One of my favorite lines from the Dirty Harry films is not the "make my day" classic; it is the peeved response given by inspector Harry Callahan, played by Clint Eastwood, upon being informed that he is being transferred from active homicide duty to personnel. "To personnel? That's...

I moderated a spirited conversation this week about president Barack Obama and gay rights. Like many progressives across the country, more than a few of my guests were dumbfounded by the administration's inaction over these first few months. It is a matter of courage, they said, and for all...

Today's speech in Cairo, the most historic of his presidency thus far, is just the latest in a string of smart foreign policy moves that President Obama has made since taking office. He added troops in Afghanistan, brought Russia into the Iran conversation, and has spoken humbly with the...

I know a lot of people are saddened and angered by the California Supreme Court's 6-1 decision yesterday to uphold Prop 8. In my mind, it's not that different from Plessy v. Ferguson's tragic "separate but equal" ruling that confronted my great-grandfather and millions of other African-Americans looking for...

It's tough not to like Wes Moore. He has an incredible story--star football player, Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, army captain in Afghanistan, Citibank trader, White House fellow--and he knows how to tell one, too. Elevate: American Journeys into Manhood will be published by Random House next fall. Listening to him...

Two big economic trends appeared this week that might have flown under your radar, but they could have a real impact on your finances this summer. There's good news and bad news: your chances of being employed just went up, but the paycheck you'll start earning could be worth less.

OK, I'm going to say it: I miss John Edwards.

I'm not pining for that goofy smile or the expensive coif, but rather for what Edwards brought to the national conversation on poverty. Really, at least during the campaign, he was the national conversation on poverty. And as the recession...

Cross-posted at The Stimulist

Yesterday shored up any lingering doubts I had: I am now convinced we'll see an investigation into the Bush administration's use of torture. America's just not going to let this one go. The politicians who fired shots across the bow minutes...

I believed Martin Kilson, my favorite professor, when he told me during my junior year in college that entrepreneurs can change the world as much or more than anyone else. So over the last 15 years, from vending companies to an education firm, I have not been afraid to try...

The following is a letter sent by Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana, to the leaders of the Republican Party. At least I wish it was.

From: Bobby Jindal [bobby@louisiana.gov]
To: John Boehner [jb@house.gov], Michael Steele [mike@rnc.org], Rush Limbaugh [talentonloanfromg-d@rushlimbaugh.com]
Subject: Resignation
Sent: Thursday, March...

Ah, March. My favorite time of year. I've been to the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals, but no sporting event compares to the NCAA basketball playoffs (better known as "March Madness"). The buzzer-beaters, the storylines, the way one game can change a young college player's life forever -- the...

America has fallen for Michelle Obama. Fashionistas love her style. Ivy Leaguers love her class. Moms love her priorities. Even white guys are crushing on her. The First Lady is everywhere: Vogue, O, this week's New York Magazine. Like her husband, Michelle is a canvas onto...

President Obama wants to redraw the global partnership map, risks and all.

As ambitious as its $10 trillion domestic agenda has been, the Obama administration has been even bolder and more creative abroad. Led by Secretary Clinton, the U.S. isn't just talking to the bad guys. From Russia...

I have degrees from Harvard and Stanford, am an anchor on a major network, have a little money in the bank, and I'm young. By all accounts, I should be able to survive this recession. But even my confidence is shaken. We're not in a good place. The reality...

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity...it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. - Charles...

Welcome to the 2008 Presidential Election post-season. And now for the All-Star Honors. It was a wild ride, shaped by all manner of unprecedented outcomes, unruly dynamics, and unexpected faces. What follows is the most sensational all-star election team in history. As expected, most of the spots went to...