Christopher S. Parker
Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Washington
The Tea Party remains a force in the Republican Party, pushing polarization and gridlock. As a major new study reveals, Tea Partiers are not run-of-the-mill conservatives. Practicing a "paranoid style" of politics, they are motivated by extreme beliefs and fears about President Obama and his policies.
Gary May
Professor of History, University of Delaware
The Supreme Court is about to rule on a challenge to the Voting Rights Act, and many observers worry that minorities could lose protections. But if that happens, argues Gary May, history may repeat itself. Again and again, overreach from opponents has aroused movements to expand civil rights.
Sandra Butler
Professor of Social Work, University of Maine
Single-mother Evelyn Coke toiled for decades caring for sick and elderly patients in their homes - but she did not enjoy wage and hour protections long-ago established for most U.S. workers. Now, at last, the Labor Department is on the cusp of extending protections to care workers like Evelyn.
Kelsey McCowan Heilman
Attorney, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
ObamaCare promises many Americans new access to affordable health insurance. But as Kelsey Heilman explains, states must help people avoid private plans that seem cheap, but require costly payments when policy holders go to the hospital or a doctor's office.
