Deconstructing the Op-Ed Writers: Columns on 1/4/09

Senate is losing some real talent by DAVID BRODER BIAS: CONSERVATIVE Broder is sometimes described as a centrist, and is able to acknowledge the achievements of "the other side."

• Writes a twice-weekly op-ed column for the Washington Post
• Pulitzer Prize winner for political commentaryGenerally critical of Bill and and Hillary Clinton. Broder speaking to Sally Quinn about Bill Clinton: "He came in here and he trashed the place, and it's not his place."
• Generally supportive of George Bush. From Broder's February 2007 column: "But just as Clinton did in the winter of 1995, Bush now shows signs of renewed energy and is regaining the initiative on several fronts. More important, he is demonstrating political smarts that even his critics have to acknowledge."
• Generally supportive of Karl Rove. Broder on the Valerie Plame case: "[Newsweek] and other publications owe Karl Rove an apology. And all of journalism needs to relearn the lesson: Can the conspiracy theories and stick to the facts."

Unintended consequences of well-meaning laws by GEORGE WILL BIAS: CONSERVATIVE

See previous George Will entry

GOP must really stand for something by RICHARD A. VIGUERIE BIAS: CONSERVATIVE

• Pioneered the use of direct mail funding campaigns for conservative causes
• Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com
• Founded Conservative Digest magazine in 1975
• Cofounder of American Freedom Agenda , a conservative coalition dedicated restoring traditional Republican "small government" values

On the economy: Worst is coming by NOURIEL ROUBINI BIAS: Liberal. There is disagreement about whether Roubini is a liberal or a libertarian

• Professor of economics at the Stern School of Business, New York University
• Held several advisory positions at Treasury during Clinton administration
• Chairman of RGE Monitor, an economic analysis consulting firm

Delaware Voice: Why we need same-gender marriages by DOUG MARSHALL-STEELE BIAS: LIBERAL

• Doug and partner Corey Marshall-Steele are local gay-rights activists
• Frequently contributes articles and letters on GLBT issues to newspapers throughout the state
• Website: Towardequality.org