Skip to content
Project 2025
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories
Musk budget cuts will leave millions uninsured

Musk budget cuts will leave millions uninsured

Five Significant Changes to Immigration Policies Under Trump (so far)

Five Significant Changes to Immigration Policies Under Trump (so far)

Will Trump and Musk ultimately clash?

Will Trump and Musk ultimately clash?

Will Trump’s immigration crackdown be good or bad for the economy?

Will Trump’s immigration crackdown be good or bad for the economy?

Redistricting

Redistricting

Podcast: "RECESSION": A Rhetorical Journey with President Bush

Podcast: "RECESSION": A Rhetorical Journey with President Bush
The Weekly Podcast: "RECESSION": A Rhetorical Journey with President Bush, 2008
www.youtube.com
The Fulcrum
By The FulcrumAug 11, 2022
The Fulcrum
The Fulcrum staff.
See More Writings by author

When is it time to call a recession -- a recession? Sometimes it's not just about the hard data ... For a president, it could be a rhetorical and messaging challenge, as well. It is for President Joe Biden in 2022, and it was for President George W. Bush in 2008.

President Bush began 2008 in his State of the Union address by describing "a period of uncertainty." As the year went on, "period of uncertainty" became "slowdown", "downturn", "rough patch", "tough times", even "danger." When did he finally use the "R word" -- recession?

https://www.youtube.com

Latest news

Read More

RFK Jr. and Making America Healthy Again

Politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looks on during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

(Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

RFK Jr. and Making America Healthy Again

“Do you think Robert Kennedy Jr will be good for the health of our country?” asked one of my relatives at a recent gathering. I looked up and locked eyes with her, starting to smile at what I assumed was a wry remark from a successful professional who recalls gratefully standing in line to receive the polio shot during its national rollout, the very vaccine for which Kennedy’s associates have sought to revoke government approval.

Seeing her earnest expression awaiting an answer, I quickly masked my disappointment. She was serious. I was stunned.

Keep ReadingShow less
We Need to Rethink Polarization Before It Becomes a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

An illustration to symbolize two divided groups.

Getty Images / Andrii Yalanskyi

We Need to Rethink Polarization Before It Becomes a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

It’s time to rethink the notion that we Americans are too polarized to work together and get things done. And it’s time to get clear-eyed about what’s really holding us back and what it will take to help us move forward together.

A few years ago, I engaged cross-sections of Americans from all across the country in 16 in-depth focus groups about how they were feeling about their lives, the country, and our future. These conversations resulted in the report Civic Virus: Why Polarization is a Misdiagnosis.

Keep ReadingShow less
Even in victory, Republicans should listen to their opponents

An illustration of someone listening and someone speaking.

Getty Images / Leolintang

Even in victory, Republicans should listen to their opponents

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, many people have discussed Democrats’ mistakes—from being “out of touch” and insulting, to focusing too much on Trump, to Biden’s “arrogance” in running again. It’s good for political parties to ask tough questions about how their approach may be driving people away and how they can better serve people.

As Republicans continue to celebrate their victory, will they be brave enough to ask themselves similar questions?

Keep ReadingShow less
Honor The Past Without Shame: Anniversaries Pass, Trauma Remains

An illustration of a clock surrounded by clouds.

Getty Images / Artpartner-images

Honor The Past Without Shame: Anniversaries Pass, Trauma Remains

Even as the wildfires of California continue, having affected an estimated 200,000 residents and resulted in 27 deaths, the memory of the Northridge Earthquake of January 1994 and the mass devastation and destruction afterward still linger three decades later.

The fires raged recently on the anniversary of the earthquake in the San Fernando Valley in California, when 33 people died and 7,000 were injured with a damage cost estimated up to $40 billion. The loss of life, livelihood, and long-term lingering trauma experienced has been widely recognized by mental health professionals and the lay community as well.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025