There is a lot in American politics (and in American life) that is angry, greedy, reckless and violent.

Optimism....is neither weak nor naive. It can be tough and pure and earned just as clearly as any brooding existential despair.

The Republicans find their faith imperiled by Barney Frank's marriage. There is always a shadow on the wall, a monster in the closet, a mysterious rustling in the teeming underbrush of the conservative Id.

One of the great changes wrought by the increased public awareness of Alzheimers - and thank you, Nancy Reagan, you wonderful tough old dame, you - is that people in the early stages of the disease are now speaking out while they still have the capacity to do so.

If religion comes into the public square, it is as vulnerable as any other human institution to be pelted with produce. Ignorance does not become wisdom just because you gussy it up with the Gospels.

In order to get big things done, sometimes, presidents have to be deft at moving the pea around under the shells.

Ronald Reagan was a dim hack who did horrible damage to almost everything he touched.