By BEN BOYCHUK and JOEL MATHIS, Scripps Howard News Service
Is Obama ready to lead?
No question, the past few weeks of the presidential campaign have been all about Barack Obama. The press covered the presumptive Democratic nominee's trip to Afghanistan, Iraq and Europe as it would a sitting president.
Who would be a better education president?
With foreign policy and the faltering economy dominating the news this election season, education hasn't received as much discussion as it deserves. Chief among the reasons: Congress this year is arguing over whether to reauthorize No Child Left Behind, the sweeping 2001 law that linked federal funding of schools to annual standardized tests. Both candidates favor overhauling the law.
Is patriotism an issue in presidential election?
Independence Day is usually the time Americans show off their good-natured patriotism. But this election year, the political fireworks have detonated around the question of whose service and patriotism is greater, John McCain's or Barack Obama's.
Scalia v. the Supreme Court: Who's right about Gitmo?
Without question, Boumediene v. Bush is a landmark legal decision in America's war on terrorism. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on June 12 that foreign terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay have a constitutional right to challenge their detention in American courts.Civil libertarians hailed the decision as a victory for the rule of law.
Can presidents ignore the law during wartime?
The debate over so-called "warrantless wiretapping" is heating up again.
Who should have final say on gay marriage?
Gay marriage is the law in California -- for now -- the result of a 4-3 ruling last month by the state's Supreme Court. But the court's controversial, closely decided decision likely won't be the last word.
When does diplomacy equal appeasement?
President Bush's speech to Israel's Knesset, where he likened negotiating with terrorists and rogue nations to "the false comfort of appeasement," provoked an angry response from Democratic presidential frontrunner Barack Obama. Obama's protest, in turn, provoked a scornful rebuke from GOP frontrunner John McCain.
Should Republicans cozy up to Hillary Clinton?
Are Republicans falling in love with Hillary Clinton?It sure looks that way. Rush Limbaugh has famously launched "Operation Chaos," urging GOP voters to cross party lines and vote for Clinton in Democratic primaries. His aim, of course, is to disrupt the nominating process and hurt Barack Obama's candidacy.
Is Wright controversy distraction from campaign?
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has struggled to explain and then overcome his relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the controversial ex-pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Wright's radical, divisive and racially tinged preaching has clashed with Obama's message of hope, unity and racial reconciliation.
