Kamala Harris crushes it in her Democratic convention speech
CHICAGO — On the final night of the Democratic National Convention, expectations were high and rumors were rampant. Speculation of a surprise guest — Taylor Swift?…
At DNC, Barack and Michelle Obama bring fire and vengeance
CHICAGO — Barack and Michelle Obama resurfaced, with a vengeance.Doug Emhoff, the nation’s second gentleman, turned on the goofy charm.A number of rhetorical torches were passed.With…
Democratic convention will test whether Harris can keep momentum alive
CHICAGO — One month ago, Democrats were anticipating a very different convention than the exuberant event planned this week on the shores of Lake Michigan.The expectation…
Long-winded Trump bores convention to end
MILWAUKEE — After all the buildup, you almost expected Donald Trump to walk on water to reach the stage.But on Thursday night the Republican presidential nominee…
Republican Convention a split screen between nasty and nice
MILWAUKEE — J.D. Vance introduced himself by throwing down the age card.Donald Trump Jr. got some things off his chest.And for the second night in…
J.D. Vance is crowned heir apparent on Day 1 of RNC
MILWAUKEE — Donald Trump got a new partner.Joe Biden got dragged as old and senile.Republican delegates — and those watching on TV — got an earful…
At Republican National Convention, which Trump will show up?
The Republican National Convention opens Monday in Milwaukee at one of the most tumultuous times in modern American history.The four-day event is a make-good of…
What should Democrats do now? L.A. Times columnists slug it out
It seems as though we’re at a hinge point in our country’s history.Or, at the least, living through some very strange and scary times.A former…
Column: The year America burned, literally and figuratively
A political giant, California’s Dianne Feinstein, died after serving more than 30 years in the Senate. The state lost not one but two House speakers,…
Barabak: Trump’s latest indictment shouldn’t numb voters
It’s not every day a former president of the United States is criminally indicted. In the case of Donald Trump, it’s just about every month.…
Barabak: Alaska’s novel election system is forging compromise
Last year, Alaska tried something unique. It became the first state to use an election system that placed all candidates on the same ballot, with…
Barabak: Fraud, liar Kari Lake faces welcome defamation suit
Ever since her clear and unequivocal loss in the race for Arizona governor, Kari Lake has traveled the country posing and strutting like a conquering…
Barabak: For Adam Schiff, censure is a gift from House GOP
On Thursday, Rep. Adam B. Schiff turned 63. His birthday present arrived a day early, courtesy of vengeful House Republicans. Schiff was formally censured Wednesday…
Columnist Mark Z. Barabak – Los Angeles Times
For much of its history, the West was Republican ground. Today, it’s a bastion of Democratic support, a shift that has transformed presidential politics nationwide.…
Barabak: Boxer warns progressives pushing Feinstein to retire
Barbara Boxer was once among the most liberal members of the U.S. Senate, a favorite of progressives, who much preferred her over California’s other Democratic…
Barabak: Feinstein biographer can’t see her quitting Senate
Other than family and close friends, few people have a longer history with Dianne Feinstein or a better understanding of California’s ailing U.S. senator than…
Barabak: Tech, outdoors changed Oregon and White House races
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Karen and Steve Packer were done with California. The crowds, the traffic. It came to a head around Labor Day more than a…
Barabak: A Trump indictment could signal an end to his political immunity
From the moment he blustered his way onto the political stage, Donald Trump defied expectations. He won the White House despite lacking any government or…
Barabak: Arizona’s lunacy shows threat to democracy persists
Meet Wendy Rogers. Her political credentials include antisemitism, a hyperactive promotion of outlandish conspiracy theories, a fondness for the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy and Vladimir…
Barabak: Ongoing mass shootings reflect failure of politics
On a sunny July afternoon, James Oliver Huberty drove his black Mercury Marquis to a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro, near the border with Mexico,…