Our political discourse

It's gratifying to know that in this post-partisan world, following the sordid election cycles of 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006, we can expect a free exchange and real debate of ideas this time around.

Meanwhile, the NYTimes once again shows how truly shrewd and even diabolical was their decision to hire Bill Kristol.

Barack Obama is an awfully talented politician. But could the American people, by November, decide that for all his impressive qualities, Obama tends too much toward the preening self-regard of Bill Clinton, the patronizing elitism of Al Gore and the haughty liberalism of John Kerry?

It’s fitting that the alternative to Obama will be John McCain. He makes no grand claim to fix our souls. He doesn’t think he’s the one everyone has been waiting for. He’s more proud of his country than of himself. And his patriotism has consisted of deeds more challenging than “speaking out on issues.”

Bwahaha. Now we know the GOP's talking points should Obama win the nomination.

Oh. We knew them already. And it wouldn't really have mattered except, as Drum notes, they'll add "shrill" to the list of virtues should Hillary Clinton win.

Though when one thinks of "preening," "patronizing," "elitism," and haughty, someone entirely different comes to mind.