How We Reason About Politics (And Why It Matters): A Survey

A friend of mine is piloting a survey about political reasoning. I encourage you to take it. It only takes a few minutes and I think you’ll find it to be interesting (much better than all those lame Facebook quizzes).
Click here to take the survey.
Email a friend

Will Prop 8 Decision Increase or Decrease Criticism of Mormons?

Today, the California Supreme Court upheld Prop 8 while leaving previous same-sex marriages intact.
My question is: What difference will the Court decision have on criticism of Mormons?

Elder Ballard: Regardless of Party Affliction (er, Affiliation) Pray for Obama

I received the following report in an email newsletter from my friend Don Jarvis (quoted with his permission):
A senior LDS apostle recently told Provoans that “We need to pray for our new president, regardless of party affliction, I mean, affiliation.”  Speaking on January 25th in the Provo Tabernacle at the conclusion of an Oak Hills (east Provo) [...]

The Election: Why I’m Happy and Sad

Like most things in life, this election is bittersweet.
I’m happy Obama won.
I’m sad that so many of my friends and family members are, well, not so happy.
I’m happy that so many people across this country have brighter hopes for America and for the future.
I’m sad for those who think that the end is near.

Some “Alternative” Presidential Candidates

Don’t like McCain or Obama?
Well, you do have other choices.
Of course, there are the more visible third-party or independent choices: Charles “Chuck” Baldwin (Constitutional), Ralph Nader (Independent), Bob Barr (Libertarian), and Cynthia McKinney (Green).
But I bet you haven’t heard of some of these other “worthy” candidates (be sure to check out the links):

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Who Will You Vote For and Why?

We have finally reached the end of our weekly forum on the presidential election. We have had many great discussions on a range of topics, such as character, Iraq, the economy, abortion, relationship with LDS Church, health care, faith and family values, terrorism and diplomacy, education, and political corruption. Click here to see the [...]

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 21: Symbolism of President

This is the twenty-first of a weekly series of public forums on TMB.

Arguably, one of the most important and consequential factors of a U.S. president is not simply what the president does, but what he/she symbolizes.
What might be the national or international consequences of what a McCain or Obama presidency would symbolize? Feel free to [...]

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 19: Illegal Immigration

This is the nineteenth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
Illegal immigration. McCain. Obama.
Discuss.
Next week: Race and Gender Issues
Email a friend

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 18: Crisis Intervention

This is the eighteenth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
This topic is arguably more important than any other, as far as the next President is concerned. Especially considering the recent economic crisis on Wall Street. (Feel free to comment on what each candidate had to [...]

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 17: Urban Concerns

This is the seventeenth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
Urban concerns. Something that has not been talked about all that much for the general election. And something that I know little about, as far as McCain and Obama are concerned (especially McCain).
Possible topics: Homelessness, poverty, [...]

Playing the “Democrat Card”: Utah County Politics

We’ve heard a lot this campaign season about playing the gender card or race card. But there’s another kind of card-playing that is unique to highly conservative areas, such as Utah County, Utah: playing the “Democrat card.” This is the story of a Utah County Republican who is playing the Democrat card in order to [...]

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 16: Cindy McCain vs. Michelle Obama

This is the sixteenth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
The topic of this week’s forum regards the two potential First Ladies: Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama. I’ll leave this fairly open, but I want to keep it focused on what is most important (e.g., who [...]

Obama and Truth

If you wish to know the real truth about Obama, click here:
The Truth.
Email a friend

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 15: Political Corruption

This is the fifteenth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
This week’s forum topic is timely considering the recent makeover of McCain-Palin as the mavericks who will take on political corruption.
What do you think? Which candidate is best suited to fight political corruption in Washington?
Next week: [...]

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 14: Education

This is the fourteenth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
In keeping with the start of a new school year, the topic of this week’s post is on education (I apologize the post is a day late, due to Labor Day).
The key similarities and differences, as [...]

“Is Sarah Palin a Mormon?” Many Are Asking

Ever since I put up this post announcing McCain’s VP pick of Alaska governor Sarah Palin, I’ve been surprised how many people are wondering if Palin is a Mormon.
Check out my search engine stats (updated 6 p.m. MST):

McCain’s VP: Goodbye Romney, Hello Sarah Palin

CNN has just confirmed that Sarah Palin, the 44-year old Alaska governor, is McCain’s VP pick.
Why not Romney? Your thoughts?
Email a friend

Person Sarah Palin
Right click for SmartMenu shortcuts

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 13: Terrorism and Diplomacy

This is the thirteenth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
Terrorism. Diplomacy.
McCain. Obama.
Discuss.
(Keep in mind that there is a separate forum for Iraq.)
Next week: Education
Email a friend

VP Choices: Biden and … Romney?

I just left the following comment on the McCain vs. Obama VP forum. I’d like to hear what you think about it, but I’ve closed comments on this post and am encouraging you to leave comments on the original VP post instead.

Obama vs. McCain 2008: Round 12: Age and Experience

This is the twelfth of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday.
This week’s forum is on the topics of age and experience.
Is McCain’s age more of an asset or a liability? Obama’s youth? The candidates’ experience?
Discuss.
Next week: Terrorism and Diplomacy
Email a friend