Actually, as a liberal democrat, I sincerely hope she does run in 2012. I have two reasons: first, and more seriously, she will push the republican field so far right that any chance they may have tosteal the center from Obama will evaporate faster than a slushie in Vegas in July. Second, after the election, if she does by some miracle win, it would be great to watch her deal with the frenzy over the supposed 'end of the world' which is conveniently schedule for just two months later. Hah hah hah, good luck Barracuda.  View

Eh, the socialists didn't go away, the die linke is getting bigger and makes ground in western germany since some SPD politicians (WASG) joined them. It's just stuff like National Front (the stalinist communist organ for controlling/approving who can be elected) that disappeared thankfully, SED themselves only had around 25% of the seats in parliament (Volkskammer). On the other hand communism where forbidden in western germany during that time. Those communists generally wouldn't be accepted in die linke though. Either way socialists is perfectly compatible with a democratic system, most western nations had communist parties in their parliaments during the cold war. They are reformed now, but it's not like they were criminals before. Not in the countries where they where allowed to exists freely. But it's just, The world looks different, domestically and abroad. The fight isn't the same. The world needed to stop being divided that's why the former SED also supported free elections/and reunification. That is what was accomplished 20 years ago. The economical divide did hurt East Germany, there were sanctions against them and other obsticals. It's what created the world market. Now Dresden is the largest cluster of semiconductor manufacturers in Europe thanks to this (and past effort by GDR). A proud people. A place where foreign investment happens. A unified germany and truly a part of the world. Not just the former communist second world (Comecon).  View

If this were a popular election I would think Blair's involvement in Iraq would be an issue, but it's not and it's not.  View

You would think with control of the senate and house he could have achieved more. Now that trends are favoring the GOP in the next mid-term election, he better get going this year in case they lose some power next November. I think it is apparent he didn't turn out to be the savior many were in tears over last November.  View

I think after the 2008 elections this may give the party a confidence boost. However, I think people are blowing it out of proportion in terms of Obama's effect on the outcome.  View

the Census is pretty important, as they said in the video the census is used for redistricting. The make up of districts has a huge impact on the election results. Only reporting the number of people in the household can still result in underrepresentation. It isn't just a body count, political affiliation and other information gained by the census affect policy. It strikes me that you could just skip over the questions you feel are too personal. Though the phone number thing is a bit much.  View

Another one for the Republicans means it's not looking so good for Obama come reelection time, but then again it's too early to give up all hope.  View

I'm sure UK's Conservative party have to realize the futility of backing a referendum against the treaty, particularly when they have bigger things to worry about--like the election of Conservative government perhaps. in other news, cheerio Pound, hello Euro!  View

It's ironic that the Guardian--the one source which is not actually American--seems to have it straight. The gubernatorial elections are not the end of the world and certainly not the largest deal. Yes, they point to "things to come", so to speak, but I am skeptical that they truly lay out in black and white whether this country is now blue or red.  View

I think I'd agree with Tomasky's point more if Obama wasn't putting so much political capital into the election. Had he decided to let things play themselves out, the results probably wouldn't be as indicative of his own success.  View