It's astonishing that Republicans have the audacity to oppose $33 billion in unemployment benefits while supporting $700 billion in tax breaks for the rich. But as far as I'm concerned, the Democrats are their spineless accomplices.

A new CBS News poll out confirms every other poll we've seen on the topic -- the American people are solidly against tax cuts for the rich. Now, as a politician, why would you be on the other side of this issue?

Time and again we get variations on one of two themes: Indignation about things that are demonstrably not true, or open and defiant disbelief at things that demonstrably are true.

Why don't we call Newt Gingrich or Dick Cheney stupid? We don't make those charges against those people, because as much as we might not agree with them or like them, we know that they are not dullards.

So far, on this health care debate, the Left has been approaching it the same way it always does. Sure, a little aloof, but trying to have reasonable discourse. But our usual weapons are useless here.

I strongly disagree with anyone caring about this "stupidly" business. Politics is serious, and sometimes people get fired up. Diplomatic speaking is for diplomats.

Barack Obama is the first president to not just accept the premise of the "having a beer" test, but to embrace it and turn it into reality.

Is this it? The best McCain and the GOP can muster in 2008? The low road/low IQ campaign?

Lawyers have to appeal to juries the way pols have to appeal to voters. But there's one difference: you can't squeeze all of America's voters into a jury box to hear your opening and closing statements.