It has only been two days since his second place finish in Iowa, but Talking Points Memo has already flagged multiple instances of Donald Trump sounding like a sore loser. This is exactly how Trump – who can’t stop being Trump, after all – is going to lose the nomination, if he loses. Here, Trump whinesContinue reading “This is Exactly How Trump Loses”
Author Archives: dsfjr
Iowa Recap
Iowa Caucuses results are in and they are interesting. Any results are going to be interesting to election junkies, but these ones include a few genuine surprises. In yesterday’s preview post, I went with the polls and predicted victories for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, though I specified that the Clinton-Bernie Sanders race was basically aContinue reading “Iowa Recap”
Iowa (Sorta) Matters Once Every Four Years
Today the people of Iowa go out and caucus for presidential candidates. Here’s a good primer on how everything works. Some quick takeaways: The caucuses don’t start until 7 p.m. Central Time. They’re complicated, especially on the Democratic side. There’s a chance that results in both caucuses won’t be known for a few days or even weeks,Continue reading “Iowa (Sorta) Matters Once Every Four Years”
Weekend Links
I arrived in Beijing on Friday night. A good friend of mine from my Xining, Qinghai Province days generously offered to let me stay with him and his wife for the weekend before I fly to New York on Sunday. The above picture with relatively blue sky was taken from their apartment this afternoon. It’s freezing – feels likeContinue reading “Weekend Links”
The Lament of the Moderate Northeastern Republican
If you follow American sports or consume even a little sports media, you probably know or have at least heard the name of Bill Simmons. Originally from the Boston area and known for a unique voice that blends the passions of a local sports fan with a deep appreciation for American popular culture, Simmons arose to nationalContinue reading “The Lament of the Moderate Northeastern Republican”
Weekend Links
I didn’t watch last night’s Republican debate (was teaching when it aired) or read enough about it to do another “The Agony of Debate” post (previous posts here and here). The Guardian has somewhat evenhanded coverage so if you missed the debate as well, I suggest this link for a good summary of how the candidates interacted and thisContinue reading “Weekend Links”
The Home Stretch; Or, It’s Just Beginning
Fox Business is hosting another Republican debate this Thursday. Things will look a little different this time around with new rules about who qualifies for the main stage. Only the top six candidates in national polls will earn a slot. At the moment, they would be Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Chris Christie,Continue reading “The Home Stretch; Or, It’s Just Beginning”
My New Dog and My New Chinese Grandpa
I’ve been in my new place for a week and a half now and I’m starting to get used to it. My living quarters are on the third floor of the house pictured above. The night picture of the gate on Dali’s west side was taken from the third floor. The dog. Sigh. This poor littleContinue reading “My New Dog and My New Chinese Grandpa”
President Obama Gets Another One Right
On Tuesday President Obama, speaking to an audience of families impacted by gun violence, outlined several executive orders his administration is making that will increase regulation of gun sales and likely prevent some guns from getting into the wrong hands. In a riveting speech, Obama reminded us of some of the horrific acts of gun violenceContinue reading “President Obama Gets Another One Right”
Someone Was Wrong on the Internet!
While navel-gazing today I found a significant error in my first post of consequence. Stop the presses! Someone was wrong on the internet! I wanted to see what my writing was like four months ago when I started this thing, remind myself of the mission, and try to find instances where my writing could beContinue reading “Someone Was Wrong on the Internet!”
Nonsense Consensus 