Tag Archives: Barack Obama

Healthcare politics outside the court

Posted on March 31, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Most public attention to health care reform turned to arguments in front of the Supreme Court.  But while journalists and analysts interpreted every question, pause, and eye roll from the Supreme Court justices, activists took health care politics outdoors, offering … Continue reading →

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How the Tea Party produced candidate Romney

Posted on February 2, 2012 by David S. Meyer

This essay is part of a larger dialogue at Mobilizing Ideas, which also includes pieces by Neal Caren, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Tina Fetner, McMaster University Richard Lloyd and Steven Tepper, Vanderbilt University Chris Parker, University of Washington … Continue reading →

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Can the Tea Party reelect Barack Obama?

Posted on December 11, 2011 by David S. Meyer

If Barack Obama is somehow able to win reelection, the Tea Party should be on his list for a thank you note. President Obama’s prospects for reelection are decidedly mixed, but better than we’d expect given all else in the … Continue reading →

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Obama backburners the environmental movement

Posted on September 9, 2011 by David S. Meyer

Successful politicians exploit, buy off, and sell out the movements that animate their campaigns.  And Barack Obama has been a successful politician. Partly because of his soaring campaign rhetoric, partly because of his personal background, and partly because of his … Continue reading →

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Claiming victory gracelessly

Posted on August 4, 2011 by David S. Meyer

A win is a problem for a social movement.  Activists never get all they want, and smaller reforms can make it hard to get supported riled up and active.  At the same time, movement organizers need to show that they … Continue reading →

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Words and Deeds

Posted on January 13, 2011 by David S. Meyer

The spotlight on the grief and mourning following Jared Loughner’s attack in Arizona creates an opportunity for people who want attention.    What they do with the opportunity depends upon who they are and what they want.  And the subsequent reactions … Continue reading →

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