The following is an excerpt from OpinionJournal.com’s “Best of the Web” written by the editor, James Taranto.
Out on a Limb
“Donald Trump 2012 Always Looked Like a Publicity Stunt”–headline, U.S. News & World Report, May 17
Is That Even Possible?
“Iowan to Gingrich: Get Out Now Before You Make an Even Bigger Fool of Yourself”–headline, Des Moines Register, May 16
You’re Not Just Going to Take This, Are You, Mitt?
In his recent speech defending his version of ObamaCare, Mitt Romney said this:
A lot of pundits are saying I should stand up and say this whole thing is a mistake, admit it and walk away. . . . There’s only one problem: it wouldn’t be honest. I did what I believed was right for the people of my state.
That prompted this comment by National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru:
I think it’s almost always a mistake for candidates to provide political commentary. Romney shouldn’t have put himself on the same plane as these pundits, shouldn’t have made it explicit that he pays attention to them, shouldn’t go meta and talk about the political implications of the performance he’s giving as he’s giving it. Too many candidates do this kind of thing, and it rarely works to their benefit.
We have to say, we find Ponnuru’s argument compelling. It certainly seems to us that Romney has blown it yet again. However, as always we will keep an open mind and reserve judgment until we’ve heard Romney’s response.
For more “Best of the Web” click here and look for thef “Best of the Web Today” link in the middle column below “Today’s Columnists.”
