Register Now for 2010 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy

I'm volunteering my time to host and organize the 2010 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, July 31-Aug. 4 in San Francisco. We're inviting anyone with interest or experience in direct democracy -- journalists, academics, activists, elected officials, political pros -- to the event. It's free and open to the public, but we're asking people to pay their own travel and lodging costs. For those who can't afford those costs, we're raising money to help subsidize them.

The forms, including an invitation and registration, are available on a PDF attached right here:
GlobalForum_Registration_final.pdf

On the Prop 8 Trial

I visited San Francisco this week and stopped in to watch some of the trial in a federal legal challenge to the constitutionality of Prop 8, the initiative that banned same-sex marriage in California.

Here's a link to my appearance on KPBS, San Diego's NPR affiliate, to talk about the trial.

And here's my column in Fox & Hounds Daily on the same subject.

Politico Chat On Arnold and California

Here's a link to my live chat Tuesday at Politico's Arena on California's troubles and Gov. Schwarzenegger's efforts to get more money from Washington.

Blockbuster Democracy Has a New URL

My blog on direct democracy, called Blockbuster Democracy, has a new URL over at the New America web site. http://blockbusterdemocracy.newamerica.net/blogmain

Arnold vs. Sarah

My Daily Beast column on a media argument between Sarah Palin and Gov. Schwarzenegger drew huge traffic and hundreds of comments. Check it out here.

Californian of the Year, 2009

In this Fox & Hounds column, I nominated Jim Wunderman of the Bay Area Council, who has led the effort to call a constitutional convention in the state. Ultimately, Fox & Hounds went with State Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) as its consensus choice.

In other year end news, please check out "My 8 Worst Predictions of 2009."

New Book: Global Citizens in Charge

I'm honored to have contributed a chapter to a new book, Global Citizens in Charge, which offers a survey of direct democracy around the world. It's published by the Initiative & Referendum Institute Europe and the Korea Democracy Foundation, both of which are big players in the 2010 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, which I'm organizing for next summer (July 31- Aug. 4, 2010) in San Francisco.

You can download the book, for free, here. And you can learn more about the global forum here.

California Office Pool 2010

What will be the major news events in California next year? Reviving a tradition of the late William Safire, I offer a multiple-choice office pool for your 2010 predictions here at Fox & Hounds Daily.

On Radio Tonight, Talking Reapportionment

I'm scheduled to be on "Which Way, LA?" tonight with Warren Olney at 7 p.m., to talk about the formation of a new commission to draw legislative districts in California.

Has Recession Made California Voters Less Green?

Not exactly. But polling trends suggest voters are much more interested in economic repair than anything else -- and may be open to the political argument, advanced strongly by Meg Whitman (and less so by Carly Fiorina), that new regulations and legislation to fix climate change should be delayed until the economy has recovered.

I explain more in this piece in The Daily Beast.

Recent Fox & Hounds Columns

Here's the up-to-date list of my latest columns at Fox & Hounds Daily. Among the highlights:

-'The Default of Walters and Skelton' Dec. 7.
-Why the Media Should Back Anti-ACORN Activists, Dec. 3.
-The Mac Taylor Rule, Nov. 23.
-Maldonado and the Murphy Memo, Dec. 1
-Shocked, Shocked to Find Taping in the AG's Office, Nov. 16.

Open Those Records, Jerry Brown (and Former Governors)

In the process of researching a book about California government and a magazine profile of Jerry Brown, I learned an astonishing thing: state law permits former governors to control who has access to records of their governorship for 50 years or until death, whichever is later.

It's outrageous (and out of step with federal law, which gives ex-presidents control only for 12 years). How did this happen? I explain in this piece in the Los Angeles Times.

I also discussed the issue on Warren Olney's show, "Which Way, LA?" (About 8 minutes at the end of the show). And Reason magazine's web site picks up the issue.

Redistricting Commission Quiz

What disqualifies you from being on the commission to draw new legislative districts line in California? I explain here.

On the Radio

I appeared twice in November on Chris Reed's San Diego radio show, "Top Story," on KOGO 600 AM. You can find the audio here. (First appearance was on Nov. 12 at 6:35 p.m.; second appearance was on Nov. 27 at 7:05 p.m.).

Off the Presses

I was a guest on the debut of Brendan Huffman's new show, Off the Presses. You can listen here. (My appearance was Nov .12).

Reading the Secret Brown Transcripts

My quick reading of the Jerry Brown transcripts via Fox & Hounds Daily.

Me for Lt. Gov.

Gov. Schwarzenegger has to pick a lieutenant governor soon. The job is famous for having very few duties. In the LA Times, I report that I've found the perfect person for this no-show gig: me.

On Newsom

Why did San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom drop out? I explain briefly in this blog post and in more detail in this column in The Daily Beast.

KNBC Video

Better late than never. Here's a link to video of my appearance on KNBC 4 in Los Angeles back in July.

Initiative Reform Plan Pick Up

My LA Times piece offering four ideas for fixing California's system of initiative and referendum got some pick-up today in the Oregonian. And for anyone in San Diego, I'll be talking more about these ideas this evening on Chris Reed's show, "Top Story," on KOGO 600 AM.

How to Fix California's Direct Democracy

In this piece in today's LA Times, I outline four ways to fix California's direct democracy -- primarily by giving more power to legislators and to voters.

Free Polanski

In this week's Daily Beast column, I explain why, even though Roman Polanski deserves far greater punishment than he's received, California can't afford to extradite and imprison the 76-year-old film director.

On Radio in SD

I talked about Jerry Brown, Meg Whitman and the 2010 governor's race in California last week on KOGO with Chris Reed. (Here's link to the podcasts. I was on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.)

Recent Internet Columns

My twice weekly Internet column at Fox & Hounds Daily, a site devoted to California politics and business, has been making some waves lately.

-on Meg Whitman's mishandling of her voting record and how that record is typical of Californians.
-on how Prop 13's limits on commercial property could be lifted if they were combined with a tax cut.
-I suggested that Bill Clinton run for governor of California.
-on why a California constitutional convention should be Athenian.
-On why ballot initiative campaign records should be public.

The Problems of Ex-CEO Candidates

Writing at the Daily Beast, I explain why the odds are against former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and former HP chief Carly Fiorina as they run for statewide office in California.

Jerry Brown for Governor. Again.

My story on once and maybe future California Gov. Jerry Brown makes the cover of the October issue of the American Prospect.

In re: Darrell Issa

I'm briefly quoted in the Mother Jones profile.

You're Invited to the 2010 Global Forum, Aug. 1-4, in San Francisco

I'm organizing the 2010 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, which will be in San Francisco. The theme is: "Constitution Making and Direct Democracy," and we'll be examining and sharing perspectives on constitutional reform (and the role of initiative and referendum in it), from California to Iceland, Latin America to Hamburg. More information here. If you're interested in attending, providing financial support (so we can bring people from all over the world who couldn't otherwise afford the travel), please contact me directly at joe@joemathews.com

Blogging from Seoul

I've been blogging this week from the 2009 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy in Seoul, South Korea. You can follow me here.

My Own Birther Conspiracy Theory

Is there a conspiracy behind the birther movement (the folks who believe that Obama was born in Kenya even though he was born in Hawaii)? I think so, and outline my completely irresponsible, unsupported theory here.

Also at Fox & Hounds Daily last week, I asked why I, as a taxpayer and registered non-partisan voter, should have to foot the bill for partisan primaries.

Final Word on the Bradley Effect

In this piece in the new issue of the California Journal of Politics and Policy, I expand on an earlier piece in Politico to debunk the idea of a "Bradley effect" that hurts black candidates.

Does California Need a Lt. Gov?

The boys at Calbuzz and I agree -- at least on this.

The Printer's Son

What is real success? Real happiness?

Here's my piece from the September issue of Los Angeles magazine. It's about a college friend, Hamilton Chan; his career path; and the family business, Charlie Chan Printing. It's long, but worth the trip, I hope. It also benefited from the excellent editing touch of Rick Meyer.

Quoted on 'California's Identity Crisis'

In Poder 360.

The Best Mother-in-Law Ever

My column in the Daily Beast this week describes the very close relationship between Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her son-in-law, the governor of California. And here's a Sacramento Bee story on the same subject that quotes me.

Throwing Bums Out, Locally

I'm quoted in this Los Angeles Times story on the rise of recalls in local communities nationwide.

Running from the Future

Here's a brief account of a panel I moderated last week on California budget cuts at the California Endowment in Los Angeles.

Arnold's Next Role

My column this week in the Daily Beast.

Reading Arnold's Mind

After the budget, I try to read the governor's mind at Fox & Hounds Daily.

How Pot Could Eclipse Reform

What happens if an initiative to legalize and tax cannabis ends up on the same 2010 ballot as major California reform measures? I explain why in my new Daily Beast column.

Interview With The Can

Whenever California's leaders reach a budget compromise, there's talk about how they "kicked the can down the road." I catch up with The Can to see how he's feeling in this Fox & Hounds Daily column.

Briefly on the Budget

Here's a link to my brief appearance this morning on KPCC's "Air Talk" with Larry Mantle to discuss my concern that the budget agreement doesn't balance the budget.

Here also is my early reaction from Fox & Hounds Daily.

On Sunday Show in LA

I'll be a guest Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on NBC 4's "News Conference" in Los Angeles. On the show, host Conan Nolan asks me about California's troubles, its taxes, and the possiblity of a constitutional convention.

Covering the Crisis On the Web

Here is a link to my most recent on-line columns in the California business and politics web site Fox & Hounds Daily. Among the subjects tackled are the budget, Prop 13, and the constitutional convention. Among the highlights.
-"The Language of Budget Deal Optimism." July 15.
-"The Strange Logic Behind Props 13 and 98,"July 14.
-"Federal Receivership of California Is Here, In Slow Motion," July 7.
-"It Takes a Fighter," July 6.
-"California's New Homegrown Majority," July 2.
-"The Importance of Governors and Their Schedules," June 30.

Democrats for a Flat Tax?

Not exactly. But in Saturday's Wall Street Journal, I report on how a new debate among California Democrats over whether the state's tax system is too progressive for the good of progressives.

What Do Armageddon Cuts Look Like?

Here's a report on the Zocalo Public Square panel I moderated last night on the human costs of state budget cuts. A link to video is here.

How Campaigns Crowd Out Governing

Here's my piece in the Daily Beast on how the Era of Hyper Politics leaves no time for governance.

What Did I Say?

I'm quoted in this piece on California's troubles in the German magazine Stern. (The interview was conducted in English--I don't speak more than a couple dozen words of German, and those are Austrian German at that.)

Pick Up

That's the old newspaper term for when your story gets picked up elsewhere. Today, I'm quoted in this Sacramento Bee story on IOUs (I take the pessimistic view that the state's leaders are incapable of negotiating a way out of the budget predicament).

And my recent story in the Washington Post got a mention Wednesday during the governor's press briefing in Sacramento. From the transcript:
QUESTION: This budget situation is getting a lot of attention nationally. People are saying that California is a laughing stock. Are you embarrassed for California?
GOVERNOR: I'm proud of California, even though we have our crisis. But no one should point fingers, because as you can see, there are more than 30 states right now that have their fiscal year starting today that also don’t have a budget. So let's not go and get carried away and just look at California, as we are the only state that cannot manage the budget.
And also, on top of it, people always say that the United States maybe has to bail out California and all of those things. And I think that Joe Mathews had a good story just recently in the paper where he talked about who is to say that the United States should bail us out? We are actually in much better shape than the United States, because if you look at us we have only 4 percent of debt of our GDP and look at what the United States has -- it is $14 trillion of GDP and we have $11 trillion debt. So that's a whole different ballgame. So we are in much better shape than the United States is.
So all we need to do is just really deal with reality and deal with those cuts, that are very painful for some people here in this building and then move on. And we will get the loans and then try to get out of this financial crisis. OK?

Was Pete Wilson Right?

Here is a description (with video) of my interview with former Gov. Pete Wilson Monday night at RAND, as part of a Zocalo Public Square event. The page also includes a pre-show interview with Wilson. Among the highlights were Wilson describing how he handled a budget predicament similar to the one we currently face, and Wilson answering "hell, yes," when I asked him if he'd like to run for governor again next year. (He's prevented from doing so by term limits).

What Does Armageddon Look Like?

Please join me July 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the California Endowment in Los Angeles (1000 N. Alameda--yes, that's right, Jake, it's Chinatown) for a panel discussion of the human costs of the big cuts to the state budgets for social services programs. It's free and open to the public (with a reception afterwards, with free drinks). You can reserve a seat here.

I discussed a similar subject Monday night on Warren Olney's KCRW show, "Which Way, LA?" A link to audio is here.

Radio Update on California Budget

Here's a link to audio of my appearance on NPR's "Diane Rehm Show" this morning. We discussed the California budget.

Credit Rating Agencies and California

On Warren Olney's show, "Which Way, LA?", I talked more about unfair federal attacks on California and question the credibility of rating agencies who have ranked the state's credit lower than that of many corporations. (My appearance is the third item on this list, below Iran and Mayor Villaraigosa, about 38 minutes into the show on the audio).

If California Catches Cold, Does Oregon Get Sick?

I was interviewed by Oregon Public Radio this morning on the question of how California's economic and budgetary troubles could hurt our neighbors to the north. A link to the audio is here.

This Californian to Feds: Drop Dead

Writing in this Sunday's Washington Post (story already posted online here), I push back at national critics of California and its request for federal loan guarantees. Main lesson: California would be better off as its own country.

Mate the Press

Writing in The Daily Beast, I tackle the relationship between LA's mayor and a local news anchor, and wonder whether the media should have done more with the story -- at least in the name of getting the attention of Angelenos, who simply refuse to pay much attention to politics.

Recent Fox & Hounds Daily Columns

Here are a few highlights from my twice weekly columns on the California business and politics site, Fox & Hounds Daily. A full list of my columns is here.

-So If We Take Your Terrorists.... I propose a way that President Obama and California can help each other.

-The State of California Owes Me Money. I appeal for legislative pay.

-Memo to California Reformers: Breathe. Some skepticism on the many plans to save the state, including a constitutional convention.

-Why Meg Is Right to Lay Low. On why the failure of the former eBay chief to ask questions is Ok for now.

-"Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall..." I ask whether California really is the most dysfunctional state.

Failing State?

Here's a link to my appearance on "Forum" on KQED (Northern California's NPR station) this morning.

Can Gay Marriage Truly Win In California?

At the Daily Beast, I suggest that marriage equality can't be won in California, and that same-sex marriage advocates should focus their time and resources on other states.

Quoted in Oregonian

On signature gathering reform in Oregon.

In the NYT: How Federal Assistance to California Should Work

I don't care for the headline the New York Times put on my May 22 piece suggesting why federal loan guarantees for California might be a good idea -- and explaining how they should work. It's not a "bailout" I'm proposing. California shouldn't receive any cash from the feds. The only cash in the deal will be the cash California sends Washington as a fee for the guarantees.

Boiled down, here's what I'm arguing. California is a big place that can't govern itself. In the short term, it has cash flow problems. The federal government can help California manage those cash flow problems -- at virtually zero risk and at no cost. So the feds should step in and help -- but use that leverage to force California to adopt a plan to fix its structural budget problems. The feds could force California to submit a plan as a condition of issuing the guarantee--and lock the plan in by making it part of the guarantee (and by including financial penalties if the state doesn't make its budget targets in the plan).

Will the feds do this? Right now, they say no, as they should. California doesn't run out of cash until July, and by refusing to help now, the feds keep the pressure on the legislature and governor to address the problem first. But I think it's a safe bet California leaders won't be able to resolve this, and the feds will have to offer the guarantees this summer.

USA Today Thinks I'm Smart

All evidence to the contrary. Here's a link.

On Point

California treasurer Bill Lockyer, LA Times columnist Sandy Banks and yours truly discuss California's troubles today on NPR's On Point.

To the Point

More on California's troubles: I joined historian Kevin Starr, political scientist Bruce Cain, and SF Chronicle political writer Carla Marinucci on NPR's "To the Point" with Warren Olney today. A link to audio is here.

The Curious Case of California's Stem Cell Board

In the Scientific American, I report on the benefits -- and perils -- of establishing a major scientific research enterprise -- California's stem cell agency and its board -- by ballot initiative.

The Armageddon Tease

In the Daily Beast, I examine how Schwarzenegger's rhetoric undermined him politically.

Let's Vote More

My proposal for statewide quarterly elections (in place of our current system) appears in today's Los Angeles Times.

NPR's Morning Edition

Here's a link to an NPR "Morning Edition" piece on California's budget predicament in which I'm quoted.

On KPBS, Talking Budget

Here's a link to podcast of my appearance on KPBS, San Diego's NPR affiliate, this morning.

Link to Audio of My KCRW Appearance

If you listen, my appearances on "Which Way, LA?" offer a sort of increasingly dark, increasingly bleak view of California's finances.

Angelenos, See Me Monday

Channel 35 is replaying my roundtable on the future of the Republican Party (to the extent there is one) on Monday, May 11 at 1:30 and 8 p.m.

On Billing and Birth

My wife, Anna Wilde Mathews of the Wall Street Journal, writes about the birth of our son--and the bills.

Follow me on Twitter

I'm tweeting as joemmathews. Note the extra "m" for my middle name.

Sacramento Bee on Ballot Props

In the Sacramento Bee, Shane Goldmacher explains how ballot measures are drafted. One conclusion: measures are written to encourage wealthy interests to give to the campaign (and to discourage other wealthy interests from donating to the no side). I'm quoted deep in the piece on this phenomenon.

Please Join Me Saturday in San Diego

Please join me this Saturday morning, May 2, in San Diego for what should be a fascinating discussion about the ballot measures on the May 19 special election. The event runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the San Diego Hall of Champions. (Sports fans out there would be wise to make it a day of California governance and sports). The event is free, but be sure to reserve yourself a seat by signing up here or here. And you can consider this brunch if you like--there will be food.

The panel is headlined by former Congressman and former state finance director Tom Campbell, who has thought as deeply about the state budget as anyone alive. (He has an interesting discussion on tax reform currently running on his web site). Also on the panel are Chris Reed of the San Diego Union-Tribune, writer of America's Finest Blog; New America senior scholar Mark Paul; and your blogger. The co-sponsors are New America, the Center for Policy Initiatives, and the City Club of San Diego.

On the Future of the Republican Party

For Angelenos out there, I was recently interviewed by CBS 2's Dave Bryan as part of an LA Roundtable show on the future of the California Republican Party. Yes, if there is one. The show can be downloaded here. (It's program #59). Those of you in LA can find it on Channel 35. It's one of several shows appearing in the 8 p.m. hour over the next month.

Prop 1D and 1E, the Unintended Consequences

Here's my piece from this morning's LA Times on the possible unintended consequences of Props 1D and 1E, two of the measures on California's May 19 special election ballot. The two measures ask voters to raid taxes that voters approved in early initiatives. This is good for the budget short-term, but it establishes a precedent that will make future ballot initiatives less fiscally responsible (and thus worsen the state's structural deficit).

Attention, Central Valley Listeners

You can hear me tonight (Thursday, March 12) shortly after 8 p.m. on the great big AM radio station, KMJ, 580. I'll be talking with Inga Barks about ballot initiatives, California politics, the special election and Arnold. I appeared on her show in Bakersfield this morning on KERN 1180.

What's the Future of Newspapers?

In the Sacramento Bee's "The Conversation," I suggest that newspapers will survive -- but as content carriers, not producers.

Arnold and the Republicans

The headline of my piece in the Daily Beast doesn't fit the story exactly. (Gov. Schwarzenegger didn't consider switching parties; he had a conversation with associates about dropping out of the GOP and becoming an independent, but quickly discarded the idea.) But I think the piece is a helpful primer on the history of the relationship between Schwarzenegger and the Republicans. Bottom line: Schwarzenegger has never been a partisan, and his relationship with the party establishment has never been close. And in California, legislative Republicans have been a serious obstacle to advancing his agenda.

Furloughs Better Than Layoffs for Journalists

That's the position I take in a quote from this story in the Ventura County Star.

California Tilts North Politically

California has had Southern California governors for more than 40 years. But the streak is about to end. I explain why in Sunday's Los Angeles Times.

In the Arena, Politico's Arena

I've joined the cast of dozens of folks who contribute to Politico's Arena site. Here's my first post, from this morning, on the questions of whether bipartisanship is a Washington DC obsession, and whether the journalists going to work for the Obama administration might have done the same for McCain.

On the Radio, Talking About the Budget

I've been a guest on Warren Olney's show "Which Way LA?" the past two evenings. In the first appearance, I described the serious threat to the state of California from the delay in addressing the budget crisis and cash crunch. In the second, I talked about how voters will have to pass judgment on various ballot measures that are part of the proposed deal.

The Morgue

The New Republic asked me to explain what's been lost with all the layoffs and buyouts at newspapers. Here's my attempt to do that. (I don't like the headline--the LA Times probably isn't going to die, but I'm proud of the result).

Latest F&H Columns: Budget Deal, LA Times, etc.

I write a twice-weekly column for the California business and politics web site Fox & Hounds Daily. Here are links to some of the latest comments.

On the California budget deal: "The Deal Is Terrible. Pass It Now"; "Cowards, Bullies and Bluffs"; "Cool! Our Own Boston Tea Party!"; "Selling Public Bonds Privately." And "Tax Reform Now, Or At Least a Rough Draft."

On the media: What Does the Death of the LA Times Local Section Mean?

On labor organizing and the federal bill, The Employee Free Choice Act: "A Way to Fix EFCA" and "The Fiction of Business' 'Secret Ballot' Argument."

On highway infrastructure: "A Southern California Test of Obama's Promises."

On Arnold: "The 'I Got Nothing' Speech" and "Some Founders Worried About Actors in Power."

Report on Cash Crunch Panel

Zocalo Public Square, sponsor of a panel I moderated Tuesday night with State Controller John Chiang on the question, "What Happens When California's Cash Runs Out?", has posted a description, with pictures, of the evening. It's here.

In the picture, I'm on the far right of the table, with, from left, New America senior scholar Mark Paul, Barclays Capital managing director Peter J. Taylor, and Chiang. Zocalo also published green room interviews with the participants. I'm interviewed here.

Talking About Silicon Valley

Tim Draper, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist whom I'm interviewed by email last week, has posted the exchange at his blog, The Riskmaster.

Arnold for HHS Secretary?

Jonathan Cohn of The New Republic throws the governor's name into this item on possible secretaries now that Tom Daschle has withdrawn. My take: Schwarzenegger would be an excellent secretary (he knows the health care issue, and would be much more effective as a cabinet secretary with a focused portfolio than he is as a governor--in the same way he was better as an actor in a movie star, with a defined role to play, than as a director). But it won't happen. The governor couldn't leave California during this moment of crisis. And folks in labor would lose their mind, even though Schwarzenegger is a liberal on the health care issue, publicly favoring universal coverage (and privately, favoring European-style solutions that, in this country, would be dismissed as socialist).

We've Been Here Before

I have an essay in this Sunday's Los Angeles Times books section that re-reads classic journalism of California (Hinton Helper's "Land of Gold," Lincoln Steffens' autobiography, and especially Carey McWilliams' "California: The Great Exception") in the context of the state's budget deficit and cash crisis. The conclusion: California is always on the edge of fiscal cliff. In fact, our perilous finances are part of what define us as a state.

Panetta Feinstein Dust Up

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein's criticism of fellow Californian Leon Panetta drew intense media interest. Some assumed the two are rivals. It ain't so. The New Republic online quoted my explanation in this piece. The progressive web site Calitics picked up my blog post on Panetta's role in the reform movement, but thinks I'm wrong.

The 'I Got Nothing' Speech

Appearing Thursday on San Diego's NPR affiliate, KPBS, I discussed Gov. Schwarzenegger's "state of the state" speech. The audio is here. I developed my argument further in this column at Fox & Hounds Daily.

Latest Fox & Hounds Columns

I contribute a couple of short columns a week to Fox & Hounds Daily, a new web site for commentary and news on California business and politics. Here are some of the latest:

"The Advice Arnold Didn't Take," from Dec. 23.

5 Ways to Repeal Prop 8, from Dec. 8.

Revehen Hits the Nail on the Head, from Nov. 21.

Where Does Arnold Go Next? from Nov. 25.

The Perils of the Rose Parade

I love the parade and grew up near the route in Pasadena. But I'm a bit worried about its future. Why? I explained on New Year's Eve in this piece in the Los Angeles Times.

What Went Wrong With Arnold?

Writing at Fox & Hounds Daily, I recall how the governor ignored what proved to be good advice from a UCLA economist on how to use taxes to balance the budget.

Elsewhere, my former LA Times colleague Tim Cavanaugh has a piece in the LA Weekly in which he runs through the explanations for Schwarzenegger's failures. I'm quoted on his difficulty in dealing with Republicans.

Quotations

Becoming a senior fellow at the New America Foundation has been a big adjustment. One of the strangest things: I'm no longer only the guy asking questions. Sometimes, reporters are interviewing me, usually about the ballot initiative process.

In this Oakland Tribune story, I try to explain why California initiatives draw so many legal challenges. (The short version: the inflexibility of California's initiative system, which requires that any law established by initiative be changed only by another vote of the people, leaves opponents little choice but to go to court).

In this story in the Salt Lake City Tribune, I again question the wisdom of targeting the Mormon Church for protests after the passage of Prop 8, the California initiative to ban same-sex marriage. The protests are counterproductive for the cause of marriage equality.

And in this story from the San Diego Union-Tribune, I'm quoted on Gov. Schwarzenegger's political future.

The Problems of Prop 8

On Sunday night, I appeared on the nationally syndicated radio show Beyond the Beltway to discuss the campaign troubles that led to the unexpected victory of Prop 8, the California ban on same-sex marriage.

Recent Radio On Referenda-Initiatives Proposal

Wednesday night, I was interviewed on KVMR News about my proposal to reform California's initiative process. A link to the show and audio is here.

Obama And Latinos

Here's the English-language version, via Fox & Hounds Daily, of a piece I wrote a few weeks before the election about Obama's effort. (It was previously published in Spanish).

The Real Bradley Effect: Guns, Mail and Football

I spent a couple weeks tracking down all sorts of people and data from the much discussed 1982 governor's race in California, in which Tom Bradley unexpected lost to George Deukmejian. Here's a short piece on my findings that appeared in Politico on election day. I have a longer version that should appear elsewhere in the coming months.

The Dangers of Teaching Gay Marriage to Kindergarteners

The claim of the now victorious Prop 8 campaign, the California initiative to ban same-sex marriage, is that if same-sex marriage remains legal in the state, even small children will have to be taught about such marriages in school. I imagine in this New American item how you might explain same-sex marriage to kindergarteners.

A Creepy Campaign

In the Washington Post, I look at how the campaign over Prop 8, the California initiative to ban same-sex marriage, has turned into a nasty contest.

Big Idea: More Referenda, Fewer Initiatives

I lay out a plan to improve California politics -- specifically its initaitive politics -- in Sunday's Sacramento Bee. The idea boils down to making it easier to qualify referenda -- measures reversing an act of the legislature -- for the ballot and harder to qualify or pass initiatives -- which allow voters to circumvent the legislature entirely. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The piece ran as part of a regular Sunday feature called The Conversation. So please be sure to check out the three pieces responding to my idea. It'd also be wonderful if you would like to contribute your own comments on the site.

Please Join Me in Sacramento Tuesday, Oct. 14

It'll be a tough day for someone who enjoys being a critic, but on Tuesday morning in Sacramento, I'll actually be proposing a solution to a problem. The problem is California's initiative process. New America, the foundation that employs me, is hosting an event entitled, "Blockbuster Democracy." The full details are here. (Please click the link and you can sign up to attend on the right-hand side of the web page).

It begins at 9:30 a.m. at the California State Association of Counties, 1020 11th Street, 2nd floor. I'll speak beginning at 9:45 a.m. Also offering ideas for how to improve California's direct democracy are Bob Stern of the Center for Governmental Studies; Rick Jacobs of the Courage Campaign, Tony Rubenstein, a longtime initiative entrepreneur, and my New America colleague, senior scholar Mark Paul, who will talk about the impact of initiatives on California's troubled finances. Lunch is provided--there will be a question and answer session at lunchtime.

A California 'Bill of Rights'

There's been a lot of talk of constitutional reform in California. So, tongue in cheek, I offer my proposal for a California "bill of rights" in this Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle.

Text of Keynote Speech in Aarau, Switzerland

Here's a link to the keynote speech I delivered Oct. 1 in Aarau, Switzerland at the first global seminar on direct democracy.

Highlights from Switzerland

I spent a week in Switzerland reporting and attending a gathering for a new organization, the World Democracy Forum, that brings together journalists, academics and others interested in initiatives and referenda. Here are links to some of the items I filed from Switzerland: Uruguay and a Common Language of Direct Democracy, Word of the Day, Stat of the Day, World Democracy Forum, The Germans on the Bus, Think Like a Philosopher and Write Like a Farmer, The Initiative Monk, The Swiss Skepticism Of Ballot Initiatives, The Wisdom Of Voting in More Than One Place, Turnout Apologies, The Home of William Tell, and More Choice for Voters Here.

In Scientific American

In this piece for Scientific American, I analyze the political prospects of two California ballot initiatives that would promote greater use of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources.

A Constitutional Convention?

Today I appeared on KCRW (89.9-FM), the Los Angeles NPR affiliate. with historian Kevin Starr to discuss the budget, Gov. Schwarzenegger's political predicament, and the possibility of a state constitutional convention. A link to the program is here.

Governor Should Embrace Own Recall

The prison guards' union wants to recall Gov. Schwarzenegger. I think he should embrace the recall vote--and defeat the recall as part of a strategy to renew his political capital. Here's my piece in the LA Times on the subject.

Sept. 9 Panel On Teachers' Unions

Please join me on Tuesday evening, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Riordan Central Library in downtown Los Angeles for a Zocalo LA panel, "Are Teachers' Unions Too Powerful? Or Not Powerful Enough?"

I'll be moderating. Our panelists are a strong group: Joshua Pechthalt, vice president of United Teachers Los Angeles; Mikki Cichocki, a board member of the California Teachers Assn.; David Tokofsky, former LAUSD board member; and Steve Barr, founder and CEO of Green Dot Public Schools, the charter school organization. Admission is free. More details are here.

Does California Need a New Capital?

I think so. And in today's LA Times, I suggest a new location.

Free Little League Is A Right

Last year and early this year, before I returned to California to become a New America fellow, I spent some time in Pennsylvania researching the life of Carl E. Stotz, the founder of Little League Baseball. Stotz broke with Little League in a bitter dispute with the organization's board in 1955. And his successors, who came from the corporate world, changed Little League. But his original vision of Little League survives in several rules -- including a little-enforced Little League rule that any child who wants can play, even if his or her family can't afford the league fees. Here's my piece in the New York Times explaining the roots of a little-known American right: free Little League.

A Test For Union Leadership

Here's my short column in Fox & Hounds on recent revelations about Tyrone Freeman, the leader of a huge SEIU local that represents home health care workers.

Gay Marriage And Presidential Campaign

Here's a link to audio of my appearance on the July 20 nationally syndicated show, "Beyond the Beltway," with Bruce DuMont. I show up in the last half-hour of the two-hour show.

Poll Skimming

Here's my quick take on the prospects of various California ballot initiatives, based on the recent Field Poll.

On Schwarzenegger, Budget, State Workers

Here's a link to the audio of my appearance on Warren Olney's KCRW show, "Which Way, LA?" discussing Schwarzenegger's threat to reduce state workers' pay until the state has a new budget signed. The budget is more than a month late, and there's growing concern that the state could run out of cash next month. On the program with me are State Controller John Chiang and Schwarzenegger finance director Mike Genest. It left me with the impression that a budget agreement may be closer than we think. If state leaders let Chiang and Genest negotiate it themselves, we'd be done this weekend.

Is Schwarzenegger Planning to Leave Governorship?

After watching the governor flirt on ABC News this morning with the idea of being an energy czar for a President Obama, I think it's possible. Such an appointment might make sense for both Obama and Schwarzenegger. Here's my Sunday column on the subject, from the New America Foundation web site.

Mystery Of Prop 98

Here's my piece from Sunday's Los Angeles Times on the history, complexity and future of Prop 98.

Redistricting Slugfest

Tony Quinn and I have been engaged in a back and forth over a California ballot initiative to reform how legislative districts are drawn. The interesting part is that Tony and I both think the initiative is a decent idea. We disagree about its chance. He thinks it has a decent chance of winning, and I think it has virtually no chance. And the opportunity cost of pursuing this idea again is huge; it would be better for its supporters to drop the idea and come up with a new game plan for pursuing political reform.

Dude, Where's My Car?

Here's a short story I did about shipping my wife's car cross country. It tells part of the tale of California's economic collapse.

Is Arnold the Most Conservative Governor?

He could make the case, if the issue is taxes (and a certain Brown isn't part of the conversation). From this week's Fox & Hounds, a new web site focusing on California and business.

Here's a previous column of mine from the same site.

Betting on the Lottery

Here's my piece from this Sunday's Los Angeles Times on the proposal to borrow against future state lottery revenues. I tried to tamp down some of the crazier rhetoric about this idea. With the state unwilling to tackle serious budget or tax reform, this is the best idea on the table.

Video and Audio of Panel

Now available is video and audio of the May 27 panel I moderated on "ballot box planning," the phenomenon of major land use and planning questions being decided by voters through local ballot measures.

The Hugh Hefner of Politics

Here's my profile of Taylor Marsh, pro-Clinton blogger and voice, from The New Republic. She's been much criticized, but I really enjoyed meeting with her and talking with her, and believe she has a promising future as a commentator.

Gay Marriage's Vietnam?

I'm for gay marriage, but there's reason to worry about the ability of California -- and its dysfunctional government -- to legalize it. Here's my look at the question in Sunday's Washington Post. And here's a Q&A I did on the Post web site. (Yes, there are plenty of typos and missing words in my typing on this, but in my defense, I'd been up all night after a United Airlines ordeal).

Audio: From Business at Local Ballot Panel

Here's a link to the audio of the Zocalo LA panel, "Is Business Abusing the Ballot?", that I moderated May 27 at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. We made some news that night. Harvey Englander, a consultant for hotels near LAX, said his clients would not sponsor a referendum of a law extending LA's so-called "living wage" protections to workers there. (At least half the workers already make a salary equivalent to the living wage, of $10.64 per hour, according to the hotels). The event runs about an hour.

On the Media Appearance

Here's a link to a transcript and audio of my appearance this weekend on NPR's "On the Media." The topic is Spanish-language news.

Going Viral: Reading Arnold's Mind

This was a little post I tossed off last weekend on my "Blockbuster Democracy" blog at the New America Foundation web site (It's cross-posted to Fox and Hounds). It's spreading fast through the Internet universe.

Democracy Inc, and May 27 event

Here's a link to my piece in today's Los Angeles Times examining how businesses, borrowing a tactic from environmentalists and neighborhood groups, are using ballot measures to block the development plans of competitors. I'll be moderating a Zocalo LA panel on this and related issues on May 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Autry National Center. Details on the event are here.

My Contributions on New California Site

I'm contributing to a new California web site on business and politics, Fox and Hounds. There are some conservative voices on the site, and some Schwarzenegger administration folks too (key Democratic aides for some reason). I'm aligned with neither left nor right nor Arnold, but want to be part of a new California enterprise. Here's my first post, a modest proposal for extending the sales tax to a certain kind of services.

And my second, that looks at gay marriage.
And my third, called "Reading Arnold's Mind."

In Praise of Spanish-Language News

Here's my piece from the Sunday Washington Post explaining how and why Spanish-language TV news in Los Angeles is superior to its English-language competitors.

Politicians, Spouses and Branding

Here's my essay from this Sunday's Los Angeles Times Magazine about how political spouses can protect each other by keeping their brands separate.... And I'm quoted in this morning's Sacramento Bee on the phenomenon of California legislators opening up ballot measure accounts.

Please Join Me May 27

For a Zocalo LA panel on Local Ballot Measures and Business. It's called, a bit dramatically, "Is Business Abusing the Ballot?" I'm moderating. The panel is at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, and goes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. You also should be able to hear it on KPCC, 89.3 FM, on Sunday, June 1, at 9 p.m.

KPBS Appearance

Here's a link to audio of my appearance April 15 on KPBS, the NPR affiliate in San Diego.

Drinking and Reforming

Well, maybe not as bad as that, but proposing education cuts and budget reforms don't mix. I explain why in Sunday's LA Times, and talk about why Gov. Schwarzenegger has had such a hard time with this lesson.

All Times Considered

I was quoted yesterday in a piece on NPR's All Things Considered on the difficulties of my former paper, the Los Angeles Times, and its new boss, Sam Zell.

Disney-Anaheim, War and Peace

No link because Orange Coast magazine doesn't have its April issue up on the web, but you can check out my piece on the town-theme park fight that produced a referendum, a ballot initiative and now peace.

It Really Does Take a Village

Here's my investigation into the Southern California, Depression-era childhood of Dorothy Howell, mother of Hillary Clinton. Ours is a region with so much history; we should know more of it.

Direct Democracy Blog Has Moved...

to http://www.newamerica.net/blog/blockbuster_democracy

Information about me, my work, and my book, The People's Machine, remains here. But the Blockbuster Democracy blog, as it is now known, is now updated daily at the site maintained by the New America Foundation, a non-partisan think tank where I'm an Irvine senior fellow. (I'd like to stroke my beard when I recite that uppity sounding title, but my wife won't let me grow one. She correctly points out that all the title means is that I'm a freelance writer with a subsidy that expires in two years).

Dear Okie, and the Latino Vote

This op-ed from the Sunday, Feb. 24, Los Angeles Times is my attempt to explain an apparent surge in Latino voting in California

This earlier op-ed offers a preview of the kind of work you'll be seeing from me as I leave the paper's staff and become an Irvine senior fellow at The New America Foundation.

A Big Move for Me

I've decided to leave the Los Angeles Times after the presidential primaries. It's hard to leave what I believe is the most important newspaper in the world. But after eight years at the Times, it's time for me to explore the journalistic world outside of newspapers.

I have a wonderful opportunity to make a living as an independent writer. To that end, I'm joining the New America Foundation as one of their California fellows. (My exact title will be Irvine senior fellow). It's a non-partisan think tank that supports journalists, among others. You'll see my byline in the LA Times (as a freelancer), in magazines, and elsewhere. I'll have the freedom to follow my reporting nose wherever it leads me, and to write the truth as I see it.

I'll continue to focus on California, its politics, voters, real estate and labor--all topics that I covered in The People's Machine and in my LA Times work. I also plan to blog on direct democracy. It is not yet clear whether that blog will appear on this web site, or on a different site.

Here's the announcement from New America:
Building on his fine work as a political reporter at the Los Angeles Times, Joe will be examining political disengagement in California. He will be studying the interaction between lawmakers and voters, between the initiative and the referendum, and between the state's major interest groups, with a particular focus on labor, real estate, and media.

New Stuff from Joe

Here's my explanation, from the December issue of the new business magazine Conde Nast Portfolio, of a fight between the city of Anaheim and the Walt Disney Company that is headed for the municipal ballot next year. A key lesson: Anaheim, and that part of Orange County, has become a metropolis in reality, if not in name.

And here's my profile of Tom Hiltachk, the author of the California ballot initiative on the Electoral College that everyone is talking about. From the December 10 issue of the New Republic.

Ballot War Near Disneyland

What's the real story of the coming ballot measure battle in Orange County between Disney, the developer SunCal, the Unite Here hotel workers union, affordable housing advocates, and the Anaheim city council? The fight, which likely will include three separate measures on the Anaheim city ballot next June, could prove to be the most expensive municipal ballot measure fight in the history of California. I'll describe the missteps and strategies that led to the confrontation and reveal new behind-the-scenes details in an upcoming issue of Conde Nast Portfolio.