Erica Grieder assesses recent Republican efforts at the state level. Among the larger lessons:
[S]ometimes the most influential political moves come from the party that does not "own" the issue…if a movement comes from the "wrong" party, its framing reflects that party's concerns and has been reality-tested by its base (as in Bill Clinton's welfare reform, which was described as enhancing dignity and employment).
Eve Conant reported on the GOP's "Nixon-in-China" positioning on prison reform in July. Douthat moved the cold political case along two years ago.
(Photo: Inmates at the Mule Creek State Prison interact in a gymnasium that was modified to house prisoners in Ione, California. By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.)
The Dish 