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- One problem with charting Barack Obama's success in selling government as a force for good is that no matter how successful he is with the general public, he's not going to convince Republicans. Since Ronald Reagan, the GOP has transformed itself from a party made up of different strains of conservative thought to one almost totally in the grip of ideological conservatism. Not only does this mean that Republicans will continue to trade in an incoherent political philosophy, but they will remain unavailable for any policy consensus for the foreseeable future.
- It's hard to believe, but there was a time long ago when CNN was considered not only a pioneer in cable news production but even a sophisticated news source. Watching the cable network now, in all its tabloid glory, I have to wonder what happened. Perhaps it's an invariable consequence of the 24/7 news cycle: In theory, the hours of airtime could be committed to hard news and keen political analysis, but the smart money is on soft news and the vapid musings of pampered "analysts."
- Remainders: Mickey Kaus -- the next Paul Wellstone; Steve Benen reminds us that this would be an excellent time to make some recess appointments; and clearly this presages the launch of a Maxim for the net-savvy conservative male.
--Mori Dinauer
