Those who seem to despise half of America will never be trusted to govern any of it. Those who cherish only the country's past will not be entrusted with its future.

People who watch a lot of Fox come away knowing a lot less about important world events.

A novel makes it possible to understand not just events, but the people who control the events; not only their choices, but also their motives.

To balance China, the democracies will need new friends - and India with its fast-growing economy, youthful population, and democratic politics seems the obvious candidate.

Yet when the hour of decision arrives, it turns out that many conservatives care as little as ever about administrative skill and executive accomplishment. Our party and our movement overwhelmingly respond to symbolic cues. Sarah Palin is exciting and appealing. But what kind of executive is she? None of us have even the remotest idea.

Democracy is not about protests. Democracy is about meetings.

What I say is I am somebody who cares about conservative ideas. I want to see them implemented in governance.