Stuff I learned on the internet.

The top five authors of political books during the last decade have been prominent Democrats (Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Al Franken and Hilary Clinton, respectively).

I didn't know that until I read this.

Suddenly I feel old.

"Times change," sez Matt.



I doubt that anyone living will ever see the likes again.

And this?

Turkana...

Hamas is an enemy of Israel and it may be an enemy of the United States. But one doesn't make peace with one's friends. One makes peace with one's enemies. A lot of people don't understand that. And a lot of people don't understand that there's nothing wrong with at least attempting to foster dialogue. I applaud Jimmy Carter for trying.

Yep. Me too.

Sometimes it really is all good.

Via Darryl...

After winning in Washington state, Louisiana and Nebraska contests yesterday and Maine today, Obama went on to win a Grammy—beating a Clinton in the process:

The presidential candidate beat both former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter to win best spoken word album for his audio version of his book “The Audacity Of Hope: Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream.”

Feels like we're looking at a force of nature here...

Worth repeating.

Scott at the NPI blog…

The Iowa caucuses are regarded by many as a crucial harbinger of the campaign leading up to the party conventions. However since 1972, when Iowa started its "first in the nation" tradition, its track record has been mixed.

George McGovern came in third in 1972.

In 1976, Jimmy Carter came in second. In first place was an uncommitted slate. George H. W. Bush won in 1980. In 1988, he came in third.

Recently Iowa has done better as a predictor. John Kerry won the 2004 Democratic caucus by 6%. In 2000, George W. Bush won solidly over a crowed field and Al Gore defeated Bill Bradley by 26%.

In 1996 Bob Dole beat Pat Buchanan by 3%.

So enjoy the political theater that is Iowa, but remember that while a victory does give momentum going into New Hampshire and beyond, it does not guarantee victory or defeat. Just ask Bill Clinton. In 1992, he only received 3%!

Yep. We've only just begun.

Yep.

President Carter on my man John...

"I can say without equivocation that no one who is running for president has presented anywhere near as comprehensive and accurate a prediction of what our country ought to do in the field of environmental quality, in the field of health care for those who are not presently insured, for those who struggle with poverty."