THE POPE

Sorry for the lack of insta-analysis. It’s taken me a while to sort out my conflicted mess of feelings and ideas about him. I’ve written a short piece for TNR on his legacy – a deeply mixed one, in my view. I’ll post it once it’s available.

BAITING JUDGES: Josh Marshall links to Senator John Cornyn’s extraordinary diatribe about the judiciary. Yes, Josh, you’re right to be appalled. Just not shocked. Money quote from Cornyn:

I don’t know if there is a cause-and-effect connection but we have seen some recent episodes of courthouse violence in this country. Certainly nothing new, but we seem to have run through a spate of courthouse violence recently that’s been on the news and I wonder whether there may be some connection between the perception in some quarters on some occasions where judges are making political decisions yet are unaccountable to the public, that it builds up and builds up and builds up to the point where some people engage in – engage in violence.

Over to you, Mr DeLay.

BLAIR’S LEAD NARROWS: Several polls show a fast tightening British electoral race. The gap between Blair and the Tories has narrowed to two or three points. Labour should still win, but it no longer looks like a shoo-in.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t own a cell phone or a pager. I just hang around everyone I know, all the time. If someone needs to get a hold of me they just say “Mitch,” and I say “What?” and turn my head slightly …” – comedian Mitch Hedberg. Those were the days.

DANCE, WHITE BOY: Another Internet star is born.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE VERSUS GAYS: BoyfromTroi makes an interesting point. Wealthy spouses are allowed to contribute an indefinite amount to their spouse’s campaign. But gay candidates are not allowed legal spouses. Isn’t this a formal form of electoral discrimination?