Today on the Dish, we recorded the reaction of the blogosphere to Obama's decision to let parts of the Bush tax cuts expire. Andrew homed in on the difference between Mitt and George Romney when it comes their Mormonism and transparency and this post further explored the heavy-handed role of LDS leaders. As Andrew considered how fake Mitt is compared with his father, Charlie Cook asked when the Romney campaign would finally introduce, well, Romney. Meanwhile, Rove revived some old anti-Obama hobbyhorses and an Obama ad lied about Romney’s position on abortion.
Douthat made the case that the GOP is still playing political angles on healthcare when the moment is ripe for repeal and replace. The healthcare mandate might prompt higher premiums and even more adverse selection. And a questionable set of data said 83 percent of doctors thought of quitting over Obamacare. Will Roberts back marriage equality? Socarides weighs in. Meanwhile, a tide has turned: Young Conservatives come out in favor. John Hinderaker characterized those making more than $250,000 as the new "homosexuals," i.e. demonized and subject to draconian laws. Newly-out Frank Ocean debuted his new song "Bad Religion," as his album hit #1 in the English-speaking world on iTunes.
Andrew blasted Amy Sullivan’s assessment of the value of scoops and used the a-word to describe the latest in Greater Israel's control of the West Bank. The divorce of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise raised many questions about the ominous world of Scientology. The Chart of the Day showed how people are making more money than their parents but have less wealth. In the Higgs Boson discussion, scientists didn’t, apparently, prove the existence of God, and Wittgenstein’s philosophy sheds light on its significance. Ask Andrew refined the question of drug legalization (read: no meth or heroine). Liquor laws shackle not just fun, but innovation, and performance analysis has reshaped the key to winning at sports.
In other assorted commentary, Utah Magazine sees no color, getting high and doing laundry aren’t necessarily compatible, and two theories explain why crime rises when temperature does. Hitchens praised Orwell’s intellectual honesty and moral courage, Jim Holt needs to be asked some questions, and it turns out that the likes of Jay-Z sample from a rich library of generic theme music. New York’s High Line park was shown to represent the hipster aesthetic, this post illustrated how Superman would pitch a baseball, and Taiwan’s man whore is none other than Rob Schnieder. The VFYW contest was an unusual doozie – filled with both coincidences and a poem. Another VFYW here, an MHB here, Cool Ad Watch here and FOTD here. And the Dish became more "liked" on Facebook than National Review (how did it take that long?!?).
– G.G.
(Photo: George Romney at the 1968 Republican Convention)
The Dish 