Reconciling perceptions and realities of economic mobility in America By the time historian James Truslow Adams gave a name to the “American dream,” the Great Depression was already under way. The year was 1931, and his definition of the now-iconic phrase perfectly embodied the hopes of the working class of the time: “[It] is that … Read more
The GOP’s push to recovery is not an easy one Thirty years after Ronald Reagan ushered in a period of conservative preeminence in American politics, the Republican Party finds itself attempting to chart a path back to power. Following a resounding defeat in presidential and congressional elections in November, conservatives are gathering across the country … Read more
Fred Thompson on the continuing challenges of American foreign policy Fred Thompson is a former Senator and assistant U.S. attorney who campaigned for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination. As well as playing an outspoken district attorney on the TNT series “Law and Order,” Thompson has served as chairman of the International Security Advisory Board and … Read more
Oliver Stone sets his eyes on Bush W., Directed by Oliver Stone, Lions Gate, 2008. 129 minutes. Oliver Stone’s latest film, W., offers a fresh, revisionist look at many of the major players in the life of George W. Bush. The movie’s assessment of the Bush administration’s legacy, however, is a decidedly mainstream one. Though … Read more
The economic crisis strikes Main Street With the world financial system teetering on the brink of collapse, most attention has focused on Wall Street and financial markets globally. “Toxic assets” is a more captivating phrase than “public waste management.” For people across the United States, however, the economic slowdown will affect life most directly through … Read more
Former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela on free trade Charles Shapiro served as U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela from 2002 to 2004. He now heads a State Department task force on free trade agreements. During a recent visit to Harvard, Shapiro sat down with the HPR to discuss a variety of topics in U.S.-Latin American relations. Harvard … Read more
Brent Scowcroft on American interests in the Middle East Now the founder and president of a major international consulting firm, Lt. General Brent Scowcroft (Ret.) remains one of the most venerable figures in America’s foreign policy establishment. Gen. Scowcroft served as National Security Advisor to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. Renowned for … Read more
Exploring the policies of the NSA The Shadow Factor: The Ultra-Secret NSA from 9/11 to the Eavesdropping on America, by James Bamford, Doubleday, 2008. $27.95, 416 pg. George W. Bush, in his acceptance speech at the 2000 Republican National Convention, assured Americans that he would honor their trust. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 … Read more
Historic challenges await America’s new leader As Election Day unfolded, pundits, politicians, and ordinary citizens attempted to put into perspective the first election of an African-American to the nation’s highest office. Barack Obama was never shy about running as the “change” candidate, calling for “an end to politics as usual.” In examining the electoral map, … Read more
An ambitious attempt to reshape the Republican promise Grand New Party: How Republicans Can Win the Working Class and Save the American Dream by Ross Douthat & Reihan Salam, Doubleday, 2008, $23.95, 256 pg. It is no longer morning in America. Something has gone wrong with the conservative vision, a vision now lost amongst the … Read more