Washington Watch Articles From 1992
Cabinet Appointments and the Continuing Campaign
President-elect Bill Clinton has almost completed his first round of cabinet and sub-cabinet appointments. The process has been a fascinating one to watch, and by watching there is a great deal to learn about Clinton's style of governing.
Arab Americans and the Clinton Transition Process
A steady stream of major political interest groups and constituent organizations have paraded in and out of the Clinton Presidential Transition offices in downtown Washington in the past three weeks. They go in with positions papers, hoping to influence future policy; or with stacks of resumes, hoping to secure important positions for their members and supporters.
The Senate: Back in the Limelight Again
Electoral politics is a never-ending game in the United States. No sooner has one election ended than preparation begins for the next round. This time, however, the next round may come much sooner than anyone expected.
New Challenges Even Before Inauguration
One month after winning the Presidency, and six weeks before assuming office, Bill Clinton is facing a dramatically changing political landscape, both inside the Washington beltway and the world outside it.
The Democratic and Republican "Name Games"
There are at least three major political "name games" being played simultaneously in Washington these days. The outcome of all three will be critical in determining the political direction of the country during the next four years.
The Clinton Administration and the Arab world: Some Early Advice
The transition from the Bush to the Clinton Administration is in full swing. Not only did President-elect Bill Clinton come to Washington this week to meet with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill and President George Bush at the White House, but the Democrats' transition offices have opened; and they are beginning to lay out their plans for the most massive shift of government policy and personnel that this city has witnessed in the past twelve years.
A New President and A New Congress
This week President-elect Bill Clinton makes his first post-election visit to Washington to meet with the congressional leadership. His priority will be to solidify his ties with the legislative branch and build amicable working relationships, which he will need to get his initial proposals through Congress in a timely manner.
Clinton and the Middle East, No Time For Panic
There has been a great deal of analysis and commentary in the Arab press about the impact of a Clinton presidency on the Arab world. Many of the articles I have seen have been fundamentally flawed, based as they were on simplistic distortions or inadequate analysis.
Election Eve Observations
As recently as one week ago the outcome of the U.S. election seemed certain. Bill Clinton's lead appeared to be so insurmountable, especially in several key electoral states, that no political analyst I know could imagine a realistic scenario that could turn the election around for George Bush.
Setting the Stage for Debate Week
This will be an all-or-nothing week for George Bush. His campaign has been attacking Bill Clinton and struggling since the Republican National Convention. But Bush does not seen to be gaining any ground.
Perot Is In and the Debates Are On
Ross Perot has once again crashed the party of American Politics.
An Update on Congressional Elections
Regardless of who wins the presidential elections, there will be major changes in Washington next year. Most experts predict a record number of new Congressmen and Senators will be elected in November.
The Electoral Vote Revisited: Understanding This Year's Campaigning
To understand the inner workings of U.S. presidential elections, it is necessary to understand the role played by what is called the electoral vote.
Pandering Aside, the U.S. Middle East Policy Debate Has Changed
Pandering aside, the U.S. debate on Middle East policy has changed.
The Campaign Descends into "Politics as Usual"
In a presidential election year, almost anything can become "political": even a hurricane, even a candidates' wife.
Bush vs. Clinton: The Campaign Begins
For the first time in nine months Bill Clinton has a real opponent.
George Bush's Convention Victory in Houston
With the conclusion of the Republican Convention, George Bush leaves Houston still trailing in the polls but coming back strong.
Arab Americans at the Republican and Democratic Conventions
A record number of Arab Americans were delegates to this year's Republican National Convention. The more than 30 Arab American delegates who went to Houston represented a significant increase over the average 4 or so who attended Republican conventions in past years. They also signaled a breakthrough for Arab American political work within the party.
Foreign Affairs: Bush's Strong Suit?
One week before the Republican National Convention, world events may be dealing George Bush the cards he needs to improve his chances against a still-surging Bill Clinton.
Bush's Troubles
Two weeks after the Democratic Convention, Presidential candidate Bill Clinton is still riding a wave of popularity.