Here is your R&D for August 9th:
New Poll Finds Merkel Government at Rock Bottom from Der Spiegel
Germany’s economic recovery isn’t helping Angela Merkel’s coalition. New polls show that 83% of Germans aren’t happy with their current government and the Social Democrats appear ready to pounce.
Teachers unions improve schools from the Miami Herald
Do teachers unions get a bad rap? In this editorial from Karen Aronowitz, president of the United Teachers of Dade County, argues that they do.
Frat party: Which Miliband brother deserves to lead Labour? The one who best understands the Conservatives from the Economist
This Bagehot feature argues that when the Labor Party elects a leader in September they need a candidate that best understands their opposition and that party elders don’t understand how the Conservative Party has transformed itself.
Democratic candidates all but ignore their legislative successes from the Los Angeles Times
As Democrats campaign this fall, strategists are advising them not to brag about their legislative successes. Is that good politics or a major blunder that could cost Democrats control of Congress?
Venezuela and Colombia leaders to hold talks on rift from the BBC
After their latest diplomatic rift, the new president of Colombia and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seek to repair relations. Chavez still hates the U.S., though.