USA

Debunking myths of picking a vice president; a question and answer

There’s a good rule of thumb, as previously noted, when it comes to the vice presidential selection process: Those who know don’t talk, and those who talk probably don’t know. Still, the speculation abounds, spun like so much tempting but air-filled cotton candy: Chris Christie. Elizabeth Warren. Newt Gingrich. Much of the talk is rooted […]

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USA

Students learn about Jewish civil rights activism — in Japan

Miyuki Kita, an American Studies professor at the University of Kitakyushu in southern Japan, has focused her entire academic career on Jewish political activism in the United States. Her town has no Jewish community. “Japanese students know only Martin Luther King, Jr., and regard him as the only hero of the civil rights movement,” said

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International, Jewish History, USA

Newt Gingrich on vice presidential slot: ‘If it’s about funerals, I’m not interested’

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, reportedly on Donald Trump’s shortlist for vice president, said Saturday that he would be interested in the job if he had strong authority rather than being a ceremonial figurehead. “I have a very simple test question: If it’s about funerals, I’m not interested,” Gingrich said in an appearance at the

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USA

Tom Perez, Labor secretary, praises Hillary Clinton despite her opposition to Pacific trade deal

Labor Secretary Tom Perez hailed Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton on Sunday even though she opposes the Pacific Rim trade deal that he has championed on behalf of President Obama. Mr. Perez said the likely Democratic nominee will learn from past mistakes and hold other countries accountable in her trade arrangements, while presumptive GOP nominee

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International, USA

New low: Gallup poll says only 52% are ‘extremely proud’ to be Americans

Only 52 percent of U.S. adults say they are “extremely proud” to be Americans in the latest Gallup poll, representing a new low in the question’s 16-year trend. As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Gallup analysis said that the declining patriotism is “likely related to broader dissatisfaction with the way things are going

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USA

Corey Lewandoski, ex-Trump aide, defends anti-Clinton ad with six-pointed star

Former Donald Trump chief of staff Corey Lewandowski defended the presumptive GOP presidential nominee’s use of an anti-Hillary Clinton graphic that used a six-point star over piles of cash, saying it looked like the star used by sheriff’s departments instead of the Star of David. Mr. Trump initially posted the graphic, which says Mrs. Clinton

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USA

A lottery reverie

By Joel H. Cohen NEW YORK — Trying to fall asleep one night earlier this year, I didn’t rely on the old-reliable method of counting sheep or picturing glamorous movie stars or mermaids (a whole other story). Instead, I spent the wakeful moments selecting the worthy charities to which I’d give some of my multi-billion-dollar Powerball

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Joel H. Cohen, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

FBI interviews Hillary Clinton over her email use while secretary of State

WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton submitted to more than three hours of questioning at FBI headquarters Saturday morning about her “email arrangements” while she served as secretary of State, according to an aide, a sign that the probe is reaching a conclusion. The interview marks the first time that Clinton — now the presumptive Democratic presidential

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USA

Trump Tweet Attacking Clinton Features Jewish Star

Republican presidential candidate DonaldTrump on Saturday tweeted an image of rival Hillary Clinton alongside hundred-dollar bills and a Jewish star bearing the words “most corrupt candidate ever!”, prompting outrage and bafflement on social media. Two hours after his initial tweet, Trump tweeted a similar image in which the six-pointed Star of David – which appears

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USA

Understanding the 30th President: Coolidge by Amity Schlaes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 29, 2016 – In the midst of this crazy election year, it’s worth considering the events of almost 100 years ago at the dawn of the Progressive Era and the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. The time bears a sometimes uncanny resemblance to our own; his challenges are

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, USA

As Trump considers Gingrich as running mate, similarities are apparent

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich couldn’t be more alike. And they couldn’t be more different. Each has been described as larger than life. And no one would accuse either one of not having a healthy ego. With Trump reportedly considering Gingrich, among others, as his running mate, the similarities between

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USA