McCain Would Tilt Split Court Right

If McCain lets veep pick be herself, a 'mold-breaking example' will be born

(NEWSER) - Democrats will launch one patronizing strike after another on Sarah Palin in the coming weeks, but make no mistake: Liberals are—and should be—terrified of the GOP veep pick, William Kristol writes in the Weekly Standard. Palin is “a compelling and mold-breaking example for lots of Americans,” with hard-core conservative values and a gripping story that could win the election for John McCain—if his campaign lets her be herself. More»

Slams Bush team, backs consumer protection in recent case

(NEWSER) - Clarence Thomas might be the Supreme Court’s rightmost justice, but he’s “never been shy about breaking with conventional wisdom,” writes David G. Savage in the Los Angeles Times. In the latest such instance, he upheld injured patients’ right to sue drug companies, arguing that “agency musings”—in this case from the Bush administration—shouldn’t override state laws to protect consumers. More»

A McCain win isn't the worst thing for liberalism

(NEWSER) - OK, so John McCain isn't likely to win, admits Bill Kristol in the New York Times. But if he does, here are things liberals could cheer (if they're not heading for the Canadian border).

• Shouldn’t liberals love it when the underdog pulls it off? “A McCain upset victory would be a classic liberal happy ending.”
• The establishment loves Barack Obama, and the establishment taking a hard lump should bring smiles to liberal faces.

Critics say new-style candidate is an old-style liberal

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's campaign says the candidate is beyond labels but the senator's critics think they've found one that fits: liberal. The McCain campaign has branded the candidate an "old-style liberal," while the Clintonites say Obama's positions could alienate moderates—and wonder how the candidate National Journal rated as 2007's most liberal senator could be a unifier. More»

Hillary Clinton, as 'buyer's remorse' plagues a third of the country

(NEWSER) - The most popular politician nationwide is the one that got away: Hillary Clinton. Nearly two-thirds of the country sees the secretary of state favorably, and a third are battling what Bloomberg terms “buyer’s remorse” over not electing her president. Just over a year ago, only a quarter of Americans felt that way. “Looking back, I wonder if she would have been a stronger leader, knowing the games and the politics and all that goes on,” says a Florida woman. “I don’t think she would have bent as much.” More»