Guest Thinkers

There’s an anti-Obama documentary in release and don’t underestimate its potential impact. McCain needs something to intensify his base and research shows that political documentaries–whether Fahrenheit 9/11 or Inconvenient Truth–are […]

If this National Review report is true, the GOP platform calls for making illegal all forms of embryonic stem cell research, even privately financed research. Definitely a story to watch.UPDATE: […]

Gore endorsing Obama for the Democratic nomination during the primary campaign.Standing on stage before a national TV audience at Mile High Stadium, Al Gore was a symbolic reminder of what […]

When you pick as a VP candidate someone who is inexperienced and unfamiliar with national politics, you don’t know what you are going to get. Above, a look back at […]

In running for Governor of Alaska in 2006, GOP VP candidate Sarah Palin said she supported teaching alternatives to evolution. When asked during an election debate, she said: “Teach both. […]

From an interview this month with NewsMax: What is your take on global warming and how is it affecting our country?A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other […]

Similar to Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal was heralded by conservatives as offering the belief credentials to be Vice President.Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was interviewed by the Sunday NY Times magazine. […]

Scientists are the most trusted spokespeople in America. Surveys show that they are the most admired profession and among institutions, only the military scores higher in terms of public confidence. […]

“New Evangelical” Joel Hunter (blue shirt) works with church members on a recycling campaign.Evangelical leader Joel C. Hunter, a registered Republican, will give the closing prayer at the Democratic National […]

A McCain ad released today features a former Clinton delegate telling fellow Hillary supporters that she plans to vote for John McCain and it’s okay for them to do so […]

“Well, if this party has a message it has done a hell of a job of hiding it tonight I promise you that,” James Carville said on CNN Monday night […]

At the end of July, I predicted that the Edwards affair might turn out to be the dominant news story for August. It turns out I was wrong, but very […]

In a recent survey, Gallup asked respondents whether they believed in God; believed in a universal spirit or higher power; or don’t believe in either. Not surprisingly, “God disbelief” is […]

Rewind 1992: Bush’s public approval shifted as the public turned its attention from war to the economy.As tensions with a newly aggressive Russia escalate, the return of America’s Cold War […]

Is McCain’s “House” Gaffe Similar to George Bush’s 1992 “Scanner” Moment?In his first major negative ad of the campaign, Obama is defining McCain as out of touch with Americans’ economic […]

That’s the plan here in the nation’s capital. From today’s Washington Post: Beginning in October, 3,000 students at 14 middle schools will be eligible to earn up to 50 points […]

I watched Edwards’ interview Friday night and it was pretty clear that he had help from crisis communication experts, delivering a narrative about a man who had come from a […]

Shanto Iyengar is a professor of communication at Stanford University and director of Stanford’s Political Communication Lab. He’s one of the senior scholars in the field of political communication and […]

The reality of high gas prices and the successful advertising blitz of the McCain team has helped redefine the nature and relevance of the economy in voters’ minds and in […]

The Metcalfe Institute at the University of Rhode Island has announced its 2008 Grantham Prize winners for environmental reporting. The series “Choking on Growth” by The NY Times on China […]

My brother Drew and cousin Jeff fishing Lady Evelyn Lake in Northern Ontario. A magical place with glassy smooth waters full of Walleye, Northern Pike, and Small Mouth Bass.

Roughly 60% of Independents say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supported easing restrictions on off-shore drilling, according to a recent Gallup survey (figure above). […]

Will Joe Biden get the VP nod from Obama?Obama is expected to announce his VP choice in the next 24 to 36 hours and the selection won’t be unveiled by […]

From The Scientist’sNewsblog: In an industry known for backing Republicans, Sen. Barack Obama has emerged as a surprising pharma favorite in the US presidential election.In April, Obama won a mock […]

One image of Gore: A partisan activist and leader.CNN reports this afternoon that Al Gore will have a major speaking slot at the Democratic convention, joining Obama on stage the […]

Edwards’ follies are likely to hurt Democratic chances in November and further derail media attention from issues that really matter.Tonight on ABC Nightline, John Edwards will admit his affair but […]

Straight talk express? McCain with Jerry Falwell.Last week, I noted McCain’s not-so-subtle attempt in a new Web advertisement to draw comparisons between Obama and the anti-Christ with the ad using […]

In today’s fragmented media environment, how do we actually reach “mass” audiences with science-related content? Or similarly, if you are a company or organization trying to promote your science credentials […]

Along with scientific journals, Americans rate public broadcasting as one of the most credible sources for information about biotechnology.Yesterday I noted data that reveals the PBS NOVA audience to be […]

The Barna Group is known for its precision in tracking the preferences of religious groups, especially Evangelicals. The organization today released its latest election survey, finding that Obama is within […]