We are all supposed to deny any connection between the Taxi Driver copy-cat Loughner and politics. But we are also supposed to use this occasion to insist on a new age of civility in which we all strive to curb the inflammatory speech that did not prompt Loughner at all.
It’s an interesting piece. In it he makes the case that the Left is continuing to hammer on “civility,” despite no connection between Loughner’s murders and politics, because it’s traction against Republicans where unpopular policies have failed to generate such. (See, the real payload is that the calls for civility are shamelessly coupled with rancor and abuse flowing from left to right, but such hypocrisy is of no concern. Move along.) There’s no doubt that works for a substantial portion of the liberal base.
A little past noon yesterday, we passed what I hope is the halfway point of the failed Obama experiment. However, The One has picked up a few approval points since his Tucson speech, and he further demonstrated during the lame duck period that he’s not incapable of some flexibility. In 2012, if it’s going to take a veneer of some humility and “‘nice doggie’ (until I find a rock)” speeches over his Chicago-style thuggery, then maybe that’s just what he’ll dial up.
Stay focused, Republicans (and particularly you, House of Representatives). Obama does not wish to be forced into defending his unpopular agenda at a time when he’s got some “above the fray” momentum. So keep shoving him in there.
(Oh, dear me, was that imagery too violent?)
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