Count me in as another that generally agrees with what Rick said. During the Bush years, I became more politically active but ultimately, I've come to recognize how my worldview does not fit with most of my fellow conservative friends.

Sarah Palin is the one candidate that I would not hesitate to campaign for. That said, I was already feeling exhausted at the thought of having to defend her to liberals, independents, AND conservatives. I'm glad she isn't running.

Wonderful.

I disagree with this post more than I disagree with Mike Murphy!

Pointing out bias is not "self pity", even when we all see it and agree it is there, isn't a bad thing. The intent isn't to have some sort of mass conversion of the NY Times, but reinforcing our argument helps to sharpen our side (especially the person commenting).

"We" are not too defensive. Paying money to be in Ricochet is already joining the offense. Not watching MSNBC, joining the tea party... these are all going on offense. And people are doing it.

Saying that there is no honest broker is a straw man. Just because an institution cannot be perfect does not mean it cannot be improved.

And "compassionate conservative" was a solid winner for eight years.

Where we probably agree is that it is important to persuade those who are undecided. It is important to go on an effective offense. Maybe we differ in that I see that as happening more and more.

Wonderful post. This is ricochet at its best. Thank you. Let's have an intervention podcast for Mr. Brooks.

As the new hot republican celebrity politician, she will get the Clarence Thomas / Sarah Palin treatment. I just hope the squishy conservatives don't turn on Michele.

Asians don't get any PC respect. Trust me.

To Ricochet Management:

I am grateful that Mike Murphy and David Brooks have been willing to muck it up with us at Ricochet. Debate is good among us conservatives, even the squishy New York Times writer and Machiavellian consultant types.

Please have them on more often on the weekly podcast. I think that an extended debate can be very informative and potentially productive.

And Peter, help them see the error of their ways!

Invite Mr. Brooks to the next podcast!

Invite Mr. Brooks to the next podcast!

Upon reflection, my thought is that I am highly skeptical of the US criminal and judicial system. I don't have a presumption that Mr. Strauss-Kahn is guilty. Instead, I have a strong presumption that the truth can be twisted in favor of the those who have the means to do so. 

Perhaps this opinion is based on one too many conspiracy movies. I have no experience with the New York criminal justice system. Then again, my healthy skepticism allowed me to escape public schools as a conservative.

Related thought: Does a society eventually fall apart when its citizens don't believe that the rule of law applies to the rich and powerful?

I dunno. So far, this doesn't pass the smell test. What I mean to say is, he is as innocent as OJ.

If you aren't a liberal in your youth, you won't be much of a rock star... but if you can't see Reagan as better than Carter later in life, you never were very smart.