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What Willie Is Reading This Week March 9-16 (The New Republic, March 8, 2008) With the Democratic presidential race continuing ahead in full force, the candidates and the Democratic National Committee are struggling to determine how to handle the disputed Florida and Michigan delegations. In this article, the New Republic's S.V. Date argues why a do-over in Florida may not happen. (The American Prospect, March 5, 2008) The conventional wisdom for this presidential nominating contest, argues Harold Meyerson, is that "this is the show-me-the-demographics-and-I'll-tell-you-the-winner Democratic presidential contest." If true, that assumption could have significant implications for the upcoming Pennsylvania primary. (The New Yorker, March 17, 2008) Another aspect of the American presidency comes into focus next week when HBO's miniseries based on David McCullough's biography of John Adams premieres. The seven part series, this review argues, depicts "history with a grudge." February 24-March 2 (The New York Times, February 20, 2008) $36 million for Barack Obama, $13.5 million for Hillary Clinton, and $12 million for John McCain--and those presidential fundraising numbers are just for the month of January. Equally as important, however, is how the candidates have brought in that money; this article highlights the prominent role of small donors in the race. (The Atlantic, March 2008) The subprime mortgage crisis is continuing to play out across the country, and, as Christopher Leinberger explores in this article, one of its many consequences may be the arrival of traditionally urban problems in many of America's suburbs. (Frontloading HQ Blog, February 18, 2008) The Texas presidential primary is shaping up to be one of the most important contests of the nominating process, and the state's diverse demographics and unique rules and procedures have proved confusing for pundits and citizens alike. This piece provides a clear picture of some things to expect on March 4, along with links to additional stories and commentary. January 20-27 (The Economist, January 17, 2008) As the White House and Congress battle over what form an economic stimulus package should take, the debate over how to deal with a global rise in prices has been somewhat overshadowed. This article from The Economist outlines the dynamics of the current inflationary trend and assesses how concerned people should be. (The Nation, January 15, 2008) The United States celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. this week, and this piece from longtime civil rights activist Grace Lee Boggs explores the lessons that today's Americans can learn from King. (The New York Times, January 19, 2008) Though the presidential nominating process is receiving most of the attention from political observers, the House and Senate have returned to Washington for the second session of the 110th Congress. This pieces looks at their activity and achievements, and the process they used to get there, during 2007. January 13-20 (The Online Beat Blog from The Nation, January 9, 2008) Pundits and the public alike expected the New Hampshire primary to solidfy the presidential nomination race for both the Democrats and the Republicans. New Hampshire primary voters thought differently, and the piece from The Nation looks at how the race may play out from here. (Newsweek, January 14, 2008) HBO's The Wire has met widespread critical acclaim and produced a fiercely devoted, if small, fan base. As it begins its final season, Newsweek TV writer Devin Gordon examines the show's role as an authentic depictor of a city in decline. (The New York Times, January 8, 2008) Few phrases inspire stronger reactions among parents, teachers, and school administrators than "No Child Left Behind," the landmark 2001 education law requiring annual testing of students in grades 3-8. On January 7, an appeals court in Cincinnati ruled the law may be in violation of the Constitution because it has forced school districts to spend local money to meet federal requirements. (The Atlantic, December 2007) Of all the arguments in support of Barack Obama's campaign for president--and there are many--the most persuasive, argues The Atlantic'sAndrew Sullivan, "has less to do with him than with the moment he is meeting."
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