! (06/12/2008)

Again: The new iPhone is not "half the price" of the old one Farhad Manjoo
Digging in on the iPhone price tag. (06/12/2008)

Bateman: Kucinich's articles of impeachment
Actual audio from the Ohio lawmaker's articles of impeachment of President Bush. (06/11/2008)

Strange but true By James Hannaham
Composer Stew bares all about his raucous Broadway hit "Passing Strange" -- and why his song "We Just Had Sex" won't be on TV on Tony night. (06/11/2008)

My Paulina, my country By Ariel Dorfman
During the making of a film about my exile from Chile, I finally met the anonymous woman who saved my life during Pinochet's murderous reign. (06/11/2008)

Clint vs. Spike: WWII racial grudge match! Andrew O'Hehir
A British paper lures Eastwood and Lee into an unfortunate feud. Here's the real question: Which of their films should the other one have made? (06/11/2008)

On being a Broadway outsider
Stew talks about his Tony-nominated musical, "Passing Strange." (06/11/2008)

Not quite Americans By Whitney Joiner
Sexual assault, enslavement, no medical care -- Peter Orner, author of an oral history of illegal immigrants, discusses the nightmares experienced by this vulnerable population. (06/11/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
A shot for hepatitis B minutes after birth? (We're deciding on vaccines for the baby.) (06/11/2008)

I went to L.A. to work in film and just got yelled at By Cary Tennis
Should I convert to Judaism, go backpacking in Thailand, or move back to Florida near my parents? (06/11/2008)

Food for thought of the day Lynn Harris
Save women's reproductive decision making, save the planet. (06/11/2008)