WATER COOLER
The Water Cooler is written by Washington Times staffers.
Latest Blog Entries
Oliver Stone calls NSA whistleblower Eric Snowden a 'hero'
Tallying the names of those who think National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden is a hero? There's another entry to add to the motley list, which already includes Michael Moore, Glenn Beck and Ron Paul.
Eye on the future: The top-20 emerging Republican leaders named
It's the Republican Party, future version - minus political glitz, and with a focus on hard work. GOPAC, the political action committee established in 1979 to groom future campaign heavyweights, is hosting an "Emerging Leaders Summit" in New York City through Wednesday.
Politician shortage? Seven out of 10 voters wonder if our elected leaders are the 'best' we can find
Are gifted, committed leaders shunning the expensive, combative political arena? Maybe so. Voters are not convinced that the best among us have been elected, according to a new Fox News poll.
Roger Ailes explains why America is the greatest country on earth
"I mentioned earlier that American culture is unique and must be included in all discussions of culture. It is America that has fed more and freed more people on earth than all the other countries put together. You know how I know this is a great country? Because everybody is trying to get in, and nobody is trying to get out," Mr. Ailes told his audience.
Rand Paul: 'American taxpayer dollars are being used to enable a war on Christianity in the Middle East'
"It is clear that American taxpayer dollars are being used to enable a war on Christianity in the Middle East and I believe that must end," the lawmaker told a Faith and Freedom Coalition audience.
What IRS scandal? Broadcast news covered it only ONCE this week
When news broke that the IRS had targeted conservative groups, the "Big Three" broadcast networks were hot on the trail, airing 96 stories about the matter for the first two weeks. But this week? There was only one story, which aired on ABC.
Gallup: Americans warming to George W. Bush, his 'image rating' improves
"Americans' views of former president George W. Bush have improved, with 49 percent now viewing him favorably and 46 percent unfavorably. That is the first time since 2005 that opinions of him have been more positive than negative," says Jeffrey M. Jones, a Gallup analyst.
Ron Paul praises Edward Snowden and defends the Fourth Amendment
Ron Paul is definitely not done yet. Now chairman of the Campaign for Liberty, the former congressman and independent presidential hopeful has spoken out against government collection of phone and internet data and the dramatic circumstances that brought the situation to public radar.
Cruz, Rubio, Palin, West, Trump among those assembling for faith and freedom this week
There's a predictable silence in the mainstream media about the Faith and Freedom Coalition's three-day Road to Majority conference, which begins Thursday at a bustling hotel two blocks from the White House. The event boasts a veritable who's who list of conservatives and Republicans.
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden (VIDEO), plus his employer's reaction
"News reports that this individual has claimed to have leaked classified information are shocking," consulting giant Booz Allen Hamilton says.
Bilderberg Conference underway in a sea of security, protestors, mystery plus a no-fly zone
It's Day One of the 61st Bilderberg Conference, now underway at the swank Grove Hotel some 20 miles northeast of London. Though police have no specific intelligence about terrorism threats against the very private meeting of global luminaries, the area is essentially cordoned off. And protestors, meanwhile, have arrived.
Romney-palooza gets underway in Utah with Rand Paul, Chris Christie - and David Axelrod
Mitt Romney has returned to the public radar seven months after losing the presidential election. On Wednesday, it's all about "Experts and Enthusiasts," a three-day summit in Park City, Utah pairing up high-profile politicians, tycoons, investors and the proverbial "thought leaders" of the Republican Party.
Surviving boot camp warrants a drink: 71% say underage troops deserve a beer
Do we care if politicians wear flag pins and do underage soldiers who fight for their country overseas deserve a beer at home? Should kids say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, and should "Born in the USA" " replace the "Star Spangled Banner" as the national anthem? Yes, there's a poll.
Celebrity diplomat: Steven Seagal lends Republicans a hand in Russia
Silver screen action hero Steven Seagal lent some muscle to a congressional delegation during a recent five-day visit to Russia.
Sarah Palin offers big applause for small town America
"Small town America is the soul of our country," says Sarah Palin, who is proving her point this weekend by giving the commencement address at Republic High School, in wee Republic, Washington - before 26 graduates.
