There are real threats but there's a difference between recognizing real threats and an irrational kind of apocalyptic threat.
Peter BeinartOn domestic policy, one of the major stories in American politics has been the growing ideological and political self-confidence of the Democratic Party, and the growing ideological and political pessimism of the Republican Party.
Peter BeinartIt's easy to see why conservatives would be salivating at the thought of a Hillary primary challenge. Presidents who face serious primary challengesโFord, Carter, Bush Iโalmost always lose. The last president who lost reelection without a serious primary challenge, by contrast, was Herbert Hoover. But in truth, the chances that Obama will face a primary challenge are vanishingly slim, and the chances that he will lose reelection only slightly higher. No wonder conservatives are fantasizing about Hillary Clinton taking down Barack Obama. If she doesn't, it's unlikely they will.
Peter BeinartI hope Barack Obama puts another woman on the Supreme Court. And this time, I hope it's a woman with kids.
Peter BeinartForeign policy is a little bit like a guy who goes to Las Vegas. If you win too much, then you eventually bet the mortgage. You start to think you are infallible.
Peter BeinartClinton is a very capable, conscientious person. I think she cares very deeply about policy. She knows a lot about how the government works, and I think those things are very important. You don't really appreciate those things until you get a guy like George W. Bush in the White House, and then you realize that when you don't have someone who knows or cares about government policy, a lot of bad stuff can happen.
Peter Beinart