It was in the 1960s that the left convinced itself that there is something fascistic about patriotism and something perversely "patriotic" about running down America. Anti-Americanism - a stand-in for hatred of Western civilization - became the stuff of sophisticates and intellectuals as never before. Flag burners became the truest "patriots" because dissent - not just from partisan politics, but the American project itself - became the highest virtue.

The Founders understood that democracy was important, but if you didn't filter it through a republican system you'd be just as likely to end up with a tyranny of the majority as you would with a healthy society. Don't worry, I won't quote the Federalist Papers, but trust me, it's in there.

Tip to all British tabloids: Do Not Hack Amy Winehouse's Phone. I repeat: Do Not Hack Amy Winehouse's Phone.

[American] liberalism today sees no realm of human life that is beyond political significance, from what you eat to what you smoke to what you say.

I think as - all in all, it's better to have a cool president than a not cool president.

John Kerry is a sphincter. Okay, that's a bit juvenile.

Historians write favorably, you know, for example, about Stalin because he was doing big things.