The New Republic

[Guest post by Isaac Chotiner] Ben Smith's Politico story on Mike Huckabee's love for Israel does a nice job of demonstrating the former governor's two biggest political assets: a dreary sense of humor that some people find amusing, and religious beliefs with sinister policy applications. First, the humor: Huckabee went to the Western Wall, where he saw Orthodox Jews for the first time. READ MORE >>

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[Guest post by Isaac Chotiner] The New York Times' analysis of Joe Lieberman's career includes this comment from John Droney, a Connecticut Democrat described as a "confidante" of the senator: READ MORE >>

[Guest Post by Isaac Chotiner] "Suppose everyone on our side felt [the way you do]," a character says to Yossarian in Joseph Heller's Catch-22. "Then I'd certainly be a damn fool to feel any other way," the latter responds.*  Michael Kinsley's column on Tuscon recalls this clever exchange while making an equally valid point. READ MORE >>

In a critically and commercially disappointing year for the film industry, one of the few highlights has been the reception given to The King’s Speech. The movie has been nominated for just about every existing award, and a bevy of Oscar nominations are forthcoming. The period drama is also on its way to financial success. READ MORE >>

[Guest post by Isaac Chotiner] Last week, I wrote an item criticizing Lanny Davis for representing the government of the Ivory Coast. That government has recently been accused of ignoring election results and clinging to power illegitimately. Davis sent TNR the following in response to my post: I am responding to a factually inaccurate assertion in an opinion commentary posted by Isaac Chotiner on this blog last week. READ MORE >>

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[Guest post by Isaac Chotiner] RNC chair Michael Steele has decided to run for another term, and on a conference call last night he said the following to RNC members: “I believe the worst thing we can do now is to look backwards. Who you elect as our next chairman will speak volumes about our willingness to truly be the party of Lincoln.” READ MORE >>