Barack Obama

Barack Obama, in a letter to the Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, strongly opposed the California ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage. It's a risky move. He will likely face criticism that by opposing the initiative in a state that has legalized same sex marriage, he's supporting gay marriage. (Officially, he has said marriage is between a man and a woman). There's also a church angle to this. Obama's longtime denomination, the United Church of Christ (it's also my family's church), has endorsed same-sex marriage and ordained gay pastors.

Politico (06/24) features William Hartung arguing for a crackdown on military spending waste.
New York Times (06/24) posts an analysis by Michael Cohen of Obama's perceived inexperience.
Foreign Policy (06/23) features Parag Khanna, Michael Cohen, and Maria Küpçü discussing the evolving challenges posed by failed states.
The Space Review (06/23) cites Jeffrey Lewis on China's modernizing military technology.
Kansas City Star (06/22) quotes William Hartung on Obama and McCain's negotiation policies.

In a major economic speech this Sunday, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama made clear that improving America's education system is one of his top economic priorities. The speech is noteworthy for the direct connection Obama drew between education and economic progress. Equally noteworthy, Obama laid out an education agenda that combines significant new investments--including a proposed $10 billion investment in early education programs--with reforms like charter schools and teacher pay for performance. Last week David Brooks criticized Obama for being "all carrot, no stick," talking in greater detail about the education investments than the reforms he'd support, and challenged Obama to support "real reform." In reality, as we discussed last week, improving education takes both investment and reform. We'd like to see more details about some of the reforms Obama discusses--particularly his proposals to hold education schools accountable and streamline certification, as well as how he would ensure quality and accountability for early educaiton programs he proposes investing in. But by spotlighting education reforms, along with investment, at the center of a major economic speech, Obama appears to be answering Brooks' challenge.

The New Republic (05/28) features Peter Bergen analyzing the jihadist revolt against Osama Bin Laden.
Afrik.com (05/27) cites Steve Clemons on purges occurring in the Obama and McCain campaigns.
NewsHour (05/27) interviews Flynt Leveret on U.S. engagement with Iran.
Tehran Times (05/25) mentions Steve Clemons on negotiations with Hamas.
The Globalist (05/23) features Parag Khanna discussing the growing international influence of the E.U.

That's the argument of this piece in the Michigan Messenger. An initiative to legalize marijuana for medical purposes should be on the November ballot.

CASINO INTERESTS DIVIDED ON COMPROMISE: It appeared that the Nevada teachers' unoin and casino interests had reached a compromise to avoid a casino tax ballot initiative and replace it with a hotel tax hike for education interests. It was a classic example of how to use the leverage of a ballot initiative to get what you want. But it turns out that not all casinos are happy with the deal. Specifically, the CEOS of the MGM Mirage, Boyd Gaming Company, and the Las Vegas Sands have expressed opposition. That means the new advisory ballot question and legislation on the compromise could face a strong no campaign. If defeated, it's possible the teachers' union could bring back the casino tax.

ARK GOV AGAINST IMMIGRATION INITIATIVE: Mike Beebe, the Democratic governor of Arkansas, announces his opposition a ballot initiative, now gathering signatures, that would deny public services to unauthorized immigrants. The endorsement in this race that I'd like to see is that of former Gov. Mike Huckabee, whose record as governor was pro-immigrant but who reversed himself as a presidential candidate, going so far as to question birthright citizenship for the children of unauthorized immigrants.

The Santiago Times (05/22) quotes Parag Khanna on America's declining global power.
International Press Service (05/21) cites Daniel Levy's analysis of the Middle East peace process.
Yahoo News (05/19) quotes Steve Clemons on McCain's strategy to discredit Obama.
The Washington Post (05/18) features Parag Khanna discussing The Post-American World, by Fareed Zakaria.
Arab American News (05/16) quotes Daniel Levy on the need for Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories.

New York Times (05/16) cites Jeffrey Lewis on the danger of quake damage to Chinese nuclear facilities
Afrik.com (05/16) quotes Steve Clemons on the future of the McCain-Obama race.
The New Republic (05/15) cites Steve Clemons on McCain's efforts to purge unsavory campaign connections.
Time (05/15) mentions Daniel Levy in a discussion of Hamas' influence in the U.S. presidential election.
International Herald Tribune (05/14) features Daniel Levy analyzing the prospects for Middle East peace.
Inter Press Service (05/14) quotes Flynt Leverett on the internal politics of Lebanon.
Globe and Mail (05/10) reviews Parag Khanna's work on geopolitical dynamics in the Second World.

On April 9^th, Senator Barack Obama joined a growing chorus of public figures demanding that President Bush boycott the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. In a debate in The New Republic, American Strategy Director Steve Clemons and The New Republic Deputy Editor Richard Just debate the best action for the United States government to take vis-à-vis China's record of human rights violations. Clemons cites a potential nationalist backlash and the greater importance of geostrategic concerns. Just cites China's steadily worsening human rights abuses and the success of previous shaming attempts.

Yesterday we explored Senator Hillary Clinton’s early education agenda. Today, we’re taking a look at Senator Barack Obama’s early education proposals.

Focusing on Zero-to-Five

The centerpiece of Barack Obama’s early education agenda would be a new program of Early Learning Challenge Grants, which would provide states with funding to support quality child care, early education, and other services for pregnant women and children from birth through age five. States could use Early Learning Challenge Grant funds to support voluntary, high-quality preschool programs for three- and four-year olds, but universal pre-k is not the central focus of Obama’s early education strategy. Instead, states would be given flexibility in how they choose to expand quality pre-k and other early education programs.