Election 2012  

 

 

BASIC BLACK

President Obama's Next Term


VISIT BASIC BLACK
Callie Crossley hosts a discussion looking forward to President Obama's next term.


ELECTION 2012

Election Roundup from WGBH News


MORE FROM WGBH NEWS
See how the Commonwealth voted with town-by-town results and learn what's next for victors of this year's contested Congressional races. 
Election 2012

DNC Chair Rips Romney's 'Penchant for Secrecy'


By Adam Reilly
As Democrats hammer the private financial practices of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Boston is becoming a favorite staging ground for their attacks.
Election 2012

John Tierney Says His Brothers-in-Law Can't Be Trusted


By Adam Reilly
In a lengthy and occasionally combative appearance, the embattled congressman denied relatives' accusations that he knew all about their illegal gambling operation.
Health Care

Still Waiting for the Health Care Decision


REVIEW THE ARGUMENTS: HEALTH CARE ON TRIAL
By Bob Seay
As we drum our fingers, law professor Renée Landers explains four likely scenarios for the Supreme Court's Affordable Care Act ruling and their ramifications.
Election 2012

This Week in State Politics: The President and an Eastie Casino


By Sarah Birnbaum
President Barack Obama makes a campaign swing through Boston, a proposed casino in East Boston draws opposition and a film and television studio pushes ahead in Devens. 
Election 2012

Candidates' Democrat History an Issue in GOP Race


By Adam Reilly
Republican U.S. House candidates Sean Bielat and Elizabeth Childs are accusing each other of really being a Democrat — and there's some basis to the claims.
Election 2012

Tonight: WGBY Hosts Senate Debate


FROM WGBH NEWS: Western Mass. Prepares for Debate
WGBH co-hosts the third debate between Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and Democrat Elizabeth Warren. Follow Greater Boston's Adam Reilly for analysis during the debate at @reillyadam on Twitter. 

Tuesday at 7pm on WGBH 2
Election 2012

Scott Brown's Journalist Wife: A Conflict of Interest?


By Adam Reilly
Senator Scott Brown's wife, television reporter Gail Huff, stars in two new campaign ads for her husband. Huff doesn't see a conflict of interest. Can the spouse of a political candidate be a working journalist?
Election 2012

Brown Takes Warren 'Heritage' Issue National


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown is stepping up personal attacks on his Democratic opponent. After leaving the issue mostly to surrogates, he appeared on national television questioning Elizabeth Warren's claims of Native American ancestry.
WGBH Local News

Warren Commits to Debate Co-Hosted by WGBH News


By Adam Reilly
In her race for U.S. Senate, Elizabeth Warren has agreed to a third televised debate hosted by the Boston Media Consortium, which includes WGBH News.
Election 2012

Warren to DeFranco: “Be Part of This Campaign”


By Adam Reilly
A web exclusive: Elizabeth Warren talks to WGBH's Adam Reilly about the next steps for her Senate campaign, and reaches out to vanquished rival Marisa DeFranco.
Election 2012

What Now in the U.S. Senate Race?


By Sarah Birnbaum
U.S. Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts has congratulated his Democratic opponent, Elizabeth Warren, for winning her party's endorsement and said he wants a debate.
Election 2012

Elizabeth Warren Gets Overwhelming Support at Dems' Convention


By Sarah Birnbaum
Despite predictions that underdog Marisa DeFranco would get on the ballot, nearly 96 percent of the delegates at the state Democratic Convention nominated Warren — a record, and enough to avoid a party primary.
Election 2012

Democrats Gather to Endorse Senate Candidate


By Adam Reilly
As the Democratic nominating convention gets underway in Springfield, everyone's buzzing over whether candidate Marisa DeFranco will get on the fall primary ballot.
Election 2012

Obama, Romney Supporters Face Off at State House


By Sarah Birnbaum
About 100 people shouted slogans as Obama strategist David Axelrod tried to address the crowd.
Election 2012

Governor Endorses Elizabeth Warren for Senate


By WGBH News
Deval Patrick has thrown his weight behind the Democratic Senate candidate just days before the state party's endorsement convention.
Election 2012

Warren's Democratic Challenger Keeps Going


By Sarah Birnbaum
Her U.S. Senate campaign has little cash and no paid staff. Yet Massachusetts Democrat Marisa DeFranco is on the verge of qualifying for the September primary ballot.
Election 2012

Bill Bradley Says 'We Can All Do Better'


By Adam Reilly
The former senator, NBA star and presidential candidate says that to fix the broken American political system, we need a constitutional amendment restricting the role of money in politics. 
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: From Technology to the Tea Party


By Gregory T. Huang, Editor, Xconomy Boston
Thomas Massie started a tech company and moved West ... and then moved back to Kentucky, where he's a Tea Party darling and favored to win the Republican nomination for Congress.
Election 2012

On 'Mr. Mean' and 'Fauxcahontas'


By Sarah Birnbaum
Two different stories hit the news recently about prominent Massachusetts politicians and not-so-flattering incidents from their pasts. They might factor in voter choices. 
Election 2012

The Democratic Core in Election 2012


By WGBH News
Latinos, African Americans, millennials, gay voters — all were key supporters in Obama's run for the White House in 2008. But will they come out in force in November? WGBH News and NPR bring you their views and voices.
Election 2012

Marisa DeFranco Is Not Going Away


DEFRANCO ON GREATER BOSTON
By Anne Mostue & WGBH News
Though she doesn't have the money or the spotlight, immigration lawyer Marisa DeFranco has gathered enough signatures to qualify for a Democratic primary — and says she'll continue to run.
Election 2012

Local Latino Voters Talk About Election 2012


ON THE GROWING LATINO VOTE
By Michelle Figueroa
Latinos have become the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the country — and a pivotal one for Obama and likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential race.
Election 2012

Member of Appointments Board Defends Elizabeth Warren


By Jordan Weinstein
A Harvard Law School professor and former Reagan administration official is calling "false" and "complete nonsense" any suggestion that Elizabeth Warren enjoyed an affirmative action advantage in her hiring as a full professor.
Election 2012

Senate Candidate Marisa DeFranco


By Jordan Weinstein
The spotlight's on Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown, but there's still another Democrat in the race.
Election 2012

Populism in the Mass. Senate Race


By Adam Reilly
Is Elizabeth Warren an elitist? Is Scott Brown Everyman? The competitors are fighting to be the people's choice.
Election 2012

Moving Past the Sweater Vest in Election 2012


By Jordan Weinstein & Danielle Dreilinger
Mitt Romney's biographer predicted that the former Massachusetts governor is breathing easy now that Santorum is out. Barack Obama? That's another story.
Government

Governor Blames GOP for Gridlock in Congress


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick criticized congressional Republicans Tuesday, saying they're blocking President Barack Obama’s efforts to fix the economy.
Communications & Media

Skittles and Etch-a-Sketch: When Brands Meet Politics


By Jared Bowen
Amid the fallout in the Trayvon Martin murder is a public relations conundrum for a product innocently linked to the Florida teen. It’s an unfortunate circumstance that’s plagued other brands from Kool-Aid to the Post Office.
Psychology & The Mind

Inside the Psyche at the Ballot Box


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Bob Seay
Along with political analysts, should candidates hire the kind of analyst who has a couch and a 50-minute hour?
Election 2012

The State of the Massachusetts Republican


EMILY ROONEY: WHITHER CONSERVATIVES?
By Sarah Birnbaum
Mitt Romney's opponents call him a "Massachusetts moderate." In the week of Super Tuesday, we look at what characterizes the GOP voters who went to the polls.
Government

This Week in State Politics: Super Tuesday Looms


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in Massachusetts state politics, Sen. John Kerry addresses the Bay State business community, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray continues his tour of military bases and voters head to the polls to choose presidential nominees. 
THIS WEEK ON BEACON HILL

Patrick Hobnobs with Obama, and More


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in Mass. state politics, Gov. Deval Patrick continues his whirlwind tour of the nation's capital, former House speaker Sal DiMasi fights for his pension and the treasurer mulls online lottery sales.
Election 2012

On the Growing Latino Vote


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Will Roseliep
Nationwide, Latino voter turnout has increased with every election. The bloc could potentially have a major impact in November, in Boston and beyond.
Election 2012

Listen: Brown and Warren's Contraception Ads

By Sarah Birnbaum
Republican Sen. Scott Brown and Democratic candidate Elizabeth Warren are squaring off over politically charged questions of religion, government and contraception. On Thursday, they released dueling radio ads on the issue. Listen to them here. WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
Greater Boston

A Conversation with Lawrence Summers


By Adam Reilly
The renowned economist, former presidential advisor and former Harvard University president has a sunny prediction for the U.S. economy.
Local Politics

How to Take On a Kennedy


JPK3 ENTERS THE RING
THE COMPETITION
By Phillip Martin
Joseph P. Kennedy III is the latest to run from the family whose lingering aura is a political force. We look into WGBH's archives for an answer to the question many have asked: How can you effectively challenge a Kennedy?
Election 2012

Warren Is Surprised Brown Supports 'Extremist' Bill


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Emily Rooney
Elizabeth Brown objected to rival Scott Brown's support of a bill that would allow employers to not offer health care coverage for any service that goes against their moral beliefs.
Election 2012

Your 4th Congressional Cheat Sheet

By Danielle Dreilinger
Despite the frenzy, JPK3's not the only game in town. There are currently five candidates for the 4th Congressional seat. Here's what they're about.
Election 2012

Joseph P. Kennedy III on the Campaign Trail


HOW TO BEAT A KENNEDY
THE COMPETITION
By Sarah Birnbaum
Joseph P. Kennedy III announced his candidacy for the 4th Congressional seat this morning. Our commentators think it won't be a coronation.
Government

Fight To Overturn Citizens United Comes To Mass.


By Sarah Birnbaum
Activists and lawmakers gathered on Feb. 9 to protest Citizens United and urge the Legislature to pass a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to reverse the decision.
Election 2012

Ross Opts Not To Run For Congress


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
Boston city councilor Mike Ross has dropped his exploratory committee for the 4th Congressional race, saying Congress is "dysfunctional and broken."
Election 2012

Warren Responds To Brown's 'Rock-Thrower' Slam


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
Democratic Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren defended herself in an exclusive interview with WGBH News, saying, "I stand up for what I believe in."
Election 2012

Touting Bipartisanship, Brown Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign


SPOTLIGHT ON THE MASS. SENATE RACE
By Sarah Birnbaum
U.S. Sen. Scott Brown's long-expected re-election run is official.
Election 2012

Spotlight on the 2012 Mass. Senate Race


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
As Sen. Scott Brown officially launches his bid for re-election, WGBH News has coverage of the rally plus new interviews with his Democratic competition: Marisa DeFranco, Jim King and Elizabeth Warren — who responds to Brown's kickoff speech swipe.
Election 2012

Bielat: Kennedy Hasn't Earned Frontrunner Status


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
Republican Sean Bielat may be tangling with Joseph P. Kennedy III for Congress. Is the Democrat a shoo-in? Bielat told WGBH News, "We wouldn't be having this conversation if his last name weren't Kennedy."
Election 2012

Marisa DeFranco Says She Can Beat Elizabeth Warren


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Adam Reilly
No matter that Democratic Senate frontrunner Elizabeth Warren's campaign chest neared $9 million at the end of 2011: immigration lawyer Marisa DeFranco still thinks she can win the nomination.
Election 2012

Huntsman To Withdraw, Back Romney


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By The Associated Press
Jon Huntsman staked his entire campaign on New Hampshire. Less than a week after that state's primary, he has decided to drop his bid for president.
Election 2012

Next Stop, Nomination?


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
Mitt Romney says the South Carolina GOP primary will be an uphill climb. But one analyst thinks it's downhill all the way from now to the Republican convention. 
Election 2012

It's Romney, Paul, Huntsman In N.H.


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By The Associated Press
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has won the Republican New Hampshire primary, taking 37 percent of the vote with 46 percent of precincts reporting.
Election 2012

'Independent' In Name Only?


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
The proportion of unaffiliated voters is growing in states across the nation but New Hampshire's 40 percent is still unusually high. That said, they might not be as independent as they seem.
Presidents

From The WGBH Vault: The New Hampshire Primary


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Bob Seay, Elizabeth Deane & WGBH Archives Staff
New Hampshire didn't always command such attention. We go into WGBH's vault for historical recordings showing the primary's rise to prominence.
Election 2012

Politics Is Romney's Career — And That's OK


MORE EMILY ROONEY
WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Frannie Carr
The author of a new book about Mitt Romney thinks the candidate should embrace his long life in politics instead of trying to distance himself in response to rivals' criticism.
Election 2012

Four Years Later, What's Changed For Romney?


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Sarah Birnbaum
On the surface, Mitt Romney's 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns look the same: He stresses his business credentials and tries to make the case that he would be the best candidate against Barack Obama. The difference? This time, the polls are predicting a Romney New Hampshire win.
Election 2012

The 'Indispensable' Newt


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Bob Seay
Long before Newt Gingrich announced his run for president, Americans had an opinion about his politics, his personality and even his many marriages.
Election 2012

A New Kennedy In Congress?


By Sarah Birnbaum & Charlie Mars
Joseph P. Kennedy III is forming an exploratory committee to consider running in the 4th District. Democratic analyst Warren Tolman thinks he could rise to the challenge.
Election 2012

Religion In The 2012 Race


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Bob Seay
Mitt Romney may get a one-week reprieve from facing an evangelical Protestant voting block but he might not be able to avoid addressing his faith in the race.
Election 2012

Ayyy, Romney!


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Bob Seay & WGBH News
A candidate's tone of voice can be decisive. So does it help or hurt Mitt Romney if sometimes he sounds a little like... Milwaukee's fictional favorite son?
Health Care

Romney Could Be In The Health Care Crosshairs At Debate


EMILY ROONEY: GRUBER ON 'OBAMACARE'
By Frannie Carr
Once his crowning achievement, health care reform has become Mitt Romney’s Achilles heel. 
Election 2012

Underdog Again: Brown Faces Tough '12 Contest


LISTEN TO THE CALLIE CROSSLEY SEGMENT
By Will Roseliep
He may hold the Senate seat now, but Scott Brown is facing a stiff challenge from Democratic front-runner Elizabeth Warren.
Election 2012

Bachmann Out Of Race, Adviser Says


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By The Associated Press
An adviser says last-place Iowa caucus finisher Michelle Bachmann is ending her presidential campaign. That leaves her supporters up for grabs as Rick Santorum tries to establish himself as the conservative heavyweight in the Republican race.
Election 2012

Santorum May Add Supporters In N.H.


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
NPR: SANTORUM IN N.H.
By WGBH News
Though he hasn't struck sparks in the Granite State so far, Rick Santorum might have an impact in New Hampshire after his surge in Iowa.
U.S.

Santorum, Romney Take Top Spots In A Nail-Biter


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News & Wires
It came down to the wire for Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney in the Iowa caucuses.
Election 2012

Political Word Watch: Romney And Santorum


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
What do the Republican candidates' words reveal about their strategies? We analyze debate transcripts by Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney and the rest of the GOP field.
Election 2012

Mass. Sets Ballot Order For Presidential Primaries


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News & Wires
Ron Paul's name will top the ballot for Massachusetts' March 6 GOP presidential primary. Secretary of State William Galvin said that each vote really does matter.
Election 2012

Outsiders And Opportunists, But No Moderates In Race


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
One political scientist says our candidates for president are less experienced than ever before — and an outsider can't fix a system they know nothing about.
Election 2012

WGBH Election Central


READ MORE
Mitt Romney has half the delegates he needs for the GOP nomination. What will this Tuesday's races bring? Get results from The Associated Press and check out WGBH's election coverage.
Election 2012

Romney's First Day In The Oval Office


By WGBH News
Former Mass. Governor Mitt Romney is making resolutions not for 2012 but for 2013. In an interview on “The Howie Carr Show,” he discussed his plans for his very first day as president.
Election 2012

Robinson Drops Bid For Senate


MORE: THE STRATEGY OF SENATE ADS
By Sarah Birnbaum
Newton engineer Herb Robinson is dropping out of the race for the seat currently held by Scott Brown, saying that candidate Elizabeth Warren "has pretty much wrapped up the Democratic race."
Election 2012

The Strategy Behind Early Senate Ads


By Sarah Birnbaum
The onslaught of campaign ads makes most voters dizzy — especially when they appear almost a full year before an election. Are Mass. Senate candidates wasting their money?
Election 2012

Enthusiasm Low Among Some N.H. Voters


By Adam Reilly
This year, the voters in the Republican hotbed of Salem, N.H. seem unexcited about their options for next month's primary.
Election 2012

Conroy Endorses Warren After Leaving Senate Race


WARREN GRILLED AT DEMS DEBATE
By Adam Reilly
Wayland State Rep. Tom Conroy called Elizabeth Warren "a very strong candidate" in the race for Senate — a race he left on Dec. 12.
Election 2012

At Dems' Debate, Warren Grilled On Occupy Boston

By Sarah Birnbaum
The liveliest moment of Democratic Senate debate on Tuesday night came when the five Democrats who want to take on Sen. Scott Brown were asked a yes or no question: Whether Occupy Boston, while fighting for a more permanent encampment in Boston, be allowed to build a winterized tent on public land.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Can Gingrich Win New Hampshire?


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
With the N.H. primary just around the corner, how much of a threat does Newt Gingrich’s recent surge in the polls pose to Mitt Romney’s presidential hopes? Adam Reilly of WGBH's "Greater Boston" went north to find out.

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