Robert Reich, 02/22/13

Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy, University of California at Berkeley; Author, 'Beyond Outrage'

Can we just put aside ideology for one minute and agree that businesses hire more workers if they have more customers, and fire workers if they have fewer customers?

Marian Wright Edelman, 02/23/13

President, Children's Defense Fund

We are all in the same boat and must act together to stop the plague of violence. Gun safety laws that only apply in one city or state can't fully stop our national epidemic of gun proliferation and violence any better than we can stop a flu epidemic by vaccinating one family.

Lincoln Mitchell, 02/24/13

Harriman Institute, Columbia University

Because the U.S. has been governed by the same two parties for more than 150 years, it is not uncommon for one of the parties to be riven by an ideological split. The conflict in today's Republican Party is different. Although there are policy elements to it, most of the differences are personal.

Paul Abrams, 02/24/13

Last person on Earth not on Facebook

For the avoidance of doubt, I oppose the sequester, and I oppose budget cuts at this time in our economic recovery. One cannot help but observe, however, that the sequester is a political minefield for Republicans.

András Simonyi and Erik Brattberg, 02/23/13

Clearly, what is unique about the Nordics is not just their cultural appeal, but also their successful 'nation branding' efforts underpinned by strong attention to both soft and hard power.

Peter Dreier and Donald Cohen, 02/23/13

Increasing the minimum wage to $9 an hour and tying it to the cost of living will not, on its own, lift the country out of its economic doldrums. But it will definitely lift millions of Americans out of poverty, stimulate the economy, and create new jobs. It is the right thing to do both morally and economically.

James Zogby, 02/23/13

President, Arab American Institute; author, 'Arab Voices'

The agenda for these visits will be different than those of previous visits by presidents and secretaries of state. It will, no doubt, be disappointing to those desperate to see a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But reality trumps aspirations. At this point, Syria and Iran are front and center.

Glen Browder, 02/23/13

Former Congressman, Alabama; Professor Emeritus, Jacksonville State University

A surprising number of critics caution that he's promising more than he, his party, and even government can deliver; others worry that he is making a tough road tougher -- both domestically and internationally -- for an already bedraggled America.

Steven Brykman, 02/22/13

Writer and former managing editor of 'National Lampoon'

There was no question. If I was going to land this job, if I stood any chance at infiltrating the Republican party, I would have to make it all disappear.

Scott Lilly, 02/22/13

Senior fellow, Center for American Progress

There is a right way and a wrong way to cut federal spending, but the sequestration plan about to go into effect is perhaps the most boneheaded approach that could possibly be concocted.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Martha M. Lauzen, 02/22/13

Once again this year the nominees for many of the most coveted behind-the-scenes Oscars (best director, original screenplay, editor, and cinematographer) are exclusively male.

Jerry Lanson, 02/22/13

Journalism professor, Emerson College

Can we please stop referring to Republican "conservatism" and call the party's philosophy and actions what they truly are? I vote for "destructionism," a mix of obstructing and dismantling.

Daniel Luzer, 02/22/13

Washington Monthly web editor

It's true that income inequality has grown dramatically in last 30 years in United States, but social mobility? In truth it doesn't appear that ever changes much at all.

John G. Taft, 02/22/13

CEO, RBC Wealth Management - U.S.

The continued fascination with my great-grandfather's weight points to the fact that tolerance and acceptance of obesity remain a diversity issue in our society, particularly in workplaces (including, apparently, the White House).

Sanjay Sanghoee, 02/22/13

Banker, political commentator, author of thriller novel 'Merger'

Our financial institutions would benefit from an independent body not beholden to anyone since the ratings on their products would be truly credible to investors and free of the taint that has attached itself to the business.

Richard Brodsky, 02/22/13

Senior Fellow, Demos

Obama seems to have learned the lesson of his first term: Don't negotiate with yourself, don't make concessions early, outside pressure changes insider positions.

Sheri and Allan Rivlin, 02/22/13

Co-editors, CenteredPolitics.com

The Republicans may not deserve it, but the President still wants one and has the leverage to get a grand bargain including Medicare spending reductions on favorable terms.