×
- Time's Michael Scherer thinks explanations for Barack Obama's sinking popularity that blame the dynamics of midterm elections on the bad economy are "valid" but also "incomplete." Why? Because he talked to some folks on the ground in some "moderate states" like Indiana! The article dutifully repeats false beliefs about why the president's numbers have fallen, namely backlash against "big government." But he also chatted with Blue Dog Democrats, who are more than happy to offer "overreach" as an explanation, and Scherer even includes the requisite discussion of Obama's "cool" and "emotionless" demeanor as if it made a difference. Fair warning: I actually feel a bit stupider having read this article.
- I think Steve Clemons' concerns about the Tea Party "movement's" appeal or durability are overblown. I mean, it's kinda-sorta impressive that Glenn Beck was able to convince 87,000-plus people to come to D.C. to stroke his ego, but it's not as if there was a coherent message behind the rally -- unless crude provincialism and even cruder nationalism counts as a "message." They are just the visible fringe of a radicalism that took over the GOP long ago. We would all like to see a saner opposition party, but wishing for it won't make it so.
- One would hope voters would be wary of empowering a political party that has absolutely no governing agenda and has not adjusted its policy prescriptions to deal with economic catastrophe. Like in Connecticut, where Senate hopeful Linda "The Animal" McMahon loves to talk about Social Security going "bankrupt" but does not feel the "campaign trail" is the appropriate place to talk about what she would actually do to solve this pressing problem. But if supporters of insurgent Republican candidates believe the federal government is broken now, just wait until the GOP takes over again.
- Remainders: Ron Wyden wants Oregon to opt out of the Affordable Care Act; yes, conservatives do see 9/11 as their own secular holiday; it's important to keep in mind that the Tea Partiers are utterly incoherent; and Tim Pawlenty's amazing hypocrisy and total lack of principle makes me think he's easily the right man for the GOP nod in 2012.
-- Mori Dinauer
