Political Writer, Philadelphia Inquirer
Chief National Political Writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, he also has an online column at DickPolman.blogspot.com
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Dick Polman
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FROM Dick Polman
Which Way, L.A.?
What Voters Had To Say on ‘Tumultuous Tuesday” Yesterday’s primaries in Arkansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania were billed as bellwethers for the November elections—with the establishments of both parties on the defensive. In Pennsylvania, five-term Senator--and former Republican--Arlen Specter switched parties last year with the endorsement of President Obama. But in yesterday’s Democratic primary, Specter lost.
To the Point
What Voters Had To Say on ‘Tumultuous Tuesday” Yesterday’s primaries in Arkansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania were billed as bellwethers for the November elections—with the establishments of both parties on the defensive. In Pennsylvania, five-term Senator--and former Republican--Arlen Specter switched parties last year with the endorsement of President Obama. But in yesterday’s Democratic primary, Specter lost.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Obama Agenda and the Fate of the GOP President Obama went to St. Louis, Missouri today to mark his hundredth day in office. He reviewed his accomplishments and said it would take hard work to achieve the rest of his goals. Yesterday, he got a boost in that direction when Arlen Specter switched parties . Or did he? The Pennsylvania Senator drove a hard bargain, and skeptics say he’ll be no more reliable as a Democrat than he was as a Republican. But, while Specter might have been a Republican in name only, is he leaving a party that’s now so ideologically pure its nominees can’t win general elections? White House photo: Pete Sauza
To the Point
Specter's 100th Day Gift to Obama, Defection to Democrats President Obama went to St. Louis, Missouri today to mark his hundredth day in office. He reviewed his accomplishments and said it would take hard work to achieve the rest of his goals. Yesterday, he got a boost in that direction when Arlen Specter switched parties . Or did he? The Pennsylvania Senator drove a hard bargain, and skeptics say he’ll be no more reliable as a Democrat than he was as a Republican. But, while Specter might have been a Republican in name only, is he leaving a party that’s now so ideologically pure its nominees can’t win general elections? White House photo: Pete Sauza
To the Point
Democrats Try to Out-Maneuver Republicans on Security In 2002 and 2004, President Bush and other Republicans successfully portrayed the Democrats as weak on national security. Although the GOP still believes it can win elections by labeling Democrats as "cut-and-run" wimps who would embolden terrorists, times have changed. The latest polls show the Republicans--and former Democrat Joe Lieberman --are not the centrists any more. That's from political writer and blogger Dick Polman.
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To the Point
What happens when America retreats from the world? Is President Trump taking his "America First" agenda to extremes, withdrawing the country from the international stage on trade and climate change, distancing America from its traditional allies across the Atlantic and even threatening to physically isolate the country through the building of a wall along its southern border? León Krauze guest hosts.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.