Peter H. Gleick, 07/30/12

President, Pacific Institute

Are you confused by the debate over fracking? I'm not surprised. The public debate is complex, angry, boisterous, a mix of science intertwined with politics, and complicated by a lack of information (or even intentional disinformation) on all sides.

George Lakoff and Elisabeth Wehling, 07/30/12

America is divided about its future. Should it keep and expand the system that brought past opportunity, prosperity and freedom? Or should it dismantle that system?

John O'Kane, 07/31/12

Teacher of media and pop culture, UCI

America has become a killing machine that appears to be outside of society; beyond critique. We accept unchallengeable abstractions, fictions, and look the other way as more die.

Ralph da Costa Nunez, 07/30/12

President, Institute For Children, Poverty & Homelessness

They care only about how the nation's leaders are going to create and protect jobs and bring stability to the economy. But the truth is that a return to full employment and stability is not possible unless we acknowledge the problem for what it is and put aside partisan politics to fix it.
So, what is the problem?

Robert Watson, 07/30/12

Professor and director of American Studies at Lynn University

The Sunshine State is important in presidential elections for several reasons, but one of them is simply that Florida is the land of butterfly ballots, hanging chads, and Katherine Harris (and her makeup).

Michael Smerconish, 07/30/12

Radio host

Elizabeth Warren said it better than Barack Obama. And the president's presentation wasn't helped when supporters of Mitt Romney edited his words. Sadly, lost in a squabble over "you didn't build that" was the opportunity for a more serious conversation about social contracts.

Chris Kelly, 07/30/12

Writer, 'Real Time with Bill Maher'

When Mitt Romney talks about culture, he doesn't mean religion. He means the force that explains why some people have money (and deserve it) and other people don't. He's not talking about Arabs and Jews. He couldn't care less. He's on autopilot. But that's not what his audience is hearing.

Chris Weigant, 07/30/12

Political writer and blogger at ChrisWeigant.com

Mitt Romney doesn't really fit the classic wimp definition, as even Newsweek sheepishly concedes. Anyone who remembers the primary campaign knows that Romney is no classic "wimp." Instead, Romney is a world-class weasel.

David Shuster, 07/30/12

Host, 'Take Action News with David Shuster'; anchor and correspondent for Current TV

Democrats should follow Rep. Jan Schakowsky's lead: Instead of running away from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, they should run toward the programs and vow to protect them. It's an approach that will win in November and strengthen our society.

Jeff Danziger, 07/30/12

Political cartoonist syndicated by the NYTimes worldwide

William Hartung, 07/30/12

Director, Arms and Security Project, Center for International Policy

The old John McCain had an independent streak, bucking his party on issues like campaign finance reform and fighting Pentagon pork. Unfortunately, the old John McCain is fading from view just when the country needs him most.

Brian Whetten, 07/30/12

Leadership consultant, author, conscious business coach

To thrive in the 21st century, we need to lead the world in innovation -- not just with our companies, but with our system itself. We need to create the capitalism of tomorrow.

Jeremy Haft, 07/30/12

Entrepreneur, author, and Georgetown professor

The truth is that no matter how much China may allow its currency to appreciate, certain jobs just aren't coming back. We need sustainable, well-paying jobs. Jobs that play on America's competitive advantages of high-value manufacturing and services.

Rev. Meg Riley, 07/30/12

Senior Minister, Church of the Larger Fellowship

I can feel myself getting more brittle as this anti-gay ballot initiative heats up in Minnesota. I find myself wanting to blurt out to virtual strangers, "Can you even imagine what it would be like to have your family's mere existence up for a vote?"

Ethan Nadelmann, 07/30/12

Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance

The long term alternative to the failed global drug prohibition regime ultimately lies in embracing three specific policy options: legal regulation of cannabis; full decriminalization of possession of small amounts of drugs; and legal access to pharmaceutical versions of other illicit drugs for addicts.

Janet Mason, 07/30/12

Author, 'Tea Leaves'

"Ask and you shall receive" was one of her favorite sayings. If I had had a different mother, there's a good chance that I would have turned out to be one of the people on the street telling me that they don't care (enough) to register to vote.

Peter J. Woolley and Dan Cassino, 07/30/12

Before 2009, no candidate for governor had wanted to challenge the well-organized and wealthy teachers' union, the NJEA, and all had gone meekly before the union leadership seeking its endorsement -- until Chris Christie who, knowing he would never get it, announced loudly that he didn't want it.