The most basic decision a modern politician must make is whether to be aggressive or conciliatory.

I didn't do what they said I did. I may have done enough so that I don't know if I can prove my innocence.

Public-opinion polls show that Americans split about evenly on civil unions. But when the words 'gay marriage' are presented, they break 3-to-1 against it.

Take whatever position you want, but do take a position, because once you do, ample money awaits you on either side.

Truth is that which cannot be proved false.

When Obama's economic advisers - a greater group of schlemiels would be hard to find - warn that failure to raise the limit will trigger default and horrific consequences for the global economy, Republicans should reply that if this is so, tell it to your president and get him to approve the spending cuts along with the debt-limit increase.

Like the battleships of old, omnibus programs present too tempting a target, too easily destroyed by a single attack, to make it through a fight.... It is through incremental change after change, step after step, that a statesman of today can vindicate a bold vision.