Author Archive

Matthew Cooper

Management

Shutdown Pain is Isolated, But Not For Long

For now, it's mostly just furloughed workers who are feeling the pain. But just wait.

Management

Analysis: Why Obama's March on Washington Failed

This week’s “I Have a Dream” commemoration was poignant, inspiring—and full of missed opportunities.

Management

What Happened to Eric Holder?

He was a Reagan-appointed judge and a Clinton-appointed prosecutor respected by both sides. Then it all fell apart.

Management

Analysis: After the Oklahoma Tornado, Obama Needs to Make FEMA Work

Disaster relief is important to any presidency.

Management

Analysis: Obama Finds His Voice and the Nation's in Boston, 'We Will Run Again'

Standing ovations greet the president at interfaith service.

Oversight

Don't Jump to Conclusions About Boston Marathon Explosions

These days, falsity travels with greater speed than fact.

Management

Analysis: Margaret Thatcher Was Tougher Than Reagan

Late U.K. prime minister told George H.W. Bush not to 'go wobbly' on Iraq.

Oversight

Why Washington Is a City of Snow Wusses

Neither Southern nor Northern, we freak out every time the flakes fall.

Management

The 6 Species of Secretaries That Will Define Obama's Term

The president has picked most of his cabinet. Here's how they all fit into his second term.

Management

Analysis: The Good Side of Sequestration

The cuts are painful but will at least teach a lesson in what government does and why we shouldn't demonize it.

Management

The 9 Biggest Cliches in State of the Union Addresses

As Obama heads to the teleprompter, White House speechwriters spot the tired phrases he should avoid.

Management

Ex-Benedict: Why Popes Matter to Presidents

From JFK to Reagan, they have affected U.S. administrations. Will Benedict XVI's successor complicate life for Obama?

Management

Analysis: Spending Cuts Stink, but They're Overhyped

Agencies have an incentive to make sequestration seem more dire than it is.

Management

Analysis: Why Benghazi hasn't brought down Hillary Clinton – and won't

After years of taking hits, she has become bulletproof.

Defense

Analysis: How Chuck Schumer saved Chuck Hagel

Key Senator gives Defense secretary nominee the nod.

Defense

Zero Dark Thirty is about more than torture

It's about the brilliant, crazy-making figures like Jessica Chastain's character who drive Washington.

Management

The 6 Habits of Highly Effective Chiefs of Staff

Rahm Emanuel, Dick Cheney and what it takes to do Washington's second-most-powerful job.

Management

What history says about Chuck Hagel's Senate chances

In 1989, George H.W. Bush's Defense secretary nominee went down.

Management

Analysis: What Mark Kirk Can Teach a Hypocrite Congress

As Sen. Kirk returns to Congress, we're reminded that there’s nothing wrong with letting personal experience shape one’s political views.