Topic: Frank Luntz

Republicans seek Iowa social conservatives' nod

At an event sponsored by an Iowa Christian group, Republican candidates tried to gain a political edge with social conservatives. But some of the discussion turned uncharacteristically personal.

Five reasons the GOP race is so unsettled

Among the Republican candidates, Mitt Romney has emerged as the early front-runner. Yet the field remains as uncertain as any in modern times – can any of them beat Obama?

Herman Cain: GOP debate winner?

Herman Cain, former CEO of Godfather Pizza, has emerged as the popular favorite after Thursday evening's Republican presidential debate – among the focus group who watched it, anyway.

Middle East peace talks: four reasons not to be cynical

Yes, there are huge obstacles. But the advantages of talking over fighting can't be discounted. Peace talks slow the killing, promote civil society, and may shift the dynamics in the region for a more stable future.

Who's really in control of the healthcare debate?

The Monitor's language columnist considers how some innocuous words have come to pack more punch over time.

Attack of the climate spam?

Defining the (carefully crafted) terms of healthcare reform

There’s no reform bill to debate yet, but both sides know that shaping the debate early is crucial to victory.

Deconstructing Obama's oratorical skills

He can be a bit professorial, but he's part Reagan, part FDR, and maybe a lot of Teddy Roosevelt.

Hurricane Gustav's political fallout: a subdued GOP convention