Of Misquotation and Emulation

The fake Tocqueville quotation has crossed the Pacific, with the leader of the Australian opposition saying that America is great because America is good.

Progressive activists are trying to draw lessons from the successes of conservatives ...

who drew lessons from the earlier successes of progressive activists...

who drew lessons from even earlier successes of conservatives ...

Budget and Management Fads

The public administration folks must be having a good laugh at current debates.

Six Sigma is not a new idea.

Neither is zero-based budgeting.

About Mr. Gingrich

Now that Newt Gingrich seems to be surging in the polls, there is renewed interest in his background. This eclectic collection of items may be relevant:

• His 1985 Oxford debate and a 1994 Oxford-style debate in the House;
• His history as a Rockefeller Republican;
• His record on brain research;
• His support for Lincoln-Douglas style debates;
• His ability to prosper amid bad poll numbers;
• His relationship to Tiffany's;
• His (mostly unhappy) relationship with Tom Coburn;
• His general background (including my 1996 APSA paper about him);
• His pivotal 1984 confrontation with Tip O'Neill;
• His lessons from government shutdowns;
• His affection for zoos;
• His largely-unheralded role in Reagan's 1980 campaign

Recent Data

Romney's religion could still be a problem for him.

The latest Pew survey details generation gaps on key political issues.

Gallup reports on religion and party identification.

Social Security is now cash-negative.

Survey data show that Americans want to replace the electoral college.