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American Government 10th Edition
Politics in the News
Justices, 5-4, Reject Corporate Spending Limit
1/21/2010
Adam Liptak
Refer to Chapter 15
Essence of the Story
- In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that government may not ban political contributions from corporations.
- The Court's decision overturns a century of precedent that treated the actions of corporations in the political arena differently from individuals.
- President Obama called the decision a "major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, insurance companies and ..other powerful interests."
- Supporters argued that a broad interpretation of the First Amendment required the decision.
Political Analysis
- The impact of this decision will be felt in at least two ways, in the judiciary and in politics.
- In the judiciary, this decision sets aside any lingering doubt that the Roberts court will defer to precedent first. Independent of how one feels about the decision, it is undeniable that the decision overturns decades of precedent and legislative intent.
- Politically, this decision will likely lead to much greater spending in campaigns by corporations and other corporate entities, such as labor unions, interest groups, and lobbying organizations.
- The longer run political impact on who gets elected to Congress will not become clear for a few election cycles.
How Obama Came To Plan for "Surge" In Afghanistan
12/5/2009
Peter Baker
Refer to Chapter 18
Essence of the Story
- This story analyzes the decision making process engaged in by the Obama administration--and most notably the way President Obama ran the meetings--as a way to provide insight into his presidency.
- The decision making process was "intense, methodical, rigorous, earnest and at times deeply frustrating", but is a process that seems to characterize this administration.
- While the President began the process skeptical of the surge, in part influenced by his vice president Joe Biden, he eventually was convinced that it was the right strategic move.
- Now many of his political advisors are grappling with how to describe the strategy to a weary public and a skeptical Congress as the 2010 elections approach.
Political Analysis
- While there is little doubt that the Bush administration will be judged on the outcome of the Iraq war, the Afghan conflict is now officially Obama's war.
- The president faces two contending forces--liberal Democrats who argue that the conflict is sapping time, energy, and money from our important domestic challenges--and conservatives who believe that if Obama abandons Afghanistan, he shows that he does not have the backbone to manage an international war on terror.
- The President cannot ally himself too closely with his more liberal Democratic colleagues, many of whom have to worry about releection in 2010.
- On the other hand, if the Democrats lose too many seats, it will be nearly impossible for Obama to accomplish anything on the policy front.