Topic: Barry Goldwater

Donald Trump, the 'birthers,' and the GOP's moment of truth

Serious Republicans would never let a 9/11 conspiracy theorist near the White House. So why are they not denouncing Donald Trump's 'birther' theories as utterly false?

Senate's annual reading of Washington farewell address: wisdom for ages

Today the Senate continues the tradition of reading President George Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address to the People of the United States. That’s the letter in which the most Founding Father of all announced that he had had it and was not going to be president for a third term, no how, now way.

Reagan's 100th birthday: 10 defining moments

American's 40th president, Ronald Reagan, would have turned 100 on Sunday. He presided during the last legs of the cold war and argued for smaller government. As much of the US political world notes the centennial of his birth, here are 10 things that define Reagan, and through which, he helped define the world.

Said to eye White House, Jon Huntsman ends popular run as ambassador to China

Jon Huntsman, whose resignation as ambassador to China was announced Monday, has earned widespread respect among both American businessmen and Chinese officials.

From the archives: An interview with Sargent Shriver

This interview with Kennedy aide and Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver, which ran on the front page of the Monitor on May 6, 1963, offers a look at the Corps just two years after its founding, at a time when it had just over 4,000 volunteers. Since then, some 200,000 Americans have served with the Corps, which will turn 50 this year.

Going Home to Glory: A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower 1961-1969

Did Americans really know Dwight David Eisenhower? Based on this memoir by Eisenhower's grandson, the answer is no.

Cindy McCain splits with John on 'don't ask, don't tell.' Meghan's with mom.

Cindy McCain, wife of Sen. John McCain, publicly objects to military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on gay service members. The senator has helped block legislation to repeal it.

Christine O'Donnell and the 'crackpot gap'

Many Americans are cynical about government, but they like dangerously out-of-touch politicians even less.

How Arizona became ground zero for immigration reform

Arizona didn't turn into a pressure cooker for immigration reform overnight, historians say.

Immigration law sponsor in Arizona pleased to bring attention to the issue

Immigration law in Arizona is still undergoing the first of many judicial tests. State senator Russell Pearce, who drafted the controversial law, is glad there is a national conversation going on over the issue of illegal immigration.

Rand Paul and the limits of the 'tea party' revolution

Rand Paul, Republican candidate for US Senate from Kentucky, is perhaps the closest thing there is to a 'tea party' candidate. In that light, his recent controversial comments are telling.

Rand Paul: Civil Rights Act brouhaha clouds Senate campaign

Rand Paul, a favorite of the 'tea party' movement, won the Republican nomination for US Senate in Kentucky. But he's become embroiled over the landmark Civil Rights Act, which outlawed racial segregation.

Arizona immigration law and illegal immigrants: state of extremes

Where lawmen Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday mowed down outlaws at the O.K. Corral, Arizona immigration law brings its modern brand of western justice to the issue of illegal immigrants.

Arizona illegal immigration, 'birther' bills show rightward shift

Arizona lawmakers, fresh off sending a controversial illegal immigration bill to the governor, on Wednesday advanced a bill requiring presidential candidates to show a birth certificate in order to appear on the ballot there.

Tea party activists: Don't confuse them with independents

Tea partyers are are disgruntled social conservatives aiming to take control of the Republican Party. Independents are the antiparty force, trying to restructure the partisan political system. 

Ending 'don't ask, don't tell' seems inevitable. But not soon.

US society and the Pentagon are moving toward ending the ban on gays serving openly in the military. But powerful lawmakers want to keep the 1993 law, and it may be other conservatives who convince them that times have changed.

The history behind opposition to Obama's speech to students

Conservatives have traditionally resisted a federal role in education. As a presidential candidate, Ronald Reagan promised to cut the Department of Education.

The history behind opposition to Obama’s speech to students

The federal role in schools is strictly limited. Ronald Reagan wanted to abolish the Department of Education.

Ted Kennedy: A profile in resilience

The senator faced down family tragedy, personal recklessness, and political setbacks in his long efforts to serve the public.

Snapshot of US political parties since 1900

How the balance of power has shifted between the Republicans and Democrats.

Obama shouldn't lump the right-wing as one

He isn't yet. But others risk conflating Neo-Nazis and Newt Gingrich, lynchers and Rush Limbaugh.

Voter (s) elect Emanuel's likely replacement -- no one cares

After big losses, GOP looks to rebuild public trust

Leaders say they’ll have to examine their party’s ‘brand’ and consider new faces.

Is the Republican Party in peril?

Conservative thinkers and political historians think the GOP could be at the end of its historic 40-year grasp on power.

Can McCain deliver his home state?

Even in Arizona his rift with the far right is cutting into his 'favorite son' appeal.