The Dish

On guns, that is. What a party. This is one issue I can sympathize with Rudy on.

Please, Senator, leave the troops out of it. Paul won that round handily. It’s really disgraceful to argue that there’s only one position on the war that is supportive of the troops. McCain should know better.

"Heroic" fricking conservatism. It’s so good to hear Republicans – especially young Republicans – care about fiscal responsibility. But where have they been these past seven years?

I can’t remember a nastier exchange as the opener. The swipe at Romney’s "sanctuary mansion" was vintage Giuliani: vicious, personal, uncalled-for. Romney seemed completely off-balance, even a little mad. His smooth cynicism is just as loathesome as Giuliani’s visceral temper. But "sanctuary mansion" and "holier-than-thou"? It was great theater but I wouldn’t say either man helped himself. Tancredo was the icing on the cake. And listening to the anti-illegal immigrant anger – the tone of it more than anything else – reminded me of why I no longer feel much sympathy for this nasty, angry party. Tancredo makes me physically ill. McCain came out of the exchange easily the most appealing and mature candidate.

That headline should get some Diggits. A reader writes:

You do a fine job contrasting Ron Paul to HRC. Did you even take the time to listen to the first part of Ron Paul’s video? The questioner states that Rudy and Mitt just turn their backs and walk away. HRC had the courtesy to listen to the question and answer it. Why didn’t you present it as a contrast of Rudy/ Mitt and Ron?

It’s become clear to me as I read your framed observations that HRC reminds you of your mother. Not the one your conscious mind presents but the unconscious one that you repress.  The one your shadow models that you deny. Yes you will delete this email and put me down for a partisan hack. One day when you’re in therapy and you find the courage to explore those dark places you’ll discover I was right.

Well, I have indeed blogged about Romney’s indifference to the needs of the sick with respect to medical marijuana. And I have been in therapy for well over a decade. So far: no Hillary-mother free associations. But I’ll keep you posted.

Romney doesn’t deny the no-Muslims-in-my-cabinet remark. And another eye-witness confirms it. Romney was probably pandering to religious bigotry, as in his Osama-Obama "mix-up." He makes Clinton look principled.

I’ll be watching and blogging the YouTube debate tonight. More evidence of Giuliani sleaze is emerging:

The expenses first surfaced as Giuliani’s two terms as mayor of New York drew to a close in 2001, when a city auditor stumbled across something unusual: $34,000 worth of travel expenses buried in the accounts of the New York City Loft Board.

When the city’s fiscal monitor asked for an explanation, Giuliani’s aides refused, citing "security," said Jeff Simmons, a spokesman for the city comptroller.

But American Express bills and travel documents obtained by Politico suggest another reason City Hall may have considered the documents sensitive: They detail three summers of visits to Southampton, the Long Island town where Nathan had an apartment.

I think we’ve only just begun to see the depth of Giuliani’s ethical problems. And don’t forget his undying support for and employment of a priest suspended because of serious and credible allegations of child molestation.

A Redstater agrees with me on the potential of his candidacy:

In a general election, McCain’s inclusiveness and anti-partisanship will be in stark contrast to Hillary’s very partisan persona and thought process. Most political junkies vote on policy, but this difference in style will matter.

If she’s the Democratic nominee. And I detect a bit of a sea-change in expectations this past week or so.