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Michael J. Bonafield

Michael J. Bonafield

Michael J. Bonafield retired from the Star Tribune, bringing to a close a career in print journalism that spanned more than four decades. During that time, he worked for the New York Daily News, the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Washington Times, among varied publications. Virtually all of his work was opinion writing, except for a year in France as a foreign correspondent and more than a year cumulatively in Russia. His first job was with William F. Buckley Jr. at National Review.

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Politics & Policy

Marty Seifert on the GOP: It's not a question of being 'mean'

By Michael J. Bonafield | 03/18/10
I talked to Marty Seifert about the reputation of the Republican Party, his run for governor, Tom Emmer and other topics.
Politics & Policy

Convention review: CPAC rocks, but not for Pawlenty

By Michael J. Bonafield | 02/22/10
Compared to last year's funereal event, this year's Conservative Political Action Conference was a blockbuster event. That is, for virtually everyone but Tim Pawlenty.
Politics & Policy

9/11 trials: Conservatives barking up the wrong tree

By Michael J. Bonafield | 02/16/10
Katherine Kersten, Rep. Michele Bachmann and others reject the Obama administration's decision to try 9/11 defendants in federal criminal court, as opposed to military tribunals.
Politics & Policy

Emmer on Seifert and his own campaign for governor

By Michael J. Bonafield | 02/09/10
It looks like a two-man race for governor on the GOP side. State Rep. Marty Seifert won the straw poll at last week's GOP caucuses, and state Rep. Tom Emmer finished a strong second. I talked to Emmer about the race.
Politics & Policy

State GOP's Elephant Club looking for a stampede in November

By Michael J. Bonafield | 01/25/10
The mood at the meeting this past Friday of the Minnesota Republican Party's Elephant Club was ebullient, to say the least — a reflection of the general euphoria that has animated GOP ranks following a week of astonishing victories.
Politics & Policy

My conversation with Michele Bachmann: 'I'm a lovable little fuzz ball!'

By Michael J. Bonafield | 12/09/09
I had never met Michele Bachmann, but when I interviewed her recently, I found her to be straightforward and gregarious — at one point, she called herself "a lovable little fuzz ball." Here are some of her comments — unvarnished Bachmann — on the is
Politics & Policy

Michele Bachmann hoping Obama will address 'ultimate goal' in Afghanistan

By Michael J. Bonafield | 12/01/09
The 6th District Republican said the president must explain "why Afghanistan is a 'war of necessity,' why we are there — what is the ultimate goal."
Politics & Policy

Katherine Kersten on conservatism and religion

By Michael J. Bonafield | 11/20/09
Here's the second installment of my interview with columnist Katherine Kersten. I asked her about where conservatism is headed, President Obama and the role religion plays in her world view.
Politics & Policy

Katherine Kersten on liberals, same-sex marriage and life at the Star Tribune

By Michael J. Bonafield | 11/19/09
Perhaps no columnist in town raises a liberal's blood pressure more than Katherine Kersten. I talked with Kersten about liberal rage and other topics.
Politics & Policy

Minnesota GOP candidates strongly reflect Gallup Poll's national findings of conservative strength

By Michael J. Bonafield | 10/28/09
One central theme shared among the Republican gubernatorial candidates is a devotion to traditional conservative principles: limited government, an aversion to higher taxes, zero-based budgeting, improved education and strengthened family values.