To the Point
Political Party Platforms: Do They Really Matter?
Political platforms are exercises in democracy that give voice to grassroots activists. Do both parties share the risk of platforms that cater to narrow constituencies?
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenPolitical platforms are called exercises in democracy that give voice to grassroots activists. But Republican chairman Reince Priebus has already said that this year's effort is, "the platform of the Republican Party. It's not the platform of Mitt Romney." Do both parties share the same risk of platforms that cater to narrow constituencies: somebody might read them. Also, President Obama warns Syria against the use of chemical weapons, and a "flash drought" on the Mississippi means it's not so mighty — at least for now.
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3 storiesObama Warns Syria against the Use of Chemical Weapons
Troops and tanks swept into a town near Damascus today in another assault aimed at crushing opposition to the al-Assad regime. President Obama said the US would consider intervention if Assad attempt to use chemical or biological weapons. Adam Entous is national security correspondent for the Wall Street Journal .
Read the story7 minPolitical Party Platforms: Do They Really Matter?
A committee of party insiders met for two days this week to write the Republican platform . It's expected to be adopted by the convention in Tampa next Monday. But the party chairman, Reince Priebus has already made it clear that it's "the platform of the Republican Party. It's not the platform of Mitt Rommey ."
Read the story35 minLow Waters on the Mighty Mississippi
Low flows of water have closed the Mississippi River five times this month, most recently on Monday. Yesterday, traffic began to flow again in both directions. But clearing stalled barges is a slow process with potential consequences for the economy, raising troubling questions about the environment.
Read the story8 min