A recent review of Sarah Palin’s bestselling book, Going Rogue, ends by declaring that she is the worst nightmare come true for democrats with a small d.  This is both a startling and an obvious claim. It’s obvious in that Palin is a rabble-rouser. Without shame or apology she targets the crazy right, fueling their resentment and anger with outright lies. “Death panels” are only the most colorful example. She is willing to bait the mob with any fear about America’s future, from financial collapse to terrorist devastation. (more…)

I am far more worried about an invisible epidemic than I am about H1N1. I’m referring to the spread of distrust that has become contagion beyond all reasonable boundaries.  Politicians have always borne the brunt of mistrust. It comes with the job, since no piece of legislation satisfies all constituencies, not even tax cuts and cheap drugs.  But when mistrust becomes the actual, avowed basis for politics, healthy skepticism has turned malignant. (more…)