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About Hal

Hal Donahue is a journalist based in Great Falls, Virginia, United States of America. Military Veteran, Social Commentator, Political Activist, Writer and Speaker, Hal Donahue has years of professional experience in both the public and private sectors. He has served in the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, eventually transitioning into a career in the private sector, where he acted as Vice President for a number of major energy companies. Through the course of his military career, Hal was stationed across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He served on the Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as working in conjunction with the British Royal Air Force. Now retired from military service, Hal is actively involved in national politics and has sat on the board of several company and non-profits. Hal’s extensive experience in foreign affairs, national security, and political affairs make him a deeply respected social commentator. A long-time former blogger with Huffington Post since 2007, Mr. Donahue’s comments and commentary have appeared in the Scranton Times, the New York Times Magazine, and numerous other media outlets where he lends his expertise on a range of social and policy issues. He and his wife of more than 50 years, Marg, reside in Great Falls, Virginia right outside the Washington, DC beltway, and are the parents of three children. Mr. Donahue is a graduate of Colgate University with a BA in Economics and he received his MS in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Languages
English
Seen in
HuffPost Demcastusa Newsweek The Hill

Work 24

Is Scouting Worth Saving?

Newsweek 5 Apr 2023 English

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), including a sexual abuse scandal, bankruptcy, and declining enrollment. The author, an Eagle Scout, reflects on the positive impact scouting had on his life but criticizes the national organization for failing to protect children and becoming overly politicized. The BSA's alignment with conservative politics and sponsors, including allowing President Trump to address scouts, has alienated many families. The author suggests that while local troops can still offer valuable experiences, the national leadership of the BSA is unfit to lead and must change for scouting to be preserved.

Scouting Sexual Abuse Scandal Bankruptcy Leadership and Management Social Issues United States Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Boy Scouts of America

Virginia: Have You Enough With the Hate and Rage?

DemCast 1 Nov 2021 English

The Virginia governor’s race is characterized as shifting from policy debate to culture‑war attacks driven by Republican candidates, focusing on critical race theory, transgender rights, and school literature. The commentary argues that these tactics distort events, incite division, and rely on emotional manipulation rather than facts, contrasting them with what it portrays as Democratic achievements in healthcare, education, and pandemic response. It urges Virginians to reject fear‑based messaging and vote to maintain progress.

Virginia election Culture wars Republican Party politics Virginia United States Republican Party Democratic Party Trump administration Associated Press Glenn Youngkin Terry McAuliffe Donald Trump
Reporting styleOpinionated

Strongly opinionated political commentary with persuasive language

Political contextLeft

Clear advocacy against Republican candidates and support for Democratic positions

No School Child Will Be Safe in a Youngkin Virginia

DemCast 27 Oct 2021 English

The piece condemns Glenn Youngkin as an extremist aligned with Donald Trump and the January 6 movement, arguing that his rejection of public health measures and embrace of election falsehoods would endanger Virginia’s schools and communities. It contrasts his stance with Virginia’s current COVID-19 response under Governor Ralph Northam and claims Youngkin’s rhetoric and policies fuel violence, misinformation, and threats against public officials. It warns that his election would undermine safety, integrity, and democratic norms in the state.

Virginia gubernatorial race COVID-19 policy January 6 insurrection Virginia United States Republican Party University of Scranton Associated Press Glenn Youngkin Donald Trump Terry McAuliffe Sondra Myers
Reporting styleOpinionated

Highly opinionated critique of Youngkin and Republicans with strong subjective language

Political contextLeft

Strongly critical of Republican politicians, supportive of Democratic viewpoints

Virginia, the Critical Race Theory Lie, and Why it Matters

DemCast USA 22 Oct 2021 English

Virginia voters consider school curricula on race and history a major factor in elections, reflecting on the state's history of white supremacist propaganda in education. Loudoun County is a focal point for Republican strategies to use racism to influence elections, with GOP candidate Glenn Youngkin falsely claiming Critical Race Theory (CRT) is taught in schools to incite fear. Despite CRT not being part of the curriculum, Youngkin vows to ban it, reminiscent of past segregationist tactics. The article argues that honest history teaching is essential for understanding America's roots and condemns attempts to revert to a past of inequality and poor education.

Education Politics Race Relations Virginia Loudoun County Loudoun County School Board Loudoun County Public Schools Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Virginia Office of the Attorney General Glenn Youngkin
Reporting styleInterpretive

The article contains strong language and a clear stance against certain political actions, indicating a blend of fact and opinion.

Political contextCentre-left

The text criticizes Republican strategies and supports the teaching of real history over propaganda.

Is VA Candidate Glenn Youngkin a Hostage or Just Weak?

DemCast 20 Oct 2021 English

Criticism is directed at Glenn Youngkin for refusing to challenge the Republican base opposed to vaccine and mask mandates despite acknowledging their effectiveness. The argument ties this stance to broader issues of pandemic misinformation, the influence of extremist factions, and Donald Trump’s earlier mismanagement of COVID-19. Historical examples of successful government-led vaccination efforts are contrasted with current resistance. Youngkin is depicted as unwilling to risk alienating supporters aligned with Trump, raising concerns about his fitness to lead.

COVID-19 pandemic US politics Virginia governor race Vaccine policy Virginia United States Republican Party Trump administration Federal government Glenn Youngkin Donald Trump Amanda Chase
Reporting styleOpinionated

Strongly opinionated and persuasive language throughout

Political contextLeft

Advocates pro-mandate, pro-government positions and strongly criticizes Republican leaders

Will the Real Glenn Youngkin of Virginia Please Stand Up?

DemCast USA 12 Oct 2021 English

The article critiques Glenn Youngkin, portraying him as a deceitful candidate with multiple personas tailored to different audiences. It highlights his privileged background, questionable business record, and strong alignment with Donald Trump and extremist Republican views. The text argues that Youngkin's policies would harm Virginia's successful public schools and economy. It urges voters to recognize Youngkin's true nature and support Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe to prevent Youngkin from becoming a 'Trump-oligarch' in Virginia.

Politics Elections Political Campaigns Virginia United States Republican Party Democratic Party Trump Administration Glenn Youngkin Donald Trump Joe Biden Terry McAuliffe
Reporting styleOpinionated

Highly opinionated with subjective statements and persuasive language

Political contextLeft

The text supports Democratic candidates and criticizes Republican and Trump-aligned policies

Virginia: Ground Zero for Abortion and Women’s Health Care

DemCast USA 4 Oct 2021 English

The article discusses the critical importance of the Women's March and the upcoming Virginia gubernatorial election in the context of abortion and women's health care rights. It highlights the Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin's anti-abortion stance and his attempts to hide his extremist views to gain independent votes. The article contrasts this with the Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe's strong advocacy for women's rights and health care. It also criticizes the Supreme Court's decision not to intervene in Texas's restrictive abortion laws and warns against Virginia following a similar path. The piece urges voters to support Democratic candidates to protect women's rights and prevent Virginia from becoming a theocracy.

Abortion Women's Health Care Elections Virginia Texas United States Supreme Court Republican Party Democratic Party Glenn Youngkin Terry McAuliffe Donald Trump
Reporting styleOpinionated

Highly opinionated with strong subjective statements and persuasive language.

Political contextLeft

Supports Democratic candidates and criticizes Republican policies, especially on abortion and women's rights.

VA Broken Promise Harms Veteran and Costs Jobs

HuffPost 14 Sep 2017 English

Joe Stahurski, a disabled Army veteran, faced significant challenges in starting his Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business due to bureaucratic delays and changing requirements from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Despite receiving initial support and guidance from local resources and the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Stahurski's business plans were stalled when the VA failed to deliver promised equipment and changed regulations mid-process. Congressman Matt Cartwright and Senator Robert Casey are now advocating on his behalf to resolve the issue. Stahurski emphasizes the importance of seeking outside assistance and using congressional resources to navigate VA challenges.

Veterans Affairs Bureaucracy Small Business United States Department of Veterans Affairs Tobyhanna Army Depot University of Scranton Small Business Development Center Defense Transition Partnership Joe Stahurski Nicholas DeAntonio Matt Cartwright Robert Casey
Reporting styleInterpretive

The text contains subjective statements and personal beliefs, particularly regarding the VA's handling of the situation.

Do not blame President Obama

Thehill 22 Dec 2016 English

The article reflects on the lack of drastic change during President Obama's tenure despite the revolutionary expectations set during his inauguration. It discusses Obama's cautious approach, particularly regarding the issue of torture and the CIA, and how this signaled a departure from the anticipated radical changes. The piece also critiques the federal bureaucracy for stagnation and the Democratic Party for failing to address the needs of rural and Rust Belt areas, which contributed to the rise of Donald Trump. The author, Hal Donahue, argues that while Obama maintained stability during economic turmoil and restored the U.S.'s global reputation, the Democratic Party's neglect of middle America's pain and its focus on urban strategies led to its inability to prevent Trump's election, rather than any failure on Obama's part.

Politics Presidential Inauguration U.S. Government Policy Elections Torture Policy Federal Bureaucracy Economic Stability Foreign Policy U.S. Infrastructure Partisan Politics 2016 Presidential Election United States

Trump Leaves All Vets Behind

HuffPost 1 Aug 2016 English

The article criticizes Donald Trump and the Republican Party for their disrespect towards military veterans and their families, particularly highlighting Trump's attacks on a Gold Star family and other military figures. It argues that the Republican Party has long abandoned military values, citing past incidents where Republican candidates and officials have denigrated military service for political gain. The author calls for veterans, conservatives, and Republicans to disavow Trump and prioritize country over party.

US Politics Military Veterans United States Iraq Republican Party Senate Armed Services Committee US Military Donald Trump Max Cleland General Shinseki John Kerry
Reporting styleOpinionated

Highly opinionated with strong subjective statements and persuasive language.

Political contextCentre

Criticizes the Republican Party and Donald Trump, advocating for respect towards military veterans and their families.

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