Michael McKenna
Columns by Michael McKenna
Supreme Court with Amy Coney Barrett would strengthen a broken Congress
Congress is a broken, fading, branch of government. Fortunately, if she is confirmed, federal appeals court Judge Amy Coney Barrett will help fix that and strengthen Congress. Published September 30, 2020
Forget Dems griping, if you have the votes Mr. McConnell, call the vote for Supreme Court nominee
There has been an excessive amount of talk about the U.S. Senate, Judge Merrick Garland, and the pending confirmation of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's replacement. Published September 27, 2020
Ginsburg’s death punctures Biden’s carefully crafted ‘Seinfeld’ campaign
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death poses the most daunting challenge to the Biden campaign's careful and brilliant strategy. Published September 23, 2020
Mike Pompeo deserves credit for the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords signed last week, normalizing relations between Israel and two more Arab states, are rightly considered a triumph for the Trump administration. Published September 18, 2020
Donald Trump still has pathways to Electoral College victory
Despite President Trump's steady and durable deficit in nationwide surveys, a closer look at the Electoral College map indicates that his pathways to victory remain open. Published September 16, 2020
Normalizing trade with China back in 2000 was a colossal mistake
Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of arguably the worst congressional vote in this century. On that day in 2000, the Senate approved Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the People's Republic of China by a vote of 83-15. Published September 11, 2020
Trump must give voters who drove him to victory in 2016 a roadmap for future
In the long run, it may not matter much who wins the presidential election. That is, of course, heresy among pundits, consultants and the political class, but it is at least as accurate as any other thing being said about the race at the moment. Published September 9, 2020
Team Trump needs to pay more attention to Texas
For the first time since 1976, the sovereign republic of Texas is a toss-up in the presidential election, although you would never know it by the way the campaigns are acting. Published September 4, 2020
Presidential race will come down to riots vs. COVID-19 pandemic
In the wake of the national political conventions, many are waiting for the traditional post-convention bounce for one of the candidates. It might be a long wait. Published September 2, 2020
Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton’s scare tactics endanger the presidential election and the republic
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the mob, each in their own way, last week increased the risk that we will face a fairly grave constitutional moment. Published August 28, 2020
Don’t lose confidence in the election process
As we suffer through the most dismal and discouraging campaign cycle in recent memory, it is crucial to remain focused on why we fight and struggle to find the right course. Published August 26, 2020
Chances of getting COVID-19 are slim, dying from it even slimmer
It is very unlikely that you will die from the coronavirus. Published August 21, 2020
Reagan changed the world at 1976 GOP convention
Ronald Reagan, who had just lost a tough primary battle to President Ford, was invited by Mr. Ford to give an impromptu address to the delegates. He responded with the greatest speech in the history of conventions. Published August 19, 2020
Death of the legislative branch: Presidents now make laws
In the wake of President Trump's somewhat aggressive executive orders on payroll taxes and unemployment payments this month, it is probably wise and useful to think about the nature of precedent. Published August 14, 2020
The left’s scorched earth campaign against Susan Collins
Susan Collins is a consequential senator committed to the rule of law. For that reason, she has been targeted by Democrats in this election cycle. Published August 12, 2020
Joe Biden losing momentum by playing prevent defense in presidential race
Mr. Biden has placed himself in a position in which the slightest mistake or hiccup on his part, or the slightest bit of good news for the president may touch off a surge, even a modest one, for the president that may be dispositive. Published August 9, 2020
Portland rioters and Black Lives Matter demand our unconditional surrender
The protesters and their enablers in the media are not interested in intermediate concessions. They are interested in a grand bargain -- you vote for our crew or the disruptions continue indefinitely. That is the real demand. Published August 5, 2020
Why Joe Biden’s vice presidential pick will matter so much
There is a good reason why former Vice President Joe Biden's selection of a running mate has become so freighted with emotion and expectation, and it is not just that the Democratic presidential nominee is not, shall we say, entirely and always there. Published July 31, 2020
Republicans must focus on House control in 2020 elections
If, as is now probable, President Trump loses his campaign for reelection, Republicans will wish that they had paid more attention to the House. Published July 29, 2020
Remember to thank those Americans that choose to run for office
The next time you see a candidate at a train station or bus stop, or knocking on your door, be kind, be gracious. Thank them for their love of country and their willingness to serve. Published July 25, 2020
