To be Frank

Barney Frank is, according to this New Republic article, one of the smartest guys in government. And he is also unique in another way: as a politician, he doesn't seem to like people. I suppose if he's doing what you like, that's ok, but if he's opposed to you, that must be annoying as heck.

Gentle Ben

Interesting article in the New Yorker about Fed Chair Ben Bernanke. Even the best and the brightest have trouble figuring out what to do about our financial crisis.

Hugo ego

Hugo Chavez is having a tough go of it. NYTimes.

What did the 2008 election mean?

Who knows? A bunch of pollsters and academics think Obama may have started - or been a part of - a major realignment. Some say it was a "throw the bums out" election. See here.

Health care

Interesting article on some changes in how many important players look at the health care situation in America.

Nation-building

The US DOES do nation building! Interesting article on the new and improved approach to Iraq. Brief too!

Cute

Speaker Pelosi

Speaker Pelosi is probably the most under-appreciated political talent in national government. That doesn't mean you have to agree with her. Politico has more.

The Ultimate Campaign Coverage

Election 2008 is now behind us. The best coverage of the presidential election comes from Newsweek. Their reporters follow the candidates and promise not to report anything until the race is over. Well worth reading the short book-length story of the 2008 presidential election. Check it out here.