ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Richard Armitage

Speaking to an audience of roughly 60 Stanford University students and community members on February 7, 2008, former deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage described the challenges facing the United States in the coming decade in all parts of the world.

Primary Draws Candidates’ Attention, Republicans Challenge Campus Left

Traditionally holding its presidential primary in June, California had once been a “kingmaker” in nominating contests. In long-lasting primary seasons, the nation’s largest state played a decisive role, its late primary allowing it to choose the nominees or at least choose the top contenders for a convention fight.

Navigating Dire Straits: The GOP in 2008

Though the calendar has turned a new page, the Republican Party has not escaped the problems that have plagued it for the last two years. As its presidential candidates battle for the right to be standard-bearer, the GOP faces both a difficult election and a general malaise not seen since the days of Watergate. And it is not clear if help is in sight, either.

Presidential Candidates and the Sleep Deficit

Earlier this year, in an article titled “Fatigue Factor Gives Equal Time to Candidates,” The New York Times reported that almost all of America’s major presidential candidates are suffering from sleep deprivation, the “gaffe-inducing monster that looms over every campaign in its final hours.”

Editor’s Note: The Importance of Discussion

We’ve all met them—people who don’t discuss politics; they debate politics. They’re not out to exchange ideas, or examine the basis for their own convictions, but to win a contest. A productive discussion with a debater is nearly impossible—even if you’ve got the stamina to engage him on his own foolish terms, the “discussion” will inevitably end in either victory for the debater, or…victory for the debater.

The Right McCaindidate

America needs a president who can lead us during tough times, who can make tough calls, who can unite and not divide, and whom we can trust. Senator John McCain is that man. Conservatives, of course, have good reason to recoil in disgust. This is, after all, the man who voted against the Bush tax cuts.

Giuliani’s the One

The record suggests that the Democratic Party is heavily favored to win in 2008. In the past four quarters, Clinton and Obama have raised more money than the top Republican candidates. Moreover, the prospect of seeing America’s first female or black president stirs the imagination of millions in not just America—suggesting a potential record Democratic turnout.

Candidates At-a-Glance

As Super Tuesday draws near, we feel it is important to discuss the pros and cons of the GOP candidates. Our At-a-Glance profiles cover each major candidate’s positions and background in a concise, objective style, while our individually authored opinions articles delve into specific concerns or approbations. We hope our readers find our primary elections issue helpful!

The Case For Romney

The case for a President Romney draws upon a whole host of different factors, and surely the fact that he is the only candidate to have attended Stanford should have some marginal effect. But the reasoning behind why he is the best candidate for the next President of the United States is much deeper than that. Mitt Romney is everything that we have come to expect out of a great President: Conservative, competent, and charismatic.

The Heart of the Matter: Free Trade

Arguing in favor of free trade is Dr. Kenneth L. Judd, Paul H. Bauer Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. Opposing him is Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and former Senior Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution.

World News in Brief

So You Think You Can Broker Bilateral Peace Agreements? President George Bush recently wrapped up a seven-nation tour of the Middle East where he traveled to push for a peace between Palestine and Israel and to rally Arab states against the Iranian regime

Smoke Signals

Amidst signs that Stanford is still predominantly left-leaning, campus discussion of controversial issues is thriving.

The Conservative Case Against Ron Paul

Texas Representative Ron Paul’s presidential run has attracted a considerable and perhaps surprising amount of attention. His campaign dominates the internet—a recent column I wrote about him attracted over a thousand comments, compared to 15-20 normally. He’s recently been fundraising on a level ($19.5M in Q4) that vaults him above all the other Republican contenders. His message, while misleading, has been unorthodox