Drive-By Mondaze

I'm still working through my own conflicts about Hillary Clinton's candidacy, but this sentence, in an editorial in the Post, regarding Clinton's evolving positions on Iraq, illustrates her inherent problem:

More than a little self-serving, perhaps, but Ms. Clinton's approach is, in fact, more responsible than those of some of her opponents.

Even while praising her, Fred Hiatt has to stick the shiv. Dear Fred, what politician, on matters small to matters large, holds ANY position that ISN'T self-serving?

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Dionne, btw, today handicaps the Clinton/Obama Super Bowl:

Thus the third difference: Clinton, more than any other Democrat, has been both scarred and toughened by the partisan warfare of the past 15 years, while Obama is unscathed and untested.

This contrast was reflected in their announcement speeches. Obama attacked a politics that "has become so bitter and partisan" and pledged himself to "our common interests and concerns as Americans." Clinton spoke proudly of her ability to take on partisan foes. "I have never been afraid to stand up for what I believe in or to face down the Republican machine," she said. "I know how Washington Republicans think, how they operate and how to beat them."

Only 21 months to the general election. Oy.

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Sky blue, water wet, Bush sucks.

Only two presidents have had lower approval ratings on the eve of a State of the Union speech. Richard Nixon was at 26 percent in 1974, seven months before he resigned in disgrace because of the Watergate scandal. Harry S. Truman was at 23 percent in January 1952, driven down by public disapproval of the Korean conflict and his firing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Just 29 percent approve of Bush's handling of the Iraq war, which is only one percentage point off his career low, recorded a month ago. Seventy percent disapprove. Similarly, Bush's approval rating on handling terrorism is at a near-low; just 46 percent give him positive marks, while 52 percent are negative.

Freedom freedom terrists freedom democracy freedom terrists freedom. Just won't work tomorrow night like it has in the past.

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Commercial Radio - you just thought you thought it sucked.

Go listen to this.

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Bought this for Earthgirl over the weekend - Suitable Boy being her favorite novel EVAH, and adoring novels about India in general - and it does look like it'd be a fun read. I've heard good things.

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Sprezzatura reviews new Mailer in Sunday NYRB. Due mocking ensues.

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National Book Critics Circle announced over weekend. Snore.