No More Early Presidential Primaries

The possibilitythat theFlorida and Michiganprimariesmay be reheld illustrates the need for election reform.

Preternatural Politics

The atypical politics of the 2008 presidential preliminaries will be dominated by new strategies.

Can China Make Its Exports Safe?

If Chinese exports raise enough concern, their lack of quality might end up crippling the world economy.

A Stillness in the Senate

The Senate's failure to pass legislation on immigration and other issues is unacceptable.

It's Time to Stop the Name-Calling

Charges of corruption in the San Diego city government should be investigated.

Religion and the Presidency

We should not limit eligibility for the presidency on the basis of religion. A president should make decisions by the law of the land, nothis faith.

Mad Race to Be First

In the mad scramble among states to determine which will play a major role in the 2008 presidential primaries, we may be doing serious harm to our presidential nominating process.

The News Media's Credibility Problem

Format changes to the way we receive our news will have little effect if the news media continue to lose credibility.

Remembering Jerry Ford

Gerald Fordnever lost sight of the importance of unity in the face of the enemy. That is a legacy we need to remember.

Nobody Wins When Partisanship Dominates Politics

Partisanship is the key word today. Gone are the elements of an effective democracy--elements such as compromise, diplomacy and, all too often, high ethical standards.

China's Transformation and Travail

China is destined to continue its growth as a world power, but the question is, how free will it become eventually, and can communism survive in a "flattened" world?

Communism Feels China's Growing Pains

China is destined to continue its growth as a world power, but it faces momentous political questions.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Never before has appointment of a press secretary begun immediately with a smear campaign by the opposite political party.

Access Is Key for Snow's Success

President George W. Bush's appointment of Tony Snow as his press secretary brings a whole new element to the White House press office, and the Democrats are treating it as such.

Credibility Vortex

A Matter of Credibility for the President and the Press

Conflicts between the White House and the media are likely to escalate in the year 2006, and that could create a lose-lose situation for both sides.

Fond Recollections of a Columnist

It is time to say, "So long to old Hugh Sidey," and that is a sad note.

The Eve of Iraqi Elections No Time for Attacks on Bush

Bitterness in the congressional debate over U.S.policies in Iraq has reached a point of danger to this country and to its position of world leadership.

No Place for Any Whiners

Bipartisanship should stop at the Gulf Coast's edge, as rebuilding the region requires the support of both parties.

Why We Need a National Shield Law

If Congress fails to adopt a federal shield law this year,no change in the law can be expected for more years to come.

Few of Nixon's Staff Avoided Deep Throat Accusations

For many of us who during the lastthirty years have been accused of being Deep Throat, the identification of Mark Feltcomes as a relief and a surprise.

Gotcha Journalism in the Post-9/11 Era

The fury caused by Newsweek when it took a tip and printed it as a fact brings to the forefront again serious journalistic questions facing the media in the post-9/11 era.

Rice and Hughes Will Make a Formidable Team

The battle is for the minds of millions in the Muslim world. It will take highly creative communications to win the war.

Network News Is Showing Its Soft Side

It would be a major setback if thetrend in broadcasting toward softer news coveragedecreases interest in what we still regard as conventional broadcast news coverage.

What if Nixon Had a Different Chief of Staff?

Richard Nixon, Bob Finch, BobHaldeman and now Rosemary Woods are deceased. The "what if" speculation is interesting, but it is one where there will be no answer.

National Unity a Challenge for President Bush

President George W. Bush faces major challenges in carrying out his decision to alter the Social Security system and rewrite the tax code.

The One Constant in Elections

The 2004 presidential election probably will be close, but a swing of a few votes in the Electoral College could widen the winner's margin of victory.

The Power and the Promise

Newspaper editorial endorsements still are sought after, but at a presidential level they do not have the power they once had.

Candidates Still Learning from First 1960 Debate

Looking back atforty years of presidential debates, history indicates the most important factor will be the viewer's judgment of the strength of leadership the candidates display.

The Helen Copley I Celebrate

San Diego would be a different place today had it not been for Helen Copley's devotion to the region.

Reagan

Every president is concerned about his legacy and his place in history. Ronald Reagan will rank high.

Too Long for a Presidential Campaign

The length of the presidential campaign has risen since 1976, a trend that contributes to voter apathy while greatly increasing the expense and negativity of campaigns overall.

Too Long for a Presidential Campaign

The American public is about to see an unprecedented "iron man," event which will test the will and the patience of voters and will probe the endurance of the candidates for president in 2004.