Of course they can. Whether they will or not is another matter. My take on the Democrats’ underlying strength.
IRAN SHIFTS: Oxblog has a compendium of stories about growing restlessness in Iran. One simple fact: the pro-democracy forces in that poor country will only gain momentum if we manage to hold a real election in Iraq. Meanwhile, even Syria sees the beginning of a democracy push. (Hat tip: Glenn.) And Pakistan’s nuclear proliferation becomes more transparent. All this is good news. Would it have happened without our resolve over Iraq? I doubt it.
THE GUARD STORY: Here’s a blog entry that serves as a guide to reporters who really should ferret out the full details of the president’s National Guard service. Why? Because it’s going to be an election issue. Because there are fuzzy parts of the story that need more focus. Because finding out the facts is what reporters are supposed to do. (Hat tip: Josh.)
THE CHURCH PILES ON: The BBC is taking it from all sides these days. But mainly from the right. And here’s another apology.
HEADS UP: I’ll be on Real Time with Bill Maher this Friday night on HBO. My fellow panelists: Carole Moseley-Braun and Rob Schneider.
The Dish 