Presidency Archives - Pacific Standard

Home Presidency

President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro (center) gives a speech to his supporters from the Balcón del Pueblo of the Miraflores Government Palace on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019, in Caracas, Venezuela. Earlier on Wednesday, Venezuelan opposition leader and head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido claimed that he is the rightful interim president, as was officially accepted by presidents of many countries such as the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Argentina. Protests continue in Caracas; meanwhile, Maduro and President Donald Trump no longer recognize any relations between their two countries.

Viewfinder: Opposition Surrounds the Venezuelan Presidency

President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro gives a speech to his supporters from the Balcón del Pueblo of the Miraflores Government Palace on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019, in Caracas, Venezuela.

Pacific Standard Staff

Education

Why Trump Chose a Political Ally as His Next Attorney General

Throughout American history, when presidents have appointed political cronies to be attorney general, they were looking for people only to help them pursue a policy agenda.

People demonstrate against former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva outside the Federal Police headquarters.

News in Brief

Breaking Down Brazil’s Messy Presidential Race

Many hope the 2018 election will give Brazilian democracy a much-needed restart, but given the circumstances of corruption and bad candidates, that seems like a long shot.

João Feres Júnior & Fabio Kerche

Chinese President Xi Jinping.

News in Brief

The Ramifications of Xi Jinping’s Removal of Presidential Term Limits

The Chinese president has cleared the way for a lifetime presidency, something his country has fought against since the reign of Mao Zedong.

Dylan Loh Ming Hui

President Donald Trump speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast at a hotel in Washington, D.C., on February 8th, 2018.

News in Brief

The Norms We Won’t Miss

Donald Trump has upended our view of the presidency. Are there some conventions that are better off dead?

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is surrounded by protesters and members of the media at the site of the Republican National Convention on July 19th, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.

News in Brief

A Clemency Expert on Why Trump’s Pardon of Arpaio Is Both Legal and Troubling

The presidential pardon power is limited only by shame and politics, one expert says, and Trump is beholden to neither.

President Donald Trump applauds the crowd of supporters at the Phoenix Convention Center as he takes the stage during a rally on August 22nd, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona.

News in Brief

The Perils of Electing a Celebrity-in-Chief

Presidential historian Barbara Perry takes stock of Donald Trump, and assesses the long-term damage he is likely creating.

News in Brief

Donald Trump, Humiliator-in-Chief

A University of Chicago law professor argues the president is great at put-downs, but inept at his job.

President John F. Kennedy speaks at a press conference on August 1st, 1963.

News in Brief

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Revisiting Kennedy's legacy 100 years after his birth.

News in Brief

Larry Lessig Is Still Wrong About the Presidency

The presidential candidate has cited Game of Thrones' Jon Snow as an inspiration. But we all know how that storyline ends.