What We're Reading for the Week of January 23rd

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 27, 2012 4:26 PM EST

This week’s What We’re Reading reflects just how many political issues are unfolding around the nation.  Whether it is a reflection of President Obama’s State of the Union address, an Electoral College prediction or the House of Representatives honoring Rep. Gabby Giffords, we have lots to share.  Read more from DFA's staff after the break.

Jay Henderson,  National Field Organizer
Pick of the Week:

“This article is great.  For those of us who stare into crystal balls are destined to eat glass.  Nevertheless, these Friday morning predictions for the 2012 presidential race are a must read.” 

The Republicans’ Electoral College Newt-Mare 
By Larry J. Sabato, Kyle Kondik and Geoffrey Skelly

“Republicans don’t just disagree with President Barack Obama; they viscerally dislike him. And, as Mr. Wade indicates, they don’t just want a candidate who can beat Obama. They are seeking someone who will unequivocally bash and bloody him.”

“It's interesting and appalling to see how Citizens United is already affecting the 2012 election. Would Gingrich even be a serious candidate without Citizens United?”

How Citizens United Created Newt
By Jonathan Chait

“...His campaign is also blowback to the party Establishment in another, more mechanical way. His campaign is surviving entirely as a result of the Citizens United ruling, decried by liberals and celebrated by conservatives, which allows unlimited campaign expenditures, as long as they’re not coordinated with campaigns.”

Andrew Ellis,  Political Intern
Pick of the Week:

“This article is a really good look from some brilliant minds on the actions that Obama has taken in South-East Asia and in other regions.  I'm particularly fond of Russian-American relations, and this year has been a big step backwards for them, with anti-American tendencies growing in Russia's media circles.  It will be an exciting election year around the world, and it'll be curious to see how well Obama's vision of democracy will spread to other countries.”

Grading Obama’s Foreign Policy
Published in Foreign Policy 

"The administration has also worked to establish and strengthen regional and global institutions that allow the United States to leverage its own efforts and to cooperate much more efficiently with others.”

Arshad Hasan, Executive Director 
Pick of the Week:

“Last week DFA joined with a broad coalition of internet junkies, online activists, and corporations to oppose SOPA/PIPA.  The nimbleness of our allies created the largest online protest in history.  I’m impressed with our ability to accomplish big wins when we all work together.  While the protest flexed our political muscle, we must remain vigilant because the assault on internet freedom continues.”

SOPA/PIPA Blackout By the Numbers
By Carl Franzen

“Now that the so-called “Blackout Day,” has come and gone, it is abundantly clear that the political winds in Washington have shifted in favor of the opposition. Numerous Republican former co-sponsors of PIPA have shifted sides, and far more lawmakers on both sides who hadn’t yet taken a stance have finally come out against the bills.” 

Eve O’Conner, Training Department Intern
Pick of the Week:

“I really liked this article!  It’s series of short articles highlights the evolution of the State of the Union as a historical tradition in terms of political meaning, technological progress, and emotional impact. These "moments" also emphasize the diversity of the State of the Union's significance for each president and time in our history.”

TIME’s Top 10 State of The Union Moments
By Josh Sanburn

“President Obama will deliver his second State of the Union address tonight — it will likely focus on the economy, jobs and U.S. competitiveness around the world. TIME takes a look at some of the most notable State of the Union moments.”

Michael Langenmayr, Deputy Political Director
Pick of the Week:

“Agree or disagree with Rep. Giffords on politics, hers is an amazing story of courage and perseverance.”

Gabrielle Giffords Resignation: Congresswoman Officially Leaves House Of Representatives
 By Luke Johnson

"I have given all of myself to being able to walk back onto the House floor this year to represent Arizona's 8th Congressional District. However, today I know that now is not the time. I have more work to do on my recovery before I can again serve in elected office."

Levana Layendecker, Communications Director 
Pick of the Week: 

“This is an interesting analysis as to why Newt Gingrich is still able to be a key player in the Republican primary.”

GOP Hates Citizens United, Too
By Martin Longman

“Gingrich's campaign is surviving almost entirely because of one donor.  You can learn about Sheldon Adelson here.  He's one of the richest people in the country, and he has a special fondness for Mr. Gingrich.  He and his wife have already donated $10 million to a SUPER PAC called “Winning Our Future" that is dedicated to supporting Gingrich's presidential bid.  There is nothing preventing the Adelsons from giving Gingrich $10 billion if they want to.  And they don't have to tell us about it either.  We only know they gave this money because they wanted us to know. This would not have been legal prior to the Citizens United ruling.

Tags: