Jonah Goldberg (and many other conservatives) have cried foul at the Washington Post‘s decision to run and prominently feature their story on Mitt Romney’s high school bullying problem. In Goldberg’s eyes, it proves “that the Post and other mainstream media outlets are determined to do what they can to reelect Obama.” Goldberg (et al) were especially … Continue reading
You’ve probably already heard that Mitt Romney has recently been reported to be—and he doesn’t much deny—a thoroughgoing jackass and bully in high school. First of all, it doesn’t much matter for the fall election. This might sway a few independents, but it’s not going to singlehandedly overcome the importance of the economic recovery (or … Continue reading
A few readers emailed to ask my thoughts on Obama’s announcement that he now supports same-sex marriage. Briefly, then, here’s what I think: 1) The LONG version: I think that it’s certainly a calculated political move—and it’s certainly “cynical.” It may, as many are predicting, hurt him with various blue-collar independent voters who were suspicious of … Continue reading
If it caught on, this one—unlike Grover’s—might actually help solve some of our political problems. Call it “The Basic Civility Pledge.” Feel free to share!
Lost in the 24 to 48 hour furor over Mitt Romney’s off-the-cuff promise to eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Development AND slash the Department of Education? Romney has occasionally (albeit under pressure) admitted that Race to the Top, the signature effort of the Obama Administration’s Department of Education so far, was working. But, see, … Continue reading
Though it’s only been (officially) over for a few days, the autopsy is already underway. Just what did Rick Santorum’s campaign mean for the GOP? For the United States? The going analysis mostly dribbles into the “Can Mitt Romney snag the social conservative vote?” trench. Can he? Probably. Will he? Probably. Will this be enough to win? … Continue reading
Many of the commentariat have been pontificating on what Citizens United will do to American politics. Let’s work backwards: First, ask yourself what money does to the dynamics of democratic elections. It amplifies a candidate’s reach and permits them to manage the public debate. A well funded candidate will find it far easier to: 1) clarify their … Continue reading
The Financial Times‘ Robin Harding, quoted in Mike Allen’s Playbook: Romney, speaking after he won the Nevada caucus on Saturday, said that even though the official unemployment rate fell to 8.3 per cent, … ‘the real unemployment rate is over 15 per cent. … [H]e’s been trying to take a bow for 8.3 per cent … Continue reading
While Gingrich is promising to stay in the race even if Romney wins Florida, his candidacy is starting to look like the longest of long shots—a “moon shot,” even. It’s been said before, but reflect for a minute on how ridiculous this is. The 2012 GOP nomination field is/was supposedly the most wide open in … Continue reading
Anyone else pretty surprised by how terrible Newt Gingrich appears to be at deflecting and responding to criticism? Now that Romney’s gone on offense, he’s gone into full-on “Crumble-Buckle Mode.” Gingrich was completely unprepared to face serious attacks. I’m no psychoanalyst, but Newt’s surprising wimpishness does fit a larger pattern. It explains why he’s so hard … Continue reading
