“Tough talk or managerial successes in the private sector aren't adequate assurance that their authors have the experience or qualities necessary for such a singular responsibility.”

That was John McCain speaking in Manhattan earlier today, referring to his rivals in the Republican presidential primary. (There’s more on McCain’s speech here.)

Who do we think he might have been talking about?

Since January, Mr. McCain’s presidential campaign has been linked to the progress—or lack thereof—of the troop surge. And he continues to ensure that this is the case.  read more »

In a move akin to firing Bobby Knight and replacing him with Woody Hayes, CBS Radio has at last settled on Don Imus's successor: Craig Carton.  read more »

Thank God for the Ames Republican Presidential Straw Poll.

It’s probably not the healthiest expression of democracy – the right to vote costs 25 bucks, with campaigns typically gobbling up chunks of tickets and handing them out to participants who might not be anywhere near Iowa come next January’s caucuses – but it sure gets the job done. After the last competitive straw poll, in the summer of 1999, three candidates were forced from the race, reducing an unruly G.O.P. field to a more manageable size.  read more »