Author Archive

George E. Condon Jr.

George E. Condon Jr.
George E. Condon Jr. is White House correspondent for National Journal. He joined National Journal at the beginning of the Obama administration, covering the White House for CongressDaily. Prior to that, he covered the White House and national politics as Washington bureau chief for Copley News Service and the San Diego Union-Tribune. Condon has interviewed eight presidents and reported from 88 countries. He led the team that won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for coverage of the corruption of Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham. Condon is a past president of the White House Correspondents Association and the Gridiron Club and past chairman of the National Press Foundation.
Threats

How to Make Donald Trump’s Phone Safe

The man who led the effort to let President Obama keep his BlackBerry says the best solution for Trump might be multiple devices.

Policy

The Real Audience for Obama’s U.N. Speech Was Republicans

Though he was speaking in an international forum, the president’s message actually seemed targeted at the 2016 GOP field.

Policy

What Vietnam Means to Obama

The country whose war shaped the US president’s approach to intervention may become a regional security partner.

Policy

The New Era in US-Afghanistan Relations

This week's visit of Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah marks the start of a reset in the Obama administration's policy towards Afghanistan.

Policy

Picking a Political Fight Over the Language of Terrorism

Instead of talking about the war on ISIS, the Obama administration is spending time tripping over words into a political trap it's opponents deftly have set.

Policy

What Would the Obama of 2007 Say About His War Powers Request?

Eight years ago, President Obama campaigned on a pledge to limit the use of military force. He now finds himself asking Congress for the authority to wage war.

Policy

India's Stake In Obama's Afghanistan Policy

The future of Afghanistan is among India's top concerns during Obama's New Delhi visit to talk terrorism, immigration, climate change and nuclear liability. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Stung at Home, Obama Embarks on His Longest Foreign Trip

The president will spend 10 days in Asia, where leaders know all about his domestic political weakness. By George Condon Jr.

Policy

Panetta's Book Could Not Have Come At a Worse Time for Obama

Vice President Biden may have been too candid in his recent remarks, but the damage from former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's book will be far more lasting. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

The Evolution of a War President in Six Speeches

Gone was the talk of moving beyond war and closing Guantanamo. In its place was ISIL and more references to 'terror' than all of his previous UN speeches combined. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Threats

Obama's 'Counterterrorism Campaign' Is a Declaration of War

Obama's address was a striking escalation over his past rhetoric and indicates that the war against the Islamic State group is only just beginning. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Threats

Will Russia Compel NATO to Spend More on Defense?

For two decades, the U.S. has been nagging allies to pay their share of NATO costs. Now, thanks to Russia, that could change. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Obama to Push NATO's Renewed Purpose

There's been lots of bluster about Putin's destabilizing work in eastern Ukraine. But will the alliance really stand up in the name of Baltic security? By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Behind Obama's Hesitation on Syria

Obama's caution reflects both the lawyer that he is and a deliberate turn away from his predecessor, who often neglected to weigh all the consequences of his decisions. By George F. Condon, Jr.

Policy

At the U.S.-Africa Summit, Economics, Electricity and Terrorism

African leaders are in Washington this week to find ways to boost economic and security ties with the United States. By George E. Condon Jr.

Policy

Obama Heads to Europe

It's a presidential overseas trip that looks nothing like what was planned only three months ago. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Obama Puts Shinseki On Notice

The VA secretary got a reprieve but not a full pardon, as Obama promises "consequences" if allegations prove true. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

VA Scandal Could Be Worse for Democrats Than Benghazi

Anger over VA wait lists could revive accusations that Obama does not demand accountability in his government. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Obama Heads to Asia as Ukraine Crisis Looms

President Obama is visiting Asia this week against a backdrop of Russian provocations in Ukraine. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Obama’s Stature Is on the Line This Week in European Trip

President Obama’s four-nation swing was a routine gathering of world leaders. Now, it’s an emergency meeting over Russia. By George E. Condon, Jr.