In the Arena

McCain Donkey Dance

Today’s story in the Hill about John McCain’s flirtation with joining the Democratic Party certainly is astonishing, and yet no so. If I remember correctly, John Weaver was in a totally disgusted, party-switching mood himself around that time, and did some work for the DLC. (The presence of Bull Moose Marshall Wittman–who pointedly refused to [...]

In the Arena

Report from the Last Surge

The violence in Tal Afar is all the more depressing because that city was the site of the most recent, pre-Baghdad experiment in counter-insurgency tactics. The estimable scholar-warrior Col H.R. McMaster led the effort, and Bush praised it at the time…and it fell apart as soon as the Americans left. The point is, as I’ve [...]

News from the Sampson Hearing

Rugh-row: Sen. Charles Schumer then asked about Gonzales also claiming that he saw no documents on this matter. Sampson replied: “I don’t think it’s entirely accurate.” Schumer: “There was repeated discussions?” Sampson : “Yes.” Schumer: “As many as, say, five.” Sampson: “Yes.” Schumer then asked if Gonzales was truthful in saying Sampson’s information on the [...]

Debate Prep–for Me

Well, not debate exactly, but definitely prep, which I can always use… Commenter Terrapin writes: Karen – I am thrilled to see that you are scheduled to appear on the Diane Rehm Show tomorrow morning at 10am EST. Although conservative voices consistently outweigh progressive voices on her panel it is still one of the best [...]

Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Dinner

Last night was the second-biggest cocktail weenie roast of the year: The Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Dinner, also known as “Junior Prom.” It’s a lot like the White House correspondents’ dinner, but with fewer fake famous people and worse entertainment. But the wine is free and if you, like me, get a kick out [...]