blogging the beltway

(The Root) — President Obama earned praise for his spirited speech on the economy at Knox College. His willingness not only to propose bold ideas but also to dare Republicans to oppose them — followed by a challenge to the GOP to propose better ones — seemed to signal the emergence of a more assertive…

(The Root) — Jack Hunter, the controversial aide to Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), has resigned nearly two weeks after his previous ties to a white separatist group were revealed. Hunter announced his resignation in an email to the conservative news site the Daily Caller. He expressed embarrassment for some of his previous racially inflammatory behavior,…

(The Root) — Six days after a jury acquitted George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin, President Obama gave his first public remarks on the matter. He also gave his most in-depth remarks on race since his famed “race speech,” “A More Perfect Union,” in 2008. The president surprised reporters by appearing before them unannounced.…

(The Root) — Anyone who thought the acquittal of George Zimmerman would easily be the most disappointing thing Americans would hear this weekend was quickly proved wrong. There were countless offensive reactions to the verdict, most notably gleeful celebration (which I refuse to dignify by giving the sources of said celebratory reactions the benefit of…

(The Root) — Sen. Rand Paul generated headlines and some kudos for speaking at the historically black college Howard University. The moment was significant because the Kentucky senator’s previous controversial statements about the Civil Rights Act made him a target of suspicion and critique among African Americans. That suspicion is even less unlikely to subside…

(The Root) — On Sunday night the typically slow summer political news cycle was given a surprise gift. Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who resigned in disgrace after being linked to a prostitution scandal, announced that he’s running for office again. In his quest to become New York City comptroller, Spitzer is now the…

(The Root) — Although her husband generated most of the headlines during the first family’s trip to Africa, Michelle Obama recently generated some of her own. Last week she joined her predecessor, Laura Bush, at a Summit for African First Ladies, hosted by the George W. Bush Foundation. Obama’s remarks there stirred some controversy when…

(The Root) — Without a miracle intervention from Congress — which is looking increasingly unlikely with each passing hour — interest rates for student loans from the federal government will double as of July 1. This means that after today, a student seeking a loan will no longer enjoy a 3.4 percent interest rate; instead…

(The Root) — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is known for his willingness to take controversial positions, say controversial things and shrug off criticism for doing both. From New York City’s smoking ban to its ban on large, sugary drinks to his aggressive national campaign for gun control, he has earned critics and fans…