Caffeinated Politics

August 27, 2026

New Berlin Mayor Dave Ament And His Overt Racism

When a declining population sees their time on the stage running out, when they see diversity and color taking hold of the white domain they once controlled, it is no surprise that attacks on the new faces come to the fore. But that does not mean we should accept it or not call out the… Continue reading

conservatives, ethics, Racism, republicans, wisconsin

dave-ament, history, islam, politics, Racism, Religion, white-nationalism
August 26, 2026

Dolly’s Open Hand vs. Trump’s Closed Grifting Fist

A lesson in genuinely meaningful ethics. Two very different American stories are in focus this week: rich people and what they do with their wealth. One belongs to Dolly Parton, an iconic superstar who lived a life that treated success like a resource to be shared. The other belongs to Donald Trump, who treats financial… Continue reading

dolly-parton, donald-trump, ethics, Social Commentary, Society, Uncategorized

dolly-parton, donald-trump, ethics, life, news, politics, Society
August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton: Music And Heart On Display In Madison Concerts

Dolly Parton took the stage at the Dane County Coliseum on October 29, 2005. It was the first major concert that my husband, James, had ever attended. Walking down an onstage staircase, she held the audience in the palm of her hand from the first note. I know that sounds trite. Except it is the… Continue reading

grand-ole-opry, music, Obits, Social Commentary, Society

country-music, dolly-parton, grand-ole-opry, madison, music, reviews
August 24, 2026

The Larger Message About Jed York, Owner Of San Francisco 49ers, Arrested In Prostitution Sting

Here we are again with a story about the unseemly side of the NFL. Just in time for the start of a new season, when many Americans will opt to sit inside on beautiful fall Sunday afternoons to watch television. San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanor charges… Continue reading

ethics, Morals, Social Commentary, Society, Sports

ethics, NFL, Morals, Sports, football, jed-york
August 23, 2026

A Prime Minister With a Spine, And A Tariff War Wisconsin Didn’t Ask For

I noticed a few Canadian flags flying in Madison this weekend. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one relishing watching Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney take on Donald Trump by saying, essentially, “No.” to his demands in trade talks. Many Americans are tired of heads of state who tiptoe around the bombast and bluster from this… Continue reading

Canada, donald-trump, Economics, wisconsin, Wisconsin Politics

Canada, donald-trump, Economics, mark-carney, politics, tariffs, wisconsin
August 22, 2026

One City School Wants In, Madison Taxpayers Shouldn’t Foot Kaleem Caire’s Bill At The Expense Of Our Public Schools

I strongly support our public school system. I am not a proponent of charter schools, as they undermine our public schools. So, I am concerned about the news this week that an independent charter school, One City Schools, is seeking to be absorbed by the Madison School District. I trust that the School Board members… Continue reading

Charter Schools, Education, madison, Taxes

Education, learning, madison, one-city-school, politics, teachers, teaching
August 21, 2026

Caffeinated Politics Podcast: Politics, Power, And Public Trust

Trump’s Conduct and the Collapse of Norms A Historic Wave at the Governor’s Mansion Law, Stewardship, and the Long Arc of Accountability Continue reading

2026 Midterm Elections, Books, donald-trump, Elections, Law, politics, Social Commentary, Society

Books, history, Law, news, politics, trump
August 19, 2026

Three Black Governors in 250 Years, Will Progress Break Open In Midterms?

It may seem odd to say that I was glad when Barack Obama was elected president in November 2008 because he looked like me. I knew someone in my age group (he is one year older than I am) would be in the White House shaping policy. That really mattered to me. Our nation should… Continue reading

2026 Midterm Elections, Elections, politics, Uncategorized

black-americans, David Crowley, Elections, history, mid-term-elections, news, politics
August 18, 2026

The Real Danger Isn’t Turning On Red In Madison, It’s The Pedestrian Who Never Looks Up

Madison’s latest flirtation with banning right‑on‑red turns is the kind of well‑intentioned civic tinkering that sounds good in a mayoral campaign literature piece. But this idea misunderstands how people actually move through Madison’s downtown streets, how drivers behave, and how pedestrians should behave. Right‑on‑red is a logical, practical, efficient traffic valve that keeps intersections from… Continue reading

Bikers, madison, Social Commentary, Society, traffic

driving, madison, news, traffic, transportation, travel, turn-on-red, walking
August 17, 2026

Presidential Bully Pulpit Is Not A Public Barstool

Last week we witnessed two examples of tin-ear politics when Donald Trump commented on sailors aboard the U.S.S. Lincoln and the pain of higher gas prices in America. When he was asked about being concerned about the crew’s mental health after being at sea for over 260 days and whether it was too long for… Continue reading

donald-trump, history, iran-war, military, Words

defense, donald-trump, history, Iran, navy, politics, u-s-s-lincoln, Words

David Crowley For Governor

Recent Columns

Humphrey History Minute

Coffee Shop Banter

Ben Berwick on Gun Control, Front And Center, During Next Supreme Court TermAugust 27, 2026
Greetings Gregory, and firstly full confession, I’m not entirely sure what Mia is advocating for, following a brief skim-read of…
Solly on Dolly Parton: Music And Heart On Display In Madison ConcertsAugust 25, 2026
While a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live, speaking about Parton’s massive cultural footprint, humor, and widespread adoration, Jelly Roll…

Perfect Addition To A Cup Of Hot Steaming Coffee

My book is about a rural family, finding a way through the years of being bullied, and the suicide of my best friend. Many recollections about the days in broadcasting, the state legislature, and coming out as a gay man.