Schier

You can do a vacation, but I think you ought to do it in a way that serves your political needs, says Steven Schier, a presidential historian at Carleton College in Minnesota.

Economic woes offer awkward backdrop for Obama's vacation 2011

The Schier vellies are a graceful riff on the desert boot, died in fantastic fashion-forward shades.

Tamsin Smith: Walk This Way Tamsin Smith 2011

"Mid-20th-century presidents had higher political capital and more stable political capital than presidents of the last 20 years," says Steven Schier, a political scientist who is studying presidential job approval since modern polling began in the 1930s.

Polls can affect president's hold on party 2009

You can do a vacation, but I think you ought to do it in a way that serves your political needs, says Steven Schier, a presidential historian at Carleton College in Minnesota.

Economic woes offer awkward backdrop for Obama's vacation 2011

A better solution, Schier says, would be to go somewhere else.

Economic woes offer awkward backdrop for Obama's vacation 2011

Schier theorizes that the difference in ratings is due to the accelerating speed with which information is disseminated, the declining number of Americans firmly tied to a political party and a growing desire to see quick results.

Polls can affect president's hold on party 2009

Matthew Staver for The Wall Street Journal J.D. Schier watches cows walk into a different pen after ranchers branded calves with the 'frying pan' brand on the Bledsoe ranch on May 12.

Branding Calves at the Bledsoe Ranch 2011

Branding Day at the Bledsoe Ranch Matthew Staver for The Wall Street Journal J.D. Schier watches cows walk into a different pen during a morning of branding on the Bledsoe ranch outside Hugo, Colo.

In a Beef Over Branding Stephanie Simon 2011

Political scientist Steve Schier at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., concurs: "The budget was technically balanced, but long-term structural issues weren't solved and they're at the root of our current shutdown."

Minnesota's budget crisis could help Pawlenty 2011

A better solution, Schier says, would be to go somewhere else.

Economic woes offer awkward backdrop for Obama's vacation 2011