Link blag

Betsy's Page: It's just too dang hard to govern...

What Chait really can't stand is that there are moderates in the Senate who are concerned with the opinions of their states and also like to support the economic interests and businesses located in their states. So Democrats elected from more conservative states like Kent Conrad of North Dakota or Ben Nelson of Kansas aren't jumping all over themselves to push through Obama's health care plans or cap and trade plan in a reconciliation package that would need only 50 votes instead of 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.

While I'd disagree with his premise that those vile Republicans are more willing than Democrats to push through their agenda, the major problem that Chait has with the Senate is that whole democracy thing. Dang those senators who are representing their constituents rather than the party. This is why we have a Senate and don't just have representatives elected at large or have the party select all the senators

Economist's Free Exchange: Let us now talk about Paul Krugman...

the [Newsweek] piece addresses none of these questions, and focuses instead on Paul Krugman the man—who is he, what he's like, how he got to where he is, and so on. Felix Salmon says the piece reads this way because the author and editor are unwilling to come to grips with whether Mr Krugman is right, and can only focus on whether he's worth listening to. They're still, Mr Salmon says, in a state of denial.

I disagree. I think the story does what it does, because that's what Newsweek can do—profile a big personality. They're not up to the task of answering the big questions on banking policy, and probably wouldn't even know where to begin.

Also at Newsweek: The Education of Timothy Geithner

(meme) McClatchy: Feds declare GM, Chrysler not viable, refuse more aid...

The government sought the departure of GM chief Rick Wagoner and said the company needed to be widely restructured if it had any hope of survival. It said it would provide the company with 60 days operating capital to give it time to undertake reforms.

The government will grant Chrysler 30 days operating funds, but said it must merge with another carmaker in order to remain viable. Talks with Italian carmaker Fiat are underway.

Megan: Wither GM?

Underpants gnomes!

The Daily Beast: Obama's Marijuana Buzz Kill

Politico: Marijuana issue suddenly smoking hot

Memeorandum colors: Visualizing political bias with greasemonkey


This Firefox extension is quite handy when you already know one side's take on a story and just want to find the other's.