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February 13, 2012
Binyamin Rose: Back to the Bunker: How a life-risking act by a Christian family during the Holocaust saved a family and built a thriving community a world away
Menachem Wecker: Business Schools Teach Real Estate Despite Troubled Housing Market
February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
Augus 11, 2005
/ 6 Av, 5765
Curveballs add spin to national political debate
By
Ruben Navarrette Jr.
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
Whether on the baseball diamond or in the rough and tumble of politics, I do appreciate a good curveball. Lately, I've seen quite a few. Some are even coming from people rumored to be interested in seeking the presidency in 2008.
In politics, a curveball is when a politician takes a stand that is totally unexpected. It's when someone defies his supporters and sides with those who might normally be considered his opponents. It's when someone on the left starts moving to the right, or when someone on the right slides to the left.
That kind of maneuver can anger a politician's base, but it can also benefit the politician by making him appear more complex and thus more watch-able in the eyes of the media and other political spectators.
Recently, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist threw social conservatives a curve when the Tennessee Republican broke with the White House's position on government-funded embryonic stem-cell research. While the administration is standing by the restrictions it set, Frist advocates more flexibility.
Many pundits are insisting that Frist has all but destroyed his chances to win his party's nomination. But that may not be the case. It's hard to imagine Frist as a doctor taking any position other than the one at which he eventually arrived. Had he done so, he would have been roasted in and out of his profession as a shameless political opportunist whose principles are flexible.
This way, there is still the chance that Republican primary voters will see the virtue in his position on stem-cell research, and maybe even come to respect his courage for taking it.
Personally, I have a tough time imagining Frist as his party's nominee. But if he fails, it won't be because of his position on stem cells. It'll come down to his ability to connect with average Americans.
Of course, if I'm wrong and Frist clinches the nomination, he might find himself squaring off with another person who isn't afraid to throw her base a curveball now and then. Sen. Hillary Clinton has rattled some of her more liberal supporters by appearing to drift to the right on a number of issues. In New York, she courts the support of farm groups and talks about economic development and supporting small businesses. In Washington, she has taken up the cause of overhauling the military and appeared on television alongside more conservative Republican colleagues such as Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John McCain of Arizona. Not to mention her appearances with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to promote health-care reform.
According to an article in the Washington Post, Clinton also angered many liberals by agreeing to head up an initiative aimed at developing a more positive agenda for Democrats one that happens to be sponsored by the Democratic Leadership Council.
There has also been some tough talk on immigration, which could and I would argue, should concern Latino voters. Back in February 2003, Clinton tried to reassure the audience of WABC radio in New York that she is no softie on illegal immigration.
"I am, you know, adamantly against illegal immigrants," Clinton said. She even suggested that her mind was open to the idea of a national ID "even for citizens."
It's not the positions that are troubling. It's the fact that they may have been the result of a political calculation by Clinton to move away from her liberal roots and tap into the anti-illegal immigration sentiment fomenting in this country. Political observers call this moving to the center where, they say, you'll find the majority of voters. Cynics might dismiss it as politicians finessing their views to get elected.
Whatever you call it, the strategy could pay dividends. In every presidential campaign, there emerges some personal quality that voters embrace. In 2000, McCain gained early traction especially leading up to and coming out of the New Hampshire primary from the perception that he was candid and authentic. In 2004, President Bush came out on top at least in part because he was seen as forthright and sincere in his beliefs.
Could it be that in 2008, it will be those politicians who are unpredictable that voters find most attractive? If so, that would be a good thing. There's nothing wrong with politicians who are complicated. It's the ones who aren't that worry me.
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