The president avoided a confirmation fight and chose someone who saved the economy.
Matthew Cooper
Matthew Cooper is Executive Editor Digital at the Washington Monthly. He is also a contributing editor of the magazine and a veteran reporter who has covered politics and the White House for Time, The New Republic, Washingtonian, National Journal and many other publications.
Matthew is on Bluesky @mattizcoop.bsky.social and X @mattizcoop.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
Where Does the Build Back Better Act Leave Higher Education?
Despite the loss of free community college, President Biden’s $40 billion plan for colleges and universities—plus a big increase for national service—will help America’s students.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
Youngkin’s Performance Highlights Threat to House Democratic “Badass” Women
Abigail Spanberger and Elaine Luria, two moderate Democratic representatives from Virginia, were already facing tough reelection bids.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
Democrats Should Pass the Build Back Better Act
There’s enough in there for every Democrat to claim a victory and fight another day. They’d be crazy to blow it—which is why they probably won’t.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
Dear Senator Manchin: How You Can Save Reconciliation Without Caving to the Libs
You’re for voting rights. Take these additional steps and you can be a hero.
Posted inFeatured, Main, Political Animal, Politics
Colin Powell, RIP: Soldier, Statesman, Immigrant’s Kid, Yiddish Speaker
A few thoughts on overlooked aspects of the late secretary’s career. Plus, what I got wrong.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
Chuck Schumer, Chutzpah, and the Crybaby Republicans
After threatening to break the debt ceiling, GOP senators are whining. Boo-hoo.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
Stay Calm. Biden’s Presidency Is Not “On the Line” with Build Back Better.
It’d be great to pass the historic measure, but Democrats could still run well in the next two elections without it.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
Democrats Don’t Have to Pay for “Build Back Better”
Biden, Schumer, and Pelosi cling to the quaint notion that spending should have “pay-fors.” They should get over that.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
The Curious History of Hyper-Minority Districts
In the ’80s, I feared that racially carved districts would polarize our politics. How I was right—and pleasantly wrong.
