December 2008

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
Thanks for the material, George W. Now get lost! (12/30/2008)

Bristol Palin has a boy Joan Walsh
Name: Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston (12/31/2008)

George Washington's warnings and U.S. policy towards Israel Glenn Greenwald
Americans overwhelmingly want the U.S. to take no sides in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Why is that view not just disregarded, but made into a taboo? (12/30/2008)

Digby: Carolyn Maloney for N.Y.'s Senate seat Joan Walsh
If David Paterson wants to appoint a strong feminist, why not pick Caroline Kennedy's congresswoman? Plus: Race can't redeem Blagojevich's Senate choice. (12/30/2008)

Report: Blagojevich to name new Senator Alex Koppelman
The embattled Illinois Governor will reportedly appoint former state Attorney General Roland Burris to Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. (12/30/2008)

Blago's bold Burris move Joan Walsh
The indicted Illinois governor picks an African-American elder statesman -- and Rep. Bobby Rush says Democrats must support him. Updated: Obama opposes Burris pick. (12/30/2008)

The year in sports: Believe the hype By King Kaufman
2008 was a series of did you see thats that are destined to become do you remembers. (12/30/2008)

My year in politics By Joan Walsh
What I got right and wrong in 12 months that changed the world. (12/29/2008)

More thoughts about Caroline Kennedy Joan Walsh
She may well make a fine senator, but why she is making her celebrity her main credential for the job? (12/30/2008)

David Gregory shows why he's the perfect replacement for Tim Russert Glenn Greenwald
The new Meet the Press star conducts an "interview" with the Israeli Foreign Minister that makes the media's pre-Iraq-war behavior look adversarial by comparison (12/29/2008)

The year in sports King Kaufman
(12/30/2008)

The year the small screen fell flat By Heather Havrilesky
Lackluster pilots, slumping sophomore shows and the devolution of the serial drama. The golden age of TV suddenly looked tarnished in 2008. (12/28/2008)

Marty Peretz and the American political consensus on Israel Glenn Greenwald
The New Republic Editor-in-Chief expresses anti-Arab hatred in the starkest terms possible, but are his policy views towards Israel any different from the standard American position? (12/28/2008)

The 10 best indie movies of 2008 Andrew O'Hehir
Heartbreaking French family saga "A Christmas Tale" tops the list in a strong year for documentaries and foreign-language films. (12/27/2008)

Politico reviews the year in American "political journalism" Glenn Greenwald
Its list of the top 10 "political scoops" of 2008 says far more about the state of our political press than they could have possibly imagined (12/27/2008)

Barack the Magic Negro, take two Mark Schone
A special Christmas message from Chip Saltsman. (12/27/2008)

Obama talks about Hamas Mark Schone
As violence mounts in Gaza, the president-elect is letting President Bush handle foreign policy. But during the presidential campaign, he made several statements about Hamas. (12/27/2008)

"I chose to forget everything I could"
Watch Andrew O'Hehir interview "Waltz With Bashir" director Ari Folman about the process of remembering the Sabra and Shatila massacre in Lebanon. (12/26/2008)

The year celebrity scandal died By Sarah Hepola
Amy Winehouse imploded, Tina Fey triumphed, Heath Ledger overdosed -- and so did the tabloid era. Finally. (12/26/2008)

War as a "bad acid trip" Andrew O'Hehir
Israeli filmmaker Ari Folman talks about his extraordinary animated documentary "Waltz With Bashir," a trip down the nightmarish rabbit hole of memory. (12/26/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
"Driving Miss Crazy": A Christmastime tale. (12/26/2008)

This just in: Americans like Obama Mark Schone
According to Gallup, Barack Obama enjoys a level of support not seen for a president-elect for more than half a century. (12/26/2008)

NFL Week 17: End of the road King Kaufman
The season winds up with some teams fighting for the playoffs and some playoff teams fighting not to laugh. (12/26/2008)

"Revolutionary Road" By Stephanie Zacharek
In Sam Mendes' latest, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio eloquently suffocate in suburbia -- aided by the best art direction money can buy. (12/25/2008)

"The Spirit" By Stephanie Zacharek
Not even a masked superhero can save this stylized but spiritless movie based on a legendary comic book. (12/25/2008)

"Valkyrie" By Stephanie Zacharek
Tom Cruise leads a cast of actors giving terrible performances in a big-budget Nazi thriller that's just following orders. (12/25/2008)

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" By Stephanie Zacharek
Brad Pitt grows up to be a beautiful baby in David Fincher's ambitious epic of love, loss and anti-aging. (12/25/2008)

"Marley & Me" By Stephanie Zacharek
Aniston and Wilson get a rascally dog. But what could have been a pooch of a tear-jerker is actually a moving look at marriage and loss. (12/25/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Cynthia learns the truth about Santa. (12/25/2008)

About that pardon... Mike Madden
On Christmas Eve, President Bush revokes a pardon he'd issued just the day before, to a developer whose father had given $28,500 to the RNC in April. (12/25/2008)

The 10 best movies of 2008 By Stephanie Zacharek
"Happy-Go-Lucky" and the ignored romantic comedy "Ghost Town" were among those that reminded us why films are still worth looking at. (12/24/2008)

It's a seafood-couscous Christmas! By Andrew O'Hehir
Vivid Arab-French immigrant yarn "Secret of the Grain" is a near-masterpiece; fascinating Brecht documentary "Theater of War" describes one. (12/24/2008)

Salon critics pick flix
Stephanie Zacharek and Andrew O'Hehir talk about their favorite movies of 2008. (12/24/2008)

Bateman: Rick Warren sure is an expert on being gay
The cartoonist responds to an interview with the pastor about science and "reining in your natural impulses." (12/24/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
What's Keith cooking up now? (12/24/2008)

My restaurant romance could get us both fired By Cary Tennis
I secretly fell for a higher-up at work, and not even my best friend knows. (12/24/2008)

Christmas without translation By Garrison Keillor
When you don't understand the language, it's easier to find the dumb childlike wonder that's the essence of the season. (12/24/2008)

Torture ambivalence masquerading as moral and intellectual superiority Glenn Greenwald
The consensus defense of the Bush torture regime -- "it was done with good motives" -- is almost as destructive as the torture itself (12/24/2008)

Not so fast, Sen. Kennedy Mike Madden
Aides to New York Gov. David Paterson are bristling over pressure to appoint Caroline Kennedy to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. (12/24/2008)

Shades of "Grey Gardens" By Heather Havrilesky
An upcoming PBS doc traces the bickering Beale women of Albert and David Maysles' 1975 cult hit from their squalid Hamptons mansion to the bright lights of Broadway. (12/23/2008)

Read it and weep By Jason Boog
The economic news couldn't be worse for the book industry. Now insiders are asking how literature will survive. (12/23/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
2008 year in review: Part 2, The end of an error. (12/23/2008)

I came out as a lesbian and my parents freaked By Cary Tennis
I want to work politically out in the open, but my sexuality embarrasses the folks. (12/23/2008)

Bay Area lesbian gang-raped Tracy Clark-Flory
Four men assault a 28-year-old after seeing a gay pride sticker on her car. (12/23/2008)

Year in Broadsheet Tracy Clark-Flory
From Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin, our ladyblog has had one heck of a year. (12/24/2008)

Swagger tighter than a ... yeast infection? Sarah Hepola
The most jaw-droppingly bad lyrics of 2008. (12/23/2008)

Goodbye to Guantánamo? By Stacy Sullivan
With just four weeks till Obama's inauguration, the Bush administration's military commissions are supposed to be history. So why does the government act like they'll continue past January 20? (12/23/2008)

Some observations after being involved in a Fox News report Glenn Greenwald
The Fox tactics of distorting news are extreme, but they are far from uncommon (12/23/2008)

Warren slams media, bloggers Alex Koppelman
In a video directed at his congregants, controversial pastor Rick Warren criticizes "bloggers who really need to get a life." (12/23/2008)

Obama team's Blago report released Alex Koppelman
An internal investigation into contacts with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says Barack Obama and his team didn't participate in any wrong-doing. (12/23/2008)

It's hard to be Caroline Kennedy Alex Koppelman
The potential Senator faces additional scrutiny as a new poll shows New Yorkers aren't jumping for joy over the prospect she'll be appointed to represent them. (12/23/2008)

Happy holidays Alex Koppelman
Don't worry, you'll be able to get your War Room fix over the Christmas break. (12/24/2008)

Bush pardons 19 Alex Koppelman
So far, there have been no big names among the pardons and commutations issued by the lame duck president. (12/23/2008)

Obama to be sworn in on Lincoln Bible Alex Koppelman
Maybe he's not a Muslim after all. (12/23/2008)

Anti-gay statements removed from Warren's Web site Vincent Rossmeier
Language that described homosexuality as "an enormous sin" was deleted from the Internet home of the controversial pastor who'll give the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration. (12/23/2008)

WSJ to Bush: Pardon Libby Alex Koppelman
The paper's editorial board says the president can improve his legacy by "by undoing a measure of the injustice inflicted on" Scooter Libby. (12/23/2008)

The War on Christmas continues Alex Koppelman
A Washington Times editor admits "retailers' sales brochures have been bedecked with Christmas iconography" but still finds reason to complain. (12/23/2008)

The crazy bowl system, explained King Kaufman
Yahoo's Dan Wetzel on why college football outsources its best product to old dudes in colored blazers. (12/23/2008)

Is the Web helping us evolve? By David Brin
The truth lies somewhere between "Google is making us stupid" and "the Internet will liberate humanity." (12/23/2008)

Big Think: Is there an objective reality?
Professor of economics at MIT Dan Ariely on how expectation affects perception and why you shouldn't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. (12/22/2008)

Indies thrive in a dying economy Andrew O'Hehir
There were no "Juno"-scale hits, several distributors went under and the economy's in the crapper. But contrary to all reason, 2008 was a good year for independent film. (12/22/2008)

Health for hard times By Rahul K. Parikh. M.D.
A recession is good for our health, argues a current study making the media rounds. It needs a second opinion. (12/22/2008)

What your loneliness is telling you By Katharine Mieszkowski
New science says being lonely speeds aging. Old philosophy says the holiday blues are a signal to examine and change your life. (12/22/2008)

8-year-old denied divorce Tracy Clark-Flory
A Saudi court upholds a girl's arranged marriage to a 58-year-old man. (12/22/2008)

She asked for a divorce, then found a lump in her breast By Cary Tennis
I've been dating her husband, but now she wants him back! (12/22/2008)

The "new" feminism? Kate Harding
Funny how the "new" feminism of 2008 looks exactly like the early-'90s version -- Katie Roiphe, Courtney Love and all. (12/22/2008)

We all live in Las Vegas now By David Sirota
Will we finally accept the public policy and lifestyle changes that the real world now requires? Or will "Viva Las Vegas" always be America's motto? (12/22/2008)

Cheney says top congressional Democrats complicit in spying Glenn Greenwald
The vice president claims key Democrats were briefed in detail about the NSA program, actively approved of it and urged that it be kept secret. (12/22/2008)

Palin named "Conservative of the Year" Alex Koppelman
Columnist Ann Coulter says the Alaska governor got the nod "for her genius at annoying all the right people." (12/22/2008)

BFFs no longer? Fox sues Bush Administration Vincent Rossmeier
Fox Business Network alleges the Treasury Department has failed to respond to two Freedom of Information Act requests about the federal bailout. (12/22/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Why liberals are like pagans who practiced human sacrifice. (12/22/2008)

What's the future of the liberal blogosphere? Alex Koppelman
A spat over Matt Yglesias' blog raises some important questions about the way the genre might change during the Obama administration. (12/23/2008)

Chuck Norris vs. the Jesus Jackers Alex Koppelman
How a washed-up action star saved Christmas. (12/22/2008)

Melissa Etheridge meets Rick Warren Alex Koppelman
In a blog post about the conversation, Etheridge's wife comes to the controversial pastor's defense. (12/22/2008)

Obama team's Blago report due Tuesday Alex Koppelman
The promised detailing of the contacts with the scandal-plagued Illinois governor reportedly exonerates Rahm Emanuel, among others. (12/22/2008)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
When you can't eat another bite this holiday, tune in for the perky perfection of "Giada at Home," the leisure-class delights of "Barefoot Contessa," or the down-home grub of "Big Daddy's House." (12/21/2008)

"Phantom Limbs," a Christmas short
The animated tale of one little creature that learns to fly. (12/20/2008)

Pie (in the name of love) By Vincent Rossmeier
It's time someone stood up for the ugly stepchild of desserts. It's time someone stood up for pie. (12/20/2008)

Is Caroline Kennedy pro-choice? Joan Walsh
With questions about her stand on abortion rights and other key issues, it's time for her to talk, not merely listen, if she wants a Senate seat. (12/20/2008)

If criminal penalties are removed, what will deter lawbreaking by political officials? Glenn Greenwald
The Washington Post's Ruth Marcus advocates the ultimate self-contradictory claim: we need to forget about prosecutions in order to "ensure it never happens again" (12/20/2008)

"Seven Pounds" By Stephanie Zacharek
In this follow-up to "The Pursuit of Happyness," Will Smith gives the greatest gift of all. If only we could send it back. (12/19/2008)

"Yes Man" By Stephanie Zacharek
Jim Carrey plays it kooky -- again -- in this manic romantic comedy. (12/19/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
The pros and cons of dowsing. (12/19/2008)

I think my husband likes his woman friend better than me By Cary Tennis
When she calls, he gets all excited, but I feel hurt and left out. (12/19/2008)

Back off, gals, he's taken Kate Harding
Drew Peterson, suspect in the death of one wife and disappearance of another, gets engaged. (12/19/2008)

And baby makes 20 Kate Harding
There's a new Duggar in town! (12/19/2008)

WTF of the day: "Artificial Virginity Hymen" Tracy Clark-Flory
For just $14.90 you can buy back your purity. (12/19/2008)

How the hell did Rick Warren get inauguration tickets? By Mike Madden
Barack Obama knows liberals are upset he picked the conservative evangelical preacher to pray at the inauguration. And he doesn't care. (12/19/2008)

What's Obama hiding about Blagojevich? By Joe Conason
Probably nothing. But by mishandling the scandal, his team has allowed questions to be raised where there were none. (12/19/2008)

Disappointed by Rick Warren Joan Walsh
The divisive, self-aggrandizing right-wing evangelist was a terrible choice to give Obama's invocation. (12/19/2008)

How new is Obama's New Politics? Glenn Greenwald
Many Obama supporters claim that including, accommodating and compromising with the right will create post-partisan harmony. When have Democrats not done that? (12/19/2008)

Tipsy Tenet lashes out Thomas Schaller
Former CIA chief, allegedly drunk in Prince Bandar's pool, blames Jews for setting him up. (12/19/2008)

Gay rights leader rips Obama Thomas Schaller
Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese gets center page op-ed in today's WaPo. (12/19/2008)

The Republican comeback Thomas Schaller
Not many are long on the GOP's future, but Townhall's Donald Lambro is. (12/19/2008)

You: Generous despite downturn Thomas Schaller
Pew poll shows no drop-off in the share of Americans making charitable donations. (12/19/2008)

Al Franken takes lead Thomas Schaller
The putative 59th Democratic senator pulls ahead in Minnesota senate race. (12/19/2008)

Warren's statement on invocation flap Thomas Schaller
The Saddelback pastor releases 3-graph statement about controversy surrounding his selection. (12/19/2008)

Jeremy is the master Thomas Schaller
I lost a bet with Jeremy Rosner and promised to admit it publicly. (12/19/2008)

Warren misstates marital history Thomas Schaller
The Saddleback pastor repeats convenient oversimplification of marriage history. (12/19/2008)

Deep Throat in deep sleep Thomas Schaller
Mark Felt, Bob Woodward's mysterious source, dies at 95. (12/19/2008)

Bush bails out the Big Three Mike Madden
The Bush administration agrees to loan $13.4 billion to Chrysler and GM (Ford doesn't need help -- yet) to keep them alive for a little while longer. (12/19/2008)

Obama appoints four more Thomas Schaller
Labor and Transportation secretaries, U.S. Trade Rep, Small Business Administrator. (12/19/2008)

Blago defiant in presser Thomas Schaller
The embattled Illinois governor comes out with guns blazing. (12/19/2008)

NFL Week 16: Game of the week picks King Kaufman
Huge games with home field in the playoffs at stake in each conference, and the last roundup at Texas Stadium. (12/19/2008)

For your consideration
Members of Salon's Table Talk community share their best-loved, least-lauded films this week. What are yours? (12/19/2008)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Bailout nation: Will the airlines follow Detroit to the government trough? (12/19/2008)

Off for the holidays Andrew Leonard
One last break for 2008, and then onto a new era (12/19/2008)

My life in karaoke By Sarah Hepola
Author Brian Raftery explains how a Japanese novelty has gone from punch line to worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. (12/18/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Great news from North American Sector 79! (12/18/2008)

I think my friend's kid is autistic By Cary Tennis
I wish she'd consult a specialist, but she thinks she knows what's best. (12/18/2008)

Portrait of the public intellectual as mere mortal Amy Benfer
Susan Sontag's journals mean something different to just about everyone. (12/18/2008)

Buh-bye botox Tracy Clark-Flory
Will the financially pinched have to give up their nip 'n' tucks? (12/19/2008)

Demands for war crimes prosecutions are now growing in the mainstream Glenn Greenwald
The emerging evidence of culpability among top leaders, combined with their increasingly brazen admissions, is rendering real investigations an unavoidable option (12/18/2008)

The economic Civil War By Michael Lind
The South's attempt to kill the North's auto industry is the latest battle in an ongoing conflict. It's time for a Third Reconstruction to put an end to it. (12/18/2008)

SaladShooters and real bullets By Nick Turse
Many makers of familiar products used to make weapons for the U.S. military. In tough times, the practice could be making a comeback. (12/18/2008)

Salon Radio: Pam Spaulding on Rick Warren Glenn Greenwald
What's behind Obama's choice of one of America's most extremist pastors to deliver the invocation at his Inauguration? (12/18/2008)

Obama supporters want refunds Thomas Schaller
Some Obama backers who gave to him express their anger at Change.gov website. (12/18/2008)

Obama checking in with exes Thomas Schaller
Before he moves into White House, Obama plans to meet with all living former presidents. (12/18/2008)

Paul Weyrich dead at 66 Thomas Schaller
The conservative icon and founder of the Heritage Foundation has passed away. (12/18/2008)

Openly gay SecNavy? Thomas Schaller
Obama could confound Rick Warren critics by appointing gay man as Navy Secretary. (12/18/2008)

Trust in GOP tumbles Thomas Schaller
The never-ending stream of bad news for the Republican Party continues. (12/18/2008)

Obama's response to anger over Warren Thomas Schaller
The president-elect says it's important to be disagree agreeably. (12/18/2008)

Liberals fuming about Warren Thomas Schaller
Obama's decision to put Warren on inaugural stage has infuriated some of his supporters. (12/18/2008)

Shoe-thrower requests pardon Thomas Schaller
The Iraqi TV reporter who tossed his shoes at President Bush wants a pardon. (12/18/2008)

Upstate columnist pans Caroline Thomas Schaller
Buffalo News columnist is unimpressed by Kennedy heir's "listening" tour. (12/18/2008)

Rahm met with his exes, too Thomas Schaller
Just like his new boss, chief of staff-designee Emanuel checked in with predecessors. (12/18/2008)

Solis gets Labor nod Thomas Schaller
The California congresswoman adds diversity to cabinet, pleases labor groups. (12/18/2008)

Connecticut Dems go easy on Lieberman Vincent Rossmeier
Despite his support for John McCain, Connecticut Democrats opt not to punish Joe Lieberman. (12/18/2008)

NFL Week 16, Part 1 By King Kaufman
The Colts should be able to clinch another playoff spot by winning in Jacksonville. (12/18/2008)

NFL should make the easy fixes to replay King Kaufman
Sunday's mess in Baltimore showed that the league needs to remind its officials what "indisputable" means and put cameras on the goal line. (12/18/2008)

The Obama stimulus: Bigger and better than ever Andrew Leonard
First $500 billion. Now $850 billion. Do we hear a trillion? Forget about everything else: The economic recovery plan is the only thing that matters (12/18/2008)

A note on landslides from Milton Friedman Andrew Leonard
No matter how it gets started, an economic collapse can grow simply by feeding on itself (12/18/2008)

Bateman: Let the war crimes trial begin!
ABC's Jonathan Karl asks Cheney about waterboarding and other tactics used against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. (12/17/2008)

All-American terrorist By Andrew O'Hehir
A '60s activist-turned-vigilante is tortured by a handsome interrogator in Glen Duncan's gripping new novel. So which one is the villain? (12/17/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Weird story overheard at a hotel bar in St. Thomas. (12/17/2008)

We wish you a homophobic Christmas Judy Berman
The conservative Christian Allied Defense Fund has an end-of-year message for its supporters. (12/17/2008)

Ladies don't get drunk, they get tipsy Tracy Clark-Flory
Researchers find a gender divide when it comes to talking about intoxication. (12/17/2008)

Coming soon: Bush's "conscience" rule Tracy Clark-Flory
The regulation limiting women's access to healthcare is expected to be finalized this week. (12/17/2008)

Dumb quote of the day Amy Benfer
From shelter cats to cougars, it's all downhill after 25, according to Bijou Phillips. (12/17/2008)

Dude, where's my $700 billion? By Mike Madden
Congress handed Wall Street a huge wad of cash to jump-start the economy. It didn't work -- so where did all that money go? (12/17/2008)

Committing war crimes for the "right reasons" Glenn Greenwald
Those defending Bush officials by claiming they acted with good motives are invoking the same rationale used by every war criminal and aggressor. (12/17/2008)

"Do not flush while seated on toilet" By Garrison Keillor
It would be easy to miss those seven simple words next to the flush button in the airliner bathroom. Pay attention, or ruin your life! (12/17/2008)

Prostitution vs. war crimes: The real moral offense Glenn Greenwald
As Dick Cheney heads off into a luxury-filled and respectable retirement, outrage continues to be directed at the petty transgressions of Eliot Spitzer (12/17/2008)

Reactions to Salazar, Vilsack Thomas Schaller
Political people pipe up about Obama's latest two appointments. (12/17/2008)

Republican Ray LaHood to run Transportation. Who? Gabriel Winant
Obama follows through on his bipartisan pledge by picking a somewhat obscure Republican congressman for Secretary of Transportation. (12/18/2008)

OPEC slashes supply Thomas Schaller
Watch for oil prices to pop soon, ending the recent nosedive. (12/17/2008)

Illinois court rules for Blago Thomas Schaller
State Supreme Court dismisses without comment attempts to remove him as unfit. (12/17/2008)

Is picking Caroline Kennedy the easy way out? Mike Madden
For national Democrats, the main concern in filling Hillary Clinton's Senate seat is simply who can hold onto it. (12/17/2008)

Non-southern appointments Thomas Schaller
The absence of southern appointees is not something to worry about, nor applaud. (12/17/2008)

And Vilsack makes four Thomas Schaller
Obama's choice of the former IA governor makes four former nomination rivals in top posts. (12/17/2008)

Blackwater may get dumped in Iraq Thomas Schaller
Private military firm still under the under fire for 2007 incident that took 17 Iraqi lives. (12/17/2008)

Zero option Thomas Schaller
The fed rate cut is good news masking bad, desperate underlying news. (12/17/2008)

Season's greetings from Barack, Michelle and RuPaul Mark Schone
A very special holiday card from the first family-in-waiting. (12/17/2008)

Obama and national black politics Thomas Schaller
There's been little discussion of the impact of Obama's election on national black politics. (12/17/2008)

Bush throws a feast for the press Mike Madden
The annual White House Christmas party for the press was, once again, full of free food, free booze and little self-scrutiny from the media. (12/17/2008)

Republicans in disarray Thomas Schaller
The latest in an ongoing series of dispatches from the Republican collapse. (12/17/2008)

Blago-man bites Obama-dog Thomas Schaller
Illinois governor removes picture of him and Obama from his website. (12/17/2008)

Michael Pollan reacts to Vilsack at Agriculture Gabriel Winant
What America's top advocate for agricultural reform thinks about Obama's pick for Secretary of Agriculture. (12/17/2008)

D.C. bars won't stay open quite so late for inauguration Mike Madden
Under pressure from Congress, the D.C. government scales back plans to let bars stay open until 5 a.m. the weekend Barack Obama takes office (12/17/2008)

Obama and Rick Warren to reunite on Jan. 20 Mike Madden
The evangelical pastor whose Saddleback Civil Forum came off like an ambush will give the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration. (12/17/2008)

Lieberman heads for the bottom Vincent Rossmeier
A Quinnipiac University poll released today found Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman's approval rating has dipped to its lowest mark ever. (12/17/2008)

Vilsack: Big Agriculture has a man in the White House Andrew Leonard
Monsanto likes the former Iowa governor and ethanol booster. Is that enough of a reason for greenie food activists to despair? (12/17/2008)

From Detroit to Taiwan, everyone wants a bailout Andrew Leonard
But there's a difference between government handouts in East Asia and the U.S. In Asia, they have a clue (12/17/2008)

"Serena" By Laura Miller
A lumber baron, a ruthless sexpot and a one-handed henchman star in this wildly entertaining tale of passion, murder and deforestation set in Depression-era North Carolina. (12/16/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
2008 year in review: Goodbye to all that! (12/16/2008)

Eye for an eye, literally Tracy Clark-Flory
After her spurned stalker attacks her with acid, a woman requests he receive the same treatment. (12/16/2008)

I slept with my brother's roommate! By Cary Tennis
He told me not to, but we got drunk and did it anyway. (12/16/2008)

Sex and the single cerebrum By Tracy Clark-Flory
The best smut engages the body and the mind. Nerve.com co-founder Rufus Griscom talks about controversy, confession and, of course, arousal. (12/16/2008)

The Internet: Better than sex? Judy Berman
A survey finds that many Americans would choose two weeks without sex over two weeks without the Web. (12/16/2008)

WTF of the day Judy Berman
Forget Baby Einstein. Today's sophisticated, tech-savvy fetus Twitters from the womb! (12/16/2008)

Obama's Afghan headache By Masha Hamilton
An epidemic of kidnapping adds to the downward spiral of violence the president-elect's team will soon confront in Afghanistan. (12/16/2008)

"The Wind in the Willows" at 100 By Gary Kamiya
Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger kept me up late reading as a kid. Now I love Kenneth Grahame's classic even more. (12/16/2008)

Caroline hires flack to scare competitors Thomas Schaller
The daughter of the former president hires public relations firm. (12/16/2008)

The replacements Thomas Schaller
All these open Senate seats for the Democrats could create complications. (12/16/2008)

Obama nominates Duncan for SecEd Thomas Schaller
President-elect picks longtime, local friend to become next Secretary of Education. (12/16/2008)

Plouffe discusses "greatest campaign ever" Thomas Schaller
Obama's campaign manager gives interview to former brother-in-law Lloyd Grove. (12/16/2008)

Blago-proof Obama Thomas Schaller
The president-elect has Blago-munity from his home state governor. (12/16/2008)

"SNL" in stew over Paterson skit Thomas Schaller
Fred Armisen's "Weekend Update" imitation of blind New York governor causes backlash. (12/16/2008)

Obama loses youth (non)vote! Thomas Schaller
Promising longer school hours, pooper-scooping duties. (12/16/2008)

Why Caroline Kennedy is not Hillary Clinton Mark Schone
And why Hillary Clinton is a lot more like a different Kennedy. (12/16/2008)

Who'll fill Salazar's cowboy boots? Gabriel Winant
A look at potential picks to replace Sen. Ken Salazar. (12/16/2008)

Jesse Jr. worked with feds? Thomas Schaller
Chicago TV affiliate reporting that Jackson may have been working with feds since summer. (12/16/2008)

The new Fed interest rate: Zero is my hero Andrew Leonard
The Federal Reserve lowers interest rates to a target range between zero and a quarter point. That, folks, is about as low as you can go. (12/16/2008)

A new low for housing starts Andrew Leonard
The worst numbers for new home construction since the dawn of time. Well, actually, since Eisenhower, which is when the U.S. government started counting. (12/16/2008)

Big Think: "That was my only dream, to be a novelist"
Egyptian novelist Alaa Al Aswany discusses his creative process and his other profession: Dentistry. (12/15/2008)

Finale wrap-up: "Dexter" By Heather Havrilesky
On Showtime's third season finale of "Dexter," the world's most popular serial killer loses the best man, but keeps the bride. (12/15/2008)

Shop and awe By Joy Press
Christmas shopping during an economic free-fall is making me anxious: Everything is on sale, but at what cost? (12/15/2008)

I'm rewriting the same paragraph over and over and over! By Cary Tennis
I'm stuck creatively and don't know where to turn. (12/15/2008)

WTF of the day Kate Harding
A Canadian inventor's new female android is like the perfect woman, designed by a sociopath in 1955. (12/15/2008)

There's this thing called hooking up ... Tracy Clark-Flory
Breaking news from the NYT: Dating is out and casual sex is in. (12/15/2008)

President Obama's first 100 days By Thomas Schaller
He will inherit the kind of problems that few new presidents have had to face. Where should he start? (12/15/2008)

We told you so By David Sirota
Progressives were right about the financial crisis but were ignored. Will they be listened to now? (12/15/2008)

Senate report links Bush to detainee homicides; media yawns Glenn Greenwald
While the media fixates on the low-level, ultimately irrelevant crimes of Rod Blagojevich, a Senate report all but declares Bush and Rumsfeld to be war criminals (12/15/2008)

Light blogging through the holidays Joan Walsh
But even on vacation, I couldn't miss the story of the Iraqi who threw his shoes at President Bush. (12/15/2008)

Obama picks Colorado Sen. Salazar for Interior Secretary Katharine Mieszkowski
Moderate Democrat has criticized Bush's environmental policies, dissed James Dobson. (12/16/2008)

Think fast! Thomas Schaller
Whatever else you might say about him, Bush has quick reflexes. (12/15/2008)

Inaugural train trip Thomas Schaller
Obama and Biden will make train stops in three cities en route to DC for inauguration. (12/15/2008)

Shoe-thrower's brother steps up Thomas Schaller
The brother of the Iraqi TV reporter defends and explains the shoe-throwing. (12/15/2008)

Closure in Minnesota Senate race? Thomas Schaller
The Franken-Coleman race may finally be coming to an end. (12/15/2008)

Shoe-thrower commercial spoof Thomas Schaller
Pretty funny send-up of "real men of genius" ad series, featuring shoe-thrower. (12/15/2008)

No more "Team of Rivals" Thomas Schaller
Maybe the Obama crowd should be reading another book in advance of taking office. (12/15/2008)

The Midwest still reigns supreme Thomas Schaller
The Mountain West is emergent, but the Midwest remains the swing region. (12/15/2008)

Supreme Court turns down another Obama citizenship case Alex Koppelman
Once again, the justices have declined to hear arguments that Barack Obama isn't eligible to be president. (12/15/2008)

Why didn't the Secret Service take a shoe for Bush? Mike Madden
The shoe incident in Baghdad may look like the result of a security lapse, but actually, the people protecting public officials usually don't expect journalists to attack them. (12/15/2008)

Obama transition statement about Blago Thomas Schaller
Transition team gathering facts, cooperating with US attorney's office. (12/15/2008)

Lionizing the shoe thrower Thomas Schaller
Rally held for Iraqi TV reporter who threw a shoe at President Bush. (12/15/2008)

The Obama list in action Thomas Schaller
What happens when Obama flips on the switch of that powerful list he controls? (12/15/2008)

Shoe-thrower tortured? Thomas Schaller
We hope it's just bad reporting. It's a total outrage if it's true. (12/15/2008)

Caroline Kennedy? Thanks, but no thanks Mark Schone
New York's governor has better options and he should take one of them. (12/16/2008)

Bernie Madoff: Scoundrel or icon? Andrew Leonard
The money manager's clients expected high returns and low risk. Sound familiar? (12/15/2008)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
"Gossip Girl" and "90210" prove that rich teenagers are not created equal. Plus: All the Christmas specials you'd care to watch, and then some! (12/14/2008)

Meet the GOP's wrecking crew By Alex Koppelman and Mike Madden
Why did a small group of Southern Republicans turn the auto bailout into a demolition derby? Introducing the senators who hate unions and love foreign cars. (12/13/2008)

Some observations on this week's television appearances Glenn Greenwald
The limitations from the "concision" demands of mainstream television become even more apparent when one is subjected to them (12/13/2008)

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" By Andrew O'Hehir
This supremely lame update of the sci-fi classic, starring Keanu Reeves, is assembled out of bits of every movie where an unknown whatzit threatens our way of life. (12/12/2008)

"Gran Torino" By Stephanie Zacharek
Clint Eastwood keeps it real as a retired Detroit autoworker in this antidote to the season's glossy prestige pictures. (12/12/2008)

Revolution in shades of gray Andrew O'Hehir
Steven Soderbergh talks about his maddening, messy near-masterpiece "Che," an aloof and ambiguous portrait of the much-loved, much-hated Marxist icon. (12/12/2008)

"Doubt" By Stephanie Zacharek
Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a priest who may -- or may not! -- be a pedophile in this deliberately ambiguous drama. (12/12/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Remembering my last good Christmas. (12/12/2008)

Global boiling By Kirsten Weir
Some geologists say rising temperatures will uncork vast deposits of undersea methane. If they're right, we're cooked. (12/12/2008)

My demons took control of me By Cary Tennis
I thought knowing my demons would protect me from their power. I was wrong. (12/12/2008)

R.I.P., Bettie Page Kate Harding
The legendary pinup model is dead at 85. (12/12/2008)

The cheapest sex change in town Judy Berman
Players of the online role-playing game "World of Warcraft" can now change their characters' gender for only $15. (12/12/2008)

Orgasmic childbirth on 20/20 Tracy Clark-Flory
A documentary argues that sexual pleasure during labor is "a neglected human right." (12/13/2008)

Report: Torture started with Bush By Mark Benjamin
After a two-year investigation, the Senate names names -- Bush, Tenet, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft, Gonzales, Addington, Rice. (12/12/2008)

The hunting of the president resumes By Joe Conason
The right is trying to link Obama to Blagojevich and corruption -- and the mainstream media is playing along. The Clinton rules are back. (12/12/2008)

Does Obama understand his biggest foreign-policy challenge? By Juan Cole
The president-elect wants to work with the Pakistani government to "stamp out" terror. It's not nearly that simple. (12/12/2008)

Obama's handling the Blago mess just fine Joan Walsh
He looked like the happiest man in history ever to be called a "m-----f-----" at his Thursday press conference, but expect dumb questions to continue. (12/12/2008)

Powell: "Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh?" Alex Koppelman
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell issues a wake-up call to the Republican Party. (12/12/2008)

Illinois attorney general moves to throw Blagojevich out Alex Koppelman
Lisa Madigan has filed a motion with the state's Supreme Court, asking it to rule that Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn should temporarily assume the governor's duties. (12/12/2008)

The 2008 campaign's big what ifs Alex Koppelman
Advisors to the major party nominees ponder what would have happened if John McCain brought up Jeremiah Wright or the Florida Democratic primary had counted. (12/12/2008)

Report: Rahm talked with Blagojevich Alex Koppelman
The future White House chief of staff reportedly discussed Barack Obama's Senate seat with the governor. (12/12/2008)

Blagojevich chief of staff resigns Alex Koppelman
The governor himself is holding on, but his staffer, who was also arrested Tuesday, is stepping down. (12/12/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
One conservative blogger asks what the Republican Senators who killed the auto bailout could be thinking. (12/12/2008)

Evangelical leader resigns after admitting "shift" on gay marriage Alex Koppelman
Richard Cizik stepped down from the National Association of Evangelicals after moderate remarks on the issue caused the group's leadership to lose "confidence" in him. (12/12/2008)

Franken wins rulings, but more wrangling ahead Gabriel Winant
A couple key decisions about lost and improperly disqualified votes went in the Minnesota Democrat's favor Friday. (12/12/2008)

NFL Week 15: Cat entrail picks King Kaufman
This column, leading only a porn star and a 3-year-old in the Panel o' Experts standings, turns to science. (12/12/2008)

Giving back
What are you grateful for? What are you giving? A member of Salon's Table Talk community tells her tale this week. (12/12/2008)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Can commercial jets fly upside down? Has terrorism forced a change in transoceanic flight paths? And other probing questions for our expert. (12/12/2008)

The Republican economic recovery plan Andrew Leonard
When all else fails, declare war on the working class. (12/12/2008)

Protecting BMW 's non-union jobs Andrew Leonard
A reader advises South Carolina GOP Senator Lindsey Graham on the damage that will be done to everyone if one of the Big 3 fail (12/12/2008)

Timber! General Motors is falling Andrew Leonard
The automaker announces it will close most of its manufacturing plants for 30 percent of the first quarter of 2009. That includes a factory in Tennessee, by the way. (12/12/2008)

Biking in Bogota and the East Bay Andrew Leonard
Stop worrying about the auto industry and start thinking about the hundreds of miles of bike paths in the capital of Colombia (12/13/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Super-Fun-Pak Comix: Nano-Cosmetics, They Came as Decorative Pillows, and more! (12/11/2008)

I had a nomadic childhood; now I can't maintain ties By Cary Tennis
I seem to have lost some part of myself and wish I could get it back. (12/11/2008)

Bush is back! By Lisa Germinsky
Not in the White House. But thanks to the recession, women are skipping the Brazilian and finally growing a little hair down there. (12/11/2008)

Domestic downsizing Tracy Clark-Flory
As the financial crisis hits home, nannies and housekeepers are getting the boot. (12/11/2008)

Ayatollahs cry prostitution! Abby Margulies
An Iranian dating site is banned for encouraging sinful behavior. (12/11/2008)

Obama mania grips the capital By Mike Madden
With over 4 million expected for the inauguration, city services will be taxed to the max. But bar owners and locals with digs for rent hope to make bank. (12/11/2008)

Chaos in the 9/11 courtroom By Jennifer Daskal
In Guantánamo, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his four co-defendants don't know the rules -- and neither does the judge. (12/11/2008)

Death of an auto bailout Alex Koppelman
Lawmakers couldn't reach agreement on a measure to prop up floundering automakers; Harry Reid says the bill won't be taken up again this year. (12/12/2008)

"Saxbe Fix" for Clinton passes Congress Alex Koppelman
The bill removes a Constitutional roadblock that would prevent Hillary Clinton from becoming secretary of State. (12/11/2008)

NASA administrator stonewalling Obama team Alex Koppelman
Mike Griffin is reportedly "obstructing" the Obama transition team's efforts to get information, and has been pressuring contractors to back him. (12/11/2008)

No wonder Blagojevich needed money Alex Koppelman
The Illinois governor reportedly owes more than $500,000 to a law firm that now refuses to represent him because of the debt. (12/11/2008)

Karl Rove, eternal optimist Mark Schone
"Bush's Brain" says happy days for the GOP are here again, but his argument could use some work. (12/11/2008)

Don't blame me for Bush, I voted for, uh, the other guy Mike Madden
A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows Americans are trying hard to pretend they never liked the outgoing 43rd president. (12/11/2008)

Obama talks Blagojevich Alex Koppelman
The president-elect, who says his office "had no involvement in any deal-making," actually has some reason to be thankful to the Illinois governor. (12/11/2008)

White House: Bush "has improved the lives of America's youth" Alex Koppelman
The president is touting figures showing a decline in teen drug use, but -- as always -- there's more to the story than he's letting on. (12/11/2008)

Saints march to Chicago doom again? King Kaufman
In a Thursday-night game that at last is worth watching, the Bears try to end New Orleans' hopes for the third straight year. (12/11/2008)

BBWAA votes in Prospectus, Neyer, Law King Kaufman
The baseball writers finally acknowledge that some of the game's best analysts work online -- and not just for megasites. (12/11/2008)

No jobs and too much oil Andrew Leonard
Do you remember the last time global oil consumption dropped and weekly jobless claims spiked over half a million? How about the halcyon days of Ronald Reagan's first term? (12/11/2008)

Senate GOP to UAW: Drop dead Andrew Leonard
Organized labor campaigned mightily against Southern Republican senators. So kiss that auto bailout goodbye, because now it's payback time. (12/11/2008)

Mark Penn explains the zeitgeist Andrew Leonard
In a new column for the Wall Street Journal, the Clinton pollster shares a stunning insight: The down economy is scaring baby boomers. (12/11/2008)

"Your father was a monster" By Heather Havrilesky
In the PBS documentary "Inheritance," the daughter of Nazi murderer Amon Goeth struggles to accept an unbearable legacy. (12/10/2008)

Bateman: Bush's "uh-oh" moment
The president assures Charlie Gibson that every day at the White House has been joyous. (12/10/2008)

An indie chick, her dog and the 2008 depression Andrew O'Hehir
Will Oscar notice Michelle Williams' pitch-perfect performance as the dead-broke slacker gal who loses her dog in the wrenching, intriguing "Wendy and Lucy"? (12/10/2008)

"The Reader" By Stephanie Zacharek
Kate Winslet strips off her clothes and secrets in this wartime drama -- but where is the passion? (12/10/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Yes! Our prayers were answered! (12/10/2008)

America's youth turned amateur porn stars? Tracy Clark-Flory
A poll finds that young people are taking and sharing sexually explicit snapshots. (12/10/2008)

Retail porn Judy Berman
Sex and shopping -- together, at last, on a blog called the Clothes That Got Me Laid. (12/10/2008)

Is anybody getting laid anymore? Mary Elizabeth Williams
Recent confessions by women with a low libido may be fascinating and brave, but they're missing something important about sex. (12/10/2008)

Hideous sexism or harmless party pranks? Sarah Hepola
Broadsheet writers sound off on the controversial picture of Obama's 27-year-old speechwriter groping a cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton. (12/10/2008)

A New York kind of holiday By Garrison Keillor
Christmas is all about pleasure, food, bright lights, high spirits, glittering trinkets, razzmatazz. It's pure Broadway. (12/10/2008)

Rod Blagojevich's bad hair day By Edward McClelland
The perfectly coiffed politician is under arrest, sunk by his own vanity. But what did you expect? He's an Illinois governor. (12/10/2008)

Glengarry Rod Blagojevich By Choire Sicha
If David Mamet didn't write the profane, wiretapped dialogue for the Illinois governor's attempt to sell Obama's Senate seat, he should have. A play in one act. (12/10/2008)

Top Democrat urges "continuity" for CIA, DNI and interrogation policies Glenn Greenwald
House Intelligence Committee chairman Silvestre Reyes channels Dick Cheney in urging Obama to retain Bush's key intelligence aides and policies. (12/11/2008)

What do the Clintons have on Obama? By Camille Paglia
What experience does Hillary have to run State? Plus: Avoiding the Muslim issue on Mumbai, and anti-Proposition 8 activists threaten to set back gay rights. (12/10/2008)

It wasn't Rahm Alex Koppelman
Contrary to earlier rumors, Rahm Emanuel apparently didn't make any moves leading to Rod Blagojevich's fall. (12/10/2008)

Now Joe the Plumber tells us? Alex Koppelman
Apparently, the accidental celebrity of this year's election isn't really a big John McCain fan. (12/10/2008)

Report: Jesse Jackson Jr. is "Senate Candidate 5" Alex Koppelman
The son of the civil rights leader may indeed be the candidate with an ally who discussed "pay-for-play;" he says he's "not a target of this investigation," though. (12/10/2008)

Obama: Blagojevich should resign Alex Koppelman
Advisors to the president-elect say he thinks it's time for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to step down. (12/10/2008)

One governor who doesn't suck Alex Koppelman
New York Gov. David Paterson says the news in Illinois makes him even more resolved to pick Hillary Clinton's replacement on merit. (12/10/2008)

Report: Obama picks energy, environment team Alex Koppelman
NBC says physicist Steven Chu will be secretary of Energy, Lisa Jackson will head the EPA and Carol Browner will be energy czar. (12/10/2008)

What do you want to ask Obama? Alex Koppelman
The transition team unveils a new Web page that allows users to ask questions of the president-elect, and vote on which staffers should answer. (12/10/2008)

Jackson: "I am not a target" Alex Koppelman
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. speaks to the media about his status as "Senate Candidate 5" and denounces pay-for-play. (12/10/2008)

Year in Sports: Call for nominees King Kaufman
Tell us what you think the year's biggest and most under-reported stories have been. (12/10/2008)

Ten questions for Hank Paulson Andrew Leonard
A Warren Report for the 21st century: The TARP Congressional Oversight Panel wants to know what the Treasury Department is doing with our money. (12/10/2008)

Obama's pick to solve the energy crisis Andrew Leonard
How's this for change? Steven Chu, an actual physicist who wants to stop climate change and revolutionize solar power, gets the nod as energy secretary. (12/10/2008)

Playing games in a recession Andrew Leonard
Computer game giant Electronic Arts is getting blitzed by the bad economy. But if you cater to 11-year-old boys, you're still doing alright (12/10/2008)

Finding peace on the road to Mecca Andrew Leonard
Islamic pilgrims are gathering in Saudi Arabia this week -- and making the world a better place. (12/10/2008)

The best nonfiction of 2008
Laura Miller on her favorite reads of the year -- books about movies, detectives, the war on terror. (12/09/2008)

Books we love Compiled by Abby Margulies
Some of our favorite authors weigh in on the best reads of 2008. (12/09/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
Attack of the invisible hand of the free market! (12/09/2008)

Alex Kuczynski is a dish best served cold Amy Benfer
Why did the New York Times allow a longtime style writer to look like a jerk in its own magazine? (12/09/2008)

15 years without knocking boots By Kit Naylor
I didn't intend to go without sex for a decade and a half. But celibacy isn't something you necessarily plan. (12/09/2008)

I'm sooo wasted off feminism Tracy Clark-Flory
An article links the pursuit of equality to women's binge drinking and alcoholism. (12/09/2008)

"Freshmen don't belong on sidewalks!" Sarah Hepola
Princeton students stage a satirical Proposition 8 protest. (12/09/2008)

Reid demands a friendly-fire investigation By Mark Benjamin
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid joins two other members of Congress in pushing for a fresh look at an alleged friendly-fire incident in Iraq first reported by Salon. (12/09/2008)

The born conspiracy By Mike Madden
Sanity was nowhere to be found at the press conference held by the alarmists who believe Obama is not a U.S. citizen. (12/09/2008)

"I've got this thing and it's f---ing golden"
The federal complaint that details Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's alleged attempt to trade Barack Obama's former Senate seat for personal gain. (12/09/2008)

Obama's single most important reform By Michael Lind
How the president-elect can get the money for the massive public works he proposes -- without raising taxes. (12/09/2008)

Don't replace the old Guantánamo with a new one By Jameel Jaffer and Ben Wizner
President-elect Obama has pledged to close the infamous military prison in Cuba. So why are people trying to give him the right to start all over again? (12/09/2008)

Salon Radio: Retired Rear Adm. John Hutson on torture Glenn Greenwald
Twelve retired military officers meet with key Obama appointees to discuss ways to end Bush's torture and detention policies. (12/09/2008)

Iraq: The beginning of the end By Gary Kamiya
As the war enters its final phase, Bush claims we won. But how can we ever repay Iraqis what we owe them? (12/09/2008)

Obama: I had no contact with the governor about Senate seat Alex Koppelman
The president-elect says he never spoke with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich about his vacant post. (12/09/2008)

Axelrod: Obama, Blagojevich didn't discuss Senate seat Alex Koppelman
A senior advisor to the president-elect says he was mistaken when he told a Chicago television station otherwise last month. (12/10/2008)

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested Alex Koppelman
Federal authorities arrested Blagojevich, a Democrat, on Tuesday; among other things, they're investigating his process for selecting Barack Obama's replacement. (12/09/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Sage advice from Rod Blagojevich: Assume everyone's listening. (12/10/2008)

Rod Blagojevich has had better days Alex Koppelman
The complaint against the Illinois governor is explosive, damning and far-reaching -- even his wife is caught up in it. (12/09/2008)

Fitzgerald: "A political corruption crime spree" Mike Madden
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald lays out the case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in a Chicago news conference. (12/09/2008)

President Blagojevich? Mike Madden
Federal charging documents reveal that Rod Blagojevich had a master plan to appoint himself to the Senate -- so he could run for president. (12/09/2008)

Did Rahmbo bring down Blago? Alex Koppelman
The speedy arrest of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich may have been due to the intervention of future White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. (12/09/2008)

W.: The Selective History, Vol. 1 Justin Jouvenal
The White House has upon a novel way to deal with the more problematic aspects of President Bush's legacy: ignore them. (12/09/2008)

Larry Craig is still guilty Gabriel Winant
Sen. Larry Craig's second attempt to clear his name of toilet stall-related crimes has failed. (12/09/2008)

The Chinese export train goes off the tracks Andrew Leonard
What happens to the Chinese Communist Party's mandate to rule, if their economy mirrors the crash in the U.S.? (12/09/2008)

The recycling recession Andrew Leonard
The economics of recycling don't seem to work so well in a bad economy. Does that mean we need out-of-control growth to make sustainability work? (12/09/2008)

Big Think: On desegregation and Thomas Jefferson
Annette Gordon-Reed on how her schooling informed her perspective as a historian. (12/08/2008)

The best fiction of 2008
Laura Miller on the best reads of the year and why fiction is a great way to explore who we really are. (12/08/2008)

Salon Book Awards 2008 By Laura Miller
Our picks for the 10 most pleasurable fiction and nonfiction reading experiences of the year. (12/08/2008)

I've got pushy Sabbath observers in my doorman-less lobby By Cary Tennis
Because observant Orthodox Jews may not use intercoms on the Sabbath, things get a little sticky in my building. (12/08/2008)

Targeted acts of kindness and sensible beauty Kate Harding
Are "random acts of kindness" actually kind? (12/08/2008)

The voice that gave me goose bumps By Daniel Handler
The "Lemony Snicket" author remembers his nerve-racking musical run-in with Odetta, the late folk singer and activist. (12/08/2008)

Quote of the day Kate Harding
In which Michael Savage has mommy issues. (12/08/2008)

WTF of the day: Recessionary healthcare madness Katharine Mieszkowski
Laid-off expectant mother induces for insurance purposes. (12/08/2008)

The Republican comeback of 2010 By Thomas Schaller
The midterm elections are only two years away. Can the Democrats defend their gains? (12/08/2008)

Spend, Obama, spend! And save jobs By Joe Conason
The first thing Obama should do is use federal funds to keep public employees from joining the swelling ranks of the unemployed. (12/08/2008)

The CIA and its reporter friends: Anatomy of a backlash Glenn Greenwald
The coordinated, successful effort to implant false story lines about John Brennan illustrates the power the intelligence community wields over political debates. (12/08/2008)

Gen. Hayden and the claimed irrelevance of presidential appointments Glenn Greenwald
Since when did people start believing that high-level appointments and Cabinet secretaries were irrelevant? (12/08/2008)

Six Words for Obama Alex Koppelman
What do you want the president-elect to say at his inauguration? (12/09/2008)

The Jeremiah Wright ad McCain didn't want you to see Alex Koppelman
The McCain campaign had a spot attacking Barack Obama over his former pastor ready to go, but never pulled the trigger. (12/09/2008)

Hildebrand writes to liberal critics of Obama Alex Koppelman
The president-elect's deputy campaign manager says Obama "was elected to be the president of all the people -- not just those on the left." (12/08/2008)

Supreme Court won't hear Obama citizenship case Alex Koppelman
Without comment, the justices declined to consider a lawsuit that contends both Barack Obama and John McCain are ineligible for the presidency. (12/08/2008)

Romney gearing up for 2012? Alex Koppelman
Mitt Romney, who came up short in his race for the Republican presidential nomination this year, appears to be preparing for another run. (12/08/2008)

Will charges against Blackwater guards stick? Alex Koppelman
The most important question may not be their guilt or innocence in the shooting of Iraqi civilians, but whether they're even subject to U.S. law. (12/08/2008)

Sen. Jesse Jackson Jr.? Alex Koppelman
As he decides whom to appoint to fill Barack Obama's Senate seat, Illinois' governor is meeting with the son of the civil rights leader. (12/08/2008)

Every Cao has a silver lining Gabriel Winant
Republicans are looking for hope in the unlikeliest of places -- like the defeat of one Democratic Congressman who's under federal indictment. (12/08/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Mark Penn explains that when he called Barack Obama "unelectable," he really meant Obama was a very strong candidate. (12/08/2008)

Paul Krugman's depression economics Andrew Leonard
On his way to Stockholm, the Nobel Prize winner and New York Times columnist takes time to explain the "awful" economy that looms ahead of us. (12/08/2008)

Don't blame new media for the deepening recession Andrew Leonard
The New York Times' David Carr complains about the impact of too much bad economic news, too fast. But he's giving us far too much credit. (12/08/2008)

Tribune bankruptcy: Chronicle of a news media death foretold? Andrew Leonard
Get ready for another round of despair about the future of newspapers. The show will, however, go on. (12/08/2008)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
While most reality TV starts to repeat itself, CBS's "The Amazing Race" and Bravo's "Top Chef" both age gracefully. (12/07/2008)

A Democratic insider's call for a new presidential secrecy power Glenn Greenwald
Matt Miller of the Center for American Progress wants to crush one of the few remaining means by which Americans learn about their government: disclosure by presidential aides (12/07/2008)

A fascist childhood (with naked chicks) Andrew O'Hehir
Fellini's 1973 "Amarcord" blends memory and fantasy into a grandiose, bittersweet entertainment. Sexist and sentimental? Well, duh. It's also wonderful. (12/06/2008)

A spy in the house of Narnia By Rebecca Traister
Salon's Laura Miller on how the imaginative world of C.S. Lewis inspired her love of reading, as well as her career as a critic. (12/06/2008)

Talk to the animals By Laura Miller
This excerpt from "The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia" explores the magical connection between children and beasts. (12/06/2008)

Broadsheet's guide to the season's stupidest gifts Judy Berman
At a loss for what to get the blonde who has everything? And how about the 12-year-old cosmetic surgery enthusiast in your life? (12/06/2008)

Those other elections By David Sirota
With our national fixation on Obama and the White House, it's easy to overlook local results and the real progressive mandate. (12/06/2008)

"Cadillac Records" By Stephanie Zacharek
As Etta James, Beyoncé Knowles gives one of the year's best performances in this ensemble film about the legendary artists of a Chicago music label. (12/05/2008)

"Frost/Nixon" By Stephanie Zacharek
A wily talk-show host takes on a disgraced president in Ron Howard's refreshingly grown-up holiday movie. Guess who wins? (12/05/2008)

Who wants to visit Saddam's house? By Heather Havrilesky
The Iraqi president does his best Darth Vader imitation in HBO's miniseries "House of Saddam." (12/05/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
what to do with all the dead people? (12/05/2008)

Help! I suddenly stopped going to work By Cary Tennis
I've been leaving the house every day for two months and going to Starbucks or the library. (12/05/2008)

And the sluttiest Western nation is ... Amy Benfer
Yeah, of course we're going to make you click. (12/05/2008)

GOOPenfreude Kate Harding
Watching Gwyneth Paltrow's online lifestyle magazine plug along as though there's no recession nourishes my deeply petty inner aspect. (12/05/2008)

"What's with you, Rush?" Judy Berman
Barbara Walters attacks Limbaugh's sexism. (12/05/2008)

Video of the day Kate Harding
Sarah Haskins tries to find out why chicks dig vampires. (12/05/2008)

Blame male pigs on feminism? Tracy Clark-Flory
An author argues that "girl power" has led men to cheat and shirk parental responsibilities. (12/05/2008)

Why the stories about Obama's birth certificate will never die By Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama was, without question, born in the U.S., and he is eligible to be president, but experts on conspiracy theories say that won't ever matter to those who believe otherwise. (12/05/2008)

Detroit revs up its bailout begging By Mike Madden
On bended knee, and with promises to retool their operations, the Big Three ask Congress for billions to save the auto industry. They might get it this time. (12/05/2008)

The short, disgusting life of the Hummer By Katharine Mieszkowski
As General Motors tells Congress it is weighing the fate of the gas guzzler, Salon compiles a scrapbook. Enjoy these proud moments in Hummer history. (12/05/2008)

Let Obama be Obama Joan Walsh
It's too early for Democrats to panic and demand the president-elect do more on the economy. Plus: Go away, little Jeb. (12/05/2008)

Vague pledges to "end torture" and "comply with treaties and laws" Glenn Greenwald
When politicians pay lip service to vague generalities, it reveals nothing about what they actually intend to do about the worst of the abuses. (12/05/2008)

Salon Radio: NPR's Tom Gjelten and ACLU's Harvey Grossman Glenn Greenwald
What accounted for NPR's inaccurate reporting on the John Brennan controversy? And: will a federal court invalidate telecom immunity as unconstitutional? (12/05/2008)

The benefits of being Obama's secretary of State Vincent Rossmeier
In an email to Obama's famed list of donors, Vice President-elect Joe Biden asks for contributions to pay down Hillary Clinton's campaign debt. (12/05/2008)

Obama sets fundraising record Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama brought in more than the 2004 candidates raised combined. (12/05/2008)

It's not cheap to look like a real American Alex Koppelman
All told, more than $330,000 was spent during the campaign on Sarah Palin's appearance and clothing for her and her family. (12/05/2008)

Will Obama bring change to agriculture? Gabriel Winant
A group of prominent foodies urge a badly needed shift in agricultural policy -- but they shouldn't hold their breath waiting. (12/05/2008)

Quote of the day Vincent Rossmeier
Just how many presidents do we have right now? (12/05/2008)

Sex, lies and creatively edited interviews with Sarah Obama Alex Koppelman
A look at the conspiracy theories surrounding Barack Obama's eligibility for the presidency. (12/05/2008)

Kennedy leaving Senate Judiciary Committee Alex Koppelman
The Massachusetts Senator, who's been treated for a brain tumor, says the decision isn't about his health. (12/06/2008)

Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Headaches Gabriel Winant
Thanks to lost ballots and inevitable lawsuits, the now sort-of completed Minnesota recount has brought us little closer to a solution. (12/05/2008)

NFL Week 14: Police blotter picks King Kaufman
Everyone who isn't suspended, please report to the field. (12/05/2008)

Happy holidays
Members of Salon's Table Talk community share their best Christmas memories this week. What's yours? (12/05/2008)

Labor gets a voice in Washington Andrew Leonard
Backwater or beachhead? Economist Jared Bernstein is appointed Vice President-elect Biden's chief economist. (12/05/2008)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Malcolm Gladwell claims cultural issues can play a big role in plane crashes. The pilot begs to differ. (12/05/2008)

Half a million jobs -- gone Andrew Leonard
All major U.S. industrial sectors report heavy job losses for November. So maybe, after all, it wouldn't be a good idea to let domestic automakers crumple. (12/05/2008)

"The Rosetta Stone of trash cinema" Andrew Leonard
A reader warns: Do not dismiss the glory of Thai Ultraman (12/05/2008)

Three candles for How the World Works Andrew Leonard
From an idiosyncratic blog on globalization to a 24 by 7 chronicle of economic meltdown. Who would have guessed it? (12/06/2008)

Oscar season's bewildering kickoff Andrew O'Hehir
With warring sets of year-end indie awards on top of each other, who can keep track? We can! Here's who's in, out, hot and not at this very moment. (12/04/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Charley the Australopithecine in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Aligning." (12/04/2008)

What will make Obama a great president By Joseph Romm
He must make the U.S. a world leader in global warming solutions. Then he must inspire China to follow suit. (12/04/2008)

Midrange gifts for the outdoor adventurer Caitlin Shamberg, Jeanne Carstensen
Choose your own adventure -- and stay charged-up and cozy while doing it. (12/04/2008)

Luxury gifts for the outdoor adventurer Caitlin Shamberg, Jeanne Carstensen
Make winter a wonderland with these high-end snow toys. (12/04/2008)

Bargain gifts for the gadget guru Andrew O'Hehir
When you can't afford to give a new iPod, give them what they really need -- iPod attachments. (12/04/2008)

Luxury gifts for the gadget guru Andrew O'Hehir
If you don't mind paying big, think small. Small laptops, camcorders and printers, that is. (12/04/2008)

Bargain gifts for the outdoor adventurer Caitlin Shamberg, Jeanne Carstensen
Affordable goodies to thrill the backpacker, snowboarder, skier or cyclist on your list. (12/04/2008)

Midrange gifts for the gadget guru Andrew O'Hehir
Customize your favorite gadget and take a Peek at the future of affordable hand-held e-mail. (12/04/2008)

Beyond the valley of the doilies By Joy Press
The billion-dollar scrapbooking industry may be cheesy, but as author Jessica Helfand explains, there's rich history in that glitter and glue. (12/04/2008)

I'm going to feel like a loser at my high-school reunion By Cary Tennis
One chum is working on a cure for cancer; one has started his own political party. All this overachieving is giving me status anxiety. (12/04/2008)

Buh-bye, Bratz? Tracy Clark-Flory
After talk of "genocide" and fighting "to the death," Mattel is ruled the legal owner of the rival line. (12/04/2008)

When is gold digging prostitution? Tracy Clark-Flory
A college student explains how she landed her "sugar daddy." (12/04/2008)

Lying to the mother of a dead soldier By Mark Benjamin
Col. Sean MacFarland, who told Jean Feggins her son was killed by enemy action, is the same officer who may have covered up her son's death by friendly fire. (12/04/2008)

Letter to Robert Gates By Mark Benjamin
A congressman urges a new investigation into an apparent friendly-fire death. (12/04/2008)

Why do Feinstein and Wyden sound much different on the torture issue now? Glenn Greenwald
The two Senators spent the year emphatically insisting that the CIA's interrogators comply with the Army Field Manual. With Democrats in control, they're not so emphatic any longer (12/04/2008)

More RNC spending on Palin revealed Alex Koppelman
A new disclosure to be filed with the FEC will show additional money -- "less than $30,000" -- spent on clothes for Sarah Palin. (12/04/2008)

Live from New York, it's Hillary Clinton Alex Koppelman
"Hillary Clinton for President Debt Relief" announces a fundraiser, a "conversation" complete with celebrity host and special guest star. (12/04/2008)

Matthews advised to quit MSNBC for run Alex Koppelman
Chris Matthews appears to be taking more steps towards a Senate campaign, but some insiders wonder if he's just angling for a new contract. (12/04/2008)

DeMint protests Capitol Visitor Center's "left-leaning" displays Alex Koppelman
Republican Sen. Jim DeMint issues an angry statement about the new tourist attraction, saying it leaves out the country's religious history. (12/05/2008)

RNC chair: Chambliss win shows Obama mandate talk "hot air" Alex Koppelman
Mike Duncan says proved "the ideology of the country [hasn't] shifted to the left," but the election wasn't really that significant. (12/04/2008)

Dingell invested in GM's survival -- literally Gabriel Winant
Rep. John Dingell, recently ousted as head of a committee key to the auto industry, has more than $1 million riding on G.M. (12/04/2008)

Despite "D.C. madam" scandal, Vitter to seek reelection Gabriel Winant
Republican Sen. David Vitter, of "serious sin in my past" fame, seems likely to win a second term. (12/04/2008)

Raiders-Chargers: Must-miss TV By King Kaufman
The NFL Network's live package pops out another pooch of a game, so again you don't have to worry about not getting it. (12/04/2008)

A second act for Eliot Spitzer Andrew Leonard
America: Land of the free, home of the forgiving. No matter what you do, there's an online column gig waiting in the wings (12/04/2008)

Marxist-Leninist Mao Zedong Ultraman to the rescue! Andrew Leonard
Who will dominate the ideological information technology battle of the future. The U.S.? China? Or is the game already over? (12/04/2008)

A big, fat "I told you so" from Joe Stiglitz Andrew Leonard
Eighteen years ago, he warned of the "perverse incentives" implied by mortgage securitization. (12/04/2008)

Elvis lives! By Heather Havrilesky
Elvis Costello chats up everyone from Lou Reed to Bill Clinton on his eclectic Sundance talk show, "Spectacle." (12/03/2008)

Bateman: Gen. Barry McCaffrey on "Hardball"
You are watching an infomercial trying to sell you a war that you don't want. (12/03/2008)

Princess Leia's wild, bipolar adventures By Rebecca Traister
Help her, Obi-Wan! Carrie Fisher's memoir of her life as a "Star Wars" icon and poster child for rehab and mental illness will likely make you laugh -- and cry. (12/03/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Observations of a new parent. (12/03/2008)

Bargain gifts for the cat lover Kerry Lauerman
Swishing feathers, a tempting tunnel and other simple pleasures to make kitties purr. (12/03/2008)

Luxury gifts for the dog lover Heather Havrilesky
Give Rover a bed fit for a king, and let a robot clean up pet hair. (12/03/2008)

Midrange gifts for the dog lover Heather Havrilesky
Dress your dog in the height of retro fashion. (12/03/2008)

Midrange gifts for the cat lover Kerry Lauerman
Little Fluffy could just snooze away on a pile of your dirty clothes -- but why? (12/03/2008)

Luxury gifts for the cat lover Kerry Lauerman
Stylish, modern splurges for scratching, pooping and carrying without a catfight. (12/03/2008)

Bargain gifts for the dog lover Heather Havrilesky
Let your pooch chase squirrels indoors and exact revenge on Michael Vick. (12/03/2008)

Doctors: Making your repro choices for you! Tracy Clark-Flory
The Bush administration's impending "provider conscience" law even extends to artificial insemination. (12/03/2008)

WTF of the day Abby Margulies
Last seen on a cargo ship bound for the land down under, 130,000 breasts have mysteriously disappeared. (12/03/2008)

Beauty over brains Abby Margulies
Italians trade in feminism for sex appeal? (12/03/2008)

Get rich slow! By Amy Reiter
Everything you ever wanted to know about your 401K -- but didn't know how to ask. (12/03/2008)

She was an icon of the Great Depression Katharine Mieszkowski
Now, a 76-year-old California housecleaner has a message for Barack Obama. (12/03/2008)

Pirates don't like loud noises By Vincent Rossmeier
Nick Davis says he can scare off the pirates plaguing the coast of Africa without firing a shot. So far, so good -- except for that little incident last week. (12/03/2008)

Impeach Bush for Christmas By Jeremy Olshan
The White House censored her subversive Christmas tree ornament -- only to spread its anti-Bush cheer. (12/03/2008)

Nepotistic succession in the political class Glenn Greenwald
A large, and rapidly growing, percentage of high elected officials are part of politically powerful families. What accounts for this anti-democratic dynamic? (12/03/2008)

What were you thinking? By Garrison Keillor
Midwesterners usually go south to misbehave, not to the handicapped stall in a Minneapolis men's room at halftime. (12/03/2008)

FDR's bold brain trust versus Obama's timid wonks By Steve Fraser
Roosevelt came into office with a brain trust ready to enact change. Are Obama's brainiacs up to that task -- or are they too beholden to the Clintonian, neoliberal past? (12/03/2008)

The buck stops where? Joan Walsh
Our delusional president laments the "intelligence failure" that identified nonexistent WMD in Iraq and admits he was "unprepared" for war. (12/03/2008)

Does Chambliss win mean trouble for Democrats? Alex Koppelman
Some observers say Tuesday's results are a backlash, or at least an end to Obamamentum, but they're reading too much into the race. (12/03/2008)

Don't count the Bushes out yet Alex Koppelman
The outgoing president's brother Jeb says he's considering a run for Mel Martinez's Senate seat. (12/03/2008)

Obama announces Richardson nomination Alex Koppelman
If all goes well, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will be the next commerce secretary. (12/03/2008)

"Prop. 8 -- the Musical" Alex Koppelman
Jack Black, Maya Rudolph, John C. Reilly, Margaret Cho and other celebrities come together for a funny take on California's vote against same-sex marriage. (12/03/2008)

Franken's camp claims lead Alex Koppelman
Al Franken's attorney says the Democrat has overtaken incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, but has he really? (12/03/2008)

Has Obama broken his first campaign promise? Vincent Rossmeier
Barack Obama promised to institute a windfall profits tax on oil companies, but the policy was quietly removed from his Web site. (12/03/2008)

Inside the mind of Lou Dobbs Alex Koppelman
Is there anything the CNN host can't connect to his obsession with illegal immigration? (12/03/2008)

Rendell apologizes for comments about Napolitano Alex Koppelman
The governor of Pennsylvania had been caught on a hot mic saying Janet Napolitano is a "perfect" DHS secretary because she doesn't have a family. (12/03/2008)

Why 60 doesn't matter Mike Madden
Saxby Chambliss' victory in Georgia means the Democrats won't have their filibuster-proof majority -- but they aren't too worried about it. (12/04/2008)

High tea at Google takes a hit Andrew Leonard
No one escapes the gathering storm, not even the mightiest titan of Silicon Valley (12/03/2008)

The further adventures of Yacouba Sawadogo Andrew Leonard
International fame, mediated by National Geographic, could help the Burkina Faso farmer. (12/03/2008)

How national healthcare could have saved Detroit Andrew Leonard
The Big Three blame legacy retiree benefits for crippling their business. But it's their own darn fault. (12/03/2008)

The decline and fall of General Motors Andrew Leonard
Shockingly low gas prices can't save G.M., and its own restructuring plan doesn't boost confidence. The next bailout should be a government-administered bankruptcy. (12/03/2008)

A raunchy gay fantasia from Tel Aviv Andrew O'Hehir
"Antarctica" pushes global gay cinema to new levels of manflesh hotness. But it's basically an Israeli episode of "Melrose Place" with bad lesbian folk music. (12/02/2008)

Big Think: Is monogamy passé?
Sexologist Michael Perelman answers questions about sexual dysfunction and pleasure. (12/02/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
The Bush years: A look back. (12/02/2008)

Luxury gifts for kids Katharine Mieszkowski, Amy Reiter
Learning to ride a bike sure has come a long way from ye olde training wheels. (12/02/2008)

Bargain gifts for kids Katharine Mieszkowski, Amy Reiter
Simple pleasures that are inexpensive but endlessly entertaining. (12/02/2008)

Midrange gifts for kids Katharine Mieszkowski, Amy Reiter
Something for the budding rock star and the pint-size design aficionado. (12/02/2008)

Bargain gifts for the house proud Joy Press
Add quick panache to a dresser, give your walls a thrifty makeover and play with your food -- in a sophisticated way. (12/02/2008)

Luxury gifts for the house proud Joy Press
Transform a memento into a work of art and dine underneath silverware for a change. (12/02/2008)

Midrange gifts for the house proud Joy Press
An Oscar Wilde-inspired mirror boasts style and humor, and graceful LEDs light your way to a lower electricity bill. (12/02/2008)

The sexing up of Tina Fey Sarah Hepola
A Vanity Fair profile talks about the comedian's chin scar, loss of virginity -- and how an awkward puritan became TV's most hilarious bombshell. (12/02/2008)

Let's beat up on Britney Spears! Katharine Mieszkowski
Round 15,687, now with anorexia, bulimia and diet pill abuse. (12/02/2008)

Should I stay in Ireland because my boyfriend's mother has lung cancer? By Cary Tennis
Things were getting rocky before this news, and now he says maybe I should go. (12/02/2008)

Sister, can you spare a womb? Amy Benfer
A style writer shops for a suitable baby mama to bear her blue-blood spawn. (12/02/2008)

So what's in this for Hillary? By Mike Madden
Taking charge of the State Department will give Clinton more power than hanging around the Senate -- even if she does have a history with her new boss. (12/02/2008)

What should Bill Clinton do now? By Joe Conason
Critics worry he'll get in Hillary's way. But the new secretary of state's husband is a great international ambassador for America. (12/02/2008)

Tourists from Hell By Gary Kamiya
The terrorists who attacked Mumbai struck the heart of city life. (12/02/2008)

Eric Holder, Jack Quinn and the Rich pardon Glenn Greenwald
It's premature to criticize Obama for his establishment-soothing appointments. But it's just as premature to heap praise on him for those appointments. (12/02/2008)

Salon Radio: Cato's Gene Healy on domestic troop deployments Glenn Greenwald
What is behind the Pentagon's new plan to deploy 20,000 U.S. Army troops inside the U.S., and what are the risks and dangers? (12/02/2008)

AP calls it: Chambliss re-elected Alex Koppelman
Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss has apparently prevailed in a run-off against Democrat Jim Martin. (12/03/2008)

Palin still eyeing Senate? Alex Koppelman
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski is warning Sarah Palin that she'll face a tough battle if she goes after Murkowski's seat in 2010. (12/02/2008)

Report: David Gregory to host "Meet the Press" Alex Koppelman
The search to replace Tim Russert, who died in June, appears to be over. (12/02/2008)

Fox's Chris Wallace: Bush is not a crook Mike Madden
The Fox News host picks a fight with Hollywood at a private screening of "Frost/Nixon" in D.C. (12/02/2008)

Florida Sen. Martinez won't run again Alex Koppelman
Republican Mel Martinez's decision not to seek reelection in 2010 could mean another Democratic pickup. (12/02/2008)

Clinton still raising money Alex Koppelman
Bill Clinton sends out a fundraising e-mail congratulating his wife on her nomination to be secretary of state. (12/02/2008)

Joe who? Gabriel Winant
The loneliness of the vice president-elect. (12/02/2008)

Low turnout in Georgia run-off Alex Koppelman
Good news for Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who looks likely to win re-election. (12/02/2008)

Results trickling in from Georgia Alex Koppelman
Polls have closed in the Senate run-off, but there's no clear winner yet. (12/03/2008)

Uncle Sam needs to go shopping. Not us Andrew Leonard
You want that discounted flat-screen TV. You want to help boost the economy. But I've got news for you. (12/02/2008)

Message to Peggy Noonan: Open your eyes! Andrew Leonard
The former Reagan speechwriter and WSJ opinion columnist can't see the recession. Is she even looking? (12/02/2008)

Midrange gifts for the culture vulture Andrew O'Hehir, Joy Press
Hungarian art films, indie-rock wall decals and (of course) "The Godfather." (12/01/2008)

Midrange gifts for the sports lover Kevin Berger, Jonah Keri, Mark Schone
Nine hundred NBA games, at your fingertips. (12/01/2008)

Bargain gifts for the culture vulture Andrew O'Hehir, Joy Press
Because it's boring to just buy "Kung Fu Panda" or "Incredible Hulk." (12/01/2008)

Luxury gifts for the sports lover Kevin Berger, Jonah Keri, Mark Schone
Buy a life-size rendering of your favorite athlete or a piece of the classic stadiums of yore. (12/01/2008)

Bargain gifts for the sports lover Kevin Berger, Jonah Keri, Mark Schone
Relive Barack Obama's basketball glory days and score a daily fix for your favorite baseball junkie. (12/01/2008)

Luxury gifts for the culture vulture Andrew O'Hehir, Joy Press
When you care enough to send the very best box sets and art. (12/01/2008)

I bought stocks; my husband bought CDs. Now I can't bear to look By Cary Tennis
I can't get up the nerve to tell my husband just how much money we've lost. (12/01/2008)

Male caregivers need feminism, too Kate Harding
As more men start caring for elderly parents, sexist assumptions hold them back. (12/01/2008)

Now, finally, you may kiss the bride Tracy Clark-Flory
A couple abstain from smooching until they hit the altar. (12/01/2008)

Sympathy for Charles Graner By Mark Benjamin
No one from the Bush administration has been held accountable for torture. But the guard from Abu Ghraib prison is still behind bars, and his family wants to know why. (12/01/2008)

NBC and McCaffrey's coordinated responses to the NYT story Glenn Greenwald
Emails obtained between NBC executives and the retired General further underscore NBC's gross indifference to journalistic ethics. (12/01/2008)

Team America Joan Walsh
Barack Obama's national security team is impressive in its diversity and in its excellence. Plus: I debate Christopher Hitchens over Hillary Clinton. (12/02/2008)

Conservatives band together against nonexistent threat Alex Koppelman
A prominent right-wing media watchdog announces the formation of a group dedicated to fighting against the Fairness Doctrine. (12/01/2008)

Georgia gears up for Senate run-off Gabriel Winant
With celebrity campaigners working on both sides, incumbent Saxby Chambliss clings to a lead over his Democratic challenger. (12/01/2008)

Hillary Clinton's big day Alex Koppelman
When President-elect Barack Obama announces his national security team Monday morning, the spotlight will be on Clinton. (12/01/2008)

Bill Clinton puts out statement on wife's nomination Alex Koppelman
The former president says he's "deeply proud" of Hillary Clinton, and -- as an American -- "thankful" that she's been nominated to be secretary of state. (12/01/2008)

Obama announces national security team Alex Koppelman
The president-elect warns about challenges "just as grave" as the economic crisis, and dismisses questions about tension with Hillary Clinton. (12/01/2008)

What's Obama going to tell Gates about Iraq? Alex Koppelman
The president-elect gives conflicting signals about what the military's mission will be once he takes over. (12/01/2008)

Clinton not resigning just yet Alex Koppelman
Hillary Clinton won't leave the Senate until she's confirmed as secretary of state; meanwhile, the man responsible for choosing her successor isn't talking. (12/01/2008)

Chris Matthews on Senate rumors: "Absolutely not true" Gabriel Winant
The host of "Hardball" denies that he's staffing up for a campaign; former Clinton spokesman says Matthews should quit TV if he's planning to run. (12/01/2008)

Dow plunges again, Friedman fans despair Andrew Leonard
Despite the best efforts of the Federal Reserve to follow the economic prescriptions of Milton Friedman, nothing is working. But Keynes' stock is rising. (12/01/2008)

The month the U.S. economy died Andrew Leonard
More bad numbers emerge detailing October's meltdown. Investors respond: The Dow goes into free fall. (12/01/2008)

It's official: We're in a recession Andrew Leonard
Remember when Phil Gramm said Americans were a "nation of whiners"? He was wrong. The recession started last December. (12/01/2008)