This Week's Clips

This Week's Clips

Short takes for the week:

The AP looks at caucus date leapfrog and implies it's all Howard Dean's fault. Bonus points for the Elvis Costello reference in the lede.

We may not see that YouTube debate from the GOP side, as many reports are emerging that leading Republican candidates are bailing. Mitt Romney is quoted: "I think the presidency ought to be held at a higher level than having to answer questions from a snowman." So far, only John McCain and Ron Paul are committed.

Congressional Quarterly reports that the voting paper trail bill is moving forward in the U.S. House toward likely August passage, but faces a tougher time in the Senate.

Must mention the KCCI poll. Biggest item: McCain slips from #1 to #4.

And Harry Potter's political subtext:

Because the Ministry of Magic has authority over the Wizarding community, we should expect to see it portrayed in a good light, a protective force for Wizards in times of desperation, just as the Muggle government protects us Muggles in times of danger. However, the message throughout the books is clear: Don’t trust the government. The government is, at best, made up of well-intentioned incompetents, and, at worst, actually in league with the dark forces seeking to destroy the world.