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The Beat

Breaking news and analysis of political, social, economic and cultural activism that mainstream media commonly ignore, by John Nichols.

Posted on August 12, 2010

A federal judge has decided that same-sex couples can again marry in California starting next week.

Posted on August 11, 2010

Free-spending candidates won big primaries Tuesday, but it wasn't pretty.

Posted on August 11, 2010

White House press secretary is mad at the left for having principles. Cool!

Posted on August 9, 2010

Missouri voters rejected federal mandates. But that mean that they are against expanding access to healthcare? Not necessarily.

Posted on August 6, 2010

Despite an all-out push by gun manufacturers and their political allies to block Elena Kagan's confirmation, three women will for the first time serve on the High Court.

Posted on August 6, 2010

The court ruling on California's Proposition 8 makes marriage equality a frontburner issue and Democrats and responsible Republicans should embrace it as smart politics.

Posted on August 4, 2010

The National Rifle Association is trying to block Elena Kagan's nomination. But it is failing, badly.

Posted on August 3, 2010

Michigan gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero is ready to create a state bank to invest in job creation.

Posted on August 2, 2010

David Stockman, Reagan's OMB director, warns against maintaining tax cuts for the rich and other misguided economic policies.

Posted on August 2, 2010

New York Congressman Anthony Weiner is not going to take it anymore. And his fellow Democrats should take notice.