America's Next Great Pundit Contestants 2010

America's Next Great Pundit Contestants 2010 2010-11-01T03:08:39Z Entries from the contestants of the Post Pundit Contest tag:views.washingtonpost.com,2011:/pundits2010/contestants/121 Copyright (c) 2010, WashingtonPost.Newsweek Interactive Rule of lawlessness 2010-11-01T03:08:39Z tag:washingtonpost.com,2010-11-01:/pundits2010/contestants2010/11/rule_of_lawlessness.html

Editor's note: For this final challenge, we asked the contestants to craft an op-ed column that showcases their writing style, smarts and unique point of view. Democracy is so inconvenient when you are trying to get something done -- say, win an election or bag a trophy for your administration. In their pursuit of these respective short-term goals, the Tea Party and the Obama administration have both undermined basic democratic tenets. Meaning that we, as...Please click on the title to continue reading this entry.

Nancy Goldstein Misreading the mandate 2010-11-01T03:10:02Z tag:washingtonpost.com,2010-11-01:/pundits2010/contestants2010/11/misreading_the_mandate.html

Editor's note: For this final challenge, we asked the contestants to craft an op-ed column that showcases their writing style, smarts and unique point of view. American voters are mysterious creatures. Often dismissed for their indifference, ignorance and shortsightedness, they are famously difficult to understand (though this hasn't stopped many an expert from trying). After each election, analysts pore over the results in search of a unified message. Obviously "America Rejects the President" and "A...Please click on the title to continue reading this entry.

Conor Williams Stop the insanity 2010-11-01T03:05:16Z tag:washingtonpost.com,2010-11-01:/pundits2010/contestants2010/11/stop_the_insanity.html

Editor's note: For this final challenge, we asked the contestants to craft an op-ed that showcases their writing style, smarts and unique point of view. The last time I stood here, by this chain-link fence outside the Capitol building, I was clutching a useless Purple Gate ticket, huddled around a stranger's portable radio to hear President Obama deliver his inauguration address. "On this day," he said, "we gather because we have chosen hope over fear,...Please click on the title to continue reading this entry.

Lauren Hogan Blackwater redux 2010-10-21T22:07:13Z tag:washingtonpost.com,2010-10-21:/pundits2010/contestants2010/10/blackwater_redux.html

Editor's note: The contestants could write on a topic of their choice for this last post. You can read Nancy Goldstein's Thursday morning post here. Here's one more dubious prize for the winners of this year's race for Congressional control: having to contend with the ongoing mess regarding the U.S.'s extensive use of private military contractors (PMCs) in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. Both parties have taken their turn being less than forthcoming with the public...Please click on the title to continue reading this entry.

Nancy Goldstein 'I love you back!' 2010-10-21T21:56:55Z tag:washingtonpost.com,2010-10-21:/pundits2010/contestants2010/10/i_love_you_back.html