- It’s all the rage among Republicans, particularly orange-hued ones who will soon be in positions of considerable power, to urge President Obama to “change course” in light of last Tuesday’s results. But you know what’s funny? Those people – the exact same individuals (Boehner, Cantor, McConnell) – were asked pretty much the identical questions when their own party got shellacked in 2006 and 2008. And guess what? They were pretty sure that the American people weren’t delivering any kind of judgment on their policies, and they intended to double down on exactly what they’d been saying and doing all along. The problem, they thought, wasn’t their basic principles; the problem was that they hadn’t explained them well enough to the American people.
Just sayin’.
- BMGer Olde Spice seems to have caused quite a stir by posting an unfounded rumor (apparently rooted in a misunderstanding of an announcement made on WTKK) that WRKO was planning to cancel the Tom Finneran/Todd Feinburg show and replace it with Joe Malone and Steve Sweeney. Just goes to show that you can’t trust everything you read on the internet. Even on BMG.
- Kudos to BMGer sabutai, who appears to have single-handedly started the “Draft Menino in 2012” movement for U.S. Senate. The Globe picked up on his BMG post, and asked Menino’s office what he thought. Menino found the attention “flattering,” but is “focused on being mayor.” That’s actually less of a flat denial of interest than I would have expected.
- MassINC’s post-election poll (PDF) – apparently the only one out there – is really interesting. They conclude that, basically, Charlie Baker never convinced MA voters that he was the best choice for much of anything. The only issue on which he clearly beat Patrick was “taxes.” But on the larger issues of jobs and the economy generally, it was basically a tie. In contrast, Governor Patrick was the clear winner on two other key issues, education and health care, despite Baker’s bashing on Common Core and his background as CEO of a health insurer. Interesting.
- Finally, very best wishes to just-reelected Rep. Jim McGovern, who has undergone treatment for thyroid cancer. It sounds as though the prognosis is excellent, which is very good news. Looking forward to seeing him back in action.
Please share widely!
kbusch says
Douthat’s column in the New York Times. A conservative being thoughtful.
hlpeary says
All good thoughts for Jim McGovern’s return to excellent health!
johnd says
but I hope and pray he beats the cancer in a “hands down” competition. I’m glad the prognosis is good and I hope both Congressman McGovern and his family all the luck and love!
christopher says
…is Mitch McConnell being the one lecturing the President to change course. Someone needs to remind him that he leads the party in the chamber they DIDN’T win.
shillelaghlaw says
Olde Spice’s sort of falderal undercuts BMG’s credibilty. Not just Bob, David, and Charley’s credibilty, but everyone here. Commentary by folks like the above-mentioned Sabutai, EB3 fka Ernie Boch III, or me will be less likely to be picked up by the mainstream media if guys like Olde Spice can pull the fire alarm without repercussions.
david says
it was a misinterpretation of something that Malone and/or Sweeney actually said on WTKK about their new show. It was a mistake, not an intentional attempt to mislead. Doesn’t seem to me to warrant suspension.
jimc says
sabutai can make a serious claim to be the most influential non-editor BMGer. National Review picked up one of his earlier posts.
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p>Good point. Got something to tell us, sab?
david says
From Charlie Baker’s letter to his supporters:
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p>The numbers beg to differ. Jobs? A tie with the Gov. Economy generally? Same. Education? Patrick the clear winner. Taxes? OK, you won that one, but it rated less important than jobs, economy, education, or health care.