NationStates Jolt Archive

With all the political hullabaloo on the boards in recent months, I noticed how many people often quote, or at least reference, political columnists. That got me thinking: how many people on the other side of the political spectrum does everybody read, and who?

As a liberal, the other side for me is the conservative spectrum, and I like to think that I'm fairly well-read in that particular area. George Will, David Brooks, and John Leo are all columnists I read fairly regularly, with other writers like William Safire, Bob Novak, and Bill Buckley on a somewhat less regular, but still at least weekly, basis. I will admit that the one person that I cannot read is Ann Coulter, but not because she is knee-jerk conservative. It's because she seems to be a conservative without any moorings or tether to philosophy whatsoever, besides stringing a few lame-ass jokes together to make the general claim that "Liberals sux0r!"

So, do tell?

Buckley's not a conservative, he's a neocon and a statist.

With all the political hullabaloo on the boards in recent months, I noticed how many people often quote, or at least reference, political columnists. That got me thinking: how many people on the other side of the political spectrum does everybody read, and who?
I read The Daily Telegraph (broadsheet/intellectual right-wing British paper). I particularly enjoy reading Boris Johnson.

i dont read anyone on either side on any kind of regular basis

but i sometimes, due to circumstances beyond my control, listen to rush limbaugh, sean hannity, and michael savage *shudder* on the car radio

most of the time i end up ranting at them.

its not conducive to good driving.

With all the political hullabaloo on the boards in recent months, I noticed how many people often quote, or at least reference, political columnists. That got me thinking: how many people on the other side of the political spectrum does everybody read, and who?

I'll read anybody so long as the article in question appears in a "peer reviewed" or "refereed" periodical (Here are a couple of good examples: Political Science Quarterly (http://www.psqonline.org/), and The Middle East Journal (http://www.mideasti.org/programs/programs_journal.html)) As far as books go, I have a rule to never, ever, buy or read a politics-oriented book where the author's portrait appears on the cover. Such a cover indicates the true intent and purpose of the writing contained therein.

Buckley's not a conservative, he's a neocon and a statist.

. . .Say what? Buckley is the father of the modern conservative movement, and an ardent supporter of neo-liberalism, which only makes him a statist if you're an ararchist.

Moreover, you're missing the point of the thread. I was wondering who you read on the other side, not whether or not Buckley is on yours or my side of the aisle (note: he definately is not on my side)

Political books suck it big time, I'd rather watch paint dry.

i dont read anyone on either side on any kind of regular basis

but i sometimes, due to circumstances beyond my control, listen to rush limbaugh, sean hannity, and michael savage *shudder* on the car radio

most of the time i end up ranting at them.

its not conducive to good driving.

You yell at the radio? You need a little "vacation" I think.

You may not agree with what they have to say, but Limbaugh and Savage are great talkers. Otherwise you wouldn't get so fired up.