Topic: Political Rhetoric

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Is GOP at war with women? 4 points to keep in mind on the gender gap

To hear all the buzz, Republicans are at war with women and “hemorrhaging the women’s vote.” A reality check is certainly in order. Here are four points Republicans should keep in mind as they look to bridge the gender gap and chart a winning path to November.
8 ways to find common ground

Gridlock plagues Washington. Polarizing soundbytes get constant play in the 24/7 news cycle. The culture wars rage on. But these Monitor op-ed writers suggest there’s more common ground than meets the eye. Here are eight powerful perspectives on the possibilities for meeting in the middle.
5 ways Americans and Iranians are surprisingly similar

Despite escalating US-Iran tensions, remarkable similarities between their peoples have prompted some to suggest that the US and Iran could one day be powerful ‘natural’ allies.
Myanmar cease-fire: Who are the Karen rebels?

Cease-fire talks between the Myanmar government and the Karen ethnic minority could bring an end to one of the world's longest wars. But who exactly are the Karen?
How to draft a constitution

Egypt’s military has suspended the country’s Constitution and tasked experts with overhauling its fundamental law. Other countries in the region may also soon be in line for such a make-over. But not all constitutions are created equal. Here are six key issues to consider when starting from scratch.

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Is GOP at war with women? 4 points to keep in mind on the gender gap

To hear all the buzz, Republicans are at war with women and “hemorrhaging the women’s vote.” A reality check is certainly in order. Here are four points Republicans should keep in mind as they look to bridge the gender gap and chart a winning path to November.
Warm spring weather and global warming: If only scientists could be so persuasive

Warm spring weather can help convince Americans that global warming is happening and a problem. But scientists must change the way they talk about this subject. They must leave their ivory towers and learn to speak about climate change in a language that people understand.
Can debate get heated with no loss of cool?

It is possible for people to debate one another on the issues that matter, and be 'playfully polite.'
8 ways to find common ground

Gridlock plagues Washington. Polarizing soundbytes get constant play in the 24/7 news cycle. The culture wars rage on. But these Monitor op-ed writers suggest there’s more common ground than meets the eye. Here are eight powerful perspectives on the possibilities for meeting in the middle.
5 ways Americans and Iranians are surprisingly similar

Despite escalating US-Iran tensions, remarkable similarities between their peoples have prompted some to suggest that the US and Iran could one day be powerful ‘natural’ allies.
Thanks to Occupy, rich-poor gap is front and center. See Mitt Romney's tax return.

Thanks to the Occupy movement and information easily disseminated on the Internet, Americans are better informed about the rich-poor gap. The issue will continue to figure prominently in this election. Case in point: The hoopla over Mitt Romney's tax return.
Myanmar cease-fire: Who are the Karen rebels?

Cease-fire talks between the Myanmar government and the Karen ethnic minority could bring an end to one of the world's longest wars. But who exactly are the Karen?
Chapter & Verse
Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Lincoln" is "Lincoln Lite"

Bill O'Reilly's thriller, "Killing Lincoln," gives us a Lincoln cleansed of all controversy and complexity.
Vinegar of politics needs honey of civility

Personal attacks in politics are a mirror of a society's slide toward social incivility. How can civility be restored? The topic is attracting interest.
Tax VOX
Small businesses and taxes: Not what you think

The reality of small businesses is vastly different from the image presented by many politicians—and casts the debate over how these firms are taxed in a very different light.
Class warfare. War on teachers. War on business. War in America?

Based on all the 'wars' partisan politicians claim their opponents are waging on innocent parts of America, it's a wonder any of us are still alive. The 'war' metaphor may win media coverage and rile voters, but it excludes the kind of debate that can actually solve problems.
Latin America Monitor
Five points on the victory of Ollanta Humala in Peru

Mr. Humala narrowly defeated Keiko Fujimori in Sunday's presidential race. Both candidates were dogged by their pasts, but here are five factors that could influence his future administration.
How to draft a constitution

Egypt’s military has suspended the country’s Constitution and tasked experts with overhauling its fundamental law. Other countries in the region may also soon be in line for such a make-over. But not all constitutions are created equal. Here are six key issues to consider when starting from scratch.
Can a new 'national civility institute' calm political rancor?

George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton will oversee the National Institute for Civil Discourse in Arizona, sparked by the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. But history shows it faces an uphill battle.
Michele Bachmann, Rand Paul, and 8 others shaking up the new Congress

Because this House freshman class - 96 strong, including 87 Republicans - is the largest since 1992, those who speak for them, or claim to, have a leg up. Here are ten to watch.
Sheriff could face recall for 'vitriol' comments after Tucson shooting

Several movements are afoot to oust Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik. He ignited a national firestorm after the Arizona shooting with comments about political rancor.
Vox News
Sarah Palin: Center of the GOP universe?

Love her or hate her, GOP leaders can't stop talking about the former Alaska governor – even if they want to.
After Tucson shootings, Sarah Palin isn't retreating, she's reloading

In many ways, Sarah Palin mirrors the ethos of the gun-rights movement she promotes: never back down. Criticized for her rhetoric in the aftermath of the Tucson shootings, she's since posted a combative defense on Facebook and signed up to speak at a hunting and gun convention.
The Vote
Bid to repeal health care reform: Will Arizona tragedy alter debate?

A call for 'thoughtful consideration' of repeal of Obama's health-care reform law may signal a more moderate tone to next week's debate than both sides in the House had anticipated.
After the Arizona shooting, the civility movement sees tipping point

Calls for unity in response to the Arizona shooting are seen as an opportunity for the civility movement to tackle partisan rancor.
As portrait of Jared Loughner sharpens, 'vitriol' blame fades

The suggestion that the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Saturday might have been influenced by political 'vitriol' seems less likely as more becomes known about suspect Jared Loughner.
Arizona shooting suspect Jared Loughner: 5 of his strange ideas

Jared Lee Loughner is accused of killing six people and wounding 14 in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday. Here’s a look at five ideas believed to come from Loughner, in his words and those of the people who know him.
The Vote
Sarah Palin speaks of 'blood libel.' Really?

Sarah Palin, former GOP vice-presidential candidate, charged journalists and pundits with 'blood libel' for linking political rhetoric with the shooting of US Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others.
The Vote
Gabrielle Giffords shooting: Rhetoric not to blame, says the right

Gabrielle Giffords shooting points to a 'mindless rage,' but not to a suspect who was moved to violence by heated political rhetoric, say a growing number of voices on the right.
Arizona's Sheriff Dupnik and the 'vitriol' debate: Do words matter that much?

Yes, they do. Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik is being criticized for his comments linking Saturday's shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and others to antigovernment vitriol. But he's right: The words we use carry great power to shape how we respond to others.