The faintest of praise

Bill Krisol understands that the Clinton administration was far more effective at governing than is the Cheney administraion.

William Kristol, the conservative publisher of The Weekly Standard, said of Mr. Bush: "I do think people think he could have showed stronger leadership." But Mr. Kristol expressed doubt that the hurricane would have much lasting effect on the president's personal and political fortunes, because "people are capable of saying, 'The president kind of screwed this one up, but I still basically agree with him.'"

Mr. Kristol added, "I think the Clinton administration would have done a better job in handling Hurricane Katrina, but I'm also glad Bush is president and not a Democrat."

Gee, ya think, Bill? What was the tip off -- hiring a guy fired from managing horse shows to run FEMA? Was that it?

Is there any seriousness on the Republican side of the aisle anymore? Ideology, for these guys, completely trumps the arcane details of managing, planning, proposing, executing the actions of the U.S. government. It is more important that the Miserable Failure appear resolute, to look like a leader, than to actually lead. That might inhibit his ability to "go on with my life."