…explains to Obama why speeches are not that important: Democrats were sure Reagan was wrong, so they explained his success to themselves by believing that it all came down to some kind of magical formula involving his inexplicably powerful speeches. … Continue reading →
Rick Perry has not yet formally announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in 2012, although most people are pretty sure he will run. But early though it may be, we already have his college transcripts, which were published at … Continue reading →
If you look at today’s Memeorandum page, you’ll see that the debt ceiling compromise story totally dominates the news. Most of the articles are of the “who won?” variety (even though the vote hasn’t occurred yet, everyone’s assuming it will … Continue reading →
…although it’s not all that entertaining, and the seats are “obstructed view.” The Boehner plan was never about something that would be implemented, anyway. Everyone knew it would be rejected by the Senate. It was in the nature of a … Continue reading →
The other day I wrote a post about the debt ceiling negotiations. Few people in the comments section agreed with my point of view. But I had expected that, and I expect it for this one, too, which is fine; … Continue reading →
William Kristol is absolutely correct: To govern is to choose. To vote is to choose. To vote against John Boehner on the House floor this week in the biggest showdown of the current Congress is to choose to vote with … Continue reading →
I didn’t listen to Obama’s speech last night. Then again, I’m an equal-opportunity speech-shunner, because I didn’t listen to Boehner’s either. It takes a lot to get me to listen to a speech, as I’ve explained before. But I’ve listened … Continue reading →
Until someone else wins the Republican nomination, or until Michele Bachmann drops out of the running—whichever comes first—there will be a relentless drumbeat to destroy her. This much I know. The latest salvo is the allegation that she gets severe … Continue reading →
The Wall Street Journal explains Mitch McConnell’s strategy in saying Republicans should let Obama raise the debt limit himself: Mr. McConnell would then let the President propose three debt-limit increases adding up to $2.5 trillion over the coming months. Senate … Continue reading →
You may have noticed I haven’t yet written about the fight over raising the debt ceiling. That is probably because not only do I have a tendency to shy away from anything to do with economics, but also because I … Continue reading →
…whether Michele Bachmann has been underestimated. Not just by her enemies, but by her friends. As for me, I don’t yet have a firm opinion about Bachmann, simply because so far I’m not familiar enough with her. That will emerge … Continue reading →
I find it of interest that Representative Weiner may be reluctant to quit his day job because it’s pretty much the only one he’s ever had. Weiner is an example of a modern-day phenomenon I’d call the career politician, the … Continue reading →