John McCain is lucky. The defeated presidential candidate has another opportunity to, indeed, put “Country First.” The last time, candidly, was a sham – and it was apparent as soon as Sarah Palin was announced as his running mate. It amounted to dereliction of duty for the former fighter pilot. It wasn’t “Country First” [...]

            When Barack Obama gives his inauguration speech on Jan. 20, you can count on soaring rhetoric – leavened with the acknowledgment of unprecedented challenges.             He will quote from sources as eclectic as they are inspiring and cautionary. From Scripture to political icons. Here are two 20th century sources, especially applicable right now, who [...]

While the Obama cabinet-level positions – from Hillary Clinton (State) and Tim Geithner (Treasury) to Bill Richardson (Commerce) and Eric Holder (Attorney General) – have attracted the media spotlight, there’s a sub-cabinet position that is very much on the media’s radar. It’s the White House press secretary – the de facto face of the administration. [...]

 A national security analysis now tells us that Al-Qaida may be on the verge of decline. Apparently you can’t go on indefinitely with indiscriminate killing and maiming without losing appeal in the Muslim world. This is a very good sign. Another positive turn is the curious post-election, Web message sent by Al-Qaida deputy leader Ayman [...]

           When the Tampa Bay Rays begin next season, they will be without a few of the players who helped make the memorable run to the World Series. It’s inevitable. Retirements, free-agency scenarios, salary considerations, trades. But the core group will be back, and pre-season expectations will certainly be at an all-time high.             One [...]

            So, Gov. Charlie Crist remains incredibly popular. By last (survey) count – that of the ubiquitous Quinnipiac University Polling Institute – his approval rating was an astounding 68 percent.             Which begs several questions: *What would that number be if his fellow Floridians had actually seen their insurance rates and property tax bills “drop [...]

           The presidential election is over and an electoral mandate has been rendered. But for a lot of those grass-roots legions that helped make the Obama phenomenon happen, the fight forges on.             Recently more than 1,000 gatherings — sponsored by MoveOn.org Political Action — were held across the country. Eight of them – from [...]

           The Port of Tampa is easily taken for granted by most locals, including those who cruise out of it. But it’s the main economic engine for all of west/central Florida. It’s worth 96,000 port-related jobs and $8 billion in economic impact.               With positive economic news at a premium these days, it was reassuring [...]

            Here’s the good news: Not all niches of the economy are adversely affected by the recession. Here’s the bad news: Gun dealers are among the most immune.             The upshot: Assault weapons have never been more popular.             The reason: A fear that President Obama will enact a ban on assault weapons.               [...]

            Ever feel like an alien in your own culture? Maybe it’s the gratuitous tattoos and piercings. Or coming frightfully close to a Vice President Palin. Ever find yourself talking to yourself because your presumed “listener” was iPodding away? Why is there a market for rap – or anything dealing with Paris Hilton? Why would anyone [...]