Despite his consistent party-line voting record, some independents and Democrats still think of Senator McCain as the most palatable, independent-minded Republican. But this is the sort of empty compliment a friend of mine once compared to being called “the coolest Osmond.

The only thing more dangerous than an idea is a belief.

History is full of really good stories. That's the main reason I got into this racket: I want to make the argument that history is interesting.

American history is a quagmire, and the more one knows, the quaggier the mire gets.

You know you've reached a new plateau of group mediocrity when even a Canadian is alarmed by your lack of individuality.

I spent a lot of time with some native Hawaiians who protest being part of the United States and literally carry protest signs saying "We are not Americans." And they have no real warmth for being the 50th state.

Like Lincoln, I would like to believe the ballot is stronger than the bullet. Then again, he said that before he got shot.