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2008 U.S. Elections

FEATURED COMMENTARY

CTV News Interview: Democratic Battle in NC and IN
Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 05/06/08

[Television Interview, CTV News, May 6, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canadian TV the day of the Democratic primaries in Indiana and North Carolina. Simmons discusses blue collar politics, super delegates, and the lasting impact of Jeremiah Wright. Interview conducted by Dan Matheson on May 6th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST

RECENT COMMENTARY

CTV News Interview: Democrats Split 50-50 Heading Into Final Primaries
Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 05/04/08

[Television Interview, CTV News, May 4, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canadian TV analyzing tension and uncertainty surrounding the Democratic primaries in Indiana and North Carolina. Simmons discusses the role of the super delegates and the need for healing inside of the Democratic party before the convention. Interview conducted by Scott Laurie on May 4th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV.
WATCH BROADCAST

CTV News Interview: Jeremiah Wright Speaks Out on Race in America
Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 04/28/08

[Television Interview, CTV News, April 28, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canadian TV analyzing the recent statements of Reverend Jeremiah Wright at the NAACP conference in Detroit and at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. Simmons identifies the issues which have brought Jeremiah Wright into the national spotlight and examines the impact of Wright upon the presidential campaign of Barack Obama. Interview conducted by Dan Matheson on April 28th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST

The American Elections: Prospects for a New US Foreign Policy
Richard Rubenstein, ICAR Professor
Posted: 03/13/08

Predicting the foreign policies that American presidential candidates will embrace after attaining power is rather like trying to foresee the course of a marriage by analyzing the wedding ceremony. Where domestic issues like health insurance or tax reform are concerned, the candidates are accustomed to outlining programs which, however vague or impractical they may be, give at least an inkling of what they might attempt to accomplish once in office. READ MORE

Let Ralph Nader Run
Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 03/01/08

[Published, Washington Post, March 1, 2008] Harold Meyerson has long been one of the Left's most trenchant and interesting political analysts, but his artful juxtaposition of Ralph Nader and Fidel Castro was unfair ["Winter of the Patriarchs," op-ed, Feb. 27]. READ MORE

CTV News Interview: Ralph Nader and the Third Party Role in US Politics
Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 02/24/08

[Television Interview, CTV News, February 24, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, talks to CTV about Ralph Nader's announcement that he is running fro President. Simmons discusses the role of third parties in American politics, Nader's attempt to pressure the Democrats to shift to the left, and the negligible impact of Nader as a spoiler. Interview conducted by Jennifer Ward on February 24, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV NewsWATCH BROADCAST

To An Aspiring President
Dennis Sandole, ICAR Professor
Posted: 02/17/08

[Published, Washington Post, February 17, 2008] James Mann's review of Samantha Power's Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World (Book World, Feb. 10) suggests to me three reasons to recommend the book to, among others, the first post-Bush president of the United States. The first is that the United Nations can only be as effective as its members allow it to be. READ MORE

CTV's The Verdict Interview: Post-Super Tuesday Analysis
Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 02/07/08

[Television Interview, CTV News' The Verdict, February 6, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, interviewed on CTV following the "Super Tuesday" presidential primaries. Simmons discusses the simmering class conflict in the Republic Party between the social and economic conservatives. Simmons also addresses the perspectives of women, Latino and African American voters on the remaining Democrat contenders, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST

US Primaries After South Carolina: Analysis by Solon Simmons
Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 01/27/08

[Television Interview, CTV News, January 27, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution interviewed on CTV in following the South Carolina Presidential Primaries. Simmons discusses the role of race, former President Bill Clinton, and the position of the candidates moving ahead to Florida and Super Tuesday. Video courtesy of CTV.ca. WATCH BROADCAST

Looking Presidential on Pakistan
Saira Yamin , ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 01/16/08

[Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, January 16, 2008] As the race for the White House heats up, Presidential candidates are using the turmoil in Pakistan to show off their foreign policy credentials. Unfortunately few of the candidates have demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexities Pakistan presents, including the political situation, nuclear safeguards, al-Qaeda, and terrorism.READ MORE

McCain's Two Wars
Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 01/15/08

[Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, January 15, 2008] For many Democrat voters, John McCain represents the least bad Republican presidential candidate on the ballot. Democrats not wanting the Bible in the White House are disinclined toward southern Baptist Mike Huckabee, and those not wanting a doubled-in-size Guantanamo or an immigrant-free America find Mitt Romney completely unlikable. McCain seems to be the most willing to build bipartisan coalitions, the most willing to give detainees legal representation, and the most willing to tackle global warming - all of which makes many Democrat voters fonder of McCain than any other Republican candidate. READ MORE

New Hampshire Primaries: Analysis by Solon Simmons
Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 01/06/08

[Television Interview, CTV News, January 6, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, analyzes the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries, putting the New England state primary in context with previous presidential campaigns, the Iowa caucus, and upcoming nationwide primaries. Video courtesy of CTV.ca. WATCH BROADCAST

Huckabee: Heroic Conservative?
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 12/26/07

[Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, December 26, 2007] Standing in prime position in the final weeks of pre-primary campaigning, Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee seems poised to potentially rout his two major contenders, candidates Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney in the upcoming caucuses. There is reason for Huckabee's recent rise to Republican stardom. The former Arkansas governor combines an unmistakable realism with both heroic and social conservatism. This unique combination plays well among a broad Republican base, and its implication for foreign policy is noteworthy. READ MORE

Pakistan Tempts the Democrats
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted:11/18/07

[Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, November 18, 2007] The Democratic presidential candidates have been salivating for a situation like Pakistan to come along the campaign trail. Eternally looking soft on security and stuck with no road map for Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan offers the candidates an opportunity to brandish new security strategies. With President Pervez Musharraf's violent crackdown on opposition parties, human rights organizations, media, lawyers, and the general populace, they have the perfect opportunity to posture. Trouble is, however, with Democratic White House hopefuls Obama, Biden, Clinton, and Edwards slating new strategies for Pakistan: they all have got their analysis flat wrong. READ MORE

Talking Tough: How Obama Can Fight Extremism in Pakistan
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 08/15/07

[Published, International Herald Tribune/Daily News, August 14, 2007] For those of us who believe in diplomacy, Senator Barack Obama’s recent pledge to dialogue with Cuba, North Korea and Iran offered a much-needed ray of hope. Amidst the security tough-talk by Democratic presidential hopefuls, at least one leading candidate was committed to a conversation. Ironically, undermining her own campaign slogan (“Let the Conversation Begin”) Senator Hillary Clinton quickly dismissed it as naive.READ MORE

America's Next Foreign Policy: How Can CR Fit In?
By Rephael T. Houston, ICAR Certificate Student
Posted: 08/01/07

In the July/August 2007 issue of Foreign Affairs magazine, presidential candidates, Barack Obama, a Democrat, and Mitt Romney, a Republican, presented their respective views on “America’s next foreign policy”. Although their views differ, vis-à-vis the scope of threats to the U.S., there seems to be consensus on the need to increase military ground force levels and spending overall. On this matter, conflict resolution theory can inform their policies. Practitioners should make every effort to ensure that - no matter whom wins - conflict resolution theory informs the next President’s policies. Thus, an understanding of how the candidates frame the challenges to U.S. security is necessary in order to map out points of entry. READ MORE

Clinton vs. Obama: A Revealing Picture?
By Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor
Posted: 03/01/07

[Published, New York Times, February 28, 2007] To the Editor: Re ''Mud, Dust, Whatever'' (column, Feb. 26): I was happy to see Bob Herbert's comments on the scuffle between the Clinton and Obama camps. Reviewing the coverage over the last week, I find that most professional commentators seem to suggest that both Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton came through equally scathed. I surmise that marquee media cycles hurt candidates only when they highlight a weakness. READ MORE

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ICAR News Network 2008 U.S. Elections FEATURED COMMENTARY CTV News Interview: Democratic Battle in NC and IN Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 05/06/08 [Television Interview, CTV News, May 6, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canadian TV the day of the Democratic primaries in Indiana and North Carolina. Simmons discusses blue collar politics, super delegates, and the lasting impact of Jeremiah Wright. Interview conducted by Dan Matheson on May 6th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST RECENT COMMENTARY CTV News Interview: Democrats Split 50-50 Heading Into Final Primaries Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 05/04/08 [Television Interview, CTV News, May 4, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canadian TV analyzing tension and uncertainty surrounding the Democratic primaries in Indiana and North Carolina. Simmons discusses the role of the super delegates and the need for healing inside of the Democratic party before the convention. Interview conducted by Scott Laurie on May 4th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST CTV News Interview: Jeremiah Wright Speaks Out on Race in America Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 04/28/08 [Television Interview, CTV News, April 28, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canadian TV analyzing the recent statements of Reverend Jeremiah Wright at the NAACP conference in Detroit and at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. Simmons identifies the issues which have brought Jeremiah Wright into the national spotlight and examines the impact of Wright upon the presidential campaign of Barack Obama. Interview conducted by Dan Matheson on April 28th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST The American Elections: Prospects for a New US Foreign Policy Richard Rubenstein, ICAR Professor Posted: 03/13/08 Predicting the foreign policies that American presidential candidates will embrace after attaining power is rather like trying to foresee the course of a marriage by analyzing the wedding ceremony. Where domestic issues like health insurance or tax reform are concerned, the candidates are accustomed to outlining programs which, however vague or impractical they may be, give at least an inkling of what they might attempt to accomplish once in office. READ MORE Let Ralph Nader Run Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 03/01/08 [Published, Washington Post, March 1, 2008] Harold Meyerson has long been one of the Left's most trenchant and interesting political analysts, but his artful juxtaposition of Ralph Nader and Fidel Castro was unfair ["Winter of the Patriarchs," op-ed, Feb. 27]. READ MORE CTV News Interview: Ralph Nader and the Third Party Role in US Politics Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 02/24/08 [Television Interview, CTV News, February 24, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, talks to CTV about Ralph Nader's announcement that he is running fro President. Simmons discusses the role of third parties in American politics, Nader's attempt to pressure the Democrats to shift to the left, and the negligible impact of Nader as a spoiler. Interview conducted by Jennifer Ward on February 24, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV NewsWATCH BROADCAST To An Aspiring President Dennis Sandole, ICAR Professor Posted: 02/17/08 [Published, Washington Post, February 17, 2008] James Mann's review of Samantha Power's Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World (Book World, Feb. 10) suggests to me three reasons to recommend the book to, among others, the first post-Bush president of the United States. The first is that the United Nations can only be as effective as its members allow it to be. READ MORE *CTV's The Verdict* Interview: Post-Super Tuesday Analysis** Analysis by Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 02/07/08 [Television Interview, CTV News' The Verdict, February 6, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, interviewed on CTV following the "Super Tuesday" presidential primaries. Simmons discusses the simmering class conflict in the Republic Party between the social and economic conservatives. Simmons also addresses the perspectives of women, Latino and African American voters on the remaining Democrat contenders, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST US Primaries After South Carolina: Analysis by Solon Simmons Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 01/27/08 [Television Interview, CTV News, January 27, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution interviewed on CTV in following the South Carolina Presidential Primaries. Simmons discusses the role of race, former President Bill Clinton, and the position of the candidates moving ahead to Florida and Super Tuesday. Video courtesy of CTV.ca. WATCH BROADCAST Looking Presidential on Pakistan Saira Yamin , ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 01/16/08 [Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, January 16, 2008] As the race for the White House heats up, Presidential candidates are using the turmoil in Pakistan to show off their foreign policy credentials. Unfortunately few of the candidates have demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexities Pakistan presents, including the political situation, nuclear safeguards, al-Qaeda, and terrorism.READ MORE McCain's Two Wars Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 01/15/08 [Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, January 15, 2008] For many Democrat voters, John McCain represents the least bad Republican presidential candidate on the ballot. Democrats not wanting the Bible in the White House are disinclined toward southern Baptist Mike Huckabee, and those not wanting a doubled-in-size Guantanamo or an immigrant-free America find Mitt Romney completely unlikable. McCain seems to be the most willing to build bipartisan coalitions, the most willing to give detainees legal representation, and the most willing to tackle global warming - all of which makes many Democrat voters fonder of McCain than any other Republican candidate. READ MORE New Hampshire Primaries: Analysis by Solon Simmons Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 01/06/08 [Television Interview, CTV News, January 6, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, analyzes the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries, putting the New England state primary in context with previous presidential campaigns, the Iowa caucus, and upcoming nationwide primaries. Video courtesy of CTV.ca. WATCH BROADCAST Huckabee: Heroic Conservative? By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 12/26/07 [Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, December 26, 2007] Standing in prime position in the final weeks of pre-primary campaigning, Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee seems poised to potentially rout his two major contenders, candidates Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney in the upcoming caucuses. There is reason for Huckabee's recent rise to Republican stardom. The former Arkansas governor combines an unmistakable realism with both heroic and social conservatism. This unique combination plays well among a broad Republican base, and its implication for foreign policy is noteworthy. READ MORE Pakistan Tempts the Democrats Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted:11/18/07 [Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, November 18, 2007] The Democratic presidential candidates have been salivating for a situation like Pakistan to come along the campaign trail. Eternally looking soft on security and stuck with no road map for Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan offers the candidates an opportunity to brandish new security strategies. With President Pervez Musharraf's violent crackdown on opposition parties, human rights organizations, media, lawyers, and the general populace, they have the perfect opportunity to posture. Trouble is, however, with Democratic White House hopefuls Obama, Biden, Clinton, and Edwards slating new strategies for Pakistan: they all have got their analysis flat wrong. READ MORE Talking Tough: How Obama Can Fight Extremism in Pakistan By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 08/15/07 [Published, International Herald Tribune/Daily News, August 14, 2007] For those of us who believe in diplomacy, Senator Barack Obama’s recent pledge to dialogue with Cuba, North Korea and Iran offered a much-needed ray of hope. Amidst the security tough-talk by Democratic presidential hopefuls, at least one leading candidate was committed to a conversation. Ironically, undermining her own campaign slogan (“Let the Conversation Begin”) Senator Hillary Clinton quickly dismissed it as naive.READ MORE America's Next Foreign Policy: How Can CR Fit In? By Rephael T. Houston, ICAR Certificate Student Posted: 08/01/07 In the July/August 2007 issue of Foreign Affairs magazine, presidential candidates, Barack Obama, a Democrat, and Mitt Romney, a Republican, presented their respective views on “America’s next foreign policy”. Although their views differ, vis-à-vis the scope of threats to the U.S., there seems to be consensus on the need to increase military ground force levels and spending overall. On this matter, conflict resolution theory can inform their policies. Practitioners should make every effort to ensure that - no matter whom wins - conflict resolution theory informs the next President’s policies. Thus, an understanding of how the candidates frame the challenges to U.S. security is necessary in order to map out points of entry. READ MORE Clinton vs. Obama: A Revealing Picture? By Solon Simmons, ICAR Professor Posted: 03/01/07 [Published, New York Times, February 28, 2007] To the Editor: Re ''Mud, Dust, Whatever'' (column, Feb. 26): I was happy to see Bob Herbert's comments on the scuffle between the Clinton and Obama camps. Reviewing the coverage over the last week, I find that most professional commentators seem to suggest that both Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton came through equally scathed. I surmise that marquee media cycles hurt candidates only when they highlight a weakness. READ MORE News Network Homepage / Armenia / 2008 Elections / Afghanistan / Diplomacy/ Egypt / Environment / Global Peace Index / Health / Immigration / Iraq / Iran / Islam / Kosovo / Nuclear Proliferation / Pakistan / Palestine-Israel / Russia / Somalia / South America / Sri Lanka / Turkey /		About ICAR Student Information Prospective Students Faculty and Staff Alumni Career Services Academic Programs Library ICAR In The News Events Technology Resources ICAR Publications Point Of View Center Center for World Religions, Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution